Valdanos Beach
Valdanos Beach is an off-the-beaten-track, tranquil cove beach on the Ulcinj Riviera, with stunning views of the surrounding, centuries-old olive orchards. In Yugoslav times an armed forced recreation center, Valdanos today does not receive as many beachgoers as neighboring resorts due to its remote location at the foot of Mount Mavrian.
The 376-meter-long sheltered beach is mostly made up of pebbles, gravel, and stone. The Adriatic Sea is clean and clear, switching from light green to dark emerald colors, depending on the time of the year. Valdanos Beach is well-liked by locals and tourists who dare to venture out here for a relaxing day by the sea.
Because of the rougher pebbles, it is not one of the child-friendly beaches out there. Instead, it is ideal for nature lovers craving a sense of escape and freedom. There are toilets, showers, changing cabins on site, and sunbeds for hire. The beachfront restaurant (great pizza!) and adjacent bar serve refreshing drinks and savory snacks.
Look closely and you will probably also see the odd cow or goat wanting a slice of the action. There will also be a few people gently swinging in colorful hammocks amidst the pine trees, disconnecting or simply taking life slower.
Ulcinj
Known for its picturesque old town and vibrant nightlife, Ulcinj is one of the most-visited destinations in Montenegro.
Safety and Access
Valdanos Beach is accessible from Ulcinj’s town center within a 10-minute drive. Coming from the E-65 road, follow the signs that take you towards Valdanos along a twisting road. It’s a 30-40 minute drive from Bar and 80 minutes from Budva. It’s worth taking breaks along the road to capture the stunning scenery; there is also an observation deck close to the beach.
Many cyclists and campers like to visit Valdanos Beach as the roads and natural surroundings are great for both types of guests. There is a large, free outdoor car park close to the sea, partly in the shade. Access for people with reduced mobility is limited because there is no paved walkway from the parking lot to the beach.
Bar
The port city of Bar is just half an hour’s drive north of Valdanos Beach. Its old town is a must-visit on your trip to Montenegro.
Things to do on Valdanos Beach
You won’t find any water sports for hire at Valdanos Beach but the calm bay makes for great diving, snorkeling, and swimming. People come here to get away from the crowds, spending the day unwinding, reading, having picnics, and admiring the gorgeous cliffs and silvery foliage of the surrounding 18,000 olive trees.
Walk along the beachfront walkway and you will come across a series of abandoned, overgrown buildings that used to house Yugoslav soldiers back in the day. At the far northern end is a nudist beach with fantastic bay views.
On the other side of the bay is a hiking trail taking you to the Mendra lighthouse, the oldest one in Montenegro and complete with a lighthouse keeper on duty. Its strategic location at the outermost tip of Cape Mendra is a plus – the vistas are breathtaking from here.
Ulcinj is just a few kilometers further down the road from Valdanos Beach and is the second biggest town on Montenegro’s southern coast, after Bar. It remains a rather traditional and low-key town with a distinctive vibe due to its predominantly Albanian population.
One of the main attractions is Ulcinj Fortress, an ancient settlement perched on a cliff, overlooking the coastal promenade. You should also consider visiting for the nice selection of local restaurants and taverns, serving high-quality Adriatic fare. Watching sunsets from here is magical.
Restaurants on Valdanos Beach
There is a basic beach bar and sit-down restaurant on site for simple beach meals and a selection of local Montenegrin dishes. If you are looking for a more comprehensive offer of restaurants and taverns in many different cuisines, head down to nearby Ulcinj.
Hotels near Valdanos Beach
Assuming you don’t have a camper van or tent, the closest hotels require driving up towards Ulcinj, where you can choose among luxury boutique hotels, finca-style accommodation, and a decent collection of vacation rentals.
Halfway to Ulcinj, you will come across the Mashtra Olive House, where accommodation is chic and classy, in a beautiful stone edifice surrounded by olive orchards. The neighboring cove in Kruce has a modest offering of mostly low-budget accommodations.