Ulcinj, Montenegro: A Hidden Gem on the Adriatic Coast

This article provides comprehensive information about accommodations, dining options, transportation, attractions, and everything else you need to know for an unforgettable stay in this captivating coastal town Ulcinj on the southern edge of Montenegro's shoreline.

Where is Ulcinj?

Ulcinj is Montenegro's southernmost coastal town, located just 22 km from the Albanian border. With approximately 10,000 residents, this ancient settlement dates back over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest urban centers on the Adriatic coast. The town is situated in the southeastern part of Montenegro, about 93 km from the capital city of Podgorica.

The nearest airport is Podgorica Airport (TGD), approximately 80 km away, which welcomes international flights from across Europe. Tivat Airport (TIV) is another option, located about 120 km away. From either airport, you can reach Ulcinj by taxi, private transfer, or bus. The town is also accessible by bus from neighboring countries, with regular connections from Albania, Croatia, and Serbia.

Why Plan Your Holiday in Ulcinj?

Ulcinj offers visitors a unique blend of attractions that set it apart from other Adriatic destinations:

Rich multicultural heritage. With a fascinating history influenced by Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, Ulcinj preserves diverse architectural styles, fortifications, and cultural traditions. The town's population includes a significant Albanian community, creating a distinctive cultural atmosphere different from other Montenegrin coastal towns.

Spectacular beaches. Ulcinj boasts the longest sandy beach on the Adriatic Sea – the famous 13 km Velika Plaža (Long Beach). The town features various beaches to suit all preferences, from secluded coves to lively stretches with water sports and beach bars.

Therapeutic natural resources. Ulcinj's region is known for its healing mud and mineral-rich waters, particularly at Ladies' Beach (Ženska Plaža), which has attracted health-seekers for centuries.

Affordable prices. Compared to more famous destinations in Montenegro and neighboring countries, Ulcinj offers excellent value for money, with lower prices for accommodation, dining, and activities.

Unique natural environments. The Ulcinj Salina is a salt production facility that serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds. This protected area is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with over 250 bird species.

While Ulcinj has numerous advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• The town can become crowded during July and August when temperatures often exceed 35°C.
• Public transportation within the town is limited, so renting a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding area.
• Some beaches and facilities may have limited services outside the main tourist season (May to September).
• English is not as widely spoken as in more tourist-oriented destinations, though basic communication is usually possible.

Top Sights in Ulcinj

Ulcinj Old Town (Stari Grad). The ancient fortress perched on a rocky peninsula offers spectacular views of the sea. Within its walls, you'll find narrow cobblestone streets, historic mosques, the Slaves' Square, and remnants of ancient civilizations. The Archaeological Museum housed in a former church provides insights into the town's rich history.

Velika Plaža (Long Beach). This 13 km stretch of fine golden sand is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The shallow entrance to the sea makes it ideal for families with children. The beach is lined with restaurants, beach bars, and water sport rental facilities.

Ada Bojana. This triangular island formed by the Bojana River delta features pristine beaches, including a designated nudist section. The island is known for its unique ecosystem with rich flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Solana Ulcinj (Ulcinj Salina). This former salt production facility covering 14.5 square kilometers is now a protected natural area vital for migratory birds. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to observe flamingos, pelicans, and numerous other species in their natural habitat.

Ulcinj's Best Beaches

Mala Plaža (Small Beach). Located in the heart of town, this sandy beach is perfect for those staying in central Ulcinj. Despite its small size (just 360 meters), it offers all necessary amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby restaurants and cafes. The beach can get crowded during peak season, but its central location makes it convenient for quick swims.

Velika Plaža (Long Beach). This 13 km sandy stretch is Ulcinj's most famous beach. Different sections offer various atmospheres – from developed areas with beach bars and water sports to quieter, more natural parts. Sunbed and umbrella sets cost approximately €8-12, depending on the location. The beach is particularly popular among kitesurfers due to favorable wind conditions.

Ada Bojana Beach. This natural beach on a river island offers a unique environment where the Bojana River meets the Adriatic Sea. The beach includes a famous nudist resort established in the 1970s, but also has family-friendly sections. Beach amenities are available near restaurants and accommodation facilities.

Valdanos Bay. This picturesque bay surrounded by over 18,000 ancient olive trees, some over 2,000 years old, offers a pebble beach with crystal-clear water. The olive grove is considered one of the oldest on the Mediterranean.

Ladies' Beach (Ženska Plaža). This small beach is famous for its sulfur-rich springs believed to enhance fertility and treat various health conditions. Traditionally reserved for women only, it now has specific hours for male visitors.

Ladies' Beach (Ženska Plaža). This small beach is known for its sulfur springs with alleged healing properties. Traditionally reserved exclusively for women, it now operates with separate hours for male and female visitors. The beach has basic facilities including changing cabins and a small café.

Kruče Beach. Located about 20 minutes from Ulcinj center, this hidden gem offers a mix of sand and small pebbles. Less developed and commercialized, it's perfect for those seeking a quieter beach experience. Limited facilities are available, so bringing your own supplies is recommended.

Where to Eat in Ulcinj

Ulcinj's cuisine reflects its multicultural heritage, with strong Albanian and Mediterranean influences. Here are the top restaurants and cafés to experience the local flavors:

Restaurant Antigona. Located in the Old Town with a terrace offering stunning sea views, Antigona specializes in fresh seafood and local specialties. Their grilled fish platters and seafood risotto are particularly recommended. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with Albanian influences. Prices are moderate to high, but the quality and view justify the cost.

Kishta e Miqve. This family-run restaurant's name means "House of Friends" in Albanian. Located near the center, it offers authentic regional dishes including flija (layered pancake dish), japrakat (stuffed cabbage leaves), and excellent grilled meat platters. The restaurant features a garden setting and serves generous portions at reasonable prices.

Restaurant Palata Venezia. Set in a restored Venetian-style building near the marina, this upscale restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Known for its elegant atmosphere and attentive service, it offers excellent seafood pasta, risotto, and an impressive wine selection. The restaurant became a Travelers' Choice in 2023.

Café Bar Perla. Located on Mala Plaža with direct sea views, this beach bar serves excellent coffee, smoothies, and light meals. It's ideal for breakfast or lunch during beach days. The café also serves cocktails and local wines, making it a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Restaurant Teuta. Named after an ancient Illyrian queen, this restaurant in the Old Town serves traditional Montenegrin and Albanian dishes. Their specialties include mountain lamb, homemade cheese, and fresh seafood. The restaurant features stone walls and wooden furniture, creating an authentic atmosphere.

Dulcinea. This modern café-restaurant near the town center offers international cuisine alongside local specialties. It's particularly known for its desserts and coffee. The trendy interior and outdoor seating area make it popular among younger visitors and families alike.

Kalaja. Located within the Old Town walls, this restaurant offers spectacular views of the sea. The menu features Mediterranean cuisine with local influences, including excellent seafood platters and grilled meat dishes. The historic setting adds to the dining experience.

Old Fisherman. This simple seafood restaurant near the port specializes in the catch of the day, prepared according to traditional recipes. The fish soup and grilled squid are particularly recommended. The rustic décor and friendly service create a welcoming atmosphere for seafood lovers.

Weather in Ulcinj

Ulcinj enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The town averages 2,700 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest locations on the Adriatic coast.

The summer season begins in late May and extends through early October, with July and August seeing average temperatures of 28-32°C, occasionally rising above 35°C. During these peak months, the water temperature reaches a pleasant 24-26°C, perfect for swimming and water sports. Summer rainfall is minimal, with clear skies dominating the season.

The shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and October offer more comfortable temperatures around 22-28°C with fewer tourists. These months are ideal for exploring the region and enjoying outdoor activities without extreme heat.

Winter temperatures rarely drop below 5°C, with averages around 10-15°C during the day. December through February sees the most rainfall, with January being the wettest month (approximately 160-180 mm of precipitation). Snowfall is extremely rare in Ulcinj.

For beach holidays, the optimal time to visit is from mid-June to mid-September. Those preferring moderate temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities should consider May, early June, late September, or October. The town is significantly quieter during winter months, with many tourist facilities closed, though permanent residents enjoy the mild climate year-round.

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Accommodation options in Ulcinj

Ulcinj offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets:

Hotels

Hotel Mediteran. This 4-star beachfront hotel offers modern rooms with sea views, an outdoor pool, spa facilities, and a private beach area. Located near Mala Plaža, it's within walking distance of the town center. The hotel features a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and offers free parking for guests. Prices include breakfast and start from €80 per night in shoulder season, rising to €120+ in peak months.

Hotel Albatros. Located near Velika Plaža, this 3-star hotel provides comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant specializing in seafood. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the beach and town center. Family rooms with multiple beds are available for groups. Rates start from €60 per night including breakfast.

Palata Venezia Hotel. This boutique hotel in a restored historic building offers luxury accommodations in the heart of Ulcinj. With only 12 rooms, each uniquely decorated, it provides an intimate atmosphere and personalized service. The hotel features a rooftop terrace with sea views and an excellent restaurant. Prices start from €100 per night.

Hotel Dolcino. This affordable 3-star option near the town center offers clean, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant serving traditional Montenegrin dishes. The hotel is family-friendly with rooms accommodating up to four persons. Rates start from €45 per night with breakfast included.

Resort Holiday Village Ada Bojana. This unique resort on Ada Bojana island includes bungalows and apartments built on stilts over the river. The naturist-friendly resort offers a restaurant, water sports facilities, and direct beach access. Prices start from €70 per night, with significant discounts for longer stays.

Apartments and Villas

Ulcinj has numerous privately owned apartments and villas available for short and long-term rental. Prices vary widely based on location, size, and amenities:

• One-bedroom apartments near beaches start from €40-60 per night in shoulder season and €70-90 during peak months.
• Luxury villas with private pools and sea views range from €150-300 per night, depending on size and location.
• Long-term rentals (one month or more) offer significant discounts, with modest apartments available from €300-400 per month during off-season.

Booking platforms like BookingCom, Airbnb, and local agencies like Montenegro Apartments and Ulcinj Real Estate offer various options. For long-term accommodation, local Facebook groups and property websites often have better deals than international platforms.

Transportation in Ulcinj

Car Rental in Ulcinj

Renting a car in Ulcinj provides the most flexibility for exploring Ulcinj and its surroundings. Several agencies operate in town:

Auto Montenegro. This local agency offers competitive rates starting from €25 per day for a small car in shoulder season. They provide airport pickup service and have a good selection of vehicles. Drivers must be at least 21 years old with a minimum of one year of driving experience.

Green Motion Ulcinj. Located near the town center, this international chain offers reliable service with rates from €30 per day. Insurance options are comprehensive, and they provide 24/7 roadside assistance. Minimum age requirement is 22 years with two years of driving experience.

Meridian Rent-a-Car. This regional company offers both economy and premium vehicles with rates starting from €28 per day. They offer free delivery to your accommodation in Ulcinj and have multilingual staff. A €100-200 deposit is required depending on the vehicle.

When driving in Ulcinj, be aware that parking in the town center can be challenging during summer. Many accommodations offer parking facilities, but confirm this when booking. The roads to remote beaches may be narrow and not well-maintained, so choose your vehicle accordingly.

Public Transportation

Ulcinj has a limited public transportation system:

• Local buses connect the town center with Velika Plaža and nearby villages, with tickets costing €1-2 per ride.
• Intercity buses link Ulcinj with other Montenegrin cities, including regular services to Podgorica (€7, 2 hours), Bar (€3, 45 minutes), and Budva (€6, 1.5 hours).
• During summer, tourist boats offer transportation to Ada Bojana and other beaches, with prices around €5-10 for a return ticket.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Ulcinj and can be hailed on the street or ordered by phone. Standard rates start at €1 for the first kilometer and €0.70 for each additional kilometer. For trips to beaches outside town, negotiate the price in advance. Some reliable companies include Taxi Montenegro and Ulcinj Taxi.

Day Trips from Ulcinj

Ulcinj's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring both Montenegro and neighboring Albania:

Bar and Stari Bar. Just 30 km north of Ulcinj, Bar is Montenegro's main port city, while Stari Bar (Old Bar) is an abandoned medieval town built on a hill. The ruins include churches, Turkish baths, clock towers, and impressive fortifications offering insights into the region's complex history.

Lake Skadar National Park. About an hour's drive from Ulcinj, this is the Balkans' largest lake and an important wildlife sanctuary, especially for birds. Boat tours from Virpazar village allow visitors to explore the lake's beautiful landscapes, island monasteries, and observe diverse wildlife.

Podgorica. Montenegro's capital is about 90 minutes away by car. Although not typically a tourist destination, it offers interesting museums, the historic Stara Varoš (Old Town), modern shopping centers, and excellent restaurants serving traditional Montenegrin cuisine.

Šasko Lake. Located just 15 km from Ulcinj, this freshwater lake is perfect for a half-day excursion. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, offering excellent hiking opportunities and bird watching. The nearby village of Vladimir produces some of Montenegro's best wines.

Shkodër, Albania. Just across the border (approximately 1 hour by car), Shkodër is one of Albania's oldest and most historic cities. Attractions include Rozafa Castle, the pedestrianized Pedonalja street, and the beautiful surroundings of Lake Shkodër.

Blue Eye Spring, Albania. This natural phenomenon about 2 hours from Ulcinj is a stunning natural spring with incredibly clear blue water. The surrounding area offers hiking trails and picnic spots in a pristine natural setting.

Real estate in Ulcinj

For those considering a more permanent connection to Ulcinj, the real estate market offers interesting opportunities:

Apartments for Sale

Apartments and flats in Ulcinj range from €1500-3,500 per square meter depending on location, age, and amenities. New developments near beaches command premium prices, while properties in the town center or needing renovation are more affordable. A one-bedroom apartment (50-60 square meters) starts from around €130,000, while seafront properties can exceed €200,000 for similar sizes.

Houses and Villas

Traditional stone houses in the Old Town require significant renovation but offer authentic charm and potential rental income. Prices start from €100,000 depending on size and condition. Modern villas and houses in Ulcinj with sea views and and swimming pools range from €200,000 to €500,000+. The areas of Donji Štoj and Kodre are particularly sought-after for luxury properties.

Land for Development

Agricultural land with potential for rezoning starts from €15-30 per square meter. Building land plots in Ulcinj with planning permission in desirable locations range from €50-150 per square meter. The southern areas near Velika Plaža offer good investment potential as development continues to expand in that direction.

Several reputable real estate agencies operate in Ulcinj, including Montenegro Properties, Ulcinj Real Estate, and Century 21. Foreign buyers can purchase property in Montenegro with few restrictions, making it an attractive option for investment or retirement planning.

Conclusion

Ulcinj offers a distinctive blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and authentic experiences that set it apart from more commercialized Mediterranean destinations. With its spectacular beaches, fascinating history, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere, the town provides excellent value for visitors seeking to explore a less-traveled corner of the Adriatic.

Whether you're interested in a beach holiday, cultural exploration, nature experiences, or perhaps even a more permanent connection through property investment, Ulcinj delivers a memorable experience that combines the best elements of Montenegrin and Albanian traditions in a stunning coastal setting.

As tourism infrastructure continues to develop while preserving the town's authentic character, Ulcinj remains one of the Adriatic's hidden gems - though perhaps not for much longer as more travelers discover its unique appeal.