Discover all the essential information about Ulcinj, the southernmost city in Montenegro, and Ada Bojana Island, located just a few kilometers away. This guide covers not only the best beaches but also top attractions, must-visit restaurants, and unique features of Ulcinj that every traveler should be aware of before their trip.
Table of contents:
- Ulcinj: general information
- A Brief History and Religion in This Region
- How to Get There
- Where to Eat: Best Restaurants
- Ulcinj’s Top Beaches
- Best Hotels and Apartments in Ulcinj
- Things to See in Ulcinj: Top Attractions
It will be difficult for you to plan your dream trip to Montenegro without these websites
Ulcinj: general information
Ulcinj is an ancient city founded as early as the 5th century BC, making it one of the oldest settlements in Montenegro. Illyrian tribes arrived here from the south before settling in other parts of what is now Montenegro.
Good to know:
While many Montenegrin coastal towns become ghost towns in winter, with everything shut down, Ulcinj remains vibrant all year round. Visitors can enjoy the city even in the colder months.
📍 Ulcinj’s Coordinates: 41.92310183484638, 19.205657466564944
Additionally, this small city holds several records:
- It is the southernmost city in Montenegro.
- It boasts the longest beach in Montenegro – stretching an impressive 13 km.
- It is the most Albanian region of the country, with over 50% of the population being ethnic Albanians.
- It is also the most Muslim region, with dozens of mosques dotting the cityscape.
This naturally brings us to the topic of religion and the city’s history.
A Brief History of Ulcinj and Religion in the Region
This will be a short and concise summary, as you can find detailed information on Wikipedia.
Ulcinj is the only city in Montenegro where remnants of cyclopean masonry can still be seen in the Old Town walls.
To give you an idea of how ancient this construction technique is – it was used in Colchis during the Bronze Age, dating back to the 7th–5th centuries BC.
After that, Ulcinj’s history mirrors that of the entire region: centuries of wars, conquests, struggles for independence, and shifting rulers. From the 2nd century BC, these lands were controlled by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans.
It’s important to know:
From the late 16th century until the 19th century, Ulcinj was under Ottoman rule. The Turks built numerous mosques and introduced Islam, and by the end of their 300-year rule, nearly 90% of the population was Muslim.
Since the 16th century, the majority of Ulcinj’s population has been ethnic Albanians, rather than Serbs or Montenegrins. Even today, more than 50% of the city’s residents are Albanian, and Albanian is widely spoken. Many street signs and business names are in Albanian, reflecting the deep cultural influence.
Since Albanians are predominantly Muslim, Islam is the dominant religion here. Nowhere else in Montenegro will you find as many mosques as in Ulcinj.
Despite this, all religions coexist peacefully in Ulcinj. Islam here is moderate and non-radical, and the city is completely safe for tourists. In fact, unless you specifically look for it, you might not even notice that every second resident is Muslim.
- For a more detailed look at religion in Montenegro, how different faiths coexist, and what tourists should know, check out the relevant section.
How to Get to Ulcinj
If there’s one downside to visiting Ulcinj, it’s its location.
✈️ Distances from Montenegro’s airports:
- 70 km from Podgorica Airport
- 85 km from Tivat Airport
While these distances may not seem far, by Montenegrin standards, Ulcinj is relatively remote. Most other resorts are much closer to the airports, making Ulcinj a less convenient base for exploring the rest of the country. If your focus is purely on a beach holiday, however, Ulcinj is an excellent choice.
🚍 Public Transport:
There are no direct buses from Montenegro’s airports to Ulcinj. Likewise, there are no buses from the Bay of Kotor towns.
However, Ulcinj has great bus connections with Podgorica, Budva, and Bar.
- From Podgorica and Budva: Around 10 buses per day
- From Bar: Buses run every 40 minutes
🔹 Tip: If renting a car or booking a private transfer isn’t an option, the best way to reach Ulcinj is via Bar or Budva, as these cities have more frequent transport connections.
For information on bus and train schedules, ticket purchasing, and more, check out the guide: Trains and Buses in Montenegro.
Additionally, Ulcinj is a convenient city for visa runs and trips to Albania. The border is just 15 km away. For detailed information on crossing between Montenegro and Albania, check the dedicated guide.
Best Restaurants
This is an easy topic because Montenegro’s dining scene is top-notch. The number of cafes, restaurants, and taverns is overwhelming—you’ll find them on every corner. The food is always delicious, with generous portions. Below are my personal recommendations—places I enjoy and where the locals love to dine.
- La Tavola – A cozy restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine: pasta, pizza, steaks, soups, and salads.
Coordinates: 41.92893, 19.20676 - Dulcinea – The best seafood restaurant in town. Mussels, grilled octopus, sea bass, squid—everything is fresh and delicious. Prices are surprisingly affordable for such a restaurant: dinner for two with a bottle of wine costs around €40, which is much cheaper than similar places.
Coordinates: 41.9232, 19.20159 (right in the Old Town—amazing location!) - Konoba Barutana – Another fantastic family-run seafood restaurant in the Old Town, known for its generous portions and excellent flavors.
Coordinates: 41.92302, 19.20074
All these spots are marked on the Ulcinj Attractions Map, which you’ll find later in the “What to See” section.
Ulcinj’s Beaches
If we take a broad view, Ulcinj technically has only two main beaches: Velika Plaža (Big Beach) and Mala Plaža (Small Beach). However, there are actually more, and below is a breakdown of the most important ones.
Mala Plaža (Small Beach) – The Main City Beach
Located in the heart of Ulcinj, right beneath the Old Town walls.
- Coordinates: 41.92294, 19.20565
- Length: About 300 meters
- Sandy
- Sunbeds available: €15 per day (for two sunbeds and an umbrella)
- Free for those bringing their own towels
Author rating:
A great beach in the city center—your typical urban beach with a promenade, cafes, and restaurants. The only downside? In peak season, sunbathers are practically stacked on top of each other.
Liman 1 & Liman 2
Two tiny beaches located just on the opposite side of the Old Town. Some areas feature concrete slabs with paid sunbeds, while the beaches themselves are pebbly with not the best water entry, especially for children.
- Liman 1 Coordinates: 41.92553, 19.19957
- Liman 2 Coordinates: 41.92716, 19.19706
- Each beach is about 50 meters long
- Extremely crowded in peak season—finding a spot for your towel is nearly impossible
- Free access; sunbeds available for rent
Author rating:
These are best suited for sunbathing on a lounger. The loungers are placed on a separate platform (as seen in the photos), meaning you won’t have people constantly walking around you like on the main city beach. There’s a bit more privacy here.
Cliffside Beach Bars
South of Mala Plaža, a scenic forest trail runs along the coast, leading to three very small beach bars. These aren’t traditional beaches—rather, rocky areas have been paved over, creating flat platforms or wooden decks with sunbeds and a bar.
- Skalice: 41.921063840742605, 19.208537968782593
- Ibiza: 41.92073658877761, 19.21052277339153
- Sapore di Mare: 41.919659162731875, 19.211314439801484
- Women’s Beach: 41.919937419569024, 19.213496772615137 – Originally a women-only beach, but in recent years, it’s open to everyone.
Author’s rating:
These spots offer a very specific type of beach experience—perfect for young travelers without kids. Since there’s no real space to walk around, it’s mostly about lounging in the sun, sipping cocktails, and enjoying the music.
Velika Plaža – The Longest Beach in Montenegro
This is the beach you need to know about!
- Located outside the city – too far to walk, so most people drive.
- Central coordinates: 41.89436, 19.29021
- Stretching 13 km (!!) of uninterrupted sand
- Black volcanic-like fine sand
- About 200 meters wide
- Technically divided into several smaller beaches, though the division is informal
- The closest section to Ulcinj is called Miami Beach (5 km from the city center)
- Best infrastructure is found in the first 1-2 km closest to town
- Free to access
Useful Info:
Since Velika Plaža is located on flat terrain with no surrounding mountains, it is windier than other beaches in Montenegro. Because of this, it has become a hotspot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Several kitesurfing schools and rental centers are located on the more remote sections of the beach, closer to Albania.
Author’s rating:
This is the beach where you’ll always find space. Even in peak season, when other beaches are packed, Velika Plaža remains comfortable and uncrowded.
A New Beach for Muslim Women (Opened in 2024)
In the summer of 2024, Montenegro’s first beach exclusively for Muslim women was opened in Ulcinj.
- Located on Velika Plaža, in a private, enclosed section
- Men and non-Muslim visitors are not allowed
- About 20 sunbeds available
- Coordinates: 41.90471949236388, 19.259750217641677
All About Ada Bojana Island in Ulcinj
A small island located 14 km from Ulcinj, right on the border with Albania. What makes this island unique is the Buna River, which flows from Skadar Lake and splits as it reaches the Adriatic Sea. The landmass formed at the river’s mouth is Ada Bojana.
📍 Coordinates: 41.86188912726453, 19.347226810859983
The beach on Ada Bojana stretches along the sea and is completely sandy, measuring about 1.5 km in length.
On the island, you’ll find:
- A hotel
- A campground
- 3–4 small restaurants
- A mini-market (open only in peak season)
Important to Know:
Ada Bojana is Montenegro’s largest nudist beach and a well-known nudist island.
While there is a designated section for clothed visitors (with signs indicating the boundary), most of the island is for nudists. The auto-camping area is nudist-friendly, and the only hotel on the island mainly caters to nudist guests. Technically, clothing is required within the hotel premises, but as soon as you step outside, it’s optional.
💰 Entrance Fee:
At the island’s entrance, there’s a small booth where visitors must pay €3 per person to enter. However, hotel guests are exempt from this fee. The toll booth is located 100 meters from the only bridge leading to Ada Bojana.
Pro Tip:
There’s no real reason to pay the entrance fee. You can get to the island for free!
Once you cross the bridge, take an immediate right onto a small path before reaching the payment booth. This path leads directly to the main beach.
Another free way to reach Ada Bojana is by swimming across the river from Velika Plaža. The narrowest point of the river is only about 50 meters wide, and many people simply swim over for fun.
Things to Know Before Visiting Ada Bojana
🔴 The beach is very dirty.
It seems like no one cleans it. Each year, the litter problem gets worse—plastic cups, beer cans, and cigarette butts are everywhere.
🦟 Mosquitoes are a nightmare.
The river surrounding the island is freshwater, with swampy banks, making it a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As soon as the sun sets, they come in clouds. Bug repellent and an electric mosquito plug-in are must-haves!
🏔 No mountains, no scenery.
If you’re not a nudist, there’s little reason to visit. The beach is mediocre at best, and any other beach in Montenegro is just as good—or better.
✔ If you are a nudist, you might enjoy it! Here’s a guide to Montenegro’s best nudist beaches.
Ulcinj’s Best Hotels & Apartments
Ulcinj has plenty of accommodation options, including apartments, hotels, and apart-hotels for every budget. Prices rise in peak season, and availability becomes limited—just like in any other tourist destination. Below are a few key things to consider when choosing a place to stay.
Looking at the map above, you’ll see:
- Zone 1 – Ulcinj town center, where 90% of tourists stay
- Zone 2 – A stretch along the main road near Velika Plaža with many apartment rentals
The problem with Zone 2 is the lack of infrastructure—no restaurants, no shops. Most people book a stay here to be closer to Velika Plaža, but in reality, the beach is almost 2 km away, making it inconvenient for walking. By the second evening, you’ll likely be bored out of your mind.
✅ Best option: Stay in Ulcinj near Mala Plaža. You’ll have restaurants, shops, and nightlife at your doorstep and can easily reach Velika Plaža by car, taxi, or even on foot if you don’t mind the distance.
🚶♂️ Important note:
Ulcinj is built on hills, so walking uphill is inevitable. This can be a challenge, especially for families with children. The climb starts just 50 meters from Mala Plaža, and sidewalks are almost non-existent, making it very difficult for strollers.
Most Popular Hotels & Apartments in Ulcinj:
(List of recommended places to stay)
For the best budget hotels in Montenegro, check out this guide.
What to See in Ulcinj: Top Attractions
Ulcinj is not as packed with attractions as Budva or Kotor, but it still offers more sights than many other small resorts on the Bar and Ulcinj Riviera—such as Sutomore, Dobra Voda, and even Bar.
📍 Below is a map of Ulcinj’s top attractions, including all beaches and restaurants mentioned in this guide.
Ulcinj Old Town – The Ulcinj Fortress
The main attraction of Ulcinj is, without a doubt, the Old Town. Located right in the heart of the city, it has been remarkably well preserved. While smaller than the old towns of Budva or Kotor, Ulcinj’s fortress has a unique charm of its own. The atmosphere here is special—after all, it is a true medieval fortress, surrounded by massive defensive walls.
The Old Town is divided into two sections:
- The Lower Town – located on the cape by the sea (right side of the photo).
- The Upper Town – closer to Ulcinj’s center, with high walls (left side of the photo). This is also known as the Citadel, and it sits at a visually higher elevation.
What You Need to Know About Ulcinj Old Town
- 📍 Coordinates: 41.92463235527013, 19.201105593586934
💰 Entry Fees:
- Most of the Old Town is free to explore, but certain areas—such as parts of the fortress walls, the citadel, and some museums—require a ticket.
- Ticket prices range from €0.50 (to view a 3D model of the fortress) to €3 (for citadel access).
- There are three museums, each with an entrance fee of €1.50–€2.
⏳ How Much Time to Plan:
- A quick walk through the Old Town takes about 30 minutes.
- To fully experience the area, explore all the main landmarks, and enjoy a coffee with a stunning view from the fortress walls, set aside at least 2 hours.
Top Sights in Ulcinj Old Town
Below are the most important and interesting landmarks in the Old Town. The key locations are marked on the map.
Historical Sites & Fortifications:
✔ Illyrian Wall (Cyclopean masonry)
✔ The Prison
✔ North Gate
✔ North Bastion
✔ South Gate
✔ South Bastion
✔ The Citadel
✔ Venetian Palace
✔ Balšić Tower
Cultural & Historical Attractions:
✔ Monument to Miguel de Cervantes
✔ Pirates’ Museum
✔ Art Gallery
✔ Ulcinj Local History Museum
✔ Ethnographic Museum
Aside from these landmarks, there are at least 20 more sites to discover. Don’t forget to check out the restaurants and charming taverns hidden within the Old Town walls!
🌟 Author’s Rating: 10/10
Even without visiting the paid sections, the Old Town is a must-see. Personally, I find it more atmospheric and authentic than Budva’s Old Town.
The Coastal Hiking Trail from Ulcinj to Velika Plaža
This beautiful scenic trail starts near the Albatros Hotel. You can take a leisurely walk or use it as the shortest route to Velika Plaža.
📍 Trail Start Coordinates: 41.91920628410058, 19.215218003190284
- Total Distance: ~2.5 km
- Walking Time: ~40 minutes at a relaxed pace
- Along the way, you’ll pass secluded rocky beaches, such as Ibiza Beach and Women’s Beach, both mentioned earlier in this guide.
🌟 Author’s Rating:
Highly recommended! The walk is easy and enjoyable. Just keep in mind that if you’re starting from Ulcinj city center, the full round-trip distance will be 8–10 km.
While Ulcinj doesn’t have many major landmarks beyond its Old Town, there are still a few worth visiting:
📍 Panoramic Viewpoint & Socialist-Era Monument
Coordinates: 41.924036916443086, 19.205780616700654
- Offers a stunning sunset view over Ulcinj and the Old Town.
📍 The Old Market Street
Coordinates: 41.92839032466846, 19.206413877590467
- A lively street filled with shops, cafés, and local vendors.
- Features cobblestone roads and a mix of traditional and modern shopping spots.
The Abandoned Saltworks with Pink Flamingos
Just 5 km from Ulcinj, you’ll find an incredible hidden gem—an abandoned saltworks. If you’re up for an adventure, you can even walk there, though it’s best to save your energy since exploring the salt flats on foot can be quite exhausting.
This saltworks was built about 100 years ago. The process was simple: vast areas of land—stretching over tens of square kilometers—were flooded with Adriatic seawater. The sun then evaporated the water over several months, leaving behind salt, which was then harvested, purified, and sold as regular table salt.
Good to know:
☀️ Ulcinj is the sunniest region in Montenegro, with locals claiming it gets 300+ sunny days per year (though in reality, it might be slightly less).
During the Yugoslav era, the saltworks fell into disrepair. The facility was completely abandoned, but the salt flats remained. Over the next 20 years, they became a haven for wildlife, and today, the area is home to over 280 species of birds. Some are migratory, stopping here on their way to Africa, while others stay year-round.
The most surprising residents? Pink flamingos, which can be seen here throughout the year—if you’re lucky! However, spotting them requires patience and the right conditions.
Important:
In 2019, this area was officially designated as Ulcinj Salina Nature Park, making it a protected nature reserve—similar to Skadar Lake National Park.
📍 Entrance & Parking Coordinates: 41.91837, 19.24967
💰 Entrance Fee: €2.50
- A guard is stationed at the entrance. Sometimes they log visitors’ names, sometimes they don’t.
- Restoration work has begun, but progress is slow. There are signs that the area might be renovated in the future.
🏚 Exploring the Abandoned Buildings
Near the entrance, you’ll find a large complex of administrative and production buildings in a state of decay. This includes:
- The main warehouse, where raw salt was stored (there’s still a small mountain of salt, but it has long since solidified).
- Several abandoned buildings, which you can explore at your own risk.
This initial area can be explored within 30–60 minutes. But the real adventure lies beyond.
The Salt Flats & Birdwatching
Beyond the abandoned buildings, you’ll find the true heart of the park—endless salt flats stretching 8–10 km into the distance. These flats were once used for salt production and are now a sanctuary for birds and wildlife.
Getting Around
- The area has narrow pathways, many of which are paved.
- However, walking here in the summer heat, with no shade, can be brutal.
- Bring water and a hat!
🦩 Flamingo Spotting
- The first birdwatching tower is 3.5 km from the entrance—one way!
- That’s just the first of many towers.
Bike Rental (If You’re Lucky!)
At the entrance, there’s a small white building where bikes are sometimes available for free.
- Around 10 bikes are usually available, but it’s hit-or-miss.
- In winter, no bikes are given out—but they still charge the entrance fee!
- Without a bike, exploring on foot can be exhausting and not very enjoyable.
Binoculars Recommended
To spot flamingos and other birds, a binoculars or a zoom lens will be extremely helpful.
Author’s Rating & Final Thoughts
🌟 A unique mix of an abandoned factory, vast salt fields, and a wildlife reserve.
- If bikes are available, it’s an amazing experience.
- If you find flamingos, you’re one of the lucky ones!
- If you only explore the abandoned buildings, an hour is enough.
- 🏖 Dobrá Voda Beach Resort
Located 10 km from Ulcinj, this beach destination is a great place to relax for a day. A full review is available via the link.
Final Thoughts on Ulcinj
Ulcinj is one of my favorite coastal towns in Montenegro. If it were closer to the main tourist hotspots, it would likely be packed with visitors.
That said, Ulcinj is different from Budva or Kotor.
- It has a unique atmosphere.
- The beaches and landscapes are distinct.
- The people, architecture, and culture have a noticeable Albanian influence.
Ulcinj isn’t just a beach town—it’s a place with history, charm, and adventure. Come visit, and you’ll see why it’s so special!
Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro
- WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
- Car rental in Montenegro:
- LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
- DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
- Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
- Hotels and apartments all over the country:
- Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
- TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
- Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
- GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
- Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
- Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
- Internet and Calls:
- Airalo eSIM in Montenegro
- Drimsim – universal sim card for frequent traveler
- Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel