Ulcinj is one of the most underrated places in the Balkans. I truly mean that, it’s just one of those perfect backpacking towns.
It doesn’t have the sheer beauty of Kotor or the glitz and glam of Budva, but it makes up for it with its genuineness. The people are laid back, there’s a strong coffee culture, and your dollar will take you further than the rest of Montenegro.
I’ve visited the charming coastal town twice now, and each time I was sad to leave. But you aren’t here for my emotions. You’re here to find out why Ulcinj should be added to your Montenegro itinerary.
Here are all the things that make Ulcinj a travel worthy destination.
Ulcinj's Old Town
While Ulcinj’s old town doesn’t get as much hype as Budva or Kotor, it’s a delightful place to explore. It still has a bit of the trademark Venetian style, however it’s much more than that now. There is a strong blend of architectures, including a heavily influenced Ottoman appearance.
The museum boasts multiple sections at a moderate price. Restaurants have tremendous views of the Adriatic Sea, and the tiny streets are a joy to wander through. It’s a perfect place to explore in the morning before heading to one of the nearby beaches.
Feel like Godzilla on Long Beach
Ulcinj is known by many within Montenegro as having the most impressive beaches in the country. Long Beach is the reason why. It’s a soft sand beach that follows the coast for almost 13 km (8 miles). The whole thing is a behemoth and it’s definitely worth a visit. But, it’s best to just pick a spot, as a walk along the seashore will take you hours.
Okay, on to my favorite activity on Long Beach – feeling like Godzilla. Alright, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. After all, I’m not the tallest person in the world. However, it’s possible to walk hundreds of feet out into the sea before getting even waist deep. I couldn’t help but picture myself as the “king of monsters,” with water dripping from my body as I walked back to shore.
If the weirder things in life interest you (like feeling like a giant), then you’ll appreciate it here. I’ll admit, the Godzilla thing isn’t the only reason to visit. I found that Long Beach was one of the very few places in the Mediterranean where you can find a site that feels like your own. Sometimes you just want to avoid the endless sunbeds and extreme crowds.
The taste of fresh seafood
After a long day in the sun, it’s hard to beat an ice cold drink and some fresh seafood!
The whole Montenegro coast is known for its exquisite Adriatic cuisine. But, like I mentioned before, it’s just a bit lower in price here. That doesn’t mean they sacrifice the quality though, there is still good food to be found.
I suggest heading down to Ulcinjskih moreplovaca for a great atmosphere and pretty views. It’s the street that lines Small Beach, and is lively no matter what time of day.
There are a number of restaurants to choose from with open-air seating. During the day a cool breeze gently eases through and around sunset the old town starts lighting up.
The hike from small beach to long beach
In my opinion, the best way to get from Small Beach to Long Beach is the coastal path that leads there. It takes a few hours, but really shows you a more hidden side to Ulcinj. You’ll head past some of the bars and nightclubs, through a bit of forest, and finally along some slanted stone that overlooks the Adriatic Sea.
It gets hot in Ulcinj, I mean really, really hot. But, what I liked was that the majority of the walk is under the trees. You also have the option of stopping off at the many “beaches” along the way. I put the quotation marks in there, because they are more like rocky areas that you can jump in the water from. When the sweating starts, this is an amazing option to have.
The path is the perfect activity before ending the day lounging on Long Beach. Even with some stopping, it shouldn’t take more than a couple hours.
Be aware that you might find a snake or two crossing the walkway. I saw a large one on my last trip (and yes, I jumped), but it quickly slivered away. Sometimes nature gives you good ol’ fright, but that shouldn’t deter you from exploring it!
The surrounding nature
Speaking of nature, Ulcinj has more than just the beach and coastline. If you stay at Hostel Center (which I suggest), the first thing the owner mentions is the olive groves not far away. The ancient trees are both giant and a source of pride in the town.
There is also the aforementioned hiking trail. Finding a cozy private cove with the lingering scent of pine trees above is a special way to spend the day.
Although I’ve never been there, I have to mention Solana Ulcinj as well. This is a park with salt flats that’s known for its many species of birds. Some of those included are flamingos and pelicans.
I’ve heard differing reports on difficulties entering, so I can’t give a definitive answer on how smooth a trip there would be. It would be best to ask your guesthouse. I didn’t go because it just wasn’t the time of year to see the birds. But, if you’re an avid birdwatcher, it’s worth a try.
Day trips to Albania and Lake Skadar
Lake Skadar is beautiful, as you’ll notice on the drive to Ulcinj. It’s a gigantic lake that’s also considered a nature park. There are areas with endless amounts of water lilies, crumbling fortifications, and bustling fishing villages. You can also enjoy all kinds of fun outdoor lake activities.
Ulcinj is ridiculously close to the Albanian border. The city itself is actually made up from a large majority of Albanian settlers. I think that’s what gives it the comforting, relaxing, and easy-going feel.
If you walk to the end of Long Beach and Bojana Island you can actually see across the border. Albania is a beautiful country, one that is often misunderstood by outsiders. It’s also one of my favorite places in the world and just a short drive away. If you are planning to head down to Albania when you’re done with your Montenegro trip, Ulcinj is a great place to get your things sorted.
The most obvious day trip is to the bicycle friendly Shkoder. It’s a city that has grown on me significantly over time and has mouth watering Albanian food. The walking street there is a joy to wander and the impressive Rozafa Castle looms over the city. Buses usually run frequently throughout the day (as of right now they are temporarily suspended) from Ulcinj.
Some lesser-known places to visit are the towns Shiroka, Zogaj, and Velipoja. The former two are a short distance from Shkoder and are sleepy fishing villages on Lake Skadar. The latter is a 30-minute drive (and an easy bus ride) from Shkoder. It’s Albania’s most northern beach town.
How to get to Ulcinj?
Once in Montenegro, Ulcinj is an easy trip from almost anywhere. However, all routes will most likely bring you through Podgorica. It’s just a few hours by bus from the main Podgorica bus station and buses leave often. By this, I mean every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day. The trip should cost you between 5 and 10 euros. You should also expect to pay a 1 euro baggage fee to your driver if you have stow-away luggage.
I found the website busticket4.me to be very handy while traveling in Montenegro. Timetables with specifics for routes through the country can be found there. Overall, the bus system is easy to navigate, especially compared to a country like Albania.
I have nothing but great things to say about Ulcinj. It’s a place I commonly talk up to people I meet on my travels.
Make sure to add it to your Montenegro itinerary (look I’m doing it again). But, in all seriousness, it’s a lesser known place in the country and one worth exploring!
