Is Ulcinj worth visiting? – the place where Balkan locals go on holiday/vacation in Montenegro. Of course, tourists also go, but most flock to larger places like Budva and the impressive Bay of Kotor.
If you do find yourself heading south along the coast, you should consider visiting Ulcinj, especially if you want a chilled-out vibe.
Is Ulcinj Worth Visiting?
If you’re doing a trip around Montenegro or the Balkans, the small coastal town of Ulcinj might not be on your radar. There are other popular destinations that people will suggest instead, but Ulcinj is quite special.
Is Ulcinj worth visiting? Yes, if you have the time, I’d recommend trying to fit it into your plans. Not only is Ulcinj’s Old Town very charming, but there are so many great swimming spots to check out nearby.
What To Know Before Visiting Ulcinj
Ulcinj is a bit different from the rest of Montenegro – I’ll explain further later. But here are some tips to visit Ulcinj at the right time of year and some other things you should know before visiting.
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1. It’s A Seasonal Destination
Like most beach destinations, summer is definitely the high season for Ulcinj. There are plenty of locals that do daily life there so if you go in winter you will see people of course.
It’s just hard because most of what attracts people to Ulcinj is based on being outdoors and having good weather.
If you stop by for a short visit in the winter, it’s still nice to walk around the Old Town and visit some nearby beaches, but you probably won’t feel drawn to stay for long.
You can have a nice coffee, meal or visit the local museum, but beyond that, there aren’t many indoor activities.
2. Timing Is Important
Everyone is different but normally I prefer to not go to a destination when it’s packed to the brim – it feels like you can’t breathe.
From late July to early September, Ulcinj is very busy with international tourists but also a lot of tourists from other Balkan countries.
If you enjoy this super busy atmosphere, you could visit then but if you’re more like me, I’d recommend visiting in May, June, late September, and early October.
Ulcinj is known for music festivals, which will be the peak, but if you are going to the festival this is obviously unavoidable.
3. Views In The Old Town Are Amazing
I was really surprised at the vibes from Ulcinj Old Town – maybe because it’s just not that well-known internationally. The cobblestone streets, stone architecture, and gorgeous Adriatic sea views made me fall in love.
It is kind of connected to Ulcinj Castle so as you wander around you’ll eventually find yourself there – in a fortress that juts out into the sea. Since it is built up as a fortress, you’ll see the sea cliffs below that it is set up, plus you get an elevated view of the surrounding area.
4. Some Great Hostels To Make Friends
Though Ulcinj is small there are a few hostels that you can stay at and make friends. Check out Hostel Pirate and Hostel Center.
5. Lots Of Beautiful Nature Nearby
Ulcinj has a great geographical position, which means you have a lot of beauty at your fingertips to explore. Ulcinj is great for exploring nearby beaches and countryside, but you can also do boat trips to explore the coast from a different viewpoint.
Nearby is the Buna River, a short river running from Lake Shkoder (also known as Lake Skadar) which is the boundary line between Albania and Montenegro.
There’s a little village located right before the river runs into the sea called, Ada Bojana. It’s a cute place to visit and good for having a seafood lunch. To enjoy a unique and peaceful place, drive out of Ulcinj south along the coast.
You can visit Higo Restaurant and Cafe for a coffee on a balcony in a cliffside forest. While enjoying a drink, you’ll see the beautiful blue sea through the tree canopy – it is such a gorgeous place.
If you want some more time in nature, I’d recommend going to Valdanos Bay outside of town – a little over an hour of walking to reach it.
On the way there, you’ll see lots of Olive trees, and if you prefer not to swim, you can hike up above the bay to the Vidikovac Valdanos Viewpoint.
6. Day Trips Are Possible
As I just mentioned, a boat trip is a great way to enjoy Ulcinj’s coast, but there are other options too.
If you don’t have a car, you can catch the bus that goes from Ulcinj up the coast and stops in many of the small villages along the way – usually, they go all the way to Bar, a much larger coastal city.
There may be buses that go further, but you’ll need to ask around either at the bus station or with your accommodation. If you do take a bus for a day trip, I’d recommend starting early as that’s when most buses go.
Usually, the later in the day it gets, less buses are running. Even if you don’t catch the last bus, it shouldn’t be a huge cost to get a taxi back to Ulcinj.
If you speak with your accommodation hosts, you might be able to get more information on other organized tours around Montenegro or meet friends at your hostel to all share a car rental.
7. Renting a Car
The easiest solution is to rent a car in Podgorica, so you can make your own schedule/have freedom in Ulcinj. You could drive to Lake Skadar or even Lovcen National Park.
If you want to cross the border and visit Albania on a day trip, you’ll need to make sure your rental car is allowed to cross borders, and you’ll be expected to purchase insurance to cover you while driving there.
Normally, if you cross from Albania to Montenegro, they charge you a set 15 euros that gives coverage for two weeks. Check out these 2 itineraries for how to spend 10 days in Albania.
8. There Are Even Some Nude Beaches
Yes, you heard that right! There are some nude beaches in Ulcinj, most of which are marked on Google Maps (also more along the coast up to Bar too). So make sure to check before you go so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Speaking from experience here – I accidentally went to one when I was staying in a small village up the coast, Utjeha.
In Ulcinj, there is a local nude beach only for women called “Ladies Beach Dada”. It has sulfurous waters, a bar/cafe, and mud masks (paid), which can make for a relaxing day.
There is also a “nudist settlement” in that small river village I mentioned before, Ada Bojana. Taking advantage of this is definitely one of the more quirky things to do in Ulcinj.
9. Albanian Immersion & Friendly Locals
There is quite a lot of history surrounding the fact that Ulcinj is heavily Albanian. If you’ve visited the Balkans you know how deep and painful the history can be so I’m not going to say too much about it except what pertains to you as a traveler.
When you visit you’ll be greeted with the Albanian flag and if you listen closely, you’ll hear Albanian being spoken everywhere. Also, in Albanian, the city name is Ulqin. So if you hear two different names, that’s why – its the same place.
If you haven’t explored Albania yet, this will give you a small dose. My friend who lives there is ethnically Albanian but is Montenegrin too – she speaks both Albanian and Montenegrin.
It’s common for residents to have this dual identity. While visiting, you’ll likely get to experience Albanian hospitality.
Because of this influence, Ulcinj is a very popular vacation destination for Albanians. It’s also common for those who live in Shkoder or northern Albania in general, to come visit Ulcinj for a weekend getaway, clubbing, and to attend the music festivals.
What To Do In Ulcinj
In Ulcinj, there is history, culture, good food, outdoor activities, and relaxation by the sea. It’s also pretty low-key if you avoid the super touristy month of August or any time there are large music festivals. Here are a few cool things to do in Ulcinj while visiting.
Ulcinj Coastal Walk
If you’re a nature lover, you can’t miss this gorgeous coastal walk in Ulcinj. The walk hugs the rocky Adriatic seaside going south towards Velika Plaza and the border of Albania.
Right before the start of the walk is Higo Restaurant, which is a place I’d highly recommend because it’s an amazing place for a coffee and a view.
Velika Plaza
Velika Plaza is renowned for being the longest beach in Montenegro, stretching for approximately 13 kilometers along the Adriatic coast.
Its golden sandy shores make it an ideal destination for sunbathing and long walks. It’s also known for water sports, so if you’re into adventure travel, Ulcinj could be a great place to take advantage of this for a few days.
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Ada Bojana
Ada Bojana is a unique triangular-shaped island formed by the Buna River. It is known for its nice sandy beaches and being home to some nudist beach areas. The island is famous for its seafood, and visitors can enjoy delicious fresh catches at the numerous seafood restaurants along the river.
Valdanos Bay
Valdanos Bay is a picturesque bay surrounded by ancient olive groves. You can walk through the olive trees on the way to a swimming spot. Besides natural beauty, it also holds historical significance, with remnants of some ancient structures.
Ulcinj Old Town
The Old Town is rich in history, and a visit to the Ulcinj Castle is a must. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Balsica Tower, part of the castle complex, is a well-preserved medieval tower offering insights into the town’s past.
Wander through narrow cobblestone streets and discover historic buildings that showcase a blend of architectural styles, including influences from the Ottoman and Venetian periods.
Visit The Mosques
There are quite a few mosques in town, if you want to visit for prayers or just to see them.
Museum of Local History
The museum provides context for the cultural history of Ulcinj. It has artifacts from various local traditions over the centuries.
Visiting Ulcinj FAQ
Here are a few frequently asked questions that might help you with planning your trip.
Can I Get A Bus From Ulcinj To Albania?
You can get a minibus (a local who drives a van for shared transport) that goes twice a day in the summer (his schedule might be different in the off-season).
Usually, the driver leaves at 6 AM and 1 PM if I remember correctly, with limited spots available. If you want to reserve a place, you should be able to talk with your accommodation to arrange it.
Another option that many people take is to share a taxi to the border, cross by foot, and then share another taxi on the Albanian side. Some drivers wait at the border.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Ulcinj?
If you are traveling at a slow pace, I’d recommend spending 3 days in Ulcinj to take advantage of the surrounding nature and outdoor activities. If you are on a tight schedule, you could do a day trip to Ulcinj or stay 1-2 nights.
When is the best time to visit Ulcinj?
If you want a more chilled-out trip, I’d recommend visiting April and May for good weather and June especially if you want that summer vibe without the crowds. You can also go at the tail end of the summer season – September and early October.
Is Ulcinj worth Visiting – Final Thoughts
I hope these details have given you some perspective on the question – is Ulcinj worth visiting? In my opinion, it is totally worth visiting since there’s a completely different vibe than the rest of Montenegro.
