Ulcinj
Southern Montenegrin city on the Albanian border. A walled Old Town above the bay, long sandy beaches and Ada Bojana island.
About Ulcinj
Quick overview and handy details
Ulcinj stands on a rocky headland above an open bay. The hilltop Kalaja (Old Town) preserves lanes, ramparts and small courtyards from different periods. Below it lie Mala Plaža and the seafront promenade with views back to the fortress.
To the east stretches Velika Plaža, a roughly twelve-kilometre ribbon of sand running toward the Bojana River delta and Ada Bojana island. On the city’s edge, the Ulcinj Salina has become important wetlands, noted for large gatherings of migratory birds.
The surroundings include Valdanos Bay with historic olive groves and coastal footpaths to nearby headlands. Ulcinj combines a compact historic core with a broad shoreline, making it a practical base for exploring the southern Adriatic.
Interactive map of Ulcinj
Attractions, routes and directions
Attractions
Must-see places and landmarks worth visiting
Museum of Local History in Ulcinj
Archaeology and local history displayed in Old Town buildings.
Nearest airports
Easy transfers to and from the airport
Podgorica
Tivat
Getting around
Car hire, transfers, bikes and boats
Where to stay
Hand-picked stays in Ulcinj
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Top experiences
Curated picks and live widgets
Nearby cities
Interesting nearby places to visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most popular travel questions
Ulcinj is known for the atmosphere of Ulcinj Old Town , long sandy stretches at Long beach, and nature spots like Ada Bojana Island. For birdwatching and scenery, add Ulcinj Salina.
For swimming, June–September is the main season in Ulcinj. For cooler sightseeing and trips to Ulcinj Salina, May–June and September–October are usually more comfortable.
Plan 3-5 days for beaches, Ulcinj Old Town , and a day at Ada Bojana Island. If you want a slower beach-first trip, 6-7 days works well.
The main arrival airports are Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport, then continue by bus, taxi, or private transfer. Route tips are in How to Get from Tivat or Podgorica Airport to Your Resort? and on Transport in Montenegro.
Ulcinj is easy for walks along the waterfront and the old town, with taxis and buses for longer hops. For practical advice, see Public Transport in Montenegro: Is It Convenient to Travel Without a Car? and Taxis in Montenegro: How to Avoid Overpaying and What You Need to Know.
Stay near Ulcinj Old Town for character, close to Long beach for beach time, or by Ada Bojana Island for a quieter nature vibe. Browse options via Accommodation in Montenegro.
For a quick city beach, try Mala Plaza; for wide sand and space, go to Long beach. For a wilder setting, many head to Ada Bojana Island.
Walk through Ulcinj Old Town and stop by Museum of Local History in Ulcinj. For nature and photos, Ulcinj Salina is a strong add-on.
You can manage Ulcinj without a car, but it helps for exploring Ada Bojana Island and the coast more freely. Before renting, check Car Rental in Montenegro: Everything Tourists Need to Know and Parking in Montenegro: Where You Can Leave Your Car and How Much It Costs.
Ulcinj can feel better value than the busiest resorts around Budva, but prices still rise in peak summer. For budget accommodation ideas, use Affordable Seaside Hotels: Budget-Friendly Stays Without Compromise.
Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés, but mobile data is more reliable for maps and day trips. For eSIM options see eSIM Montenegro, and for VPN options use VPN for Montenegro plus Why Use an eSIM in Montenegro?.
From Ulcinj, go to Bar for Old Bar Fortress or to Virpazar for Lake Skadar. For coastal classics pick Budva, and for the Bay of Kotor head to Kotor and Perast with Our Lady of the Rocks.