Ulcinj Municipality

The municipality of Ulcinj, called Ulqin in Albanian, forms the southernmost tip of Montenegro on the border with Albania. A trip to Ulcinj takes you to the longest sandy beach on the eastern Adriatic, an old town with mosques and a pirate past, and a river island that has cult status among kitesurfers.

Old Town and City

Most of the population is Albanian, and minarets shape the skyline more than anywhere else on the coast. The old town of Ulcinj sits on a rock high above the sea; in the 16th and 17th centuries it was a base for corsairs, and legend has it that Miguel de Cervantes was held prisoner here. The restored stone houses now hold guesthouses and restaurants. Below lies Mala Plaža, the small city beach, and along the rocky coast you'll find swimming spots such as Women's Beach, with its sulfurous springs.

Velika Plaža, Štoj and Ada Bojana

Southeast of town stretches Velika Plaža, a fine-sand beach about twelve kilometers long with shallow water, ideal for families. Behind it lies the settlement of Donji Štoj (Shtoji i Poshtëm) with vacation homes, beach bars and kite schools, because the steady afternoon wind makes this coast one of the best kitesurfing spots on the Adriatic. At the end of the coast, the border river Bojana flows around the triangular island of Ada Bojana, where fish restaurants stand on stilts above the water. Behind the coast lie the Ulcinj salt pans, an important stopover for migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans and herons.

In summer, you can take boat trips from the shore to the island of Stari Ulcinj or travel along the coast to Valdanos, a bay with centuries-old olive trees and a pebble beach.

Food, Getting There and Best Time to Visit

The cuisine blends Montenegrin and Albanian traditions: fresh fish, mullet from the Bojana, stuffed peppers, byrek and baklava. Olive groves around the town produce excellent oil. Podgorica Airport is about 80 kilometers away, buses run to Bar and Budva, and the Sukobin border crossing leads to Shkodra in Albania. The best time to visit is June through September, and July and August are especially good for kitesurfers.