Old Ulcinj. Resort town Ulcinj in Montenegro Shopping and shops

Most Montenegrin cities have their own unique historical part; Ulcinj also has its own Old town. But Ulciniv’s Old Town stands apart, and here’s why.

Pay attention to this map of the Old Town, it shows the most interesting sights in the historical part of Ulcinj.

1. Illyrian wall (Cyclopean masonry);
2. Jail;
3. Slave Market;
4. St. Mary's Church-Mosque;
5. Balsic Tower;
6. Citadel;
7. North Gate;
8. Northern Bastion;
9. Art gallery;
10. Ethnographic Museum;
11. Archaeological Museum;
12. Archaeological artifacts;
13. Venetian Palace;
14. South Gate;
15. South Bastion;
16. Lighthouse;
17. Hotel;
18. Powder magazine;
19. Western Bastion;
20. Tomb.

The historical part of the city is located on the top of a small hill, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The Old Town is a well-preserved fortress. In the fortress everything is mixed up, at home local residents, cafes, restaurants, hotels, historical artifacts, museums, etc.

This entrance to the fortress is located from the Maly Ulciniv beach. The road from the modern part of the resort is very picturesque.

You first walk along the Small Beach with its Marine Mosque and embankment, then go around the small “pirate port”, and along a serpentine staircase you rise to the Southern Fortress Gate.

The gates themselves look like this, their design is not very sophisticated, and they do not look menacing.

Small port for pleasure boats and water taxis. It is from here that the boats to the Great Beach start.

Upon entering the fortress, you find yourself in a deserted square, which is either abandoned and not restored after the earthquake, or has always been like this. There is a good sense of space here, and the walls offer an excellent panoramic view of the city.

In the immediate vicinity of the square you can find cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Some buildings radiate an undisguised remake, which is immediately noticeable to a knowledgeable person.

Northern gate to the fortress

You can also enter the Ulciniv fortress from the north side, bypassing the beach area and numerous stairs.

The path to the Northern Gate starts from a spacious parking lot, so there is a place for your car here. In the neighborhood there is an Orthodox church (operating), a city cemetery, and one of the city beaches of Ulcinj.

When you go up to the fortress, it is near these gates that the main historical attractions of Ulcinj are located. Which, in the absence of free time, allows you to make a very quick but cursory inspection of the museum complex.

Sea Gate, or pirate route to Ulcinj

I don’t know what these gates were used for, but there is a high probability that they were a secret entrance to the fortress. I also don’t know whether pirates used them. Of course, this entrance looks more like a secret path than the usual fortress gates, nevertheless, you can get into the fortress through the Western Bastion.

Although it is not entirely clear how one could approach them? After all, the coast in this part is very rocky, which makes mooring a vessel impossible, and a small boat will not fit here in a storm either.

Today, the Sea Gate is used as a route to local beach. The beach is tiny, but very atmospheric, and the presence of infrastructure makes it very attractive.

Now you know almost everything about the Ulciniv Gate! We are going up to the city through the Northern Gate.

Observation deck and restaurant area

After entering the fortress through the South Gate, you find yourself in a completely abandoned square, part of which is something between a wasteland and a lawn.

As a matter of fact, this is one of the squares of the Old City, the second is located at the South Gate, and another one is in the Citadel, but entrance to it is paid.

The area at the South Gate has an incomprehensible geometric shape, and there are significant differences in heights that must be overcome using ladders. But from the fortress wall there are magnificent panoramic views of the central part of Ulcinj and the Small Beach.

This photo shows the Jadran Peninsula; I previously published an article on the site about a walking tour along the private Ulcinj beaches. I recommend reading it and planning a walking tour.

A little to the side there is a mini lighthouse. It looks like a toy, but locals say it's working.

The lighthouse stands on the same square as a very pleasant hotel, on the terrace of which there is a small cafe.

The sea view from the lighthouse is magnificent. If you look through the loophole of the fortress wall, you can see a tiny beach, we will soon visit there.

Now a few words about restaurants and cafes, and why I called this square a restaurant square. This one is simple. All buildings and structures near the Southern Fortress Gate are either hotels with a mandatory restaurant, a restaurant, or a tavern. I recommend studying these establishments in a little more detail.

From the square there are stairs leading up the hill, and when you climb them you find yourself on a narrow street with restaurants.

The Dulcinea and Teuta restaurants are especially popular; they are adjacent to each other. There is a decent selection of catering establishments here. Prices are approximately the same for all, budget 40-60 Euros for dinner, this is for two.

Streets of old Ulcinj

As I said earlier, the vast majority of buildings in the historical part of the city suffered greatly from numerous ups and downs of life, natural disasters and banal negligence. So most of them are remakes, which in some cases are very hard on the eyes.

But despite my criticism, the city has retained a pleasant atmosphere, a sort of mix of a medieval pirate lair and a coastal fishing village.

I recommend taking some time to wander through the intricate nooks and crannies of Ulcinj, in search of inspiration and new discoveries. If you are careful, on the winding streets you can find subtle signals from different eras, somewhere a Venetian tablet on the facade, somewhere a part of an ancient column was used in the masonry, and somewhere the owner of the home placed a talisman on the facade, etc.

Let's take a walk around Ulcinj and see what's happening on its sleepy streets. All the streets in this medieval city, as if designed to confuse tourists. But once upon a time, instead of tourists, enemies could walk the streets, so the city’s layout helped the defending citizens.

Nowadays, there are no enemy troops on the city streets; residents try to decorate their homes and surrounding areas. Sometimes it’s just indoor plants placed on the threshold that look very organic.

Some residents do this to the detriment of pedestrians, and some take up precious street space, making an already narrow street even narrower.

Here someone just dumped all the trash out of the house. Or laid out pillows and blankets to dry, in old Montenegrin cities - this is normal.

As you can understand, there is no transport on the streets of the Old City, with the exception of this primitive tractor.

Some of the houses are in ruins, while others are completely restored and have all the benefits of civilization. Some benefits of civilization do not at all brighten up medieval Ulcinj. Well, was it really difficult to hide the air conditioner under some kind of false panel, but no, it was necessary to place it in plain sight. Other Montenegrin cities with air conditioning have the same problem.

But there are also very nice doors, most likely in the near future they will be replaced with soulless double-glazed windows.

Some of the houses in Ultsino have been so obscenely restored that they are outright screaming about it, and even the sea views can’t help here. Although this is probably not a restoration, but a new building.

Among the ruined part of the Old Town you can meet local residents, most of them are busy with their own affairs and do not care about tourists.

And there are those for whom a tourist is a welcome guest. On the western side of the fortress there are several restaurants whose owners speak excellent Russian and even offer small discounts to our compatriots. I got into a conversation with one of them, a very nice guy. The owner of the restaurant had a very high opinion of Russian tourists and invited everyone to visit. It's nice.

The little stairs run towards the sea, and we follow them. What there is a lot of in Ulcinj is the sea, it is here on all sides and in all variations. It's beautiful.

How do you like this view of the Adriatic Sea? But in fact, we came to the next goal of our excursion. Right behind this photogenic door, on a small embankment, you should find a descent to the beach.

The Ulciniv Museum is organized next to the Northern Gate; entrance to the territory is paid; inside there are several modest museums and a good observation deck for selfies.

This historical place has many myths and legends, some are outright fakes, I’m talking about the famous writer Cervantes. Others, on the contrary, have visual confirmation, I’m talking about part of the wall that was built by the Romans.

Explore, learn, enjoy!

Ulcinj is the southernmost city of Montenegro, located near the border with Albania on beautiful hills with rich Mediterranean vegetation. There is a record number of sunny days per year for the entire Montenegrin Adriatic coast - as many as 217.

Picturesque, like almost all coastal cities of Montenegro, Ulcinj has its own special face, its own special flavor. People appeared on the territory of this city in the Bronze Age, the settlement was founded in the 5th century BC. During its long history, the city was both a stronghold of piracy and the slave trade, and part of the Venetian Republic, and was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Each of these eras left its mark on the city and its historical and architectural monuments which are concentrated in the Old Town.

How to get there

From Tivat and Podgorica airports you can get to Ulcinj by bus via Bar or Budva.

Search for air tickets to Podgorica (the nearest airport to Ulcinj)

Beaches of Ulcinj

Ulcinj and its beaches are one of the most attractive holiday areas in Montenegro. Coastline Ulcinj stretches for more than 30 km, from the confluence of the Boyana River into the Adriatic Sea to the Old Ulcinj Cape, and includes the well-known Big Beach and Small Beach. In the mountainous part of the Ulcinj Riviera there is Valdanos beach and 18 picturesque bays. In force geographical location, it is this part of Montenegro that boasts the most warm sea, the largest number of sunny days in the year and the largest variety of subtropical vegetation.

There is not a single factory or factory within 100 km around Ulcinj.

The most famous local beach is Bolshoy, it stretches for 13 km and ends on the island of Ada Boyana - the most famous nudist rookery in Europe. There are also several kitesurfer stations constantly operating on the coast.

The most beautiful panorama of the Old Town is the one that opens from the Small Beach. The name of the beach speaks about its size (its length is about 400-600 meters), but not about its significance for tourists. The beach is sandy, the sand is silky and healing, it has an increased natural radioactive background, and therefore has a beneficial effect on patients with rheumatism. In addition, due to natural factors, sea water off the coast is highly mineralized, and in combination with climatic factors, this creates an aerosol curtain along the edge of the sea, which is very useful for the treatment of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Hotels

Ulcinj hotels are ready to offer their guests accommodation of various levels, but most of them are small pensions and apartments.

By the way, the cost of living in Ulcinj is the lowest compared to other resorts in Montenegro.

There are very few apartments directly in the Old Town, and living there is not that convenient - it’s deserted in the evenings, and it’s not close to the beaches. In the city, when choosing a hotel or guesthouse, pay attention to the location - the resort is very mountainous, and even 500 m to the beach can turn into a “pleasure” walk up the mountain, especially in the sunshine. The average cost of apartments is 30-50 EUR per day, depending on the season.

Ulcinj Restaurants

The doors of many cafes, restaurants and bars are open almost around the clock: they all work “until the last customer”. The menu is usually based on local products, very fresh and tasty. As in other seaside towns, there are many restaurants offering wide choice seafood dishes.

Most of the tourist cafes, unsurprisingly, are located on the embankments - here you can taste both Montenegrin cuisine (čevapčići, pleskavica, traditional čorba and Shopska salads, bureki) and Albanian cuisine. The closer to the center of the embankment, the more expensive the establishments.

Entertainment and attractions in Ulcinj

The old town is divided into two parts - Upper town(Citadel) and Lower City. The citadel is not only historical place, it has firmly entered into classical literature: it was here that the great Spanish writer Cervantes was imprisoned, it was here that he created the image of Dulcinea (the girl from Ulcinj), who, as you know, was adored by the legendary Don Quixote.

The Old City also entered the history of religion: the famous Talmud scholar Shabtai Tzvi lived here in the mid-17th century. Studying the Talmud, the sacred book for the Jews, he came to a paradoxical decision: he converted to Islam under the name of Mahmud Effendi. In general, a lot of knowledge comes with a lot of sorrow...

Since the city passed from one ruler to another many times, its architectural appearance presents a rather motley picture, in which, nevertheless, Muslim motifs predominate. The most striking illustration of the interweaving of cultures is the urban Historical Museum, which is now located in a former mosque, which, in turn, was rebuilt from a church. Particular attention should be paid to the Palazzo Venice, the Balsic Palace and the exotic Oriental Bazaar, known throughout the entire coast.

Holidays in Ulcinj

Skadar Lake

Not far from Ulcinj there is the world famous Lake Skadar, which everyone who comes on vacation to Montenegro strives to visit. The lake is very beautiful, with varied, sometimes swampy shores. It is very interesting for those who like to watch the life of birds, many of which are rare. A dam was built in the northwestern part of the lake, which is the pride of the country and the embodiment of modern construction technologies. It is along it that the highway and railway line Belgrade - Bar pass. On the shore of Lake Skadar there is the Albanian city of Shkoder with an ancient fortress, only 40 km from Ulcinj along the highway.

Weather in Ulcinj

Swimming season lasts from April to November, in summer the water temperature often exceeds +26 °C.

Although Ulcinj is primarily famous for its beautiful beaches, the attractions of this city and its surroundings also attract tourists. The attractions of Ulcinj are quite varied, as there are many historical, cultural and natural objects.
What to see in Ulcinj? Below we will present you the main attractions of this southernmost city of Montenegro.

MORE INTERESTING ABOUT ULCIN:

Old town

Situated on a small promontory with walls up to 60 meters above sea level, the Old Town of Ulcinj is the number one attraction for everyone who comes to the southernmost city of Montenegro. The old town of Ulcinj is one of the oldest fortresses in all Adriatic coast with a history of more than 2500 years. Traces remain in the Old Town of Ulcinj ancient civilizations who lived in this area. Illyrians, Romans, Greeks and Turks have left many traces of their presence in the fortress over the centuries. Currently, the Old Town of Ulcinj is the center of cultural and historical tourism in the region. In addition to the rich cultural and historical monuments, here are some of the best restaurants and hotels in the area southern city Montenegro. The small streets still breathe the air of an old and charming period, and the locals have not changed their traditions and connection with the sea over the centuries.

The old town of Ulcinj is one of the most authentic places in Montenegro. He makes a great impression. It is worth mentioning that during Ulcinj's golden period, when pirates dominated the area, Ulcinj was the third largest city in the Adriatic. Miguel de Cervantes' book Don Quixote, according to legend, was written based on the inspiration and experience that Cervantes received while in prison in Ulcinj.
Currently, the Old Town of Ulcinj is in the process of being included in the list of UNESCO sites.
In front of the entrance to the Old Town there is a burial chamber, which is a special marker of the period of Ottoman rule. According to legend, the burial chamber testifies to a fight between two brothers or friends for the love of one woman. According to this story, two men fought to the death, and the winner of this fight was supposed to receive the woman he loved. Unable to make a decision or even watch their struggle, according to legend, the young woman jumped out of the house and fell to her death. Nevertheless, the duel between the young people took place. One of them died in the battle, and the other died a little later. The burial chamber at the site of their battle represents holiness, which, according to popular belief, radiates and heals.
Numerous locals, as well as tourists, who pass through the Old Town throw a coin into the chamber for good luck.

Ada Boyana

If you are interested in the main attractions of Ulcinj, then you should not miss out on the islet of Ada Boyana. This is the most southern part Montenegro and the municipality of Ulcinj. When the boat of Anton Allegretti from Trogir sank near the mouth of the river, no one even thought that 130 years later there would be an island here that would become the most famous nudist area in Europe.
The island of Ada Boyana is surrounded on two sides by the Boyana River and on one side by the Adriatic Sea. Ada Boyana Beach is the second largest beach in Ulcinj. This sandy beach which is often nudists and true nature lovers. On the western shore of Ada Boyana Island and on the banks of the Boyana River there are several fish restaurants that are ready to serve their guests fresh fish dishes at any time.

Lake Sas

The city of Sas and the lake of the same name next to it hold many secrets under water and in ruins. Sas was a very powerful city of Madiaval, which according to legend had 365 churches (as well as the number of days in a year), and was destroyed twice during its history. After the first destruction by the Mongol army, the city was able to recover, but after the second destruction by the Turks, the city was unable to rise again from the ruins.
In recent years, some scholars have claimed the theory that the Trojan Battle took place in this area. It is not known for sure whether this is true or not.
Lake Sas, after Lake Scutari, is the richest lake in Europe in terms of the number of bird species found here (about 265 recorded bird species out of more than 500 that can be found in Europe).

Valdanos Bay

Those tourists who are interested in the natural attractions of Ulcinj should pay attention to the Valdanos Cave, which is the old sailors' bay of Ulcinj. Sailors returned here after long and exhausting voyages with food, drinks or money from the sale of local products such as wine, olives, olive oil and fish. During the communist regime, Valdanos Bay and the land behind it with over 60,000 olive trees were seized from its owners (bought at very low prices) and the military center of the former Yugoslav National Army was established on this territory.
Valdanos Bay is a real pearl not only of Ulcinj and Montenegro, but of the whole of Europe. It is, one might say, a natural health spa with fresh air, plenty of... mineral springs And healing mud. Besides these advantages, Valdanos Bay is also famous for its beach. Previously, only locals knew about it, but over time, even tourists discovered this place and now they visit this area every year.

Valdanos beach is surrounded by the delightful Ulcinj olive forest, which gives this place a special atmosphere. According to rough estimates, the total number of olive trees in this forest exceeds 74 thousand. Throughout its history, Valdanos beach has been the largest Eastern European camping center: many tourists have visited here with their tents and motorhomes. There are also modest, cozy bungalows, restaurants and cafes where you can always dine on a variety of local cuisine.

The water here is clean and dark green. Valdanos is one of the favorite places for fans of diving and sailing.

Small city beach

On the coast of the Adriatic Sea there is a glorious city with a rich history - Ulcinj. In addition to many architectural monuments, Ulcinj offers its guests to relax on amazing beaches. One of these is the Small City Beach, which is collectively the main one. The beach is not big at all, its length does not exceed 400 meters. But the unusually picturesque views opening from its sands, as well as the amazing blue-green color of the water, invariably attract many tourists. During peak season, the Small City Beach can accommodate up to 2,500 vacationers.

By nature, the Small City Beach has an elevated radioactive background. But this is not scary at all, and on the contrary, it is useful. Holidays on this beach are recommended for people with chronic joint diseases.

What sights of Ulcini did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Clock tower Sakhat-Kula

The Sakhat Kula Clock Tower is a Turkish tower located in the Montenegrin capital. Sakhat-Kula is a national monument that is under state protection.

The tower was created in the 17th century during the reign of the Ottoman Empire and was considered the main symbol of the captured city. Since its construction, it has been completely preserved to this day, even despite the devastating bombing of its surroundings during the Second World War.

The total height of the tower is sixteen meters. There is a tall metal cross at the top of the tower. On Sakhat-Kul there is a special clock that was brought here from Italy. For several years they served as the only source of correct time in the city. Every half hour there was a loud ringing of bells located on the tower.

Until now, the tower is a symbol of the Turkish quarter in the city. Next to it is the central city square.

The market is located in the Old Town. The market in Ulcinj is a real oriental bazaar. You are unlikely to find such a number of bright souvenirs and jewelry anywhere else in Europe. And the local craftsmen are true experts in their field.

The local market is famous for its truly fabulously rich selection of jewelry made of gold, silver, and platinum. Jewelry from Ulcinj craftsmen is valued not only highest quality and the beauty of the products, but also affordable prices. Seeing such diversity and beauty in front of you, it is very difficult to leave without buying. So, when entering the market, be prepared for unplanned expenses. In any case, you will get a lot of pleasure both from walking around the market and from shopping, because local merchants know how to be attentive and sensitive to the wishes of customers.

This market is also famous for its natural food products: olives, olive oil, dried fruits, cheese, milk, oriental sweets, etc.

If you want to experience the full range of sensations of the East, visit the Ulcinj market. As the locals say, you will not only feast your eyes with beautiful things and jewelry, but also gain all the skills of a skilled and demanding buyer.

Big beach

The most famous place in Ulcinj - Big Beach (Velika Plaza), which has a length of 13 km and is marked " Blue flag" - a symbol of the European Environmental Association. Given its size, it is not surprising that even at the height of the tourist season, you can always find enough free space here. This beach is one of the largest sandy beaches in Montenegro. The finest volcanic sand, giving the beach a dark tint, caresses your feet like luxurious carpet. The large beach receives the greatest amount of sunlight, since it is not closed by mountains. This sounds tempting, but there are also small disadvantages: you must keep in mind that the smallest, weightless grains of sand rise into the air with the slightest breeze, penetrating everywhere. including clothes and food supplies. Due to the dark color, the sand also gets very hot and on a sunny summer day it may not be very easy to walk on it barefoot.

The sea here is quite shallow, and to get to a depth that allows you to swim, you first have to walk through the shallow water for several tens of meters. Everything from Ulcinj to the island of Ada Bojana is resort place, where numerous shops, markets, restaurants and small restaurants are open during the season. The bustling oriental bazaars give these places a special flavor. On the southern part of the beach there are often strong winds and large waves. This is where surfing and kiting enthusiasts come, as well as those who want to learn how to operate a yacht or catamaran. There is a kite school on the beach with Russian instructors for all kite surfing enthusiasts.

Ruins of the city of Svacha

22 km from the city of Ulcinj, Lake Shasskoe is located. But it is not the only thing that attracts tourists. People come here to see a historical monument located on the shore of the lake - the ancient city of Svach, or rather, its ruins.

The emergence of a settlement here in the 6th century is associated with the name of Emperor Justinian. Since 1183, Svač became part of an independent Serbian state led by ruler Stefan I Nemanja, who declared the independence of Serbia from Byzantium. During his reign, the territory of the Serbian state expanded significantly. He became the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty, which ruled Svach until the Mongol invasion in 1242. The further history of the city is connected with the name of Saint Helena, Queen of Serbia, Princess of Anjou, as a sign of love for whom the king ordered blooming lilacs to be planted throughout the Ibar River valley. Elena patronized Svach, thanks to her the city flourished and strengthened.

There is a known legend that there were only churches here according to the number of days in a year: the ruler of Svach, captured by enemies, had a devoted wife who ransomed her husband from captivity and built 365 churches in the area as a token of gratitude for his salvation. Further progress of the city is associated with the period of Venetian rule. In 1571, Svach was captured by the Turks; Bishop Martin won the battle for the city in 1610, but this battle destroyed it. Svach never rose from the ruins, and since then destruction has continued over time. But the ruins of the fortress wall and the skeletons of several churches remained. The largest surviving city temple dates back to the early 14th century. Tombstones of Bishop Mark (1262) and Bishop Peter (1284) were discovered near the western façade.

The tourist can only imagine what this city could have been like in its heyday.

Old Ulcinj

In the 5th century BC, Colchis colonists built a fortress on the rock, around which the city began to grow. The history of the city of Ulcinj, like many other cities of Montenegro, is the story of an endless change of rulers (it was ruled by the Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks) and, accordingly, names. The Romans named it Olcinium. The Venetians gave him the name Dulcinho.

During the time of Turkish rule, the city was chosen by sea robbers. Loot from captured ships was the main source of income for local residents. The slave trade was also in use: people from captured ships were taken prisoner and sold at the Ulcinj market. There is a not very reliable legend that the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, captured in one of the naval battles, languished in captivity for five years in Ulcinj. And that he gave the Venetian name of the city to Dulcinea, the well-known heroine of the novel “Don Quixote,” and her wonderful image itself was copied from one of the local aristocrats. True, Cervantes himself claimed in his writings that he was held captive in Algeria, but this does not make the legend any less beautiful. But it is reliably known that in the Balsic tower, in old Ulcinj, in the 17th century lived Mahmud Efendi, famous for his unique interpretation of the Talmud. This tower now houses an art gallery.

The architecture of the Old City, which changed hands many times, as a result sometimes represents a completely unexpected mixture of styles and eras; a striking example of this is the mosque rebuilt from a church, not far from which there is a small square where slaves were once traded and where it is now located city ​​museum. There are also two palaces in Ulcinj, built during the Venetian rule - the Palazzo Venezia and the Balsic Courts. The palaces have now been reconstructed, and they house quite modern comfortable hotels

Shatskoe (Shasskoe) lake

Almost every historical place in Montenegro has some kind of legend associated with it. There is such a legend near Lake Shasskoe. They say that Vladimir, one of the first rulers of Montenegro, voluntarily surrendered to the Bulgarian conqueror Simeon II to save his people. The king was tortured in captivity, and from cruel torture he became blind. But Simeon’s daughter fell in love with him, a blind captive, and in order to save him, she married him, and in order for her beloved to regain his sight, she vowed to build 365 churches, one a day for a year. And it was near Lake Shasskoe that the devoted wife built the promised temples. True, it is unknown whether Vladimir regained his sight after this, but the story is good even without an idyllic ending.

The remains of eight of these temples can be observed even now, having arrived at Lake Shasskoye, to the ruins ancient city Matchmaker But this lake, the second largest after Skadar, is not only known for its legend. The lake is of glacial origin, it is located in a mountain basin and its height above sea level is only 1 meter. During high water it overflows greatly, and its area increases from 3.7 sq. km to 5.5 sq. km. The greatest depth of the lake is 8 meters. The banks on the northern and eastern sides are densely overgrown with reeds, water lilies and water lilies.

Here real paradise for migratory birds, and the water is teeming with a variety of fish. The lake is not very suitable for swimming, but fishing here can be a great pleasure. The silence, broken only by the voices of birds and the splashing of waves, and the feeling of isolation from civilization and unity with nature immerses you in a state of serene peace and relaxation.

Tourist area Liman

Tourist area Liman is an area located on the outskirts in the western part of Ulcinj.

In the early 2000s, many land plots in the Liman area were purchased mostly by Russian tourists. A large number of comfortable villas and cottages were built here, which are currently rented out to vacationers at a reasonable price.

In the Liman area you can relax on small cozy beaches covered with small pebbles. The water here is unusually clean and transparent, having a turquoise color at depth.

Liman is also an excellent place for diving.

Restaurant "Antigona"

Restaurant "Antigona" is located in the old part of Ulcinj and specializes in fish dishes.

Restaurant "Antigona" is a family business. Perhaps that is why there is a special, almost homely comfort and cleanliness here. Contrary to the name, which refers to Ancient Greece, the establishment specializes in fish dishes, which are prepared here in a tasty and original way only from freshly caught fish.

There is a nice guesthouse attached to the restaurant. And the location of the establishment in the historical part of the city near the beach is very convenient for tourists. Antigone also takes part in organizing excursion trips around Montenegro.

Gridskoye Lake

The lake is located on the border between Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo in the town of Plav-Gusinje. Gridskoe Lake is one of the highest lakes in this area, known as the “mountain eyes” and is located at 1970 m above sea level.

This lake is formed groundwater and partially melting glaciers on the mountain tops, flowing into it in its western part. The water temperature in the lake does not exceed 16-18C in July and August. And the air temperature near the lake is 17-21C.

This lake is quite attractive for anglers: it is rich in trout. So, if you decide to go fishing in silence and away from civilization, you won’t find a better place. Since the places are wild and people rarely come here, you can often meet wild animals here: bears, hares, wolves, wild boars, etc.

You can swim in the lake. There is no exact data regarding its depth, but in the coastal zone it is approximately 5 m. The lake itself is small. The length of the lake is 295 m, width – 155 m. The bottom of the lake is rocky, and the water is so clear that in some places you can see the bottom.

If you want to relax in a quiet and peaceful environment, alone with nature, then the path to Gridskoe Lake is the best route for you.

The most popular attractions in Ulcini with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places of Ulcini on our website.

Resort town Ulcinj (Ultsiњ/Ulcinj) is located in the southernmost part of Montenegro, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The rich history of the city, combined with the proximity of the Albanian border, has created a unique flavor that sets Ulcinj apart from others.

Majority Russian tourists Those visiting Montenegro believe that Ulcinj is off the beaten path, so they prefer other places to relax. But this resort is a great place for those who are looking for beach holiday and late-night parties without the crowds.

Ulcinj is one of oldest cities Adriatic, built around the 5th century BC. The city, or rather - locality Colchinium was founded by the Illyrian Ardiaean tribe. During its history it was ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Serbs, Venetians and Turks. In 1878, Montenegro was recognized as an independent state, and two years later Ulcinj became part of it. Since the Middle Ages, each period in the life of the city has left its mark in the form of architectural monuments.

Officially, 11 thousand residents are registered in Ulcinj, but during the tourist season the number of residents increases several times. Montenegrin Ulcinj is the city closest to the Albanian border; it so happens that more than 70% of its population are Albanians; accordingly, there are more Muslims than Orthodox and Catholics. This should be taken into account when choosing a holiday destination. Thus, the cheeky and noisy behavior of tourists is not welcome here, single girls attract excessive attention from local men, and on the beaches Muslim women wear black clothes and do not swim. IN local cuisine Albanian dishes also predominate.

– a very green country, the humid climate contributes to the good growth of trees, flowers and shrubs. Olives are especially planted a lot. Near Ulcinj, near the walls of the Old Town, there is an olive grove where both townspeople and tourists love to walk. Olive trees and their fruits are a symbol of Montenegro and an important part of its economy.

Ulcinj lies on picturesque mountains covered with vegetation, and there are lakes around it.

Lake Shasko (Šasko Jezero) lies 10 km from Ulcinj, near the border with Albania. This is the second largest lake in Montenegro after. It is very picturesque; reeds grow along the shores, in which more than 200 species of birds come to spend the winter. The lake is also home to about 20 species of fish, making it a great place for fishing.

Flights to Ulcinj, Montenegro

You can get to Ulcinj in the following ways:

Take a plane to Tivat or Podgorica, from there by bus, taxi orrented car. The distance from the capital to Ulcinj is 77 km, from Tivat – 84 km. Direct flights to Tivat depart from Moscow and St. Petersburg, and direct flights to Podgorica can be found l Only in the summer from Moscow, in the winter months you will have to fly with a transfer (usually in Belgrade). The cost of an air ticket from Russia to Montenegro is 3 – 10 thousand rubles one way.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets to Montenegro

On a by bus or car from Shkoder (Albania). At the Sukobin border crossing, documents are checked and stamped. A ticket for travel between two border cities, Ulcinj and Shkodra, costs 6 euros, the distance between them is about 40 km.

By train from Belgrade (Serbia) to . During the summer months, a trailer train departs from Moscow via Belgrade to Bar. Nearest railway station is located in the city of Bar, 28 km from Ulcinj. The train from Belgrade arrives twice a day: at 9 am and 9 pm. If you take the train to Bar, you will need a taxi or bus. Bus ticket from Bar to Ulcinj costs about 2 euros. The bus schedule can be viewed on the websitebusticket4.me

On p aroma from Italy to seaport city ​​of Bar. The crossing will take about 9 hours. The cost of the trip is 44 - 250 euros, depending on the comfort of the ship and the class of cabin.

Transfer from Tivat airport to Ulcinj

The easiest way to get to Ulcinj is to rent a car or order a transfer. It is very easy to rent a car in Montenegro and we recommend doing so if you want to visit some of the attractions in this amazing country.

Sights of Ulcinj

Old town

Getting to know the real Ulcinj needs to start from the Old Town, which was founded by the Illyrians 2500 years ago. Montenegro has begun work to include the Old Town of Ulcinj in the UNESCO lists. This historical area has not preserved many attractions: the Citadel - fortress walls, Balsic Tower, Kalaya Castle, Archaeological Museum. A walk through the Old Town will take you no more than an hour, entry is free.

Historical fact: the Spanish writer Miguel Cervantes, who wrote Don Quixote, was imprisoned here in the 16th century.

Archaeological Museum

The archaeological museum is housed in the former Church of St. Mary, built at the beginning of the 16th century, but converted into a mosque at the end of the 17th century. The museum houses a collection of Roman and Ottoman artifacts. Behind the church you will find images of old photographs of Montenegro and samples of national clothing.

Museum entrance: 2 euros

Operating mode:

• from May 1 to October 30: from 9:00 to 20:00;
• from November 1 to April 30: from 8:00 to 15:00;
• Monday is a day off.

Balsic Tower

The Balsic Tower is part of the fortress, the city Citadel. It was built in the 12th century and was considered very tall for that time. In the 14th-15th centuries, the three-story building housed the Balsic family, who owned Ulcinj. Today the Balsici Tower houses an ethnographic museum and is also used as an art gallery.

In front of the museum is located Slave Square. Once upon a time there was a trade in slaves in Ulcinj. And it all started with kidnappings. Wealthy landowners from Italy and Dalmatia (modern-day Croatia) were attacked, and some family members were captured and taken to Ulcinj. Here the captives were kept until their families paid a ransom. Later, slaves began to be brought from Africa and sold in the square. Those who were lucky in Ulcinj were released and after some time they became citizens of the country, engaged in navigation or agriculture. As evidence of this, black families still live here.

Sailor's Mosque

The Sailors' Mosque is a building built in 2012, built on the site of an ancient mosque destroyed at the beginning of the 20th century, in the Small Beach area. The mosque was originally built in the 14th century in gratitude for the rescue of sailors. The tall minaret served and still serves as a beacon.

Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas

The Church of St. Nicholas is located near the walls of the Old Town of Ulcinj, surrounded by an olive grove. Opposite the temple there is an Orthodox cemetery. This Orthodox church was built in 1890 on the site of the Orthodox monastery of the Holy Archangel (XV century) in honor of the soldiers who died for the independence of Montenegro. The walls of the temple and the iconostasis are painted by Russian masters.

Bird Sanctuary "Ulcinj Salt Mine"

The reserve is located 2 km from Ulcinj, near the village of Shtoj (Štoj). The protected area appeared on the site of the old saltworks named after. Bajo Sekulić (Solana “Bajo Sekulić”). Over time, birds began to fly here and build their nests. In 2015, the saltworks came under the management of the National Parks of Montenegro organization. Doctors also recommend visiting this place for people with respiratory and lung problems, since the salty air here is saturated with beneficial minerals and will be very useful.

On the territory of the reserve there is beautiful lake Solana. The attractiveness of the lake increases many times thanks to the thousands of birds that fly here for the winter. Some species live here all year round. These “warm regions” attracted many people, including flamingos and pelicans, herons and cormorants. Now the reserve is home to more than 300 flamingos.

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Beaches in Ulcinj

Coastal Montenegrin cities are popular resort centers with developed tourist infrastructure. Such cities are even called the Bar Riviera, Ulcinj Riviera. Their coastline consists entirely of beaches, private and public. In Ulcinj, all the beaches are worth visiting and are kept clean, but three beaches are worth highlighting: Ada Boyana, Maly, Zhenskiy and Velikiy.

Small beach(Mala plaža) is located in the center of Ulcinj, near the walls of the Old Town. This 350-meter long sandy beach is very popular among tourists with children because the entrance to the sea is sandy and shallow. This beach accommodates 2,500 people in the summer. The beach is well equipped, there are showers, toilets, changing rooms, lifeguards, many cafes and restaurants, and if you wish, you can rent sun loungers with an umbrella. If you like active recreation, then jet skis and catamarans are at your service.

If you don’t like Small Beach, then continue your way to the south; if you are facing the sea, then go left towards the pine forest. From here you will have picturesque views of the rocky shores, where there are several small beaches. There are also beach clubs that are located on diving platforms built on a rocky cliff. For example, the Aquarius beach club offers its visitors cabanas, a dance floor and a bar, and is usually full of young people who want to have a fun time.

Women's beach(Zhenska plaža) is a part of the beach separated from prying eyes, where even Muslim women can undress when swimming. Entrance fee, 2 €, open only to women. Underground healing springs flow from the seabed, preventing the water from cooling below +15°C. The beach shore is rocky, but the descent is equipped with steps, there are showers and sun loungers. Swimming in the sea in the area of ​​​​the Women's Beach is a well-known remedy for infertility, since it has already been precisely established that hydrogen sulfide springs flow here at the bottom of the sea, combining with sea salt and minerals, they have an excellent healing effect on women. They also offer clay wraps, which should make your skin softer.

Great Beach(Velika plaža) is the most popular beach in the country, marked with the Blue Flag, confirming the safety and cleanliness of the coast. The sandy beach stretches for 13 km and is covered with fine dark sand. Heated volcanic sand is used in the treatment of certain diseases: arthritis, muscle pain, rheumatism. The bottom along the entire length of the beach is flat, suitable for children to swim. If you wish, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. There are fish restaurants, beach bars and cafes, entertainment play centers and playgrounds. The beach is popular with kitesurfers. If you want to try this water sport, you can rent equipment and get lessons from local clubs.

The Great Beach is divided into several separate beaches, each beach with its own characteristics:

• Ada Boyana,
• Copacabana,
• Coco,
• Ivana,
• Tropicana,
• Safari,
• Mojito,
• Miami.

At the end of the Great Beach, away from Ulcinj, there is a nudist 3 km sandy beach on the island(Ada Bojana). This is what The island was created as a result of the fact that in the delta area the Boyana River split into two streams. Ada Bojana is one of the main destinations for kitesurfing and windsurfing on the Adriatic coast due to the wind on summer days. There is a surfing and kiting station not far from the beach.

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Festival in Ulcinj

On the Great Beach, or more precisely on the Copacabana beach, 12 km from Ulcinj, a music festival is held every year at the end of June Southern Soul Festival. Over the course of several days, musicians and performers from different countries. At the music festival you can hear music of different styles: soul, funk, house, jazz, etc. Lovers of music, sun and sea gather here.

Climate in Ulcinj

This is the sunniest city in Montenegro. Ulcinj's Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and warm winters. The swimming season, depending on the weather, opens in April-May and lasts until October-November.

The hottest months are July and August, when average temperature stays at +30°C. A massive tourist flow is observed precisely during these months. Starting from September, the influx of vacationers decreases, although the temperature +25 +27°C remains comfortable. As in many resorts, at the peak of visits, prices for accommodation, entertainment and food become inflated.

Winter in the south of Montenegro is mild; usually the air and water temperatures do not drop below +10°C. It rains often. Prices for winter holiday minimal, but not large quantity entertainment. Half-empty cafes and hotels pay great attention to every vacationer.

Where to stay in Ulcinj

Ulcinj is the southernmost resort of Montenegro.Just like other resortsDuring the summer months the demand for housing is very high.There are about 300 accommodation options in the city: hotels, apartments and hostels. Most often at cost influences: distance from the sea, amenities, availability Wi-Fi, type of hotel, star rating of the hotel or size of the apartment. It is advisable to book your accommodation a few months before my holiday in Montenegro and , besides, the earlier you book, the more likely you are to find to myself discounted housing. The most popular and safe service for booking hotels and apartments in Montenegro -