Ulcinj, Montenegro: The Beach Town That Feels Like Albania

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Ulcinj is Montenegro’s most surprising beach town, with a distinctly Albanian character. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.

You could describe Ulcinj in Montenegro as is a bit of a strange place. (Bear with me here!) Located in a gorgeous bay, Ulcinj is undeniably beautiful; of that there’s no doubt. And when I say it’s the perfect beach destination on the Adriatic Coast, I really mean that.

Ulcinj is a small seaside town much like any small seaside town around the world. It has a beach with parasols for sunbathing, a beautiful blue sea for swimming, shops selling the latest inflatable swans and donuts, and Albanians. Lots and lots of Albanians.

Now I’m not saying Albanians are strange, far from it. What’s strange is that this is a little Albanian enclave on the coast of Montenegro. And it really is Albanian.

Put it this way. Most of the Albanians (both in Montenegro and Albania) consider Ulcinj to be Albanian. In fact, most Montenegrins consider it to be Albanian too, which makes it more than a little confusing when visiting the place.

At least 75% of the population living in Ulcinj are Albanian or of Albanian decent. I even met a few Macedonians, but I didn’t meet a single Montenegrin. However, Ulcinj is 100% in Montenegro. It’s just no one really accepts that.

If there’s one thing that’s for certain though – it’s that this is a beautiful beach destination and well worth visiting for a fun-filled few days in Montenegro.

Where is Ulcinj?

Ulcinj is on the southern coast of Montenegro, right by the Albanian border, and the mix of cultures here is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the country. Ulcinj became part of Montenegro back in 1880, but the town’s character has stayed distinctly Albanian ever since, and that’s really what gives it such a unique feel.

It makes for a fascinating contrast: geographically and officially you’re in Montenegro, but the language on the street, the food, and the culture all feel Albanian. It’s part of what makes Ulcinj such an interesting place to visit.

Things to do in Ulcinj

One of the main reasons so many people are attracted to Ulcinj are the beaches which are considered the best in Montenegro. Ulcinj is a really nice place to spend a few days, and it is sufficiently different to Tivat, Budva or Bar (all small seaside towns along the coast of Montenegro) to make it worth the visit.

One of the things that strikes you about the town is it’s obviously for the affluent Albanians, the ones who can afford to come over the border (where it is more expensive than Albania). Also, a lot of Albanians from Kosovo, Switzerland and even the USA who fled their country during the war make it their prime destination for their holidays. It’s like a little home away from home away from home.

This means, when it comes to things to do in Ulcinj, you’ve just got to enjoy it! I really loved immersing myself in the beach vibes here. What I loved about Ulcinj is it’s really compact and easy to walk around. You can walk from the beach up to the Old Town in less than 10 minutes.

Also, there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from along the waterfront, most serving up 2-4-1 happy hour cocktails and the latest catch of the day in the evenings.

During the day there is an old fortress that overlooks the bay. The museum only costs €4 to enter and the majority of the time you’ll have it to yourself. The views from the top of the museum are to die for so I really recommend visiting here.

Just outside town, Velika Plaža stretches for an incredible 13km, easily one of the longest beaches in Montenegro, and it’s a completely different vibe to the busier town beach. If you want something even quieter, Ada Bojana, a small river island near the Albanian border, is worth the trip out too.

Another spot outside town is Ulcinj Salina (the salt pans). This is a genuine hidden gem and honestly a bit of a surprise addition to a beach guide. It’s a protected nature park just outside town, home to over 250 bird species, and it’s actually one of the most important stopover points for migrating flamingos on the whole Adriatic coast. Entry is only around €2.50, it’s freely walkable or cyclable, and early morning is the best time to catch the flamingos in good light. It’s a completely different side of Ulcinj to the beach and Old Town, and it’d genuinely surprise readers who assume this is just a party town.

Nightlife in Ulcinj

At night Ulcinj really comes to life, and it’s a proper party town once the sun goes down. All the bars along the seafront fill up, everyone enjoying cheap beer or sipping coffee before the night gets going.

Two of the best spots to check out are Casa De Cuba and Indigo Lounge Bar, both known for their cocktails, good music, and a proper party atmosphere. They’re the kind of places where the night creeps up on you, one drink turns into a few, and suddenly you’re dancing.

Might be a bit too much for those over the age of 30/35, but if you’re looking for a cracking night out then Ulcinj delivers. Not that I’m say those in their 30s aren’t up for a good night out mind you!

If you’re looking for the best hotels in Montenegro, you can check out my guide on all the best places to stay in the country.

The Old Town of Ulcinj

Like most towns along the coast of Montenegro, there is an Old Town with cobbled stones and small side streets. This is where you’ll find the most expensive restaurants with the best views of the sea and the town below.

Down by the waterfront, the Sailor’s Mosque is an important landmark in the town, and up until recently the mosque served as a lighthouse for sailors. Make sure you bring you camera because it’s lovely lit up at night.

Ulcinj may be a bit of a strange place, a bit of a no man’s land neither truly belonging to one country over the other, but it is still well worth visiting when travelling around Montenegro and the Balkans!

Have you ever been to Ulcinj before? If so, what did you make of the little seaside town in Montenegro?

Wondering whether to travel to Croatia or Montenegro? Well I have the perfect article for you! Also, check out some of the best adventures in Croatia while you’re at it too.

I’d love to hear your thoughts so make sure you post in the comment box below!