Ulcinj in Montenegro: features, attractions, travel and accommodation

A trip to Montenegro is attractive not only because of the natural beauty and numerous beaches. A very attractive side of this country is its cities, which are replete with ancient monuments. Tourists should pay attention to a city like Ulcinj.

Ulcinj (Ulcinj) in Montenegro is a resort town located in the very south of the country. It is located on the Adriatic coast. Not only the turbulent past of this old city attracts the attention of vacationers, but also the proximity to the border with Albania.

The epithet "old" was not appropriated to the city in vain. It was built around the 5th century BC. The Ardiei (one of the Illyrian tribes) are considered the founders of Ulcinj. Later the city came under control:

• the ancient Greeks;
• ancient Romans;
• The Byzantine Empire;
• the early Serbian state;
• Venice;
• Ottoman Empire.

Montenegro itself became independent in 1878, and Ulcinj became part of it only two years later. All the past eras were reflected in the architecture of the city. According to the census, it has 11,000 inhabitants. However, the tourist season is accompanied by a large influx of people. Then there are several times more vacationers than the indigenous people.

Since Ulcinj is close to Albania, the Albanian population accounts for about 70% of the townspeople. This circumstance cannot be ignored when traveling there.Inappropriate cheeky behavior or immodest clothing that provokes behavior can have negative consequences for tourists. But they will be able to taste traditional Albanian dishes without leaving the Montenegrin land.

As for vegetation, then near Ulcinj there is a grove of olive trees. Even the usual townspeople go there. And therefore it is useful for tourists to head in this direction. The city is located on mountains overgrown with various plants, as if descended from the picture of an outstanding painter.

A notable feature of the surrounding area is presence of lakes... The largest of them (Shasskoe) is located 10 km to the south and is second in size only to Lake Skadar in Montenegro. Reeds grow along the banks of the reservoir. Its thickets are home to wintering birds.

The nearest airport for flights to Ulcinj is Podgorica. The distance between these points is 77 km. The road between Tivat and Ulcinj is 7 km longer. The problem is that you have to not only get from the airport, but also fly first to Montenegro. A direct flight to Tivat leaves from Moscow and St. Petersburg. You can only arrive in Podgorica directly from Moscow, and even then in the summer months. If for some reason a direct connection is not available, most often a stopover is made in Belgrade.

The same information should be borne in mind by tourists who decide to relax in the popular city of Budva. You can get from Belgrade to Ulcinj and other Montenegrin resorts not only by air, but also by rail. There is even a trailer car, which from Moscow in transit through Belgrade reaches the city of Bar. The distance between it and Ulcinj is 28 km. There is only one minus - the Moscow carriage runs exclusively in summer. You can catch a train from Belgrade twice a day. He will arrive at approximately 8:00 and 20:00 local time.

From Bar to Ulcinj they leave by taxi or by bus. Tickets for such an intercity bus are sold for about 2 euros. You can simplify your life by renting a car or using a transfer. But some travelers, having estimated the location of Ulcinj on the map, choose a different option. They get by plane to Tirana, after which they go to Shkoder and from there take a bus or car to the Montenegrin resort.

The road between the two end points takes about 40 km. The bus fare will be approximately 6 euros. Border control is carried out at the Sukobin crossing. Another alternative is worth mentioning - when tourists arrive in Italy and then take a ferry to Bar. The cost of the ticket varies from 44 to 250 euros (it is influenced by the comfort of ships and specific cabins), the crossing time is 9 hours.

It is appropriate to start sightseeing in Ulcinj from the old part of the city. Currently, the preparation for the inclusion of this area in the list of specially protected UNESCO sites. In the old part of the resort, the choice of objects for inspection is as follows:

• walls of a medieval fortress;

• Kalaya castle;

• museum of archeology;

• Balsic tower.

Entrance fees are not charged for tourists in the old town. You can quickly examine it in an hour. It is interesting that it was in this place that the Turks kept the captured Cervantes. The Archeology Museum occupies the former Church of St. Mary. For its intended purpose, it has been used since the beginning of the 16th century. But at the end of the 17th century, a mosque was made from it.

On vacation, it will be useful to get to know better the Balsic tower. It was built in the XII century, and against the background of the surrounding buildings it was a really impressive building in terms of its height. The tower got its name in honor of the dynasty that ruled Ulcinj in the XIV-XV centuries.Now the tower is occupied by an ethnographic museum and an art gallery. The museum must be approached through the Slave Square. Once this place was really used for the slave trade.

But the Matrosskaya Mosque was reconstructed in 2012 exactly on the site of its predecessor of the same name, built in the XIV century. Muslims have erected a temple in the area of ​​Small Beach. The mosque got its name because of the dedication to the sailors saved from death. For your information: the minaret of the Sailor Mosque is still used as a lighthouse. It is also interesting to visit the Church of St. Nicholas. It is surrounded by olive trees.

The Church of St. Nicholas was commissioned in 1890. It was dedicated to the memory of the victims of the struggle for freedom of Montenegro. If we talk about natural monuments in Ulcinj, then it is worth mentioning the Ulcinj salt mines.

This is the name of the protected area located near the village of Shtoy. Such an unusual brand was given by the saltworks that was once located right there. After the closure of the salt production, birds began to fly here. And since 2015, the territory has been transferred to the disposal of the organization dealing with the national parks of Montenegro.

Many thousands of birds flock to the shores of the lake to winter. Certain species have settled here even on a permanent basis. Lake Solana has become a center of attraction for:

• pelicans;
• flamingo;
• cormorants;
• herons.

The beaches of Ulcinj are a separate big topic. The small beach starts almost from the Old Town itself and reaches 350 m in length. The sandy descent to the shallow sea pleases both children and adults. The beach area is very well equipped. Visitors have access not only to undressing cabins, but also many cafes, restaurants, and sun lounger rentals. Connoisseurs of active leisure ride on catamarans and jet skis.

If the Small Beach still does not appeal to you or seems crowded, you need to move along the embankment further south. There are rocky shores where you can find small beach areas. There are also platforms for diving enthusiasts in this place. Such platforms are often used by beach clubs.

The so-called Women's beach. This is a part of the coast fenced off from outside observers. Even the most modest and puritanical ladies will feel completely at ease here. Men are not allowed here at all. The incoming charges are charged 2 euros. On the Women's Beach near the shore, healing water bursts out of the seabed. Since it flows out of hot springs, the temperature is stably kept at least 15 degrees.

Great beach Ulcinj is so named for a reason: it is the most popular part of the coast throughout Montenegro. It is officially awarded the Blue Flag. The strip of dark sand of fine fraction stretches for 13 km. The heated sand mass is excellent in the fight against:

• muscle pain;
• arthritis;
• rheumatic disorders.

It is customary to divide the great beach into several sections, which differ in their specificity. At the very end of the coast, farthest from Ulcinj, there is the island of Ada Bojana. There is a nudist beach. And kitesurfers and windsurfers flock to the same place. The Copacabana beach area is located 12 km from Ulcinj.There is a music festival every year in the last days of June. Performers and whole groups from different countries come to it. Music of different states sounds:

• funky;
• jazz;
• soul;
• house.

Ulcinj has the hottest and sunniest weather in all of Montenegro. It is worth coming to the Ultsin Riviera in May and June. Demand peaks in July and August. Then, on the coastline overloaded with tourists, the air temperature can reach 30-35 degrees.

It gets cooler in September - the air cools down to an average of 25-27 degrees, while the sea remains warm. It is interesting that the locals themselves choose this very month for water procedures, when there are no more crowds of tourists, and the air temperature and water in the sea are very comfortable. During the winter months the weather is mild, most often the temperature is around +10 degrees. Due to the rains and lack of special entertainment, there are few tourists in the winter months.

The problem with the choice of accommodation in Ulcinj is especially acute at the peak of the season. High demand is accompanied by a regular rise in prices. In the city itself, there are about 300 accommodation facilities (if you take into account not only hotels, but also apartments, hostels and more exotic options).

Reviews show that it makes sense to go to Guest House Smajlaga. The beach is a 4-minute drive from this guest house. The service is fully consistent with the level of 3 stars. Guests have access not only to the garden and terrace, but also to the guest area, personal kitchen and stove.

Quite good estimates are given by and Hotel Senator... From this hotel you can walk to the sea in a couple of minutes. Free Wi-Fi, a garage and a swimming pool are available to guests. All rooms are air conditioned. Miniature kitchens and dining areas are available throughout. Guests Villa Marinero can reach the coast in just 1 minute. The romantic Old Town is also not far away.

The highlight of Ulcinj is Albanian cuisine. Dozens of varieties of delicious cheese are traditionally made here. Among them there are both hard and soft varieties. Some cheeses are prepared with the addition of spices and goat milk. It is advised to buy feta cheese and goat cheeses in small shops, and not in supermarkets.... You will have to pay a lot for them: prices range from 8 to 16 euros per 1 kg. But the great taste fully justifies the expense.

The reason is simple - completely unique herbs are found on local pastures... Montenegrin butter will also be a pleasant novelty in Ulcinj. It has the same notes.

Any local resident will definitely recommend to foreigners to try prosciutto. This is what they call jerky meat, which was salted according to a special method. But it will not be possible to find something specifically national among sweets and desserts. And the general choice of them is small. On the other hand, all local food meets the basic principles of healthy eating.

In the assessments of tourists who have visited Ulcinj, the friendliness and calmness of the local residents is often noted. Other positive features of the resort are usually called affordable prices and an abundance of beaches. Traveling here is justified for people of all ages. In Ulcinj, you can take pictures at almost every step. It is very easy to find attractive places. Some even call this resort a highlight of the Adriatic.

The mountains around look majestic. In cafes and restaurants, large portions of a variety of food are served. Tourists pay attention to the fact that there are many establishments themselves, and you can additionally diversify your food by shopping at the market. They sell exceptionally delicious vegetables and fruits.

For information on how to spend your vacation in Ulcinj, see the next video.