Ulcinj in Montenegro: features, attractions, travel and overnight

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

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

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

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

Montenegro itself became independent in 1878, and Ulcinj became a part of it only two years later. All past eras reflected on the architecture of the city. According to censuses, it has 11,000 inhabitants. However, the tourist season is accompanied by an influx of a large number 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 citizens. This circumstance cannot be ignored when traveling there.Inappropriate cheeky behavior or immodest clothing, provocative actions can lead to negative consequences for tourists. But they can, without leaving Montenegrin land, taste traditional Albanian dishes.

As for vegetation, then near Ulcinj there is a grove of olive trees. Even ordinary townspeople go there. Therefore, it is also useful for tourists to head in this direction. The city is located on mountains covered with various plants, as if descended from a painting by an outstanding painter.

A notable feature of the surrounding area is the presence of lakes. The largest of them (Shasskoye) is located 10 km to the south and is second only to Skadar Lake in Montenegro in size. On the banks of the reservoir reeds grow. Its thickets serve as a home for wintering birds.

The nearest airport for departing to Ulcinj is Podgorica. The distance between these points is 77 km. Between Tivat and Ulcinj, the road is 7 km longer. The problem is that you need to not only get from the airport, but also fly first to Montenegro. Direct flight to Tivat leaves Moscow and St. Petersburg. Direct transfers to Podgorica can only be from Moscow, and then in the summer months. If direct communication is for some reason unavailable, most often an intermediate landing is made in Belgrade.

The same information should be borne in mind by tourists who decide to relax in the popular city of Budva. From Belgrade to Ulcinj and other Montenegrin resorts get not only by air, but also by rail. There is even a trailed wagon, 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 car runs exclusively in the summer. You can catch a train from Belgrade twice a day. He will arrive at about 8 and at 20 o'clock local time.

From Bar to Ulcinj 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 the transfer. But some travelers, evaluating the location of Ulcinj on the map, choose a different option. They get by plane to Tirana, after which they go to Shkodra and from there take a bus or car to the Montenegrin resort.

The road between the two endpoints is approximately 40 km. The bus fare is approximately 6 euros. Border control is carried out at the Sukobin crossing. It is worth mentioning another alternative - when tourists fly to Italy and then catch a ferry to Bar. The ticket price varies from 44 to 250 euros (it is influenced by the comfort of ships and specific cabins), the crossing time is 9 hours.

Sightseeing in Ulcinj is appropriate to start with the old part of the city. At present, this region is being prepared to be included 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 for tourists in the old city are not charged. You can quickly examine it in an hour. Interestingly, it was in this place that the Turks kept the captured Cervantes. The Museum of Archeology 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 XVII century a mosque was made of 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 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 Sailor Mosque was reconstructed in 2012 exactly on the site of the predecessor of the same name, built in the XIV century. Muslims erected a temple in the area of ​​Small Beach. The mosque got its name due to the dedication of the sailors saved from death. Note: the minaret of the Sailor Mosque continues to be used as a lighthouse. It is interesting to visit the church of St. Nicholas. It is surrounded by olive trees.

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

This name has a conservation area located near the village of Shtoy. Such an unusual brand was given to the saltworks that were once located right there. After the salt production was closed, birds began to fly here. And since 2015, the territory has been transferred to the disposal of the organization involved in the national parks of Montenegro.

Many thousands of birds flock to the shores of the lake to winter. Some species settled here even on an ongoing 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 begins almost from the Old Town itself and reaches 350 m in length. Sandy descent to the shallow sea pleases both children and adults. The beach area is very well equipped. Visitors are available not only booths for stripping, but also a lot of cafes, restaurants, rental sunbeds. Connoisseurs of active leisure ride on catamarans and jet skis.

If the Small Beach is still not attractive or seems crowded, you need to move along the promenade further south. There are rocky shores where you can find small beach areas. This place has platforms for diving enthusiasts. Such platforms are often used by beach clubs.

The so-called Women's beach. This is a part of the coast fenced off from outsiders. Even the most modest and puritanical ladies will feel completely calm here. Men are not allowed here at all. From incoming take 2 euros. Healing water escapes from the seabed on the Women's Beach near the shore. Since it flows from hot springs, the temperature stably stays at least 15 degrees.

Great beach Ulcinj is named so by chance: it is the most popular part of the coast throughout Montenegro. He was officially awarded the Blue Flag. A strip of dark sand of fine fraction stretched for 13 km. The heated sand mass helps in the fight against:

• muscle pains;
• arthritis;
• rheumatic disorders.

The great beach is usually divided into several sections that differ in their specificity. At the very end of the coast, farthest from Ulcinj, is the island of Ada Boyana. It hosts a nudist beach. And there are kitesurfers and windsurfers. The beach site of Copacabana is located 12 km from Ulcinj.A music festival takes place there every year in the last days of June. Performers and entire groups from different countries come to him. Sounds music of various countries:

• funky;
• jazz;
• soul;
• house.

Ulcinj has the hottest and sunniest weather in all of Montenegro. Coming to the Ulcinj Riviera is in May and June. Peak demand falls in July and August. Then on an overloaded tourist coast, the air temperature can reach 30-35 degrees.

In September it gets cooler - the air cools down on average to 25-27 degrees, while the sea remains warm. It is interesting that the locals themselves choose this month for water procedures, when crowds of tourists are no longer there, and the air temperature and water in the sea are very comfortable. In the winter months, the weather is mild, most often the temperature is about +10 degrees. Due to the rains and the lack of special entertainment, there are not many tourists in the winter months.

The problem with the choice of housing in Ulcinj is especially acute at the peak of the season. High demand is accompanied by a regular increase in prices. In the city itself there are approximately 300 objects for accommodation (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. This guest house can be reached from the beachfront in 4 minutes. The service is fully consistent with the level of 3 stars. Guests have access to not only the garden and terrace, but also the guest area, personal kitchen and stove.

Good grades give and Hotel senator. From this hotel you can walk to the sea in a couple of minutes. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garage and a pool. All rooms are air-conditioned. Miniature kitchens and dining areas are everywhere. Guests Villa marinero can reach the coast in just 1 minute. Very close is the romantic Old Town.

The highlight of Ulcinj is Albanian cuisine. Here, dozens of varieties of amazing cheese are traditionally made. Among them are both hard and soft varieties. Some cheeses are cooked with spices and goat milk. Buy cheese and goat cheeses are advised in small stores, 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 excellent taste fully justifies such expenses.

The reason is simple - unique grasses found on local pastures. Montenegrin butter will also be a nice novelty in Ulcinj. It is characterized by the same notes.

Any local resident will definitely recommend to foreigners to taste prosciutto. So here they call jerky, which was salted by a special technique. But to find something specifically national from among sweets and desserts will not succeed. And the general choice is small. But all the local food meets the basic principles of a healthy diet.

In the estimates of tourists who visited Ulcinj, the benevolence and tranquility of local residents are often noted. Of the 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. Finding attractive places is very easy. Some even call this resort a highlight of the Adriatic.

The mountains around look majestic. Cafes and restaurants give large portions of varied food. Tourists pay attention that there are a lot of institutions themselves, and you can additionally diversify your food through shopping in the market. They sell exceptionally tasty vegetables and fruits.

About how to spend your vacation in the city of Ulcinj, see the next video.