Ulcinj has been my first stop on my solo travelling journey and I’m writing this currently* sat in the bus station waiting for a bus.
Ulcinj is more of a local tourism destination, meaning it’s cheap (even for Montenegro), has amazing beaches and plenty of good food. Especially after somewhere like Kotor or Budva, Ulcinj is a great place to pause for a few nights – get some beach time in, enjoy the chill vibes.
Before I get onto what there actually is to do in Ulcinj: your accommodation. I genuinely cannot recommend Pirate Backpackers highly enough. Koko is a fantastic host, the facilities are excellent, it’s such a good place to socialise and the trips (boat trip during the day and sunset beach trips) are the perfect place to make new friends, chat to new people and find spots you wouldn’t have found by yourself. Photo of Crystal beach below gives you some indication. Pirate Backpackers is one of my favourite hostels to date (having been to several hostels) and it’s already on my list to go and stay there again at some point.
What to do in Ulcinj
Boat Trip (if you’re at Pirates)
One of my highlight days in Montenegro – cliff jumping, swimming in caves, eating Burek on the beach. And this was with 6 people from my hostel plus the captain.
Ladies Beach
This one is definitely a gendered recommendation in that Ladies Beach is a women only beach. It’s optionally nudist and near some of the sulphur springs. Ladies Beach and Crystal Beach topped the list of my favourite beaches in Ulcinj.
Ulcinj Ethnology and Local History Museum
It’s not big at all – you can do the whole thing easily in half an hour but for 1 euro entry it’s well worth a visit to learn a bit more about the place.
Ulcinj Old Town
Ulcinj Old Town is stunning, if a little quiet. You can walk all around the back streets and have a look at the views over the bay and the ocean.
Watch the Flamingos at the Salt Lake
I have to admit I didn’t get round to this (I spent a LOT of time sitting in hammocks and chatting with other backpackers instead which to be fair, was much needed for me at this point). However, from the reviews other people gave me, it’s definitely one to add to the list while you’re here.
Long Beach (and Ada Bojana)
One of the longest beaches on the Adriatic coast – sandy and close enough from Ulcinj to visit.
Loving Montenegro as much as I did? Have a read of:
One of Europe’s most underrated destinations: Kotor, Montenegro
Highlights of Podgorica, Montenegro
*(Please note posts are scheduled at not posted in real-time.)
