Ulcinj is definitely one of the places that stand out in Montenegro. If you heard that this small Adriatic country doesn’t have great sandy beaches, Ulcinj will prove this claim wrong - it is home to one of the longest sandy havens in Europe. And not only that - if you’re planning a charter yacht cruise around the area, you can also expect to see remarkable thousand-year-old settlements, history, and traditions that make this region of the Mediterranean incredibly alluring to time-tied guests looking to use their days off work to the fullest. On the most distant east of Montenegrin coast, encompassed by the endless sandy coast on one side and the untamed, pristine wilderness on the other one, this colorful town is gaining popularity every day, but is still unspoiled by mass tourism and has kept its authenticity.
The old town of Ulcinj had regularly been where the east and west crashed through the course of its long, turbulent history. Because of its international position, gentle Mediterranean environment, as well as awe-inspiring nature, Ulcinj was an objective of various conquerors who wanted this dazzling piece of Europe for themselves. All that tumultuous history left Ulcinj exceptional, with a massive social, authentic, and artistic legacy.
5 Things To See In Ulcinj
Throughout its history, this tourist destination has been the object of desire for many, thanks to its strategic location on the sea. Being among the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean, founded in the 5th Century BC. Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, and Slavs have all left their mark on the contemporary look of this ancient city. Let’s have a look at what 5 of them you should visit when you leave your charter yacht for some on-land adventure.
Ulcinj Old Town
The Ulcinj Old Town has traces of antiquity and eclectic heritage that mirror this town's rich history and millennia of tradition. The intricacy of recorded social unrest and cosmopolitan character is easily recognizable inside the old town settlements. The previous Turkish Bey's home is situated close to the Venetian castle, right next to the previous Renaissance church turned mosque turned exhibition hall, close by an Orthodox church: these different authentic structures portray Ulcinj's multiethnic and multi-religious legacy. Today, this Montenegrin town has an Albanian majority - but all nations live in peace, defying the odds of Balkan.
While strolling through the bougainvillea dotted streets, you will enjoy a crash course in history without even realizing it.
Slave Market
The notorious "Square of Slaves" is located in the upper part of the Old Town bulwarks. Right away, slaves were for the most part rich individuals caught by pirates from the well-off region around the Mediterranean regions that are now mostly part of Italy and Croatia. They were basically used to being held hostage for the sole motivation behind recovery and were delivered when their loved ones would take care of their lives. Wealthy individuals began purchasing slaves as workers thus the pirates began catching slaves from North Africa also.
Curiously, even the legendary Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes was held captive in this town, then known as Dulcigno. After he was released from his 5-year-long captivity, he wrote his famous novel, Don Quixote, whose lover he named Dulcinea. The square now carries the name of this author.
St. Nicholas Church
St Nicholas' church, opened in 1890, is an Orthodox church tucked away in an olive forest, right before the Old Town settlement. While walking to the seaside, you might pick the way that goes directly through the congregation property with beautiful antiquated olive groves and the burial ground that overlooks the magical seaside.
You might want to make a stop at the charming little gift shop inside the churchyard, selling hand-tailored keepsakes, scented sachets, candles, and privately grown natural product liquor (rakija) that will make wonderful souvenirs.
Pasha’s Mosque
Pasha's mosque is one of the six mosques inside the Ulcinj district. Its construction was completed in 1719 by the residents of the town who used the materials they looted of Venetian ships. The mosque is devoted to the Ottoman chief of naval operations, the conqueror of Ulcinj - Ali-Pasha Kilich.
Situated in the focal point of the town it has great significance for the Muslim population of Ulcinj and is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in Montenegro.
Being the main mosque in the aggregate of Montenegro with a hammam (customary Turkish shower) and one of just two mosques with the first minaret still existent today, it is a spot certainly worth a visit while visiting Ulcinj's shoreline.
Wild Flamingos
Thought you’d have to visit South America to spot everyone’s favorite pink bird? While it is true that flamingos rarely reside in Europe, Ulcinj is an exception, with a huge population that comes here to breed. What’s more interesting is that they chose the now closed salt factory, which once upon a time supplied 60% percent of Yugoslavia’s salt demand, as their autumn home. Come and see this rare symbiosis of nature and civilization's forces that resulted in this unexpected phenomenon.
Beaches To Visit In Ulcinj
It’s time to switch from historical sites to beautiful beaches that leave everyone breathless with their exotic look. The beaches around this charming town are without a doubt the most impressive in Montenegro, if not in the whole of Adriatic. Let’s see which ones you must visit during your luxury yachting holiday.
Velika Plaza
Velika Plaza (Long Beach in Montenegrin) starts from the area of Port Milena in Ulcinj and ends by the Bojana River, which separates the seaside from the island of Ada Bojana. This puts it high on this list of Europe’s longest beaches, stretching out more than 12 kilometers in length. In 2010, New York Times magazine named it one of the top destinations to visit, along with Ulcinj town itself.
Oftentimes perceived as one of the most magical beaches in Europe, it is a mecca for performers and cinematographers, many of whom chose Velika Plaza as the shooting location for some of the most popular regional film motion pictures, TV series, and most music videos.
Ada Bojana
The island was created by a river delta on the southernmost point of Montenegro is a place of ethereal beauty and a rare natural jewel mercifully spared of mass tourism.
While Ulcinj has a big traditional and conservative Muslim community, Ada Bojana has always been known as the place for region’s avantgarde, many of whom came to enjoy the sandy shores and nudist beach.
During the summer, you will find bohemian crowds playing guitar by the fire or practicing water sports, kite surfing being the most popular.
With it’s clean seas, mysterious nature and hippie atmosphere evocative of the 60s, Ada Bojana is without a doubt one of the most interesting places you can visit in Europe.
It is also worth noting that you could walk to the Albanian border by the beach.
Valdanos Beach
Come to Valdanos to absorb the beauty of the glittery seas and abundant olive groves. If a secluded beach without tourist crowds is your cup of tea, you will be enamored with this wild gem with an indented coastline perfect for diving. While it is a beautiful cove to visit by charter yacht, others might find it a bit challenging for a full-day stay, as there are no showers or parasols to rent. The only trace of civilization here is a small cafe that serves refreshments to enjoy after hours of sunbathing and swimming.
Ladies Beach
Not only does this beach pose tremendous beauty, it also has healing effects thanks to sulfur mineral springs, known to treat respiratory disease and digestive tract difficulties, as well as infertility in women. The healing effects of the water were confirmed by many scientists.
The environment is gorgeous, with lush pine trees and striking rock formations.
Best Restaurants To Visit In Ulcinj
Trying local cuisine in Ulcinj is something that you wouldn’t want to miss. Abundant nature and different cultural effects make this town a culinary paradise, full of excellent restaurants that you can visit during your yachting holiday in Montenegro.
Konoba Kod Ranka
Boathouse Konoba Kod Ranka is one of the most legendary places in Ulcinj, known for mouthwatering dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
The owner Ranko, who the restaurant was named after, makes it his highest priority to welcome every single visitor at the entry, always going the extra mile to guarantee each guest feels at home.
Misko
When you visit Ada Bojana, Konoba Kod Miska will give you an equal amount of satisfaction as the stunning nature. One of the best seafood restaurants you will ever visit - and no, this is not an overstatement.
Dulcinea
Dulcinea is a beautiful, family-run café in the old town. They have delectable Montenegrin-style seafood dishes as well as mouthwatering Balkan barbecue. There's something for everybody on their menu and the views of the old town, harbor, and seaside make it a great option for a lunch after exploring Ulcinj’s historic area.
La Tavola
Another option in the Old Town to visit while roaming the ancient streets - if you’d like to make a switch from seafood and treat yourself to a delicious medium rare steak, you'll love La Tavola.
