Ulcinj

Day 1: Old Town, Valdanos and the evening korzo

Ease into Ulcinj with a slow morning in the historic centre before discovering the clear waters and olive groves of Valdanos. Finish with the town’s social ritual along the waterfront as the fortress glows at dusk.

• Morning: Coffee and a stroll through the Old Town lanes and viewpoints, then amble down to Mala Plaža for a first dip. If it’s already crowded, continue 10–15 minutes to Liman I or Liman II for calmer coves.
• Midday: Drive or taxi to Valdanos (winding road through ancient olive groves) for deep, glassy water and pebble shoreline—ideal for snorkelling. Bring water shoes for sea urchins and shade under the olives; a picnic here beats the midday heat.
• Afternoon: Linger at Valdanos for unhurried swims; the bay is sheltered from winds and stays clear even when elsewhere is choppy. Off-season (Oct–Apr), it’s a superb coastal walk with dramatic light and almost no crowds.
• Evening: Return to town for the korzo along the Mala Plaža promenade—dress light, join the flow, and grab gelato. Parking is tight in peak season; leave the car farther out or take an inexpensive local taxi.

Day 2: Velika Plaža and the kitesurfing coast

Today is all about Ulcinj’s 12 km sandy showpiece and its wind-driven culture. You’ll sample both busy beach clubs and quieter stretches as the afternoon Maestral fills the sky with kites.

• Morning: Head early to the southern half of Velika Plaža (towards Safari Beach and the rustic camps) for space and softer vibes; sunbed sets run roughly €10–€25 and parking €3–€5. The dark sand heats fast—flip-flops right to the water.
• Midday: Join the kitesurfing scene in the central sections (e.g., Dolcinium Kite Club) to book a lesson or watch pros when the wind builds. Full beginner courses run ~€300–€450; short tasters are often available—hydrate and use high SPF.
• Afternoon: Beach-hop by following the coastal road’s signed turn-offs; the further south you go, the more natural and affordable it gets. Try the local sand “therapy” tradition (briefly warming joints under hot sand), but avoid peak sun hours.
• Evening: Drive to the Bojana River stilt-house restaurants for sunset fish and chilled river breezes; book ahead in July–August. If you wander to the river mouth, respect currents and avoid swimming where river and sea meet.

Day 3: Ada Bojana and Ulcinj’s healing waters

Close with Ulcinj’s most singular places: the naturist island of Ada Bojana and the sulphur springs of the Women’s Beach. There’s an alternative plan for non-FKK visitors, so everyone finishes on a high.

• Morning: Cross to Ada Bojana (small bridge toll may apply; entrance fees subject to change) and walk the sea-facing beach; FKK etiquette is discretion and no photography. If naturism isn’t your thing, choose the wilder southern end of Velika Plaža instead.
• Midday: Lunch over the Bojana on a floating restaurant—order the day’s catch and watch kite sails offshore. On breezier days, consider a short SUP/kayak session on the river’s calmer edges; off-season, swap for a long beach walk on Ada’s empty sands.
• Afternoon: Women can visit Ženska Plaža for the sulphuric springs in a secluded cove (ladies-only, small fee; the mineral scent is normal). Men can swim off the Albatros hotel’s rocky platforms for deep, clear water—wear water shoes.
• Evening: Return to Velika Plaža for a final swim and a laid-back lounge section, or stay on Ada for a sunset that lights up the two river mouths. In shoulder season (May–Jun, Sep), the sea stays warm and crowds thin—the perfect farewell.

By Air

• Podgorica (TGD) – the nearest major airport; about 75–85 km. Driving time 1 hr 20 min–1 hr 45 min via the Sozina tunnel to Bar, then south to Ulcinj. Regular buses run Podgorica–Ulcinj (typically 1 hr 30 min–2 hr).
• Tivat (TIV) – around 90–110 km. Allow 1 hr 45 min–2 hr 45 min (longer in July–August due to coastal traffic via Budva/Bar). Limited direct buses; most travellers connect via Bar or Budva.
• Tirana (TIA), Albania – roughly 140–160 km via the Hani i Hotit/Muriqan–Sukobin border. 2 hr 30 min–3 hr 30 min depending on border queues. Several daily buses/vans via Shkodër.
• Dubrovnik (DBV), Croatia – about 150–170 km via the Debeli Brijeg/Karasovići border and the Montenegrin coast. 3.5–5 hr in peak season; buses run via Herceg Novi–Budva–Bar.

By Train

• No rail station in Ulcinj. Use Bar or Podgorica on the Belgrade–Bar line.
• Bar–Ulcinj: 28–30 km; 35–50 min by bus or taxi.
• Podgorica–Ulcinj: 80–90 km; 1 hr 30 min–2 hr by bus. Trains connect Belgrade/Novi Sad–Podgorica/Bar year-round (Bar and Podgorica have multiple daily services; seasonal variations apply).

By Bus

• Ulcinj Bus Station (Autobuska stanica Ulcinj) has frequent services along the coast and inland.
• Key routes (typical times): Bar (35–50 min), Budva (2–2.5 hr), Kotor (3–3.5 hr), Podgorica (1.5–2 hr), Cetinje (2.5–3 hr), Shkodër, Albania (1.5–2 hr), Tirana (3–4 hr).
• Summer frequency increases; buy tickets at the station or online; seat reservations recommended in peak season.

By Car

• From Podgorica: E65/E80 through the Sozina tunnel to Bar, then E851 to Ulcinj. Tunnel toll for cars applies.
• From the Montenegrin coast (Herceg Novi–Budva–Bar): follow E65/E80/E851 south; expect heavy traffic and delays in July–August.
• From Albania: cross at Muriqan–Sukobin (nearest to Shkodër); 25–35 min drive from the border to Ulcinj.
• From Croatia: cross at Debeli Brijeg/Karasovići, then continue the coastal route via Budva and Bar.
• Parking is available across town and at many beaches; paid lots are common in summer.

By Sea

• International ferry Bari (Italy)–Bar (Montenegro) operates seasonally; from Bar it’s 35–50 min by road to Ulcinj.
• Private marinas are in Bar and Budva; Ulcinj itself has limited facilities for visiting yachts.