Ulcinj

• Ulcinj Old Town was protected as a cultural property of national importance in 1961.
• The Valdanos olive grove has around 18,000 trees, with an average age of 800 years, and is under special state protection.
• Valdanos has a 376 m-long beach that has been declared a natural monument.
• Buses connect Ada Bojana with Ulcinj.

The Old Town is divided into an upper section dominated by the citadel and characterized by its military history, and a lower civilian settlement. Fortification walls surround the town. This layout gives the Old Town a character beyond that of a collection of individual historic buildings: the citadel, civilian area and walls form a unified townscape.

The history of religious buildings is also part of the townscape. St. Mary’s Church was built in 1510 and converted into a mosque in 1571. The Church-Mosque now houses the Ulcinj City Museum. Visitors interested in the town’s history can combine a stop here with a look at the Old Town’s different areas.

Another cultural point of interest is the “Ljetnja scena – Summer Scene” event. It takes place in the Old Town at Slave Square, in front of the Balšić Tower, during the first three weeks of August.

In Valdanos, the olive grove and coastal landscape take center stage. Around 18,000 olive trees there are an average of 800 years old, and the grove is under special state protection. Valdanos’s 376 m-long beach is designated a natural monument. Walking, swimming, diving, cycling, boat trips and fishing are among the activities associated with the area. Valdanos can therefore appeal to visitors interested in nature as well as those looking for different activities on the water.

The Ulcinj Salina offers another nature-related attraction: it has infrastructure that is important for birdwatching. For travelers interested in birds, this provides a distinct point of interest alongside coastal and city sightseeing. Taking part in the olive harvest may also be an option during harvest time.

The historic town of Shas lies on 85 m-high Shas Hill, north of Lake Shas. From there, views extend over the lake and the entire Bojana Delta. The ruins of around ten ancient churches have been found in Shas, including the churches of St. John and St. Mary. The site thus combines a striking location with archaeological evidence; the ruins of these churches are part of its recorded history.

Velika Plazha is a relevant destination for kitesurfers, as the mistral is an essential condition for kitesurfing there. This explains the wind’s importance for the sport but does not indicate when conditions are suitable. If kitesurfing is one of your travel interests, consider this when making your own plans.

At Ladies’ Beach in Ulcinj, sulfur-rich mineral springs can be found in the shallower areas of the water. The distinctive feature of this place is therefore the water’s composition. FKK Ada Bojana, a nudist settlement, is also located on the triangular Paradise Island. These destinations appeal to different interests and can be considered separate focuses for a stay.

Pine Wood is another option for walks: the walking area begins at Small Beach and extends eastward. In Kruche, meanwhile, you can find the remains of a medieval fortress and a small single-nave church dating from the 12th to 13th century. Those whose focus is more on cultural history will find a different option here than coastal or nature experiences.

Buses connect Ada Bojana with Ulcinj, providing a practical point of reference for getting between these two places. To explore individual areas, you can visit the pages for Ulcinj, Kunje, Utjeha-Bušat, Sveti Nikola, Doni Štoj, Mala Gorana and Bratica. You can also explore Žabljak as another travel destination.

Where does “Ljetnja scena – Summer Scene” take place?

The event takes place in Ulcinj Old Town at Slave Square, in front of the Balšić Tower. It is scheduled for the first three weeks of August.

What is housed in the Church-Mosque?

The Church-Mosque houses the Ulcinj City Museum.

How are Ada Bojana and Ulcinj connected?

Buses connect Ada Bojana with Ulcinj.

What is known about the church ruins in Shas?

The ruins of around ten ancient churches have been found in the historic town of Shas, including St. John’s and St. Mary’s.

For the broader travel overview: Montenegro.