Ulcinj in Montenegro: features, attractions, travel and accommodation

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

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

The epithet “old” was assigned to the city in vain. It was built approximately in the V century BC. The founders of Ulcinj are the Hagdai (one of the Illyrian tribes). Later, the city was under control:

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

Montenegro itself became independent in 1878, and Ulcinj became part of it only two years later. All past ages 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 the rest is several times more than the indigenous people.

Since Ulcinj is close to Albania, the Albanian population accounts for about 70% of the townspeople. This circumstance cannot be ignored when traveling there. Inappropriate cheeky behavior or immodest clothing, causing deeds can have negative consequences for tourists. But they will be able, without leaving the Montenegrin land, to taste traditional Albanian dishes.

As for the vegetation, near Ulcinj is a grove of olive trees. Even the usual townspeople go there. Therefore, it is 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 remarkable feature of the surrounding area is the presence of lakes. The largest of them (Shasskoe) is located 10 km to the south and is second only to Skadar Lake in Montenegro. Reed grows along the banks of the reservoir. Its thickets are home to 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 it is necessary not only to get from the airport, but also to fly first to Montenegro. Direct flight to Tivat leaves from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Direct flights to Podgorica can only come from Moscow, and even in the summer months. If a direct message is for some reason unavailable, most often an intermediate landing takes place in Belgrade.

The same information should be borne in mind to 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 trailer car that comes from Moscow in transit through Belgrade to the city of Bar.The distance between it and Ulcinj is 28 km. Only one minus - the Moscow car goes exclusively in the summer. You can take the train from Belgrade twice a day. It 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 a long-distance bus are sold for about 2 euros. You can simplify your life by renting a car or using a transfer. But some travelers, considering the location of Ulcinj on the map, choose another option. They travel by plane to Tirana, after which they go to Shkoder and from there they take a bus or a car to the Montenegrin resort.

The road between the two end points is approximately 40 km. The fare for the bus is approximately 6 euros. Border control is carried out at the Sukobin junction. It is worth mentioning about another alternative - when tourists arrive in Italy, and then take the ferry to Bar. The ticket price varies from 44 to 250 euros (it affects the comfort of ships and specific cabins), the crossing time is 9 hours.

Sightseeing Ulcinj is appropriate to start from the old part of the city. At present, the introduction of this area into the list of objects specially protected by UNESCO is being prepared. In the old part of the resort, the choice of objects for inspection is:

• walls of a medieval fortress;

• kalaya castle;

• archeology museum;

• Tower Balshicha.

Entrance fees from tourists in the old town are not taken. You can quickly examine it in an hour. It is interesting that in this very place 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 XVI century. But at the end of the seventeenth century, a mosque was made of it.

On vacation it will be useful to get to know more closely with the Balsic Tower. It was built in the XII century, and against the background of the surrounding buildings, it was really an impressive building in its height. The tower received 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 Slave Square. Once this place is really used for the slave trade.

But the Sailor's Mosque was reconstructed in 2012 exactly on the site of the eponymous predecessor, built in the XIV century. Muslims erected a temple in the area of ​​the Small Beach. The mosque got its name because of the dedication of the seamen rescued from death. For your information: the minaret of the Matross mosque still continues to be used as a beacon. 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 victims of the struggle for the freedom of Montenegro. If we talk about nature monuments in Ulcin, then it is worth mentioning the Ulcin salt mines.

This name has a protected area, located near the village of Štoj. Such an unusual brand was given by a salt mine that was once located there. After the closure of the salt production, birds began to arrive here. And since 2015, the territory has been handed over to an organization dedicated to the national parks of Montenegro.

Many thousands of birds flock to the shores of the lake. Some species settled here even on a permanent basis. Lake Solana has become a center of attraction for:

• pelicans;
• flamingo;
• cormorants;
• herons.

The beaches of Ulcinj are a separate big topic. Small beach starts almost from the very Old Town 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 cabins for undressing, but also a lot of cafes, restaurants, and sun beds. Lovers of active leisure ride on catamarans and jet skis.

If the Small Beach still does not attract or seems populous, we must move further along the embankment further south. There are found rocky shores where you can find small beach areas. In this place there are platforms for diving enthusiasts. Such platforms are often used by beach clubs.

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

Great beach Ulcinj is so named not by chance: it is the most popular part of the coast throughout Montenegro. He is officially awarded the Blue Flag. The strip of dark sand of the small fraction stretches for 13 km. The heated sand mass is excellent in combating:

• muscle aches;
• arthritis;
• rheumatic disorders.

Great beach can be divided into several sections, which are distinguished by their specificity. At the very end of the coast, farthest from Ulcinj, is Ada Bojana island. There is a nudist beach. And kitesurfers and windsurfers rush there too. The beach area of ​​Copacabana is located 12 km from Ulcinj. Every year there is a music festival in the last days of June. Performers and whole groups from different states come to him. Music of various states sounds:

• funk;
• jazz;
• soul;
• house

Ulcinj is the most hot and sunny weather in all of Montenegro. Arriving on the Ultsin Riviera is worth in May and June. The peak of demand is in July and August. Then, on a touristy coastline, the air temperature can reach 30-35 degrees.

In September, it becomes cooler - the air cools down on average to 25-27 degrees, while the sea remains warm. Interestingly, the locals themselves choose this month for water treatments, when crowds of tourists are gone, and the air temperature and water in the sea are very comfortable. During the winter months there is mild weather, most often the temperature is about +10 degrees. Due to the rains and the lack of special entertainment for tourists during the winter months there is little here.

The problem with the choice of housing in Ultsin is particularly 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 accommodation facilities (if you consider not only hotels, but also apartments, hostels and more exotic options).

Reviews show that it makes sense to go to Guest House Smajlaga. Getting from this guesthouse to the beach is possible in 4 minutes. The service is fully consistent with the level of 3 stars. Guests have access not only to the garden and terrace, but also to the guest area, personal kitchen and stove.

Good ratings give and Hotel Senator. From this hotel you can walk to the sea in a couple of minutes. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, a garage and a swimming pool. All rooms are air conditioned.Everywhere is equipped with miniature kitchens and dining areas. The guests Villa marinero can reach the shore in just 1 minute. The romantic Old Town is also very close.

The highlight of Ulcinj is Albanian cuisine. There are traditionally made dozens of varieties of amazing cheese. Among them are hard and soft varieties. Some cheeses are prepared with the addition of spices and goat milk. Cheese and goat cheese are advised to buy in small stores and not in supermarkets. Pay for them will have a lot: prices range from 8 to 16 euros per 1 kg. But excellent taste fully justifies such expenses.

The reason is simple - There are absolutely unique herbs on local pastures.. Montenegrin butter will also be a pleasant novelty in Ultsin. It is characterized by the same notes.

Any local resident will definitely recommend foreigners to try prshut. So here they call jerky, which is salted by a special method. But to find something specifically national from the number of sweets and desserts will not succeed. Yes, and their overall selection is small. But all local food corresponds to the basic principles of healthy eating.

In the assessments of tourists who have visited Ultsin, 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. Travel here is justified for people of all ages. In Ultsin you can take pictures at almost every step. Finding attractive places is easy. Some even call this resort a highlight of the Adriatic.

The mountains around look great. In cafes and restaurants give large portions of various foods. Tourists pay attention to the fact that there are a lot of establishments themselves, and you can diversify food in addition by shopping in the market. They sell only delicious vegetables and fruits.

For information on how to spend your holidays in the city of Ulcinj, see the next video.