Things to Do in Ulcinj Montenegro: Beaches, Kayaking & More

Ulcinj’s main draw is its long beach, but there’s a solid range of activities beyond swimming. The town’s Ottoman old town, nearby river island, lake birdwatching, and consistent winds for water sports give it more depth than a typical coastal resort.

Walk the Old Town Ramparts

The old town (Stari Grad) sits on a rocky headland above the sea. Entry to the fortifications is free - walk the outer walls and ramparts for views south along Velika Plaža and out over the Adriatic. The fortress architecture reflects multiple occupation periods: Illyrian foundations, Roman modifications, and extensive Ottoman reconstruction. Allow 1.5 hours for a thorough circuit including the small streets inside the walls.

Best time: early morning before tour groups arrive, or late afternoon for the light.

Swim at Velika Plaža

The 12km Great Beach stretches south of the old town. Entry along the entire length is free. The sand is dark and fine, the slope into the water is gradual, and the beach faces south-west - afternoon swimming is particularly good. Peak season runs July to August; May, June, and September are noticeably quieter.

Sunbeds and umbrellas rent for approximately €5–10 per day on the central sections. The northern end nearest the old town tends to have fewer facilities and more space.

Day Trip to Ada Bojana River Island

Ada Bojana is a triangular river island at the mouth of the Bojana River, about 10km south of Ulcinj. A short boat crossing costs around €5 each way. The island has a long history as a naturist destination but the beach is open to all visitors. Several simple fish restaurants serve grilled catch of the day for €12–18.

Factor in a half-day minimum: 30 minutes each way by boat, a few hours on the beach or exploring the riverside paths. Bungalow accommodation is available if you want to stay overnight (from €60 per night as of 2026). Tours and activities in Montenegro sometimes include Ada Bojana as part of a wider coastal day itinerary.

Spot Flamingos at Šasko Lake

Šasko Lake is a shallow freshwater lake about 8km north of Ulcinj. It’s one of a small number of sites in the Western Balkans where flamingos appear, typically during spring and autumn migration - though small numbers can be present through summer. Entry is free. The lakeside path is unpaved and unmanaged. Binoculars make a significant difference; the birds tend to stay in the shallow central sections well away from the banks.

Allow 1–2 hours. Combine it with the drive or walk along the coast road for a pleasant half-day.

Kayak the Bojana River

Several operators based near Velika Plaža offer kayak hire on the Bojana River, which forms the Montenegro–Albania border. Hourly rental costs approximately €20. The river is calm and wide for most of its length - suitable for beginners. The route downstream toward Ada Bojana takes around 2–3 hours each way.

Kite Surf at Velika Plaža

The consistent afternoon winds along Velika Plaža have made it one of the more popular kite surfing spots on the Adriatic. Several schools operate along the beach in summer. Introductory lessons (2–3 hours including equipment) start from approximately €50. Intermediate and advanced sessions are also available.

The best wind conditions typically run from late June through August. Windsurfing rental and lessons are available from the same operators.

Snorkel off the Old Town Beach

The small rocky beach directly below the old town walls offers reasonable snorkelling in clear shallow water. Entry is free and equipment hire is available from a couple of beach shacks in season. Visibility is typically best in the morning before afternoon boat traffic increases.

Visit the Ulcinj Aquapark

The Aquapark operates July and August only. Entry costs approximately €20 for children and €25 for adults as of 2026. It’s a reasonable option for families during the peak heat of mid-summer. Located on the Velika Plaža strip - easily reached on foot from most hotels in that area.

Explore Ulcinj’s Evening Bazaar

The bazaar street (sometimes called Ulcinj Skadarlija) comes alive from around 7pm in summer. Café tables spill onto the pavement, small shops stay open late, and the grilled-meat smell from a dozen small restaurants creates a genuinely lively atmosphere. It’s not curated for tourists - it’s where locals eat, drink coffee, and socialise. A coffee costs around €1.50; a grilled-meat plate around €8.

Sunset Cocktails at Old Town Viewpoint Bars

Several bars along the old town walls open from early evening specifically for the sunset. Views extend south along Velika Plaža and west over open sea. Cocktails cost approximately €8–12. The atmosphere is laid-back rather than club-style; tables fill by 7pm in August so arrive early.

Getting Around

Ulcinj’s old town and the northern section of Velika Plaža are walkable from each other (20–25 minutes). For Ada Bojana or Šasko Lake, you’ll need a taxi or rental car - taxis are metered and widely available. A ride to Ada Bojana costs approximately €10–15 one way. Rental cars can be arranged from Podgorica or Bar - see car hire in the Balkans for options.