Ulcinj in 24 Hours: Essential Stops for the Best Day Trip

Think you can’t fully enjoy a destination in just 24 hours? Ulcinj will happily prove you wrong. This southeastern municipality of Montenegro has a way of winning hearts in just a few hours with its sun-kissed beaches, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. For many travellers, it remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets, an ideal hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

What makes Ulcinj so special is that you don’t need weeks to fall in love with it. Even in a single day, you can uncover layers of charm, from its Old Town walls and Ottoman influences to its lively promenade and endless stretches of sand.

To help you navigate the city better, our latest blog brings you the ultimate one-day itinerary for Ulcinj, so you can make the most of your visit without feeling rushed.

But first, a little background: the name Ulcinj comes from the ancient Greek Ολυχνίον (Olychnion) or Ολυκνίον (Olyknion), meaning “a place where wild fig trees grow.” Over centuries, the name evolved into the form we know today.

And how do you say it correctly? Ulcinj is pronounced “Ool-tseen,” with the final j sounding like the “y” in yes.

If you’re curious and ready to explore, keep reading, as we’ve crafted the perfect 24-hour plan for discovering this coastal jewel.

Wander Through the Old Town

Start your day in Ulcinj by exploring the Old Town. With narrow streets, ancient walls, and traditional buildings, this historic landmark is a well-preserved example of Ottoman architecture. Explore the small shops and cafes to get a feel for this charming town’s distinct atmosphere.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. The town dates back to the 5th century BC and was an important trade and cultural centre during the Ottoman Empire. The Old Town is located on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the city’s modern area. It’s a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and squares surrounded by traditional stone buildings with red-tiled roofs. The town is surrounded by high walls and towers that were built to keep invaders out. The Ulcinj Castle, which dates back to the 5th century BC and has been used by various empires throughout history, is the most prominent landmark of the Old Town.

Popular attractions include the Balsic Tower, Namazgah Mosque, Mala Plaza Tower, and the Local History Museum. The museum depicts Ulcinj’s history and culture, with exhibits on art, religion, architecture, and traditional costumes. You can explore everything for around 2 hours, but to avoid crowds, we recommend coming in the early morning hours.

Grab a Delicious Breakfast

Old Town is also home to numerous restaurants that invite you with their traditional cuisine. Therefore, if you want to enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea while eating breakfast, we recommend the local restaurant “Antigona”. At the restaurant, you can find traditional breakfast food, such as “priganice”, or enjoy breakfast from around the world. (Small tip: sunset views from Antigona are spectacular).

Enter the Sailors Mosque

Nestled within the stone walls of Ulcinj’s Old Town, the Sailors’ Mosque stands out as a symbol of both faith and the city’s deep maritime heritage. Built centuries ago by local sea captains, it was dedicated to giving thanks for safe returns from the unpredictable Adriatic. Unlike most mosques, it was created specifically by sailors, for sailors, giving it a personal and heartfelt connection to the seafaring community.

Its location is equally significant. Perched on a height overlooking the sea, the mosque’s slender minaret served as a beacon for returning sailors, a hopeful sign guiding them safely back to port. Beyond its practical symbolism, it became a gathering point for sailors and their families, as a place to pray, share stories, and celebrate Ulcinj’s rich maritime culture.

Architecturally, the mosque is elegant in its simplicity. While modest compared to grand Ottoman mosques, its charm lies in the harmony between its design and the surrounding Adriatic landscape. From the top of its minaret, visitors are treated to panoramic views of the coastline, the bustling harbour, and the layered history of the Old Town below.

Today, the Sailors’ Mosque remains an active place of worship, while also serving as a captivating stop for travellers. Its unique blend of history, spirituality, and maritime legacy makes it a must-see landmark that truly embodies the soul of Ulcinj.

Discover Ada Bojana

After a few hours in the city centre, we recommend moving onto the ultimate location in Ulcinj called Ada Bojana. This is a river island formed by the Bojana River’s delta, which separates it from the mainland. The island is about 3.5 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, with dunes and greenery covering it. The beach on Ada Bojana is a long, sandy stretch that runs the entire length of the island and faces the Adriatic Sea.

The island is well-known for its natural beauty and pristine landscape, as well as its seafood restaurants and beach bars. Relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters, or explore the island’s natural wonders like the sand dunes and the Bojana River Delta.

The island is accessible from the mainland by a narrow bridge, and there are no paved roads on the island. This contributes to the island’s rustic charm and laid-back atmosphere. Ada Bojana visitors can explore the island on foot or by bicycle, taking in the natural scenery and spotting the various birds that live there.

When here, use a chance to swim, grab a drink or lunch and enjoy the stunning nature you are immersed in. Depending on your preferences, you can spend one or two hours.

Velika Plaza – Long Beach

Next on our Ulcinj itinerary is Velika Plaža, or Long Beach. It is the longest beach in Montenegro, stretching over 12 kilometres from Ulcinj to the Bojana River Delta. It is also one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in the region, known for its fine sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning scenery.

The beach is just south of the city centre and can be reached by car, taxi, or public transportation. It is the ultimate destination for many locals and tourists due to the incredible sand and variety of beach bars that rent the sunbeds from which you can choose. Be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere with plenty of music. Each bar brings a new vibe to the beach, so don’t be afraid to explore.

Velika Plaza is also a popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding due to the constant winds. For something a bit different when it comes to activities, you can also ride horses along the beach, rent bikes, or hike the nearby hills for a spectacular view of the coastline. Throughout the summer, the beach hosts a number of outdoor music festivals and events.

Our recommendation is to use the rest of the day to explore this spectacular setting and enjoy some of the fun activities, including simply sipping a drink in a beach bar or grabbing a fresh seafood platter.

To take a look at the top five beaches in Ulcinj, take a look at our blog Ulcinj’s Beach Paradise: Exploring Montenegro’s Seaside Haven

Ladies Beach

While Velika Plaža offers an expansive shoreline where everyone can relax and soak up the sun, Ulcinj is home to another beach that caters to a more specific audience. This is also an alternative to spending the entire time on Long Beach. Just a short distance away lies Ladies Beach, a unique sanctuary reserved exclusively for women. Known for its therapeutic sulfuric underwater springs, the beach combines natural healing with serene coastal beauty. True to its name, Ladies Beach provides a private space, making it one of Montenegro’s most distinctive coastal spots.

Beyond its restorative waters, the beach is framed by soft golden sand and gentle, shaded nooks, perfect for reading, meditating, or simply enjoying the rhythmic sound of the waves. Locals often share that bathing in the sulfuric springs is said to soothe skin and relax the muscles, making it a natural spa experience right by the Adriatic.

Read Also: The 6 Best Biking Tours in Montenegro

Ulcinj’s Salina

We were thinking how to top this in our Ulcinj itinerary, especially if you don’t enjoy a full day on the beach? So we are adding the ultimate location in Montenegro – Ulcinj Salina. It is a salt production facility in the southern part of Montenegro, near the town of Ulcinj. The salt pans were built in the 14th century and have been in use ever since, making them one of the Mediterranean’s oldest salt production facilities.

Heading from the Velika Plaza, you can take a car or a taxi and head South for about 11km (20 minutes) where you will reach Ulcinj Salina. The salt pans cover an area of more than 15 square kilometres and are fed by seawater that flows into the pans via a network of canals and sluices. They harvest salt crystals by hand after the sun and wind evaporate the water.

Ulcinj Salina is also home to a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, in addition to the salt pans. The salt marshes provide critical habitat for migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and herons. The area houses a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.

Visitors can take a guided tour of Ulcinj Salina for up to 2 hours and learn about the history and science of salt production, and explore the natural surroundings. Birdwatching, photography, and nature walks are also popular activities at the salt pans. The facility has a small shop where visitors can buy salt and other salt-related products.

Finishing Ulcinj itinerary – the party scene

To finish off your day in Ulcinj, dive into the town’s lively nightlife. Ulcinj comes alive after sunset, especially during the summer months, when visitors from all over the world flock to its bars, clubs, and beachside venues. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy party or a relaxed evening drink, the town has something for everyone.

The beaches of Velika Plaža and Ada Bojana are hotspots for night-time fun. They are lined with beach bars and clubs that stay open late. After a swim, head to Dolcinium or Nomade Beach, where music, dancing, and the sea breeze create an exhilarating atmosphere.

In the town centre, nightclubs cater to a younger crowd with DJs spinning everything from techno to hip-hop. Popular open-air bars along the promenade, like Provocateur, Big Ben, and La Casa de Papel, offer a lively, social scene. For those who want to keep the party going until the early hours, venues such as Buddha Bar and H2O deliver nonstop entertainment.

If you prefer a more laid-back evening, Ulcinj has plenty of bars and cafes in hotels. We recommend Plaza Hotel, Riva, and Hotel Mediteran as excellent options. They often feature outdoor seating, light music, and a relaxed ambience perfect for enjoying a quiet night by the sea.

No matter your style, Ulcinj’s nightlife ensures that the end of your day is just as memorable as the start.