Ulcinj Salina: A Bird-Watcher’s Paradise

One of the true hidden gems of Montenegro is Ulcinj’s Salina (Solana). The city is famed for its incredible old town, pristine beaches and some of the healing mud locations. However, not many know that the majestic part of Ulcinj’s landscape is actually Salina, packed with bird species that will mesmerise you.

This is the cornerstone of wildlife in Montenegro, one of the protected sites, which has incredible flora and fauna. Therefore, it rightfully deserves a place on the list of ultimate locations for bird watching. If you enjoy outstanding natural wonders that have an incredible variety of experiences to offer, then Salina is a place for you.

In this blog, we will bring you on the journey where you will have a glimpse of why Salina is so special. With this, we hope to spark your interest and get you to visit one of the wonders of southern Montenegro.

So let’s dive in!

Location and History

Salina is located in the southernmost part of Montenegro, near Ulcinj. It is a saltwater lagoon, one of its kind in the country. Salina is covering an area of 1,500 hectares. It is a part of the Bojana-Buna Delta, which is considered to be one of the most important wetland areas in the Balkans.

The Salina has been used for salt production for centuries. The remains of the old productions are still visible today, and Montenegro has been trying to restart them in the upcoming years. This is because the Salina represents one of the most significant salt pans in the Mediterranean during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Long before the Ulcinj Salina became the landscape we see today, this area was known as Zogajsko Blato. The name speaks for itself—“zog” means “bird” in Albanian, a fitting tribute to the rich birdlife that has always been drawn to this region. Back then, it was a vast swamp, filled with brackish water that was less salty than the sea. This unique mix of seawater, freshwater, and rain created the ecosystem we know today.

Even before salt production began, before the sea, sun, and wind started working together to form the famous salt pans, the swamp was alive with natural rhythms. Birds thrived here, finding food, shelter, and nesting grounds.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Ulcinj

Why is Salina so Special?

In 2013, Ulcinj Salina lost its original purpose. A neglected building, dilapidated warehouses, and dry pools are a sad picture of this area, but Salina was and remains a special place in Montenegro. This is because of its incredible wildlife. Salina is known as the ultimate bird habitat of Montenegro. Barely anywhere in the world can you find an area with so many different bird colonies.

Bird-Watching

Salina is so unique and attractive because it has preserved its bird species for centuries. Today, it is one of the most significant resting, breeding and overwintering sites for numerous water birds in the whole of the Adriatic.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of birds arrive at the Salina. Some come to breed, others to rest on long migratory journeys, and many spend the winter here, safe and undisturbed. In total, around 250 different species have been recorded here, representing an astonishing 70% of all bird species found in Montenegro and nearly half of Europe’s native birdlife. Among them are 19 globally endangered species, making the Salina a site of international ecological significance.

The most significant residents of Salina include the Greater Flamingo, the rare Dalmatian Pelican, and the striking Eurasian Spoonbill. But these are just a few of the species that call this place home. Perhaps most symbolic of Salina’s uniqueness is the Black-winged Stilt, a delicate bird with long pink legs and bold black-and-white plumage. This is the only place in all of Montenegro where the Black-winged Stilt breeds.

Flamingo in Salina

Ulcinj Salina is the only place on the eastern Adriatic coast where flamingos nest. It is also one of the places where they stay throughout the entire year. This is not just a stop along their migration route, but it is home.

This is one of the reasons why visitors love to visit Salina. Here, flamingos freely walk through the shallow waters or lift into the air in elegant flocks. One of the main attractions here is observing these majestic birds in their natural habitat as their pink feathers reflect beautifully in the saltwater pools. Watching them stretch their long necks or gently sift the water for food feels like witnessing a quiet ritual of nature.

These birds are part of Salina’s identity. Their presence marks the success of this unique ecosystem, where salt and freshwater mix, creating perfect conditions for feeding and nesting. At times, the colony numbers in the hundreds. In spring, during nesting season, the shallow basins come alive with movement as pairs tend to their nests and young chicks begin to explore.

And while International Flamingo Day on June 23 is a wonderful time to celebrate them, the truth is you can enjoy the beauty of flamingos at Ulcinj Salina in any season. As long as the skies are clear and the waters still, they will greet you in all of their glory.

Practical Tips to Visit Salina

How to Visit

Visitors to the Salina can explore the area either by yourself or through guided tours, bird-watching activities, and educational programs.

If you’re planning a visit to the Ulcinj Salina, you can do it by car or taxi, taking “Solanski Put” street in Ulcinj. Follow the road to the end, where you’ll find the old Salina administration building. This is where your journey begins. At the entrance gate, speak to the security staff. You may be asked to show your ID card or passport, so be sure to have it with you. The gates open early, at 7 in the morning, making it perfect for catching the golden light and the early activity of the birds.

One of the best ways to explore the vast Salina area is also by bike. It’s the perfect pace for taking in the scenery and spotting wildlife along the trails. You can ask the security staff if bicycles are available for rent on-site.

The entrance fee is just 2.50 euros, a small price for access to one of the most peaceful and biodiverse places on the Adriatic coast. Whether you’re there to see the flamingos, enjoy the quiet beauty of nature, or simply breathe in the salt air, the Salina welcomes you.

Several local organisations and tour companies specialise in bird-watching and eco-tourism, providing visitors with the chance to experience Salina’s unique ecosystem and learn about the importance of preserving this hidden gem.

The Best Time to Visit

The most beautiful part of the year in Ulcinj Salina is spring, when lots of species come to enjoy this area. This is also the time when bird migration is occurring, so make sure to plan your tri.p during March to June. During this time, the Ulcinj Salina is a transitory phase with more than 40,000 migrating birds a day. But when spring is over, the summer heat becomes too hot, and many species look for cooler places.

In autumn, from late August to November, the majority of nesting birds are getting ready for the journey south, while tired birds from Siberia and Northern Europe enjoy the Mediterranean winter, which is rainy but with little frost. Therefore, this is also a good time to enjoy birds in their natural habitat.

Also Read: What is the weather like in April?

In conclusion, Ulcinj Salina is an unmissable destination for nature lovers and bird-watchers, with its vast wetland, unique saltwater lagoon, and wide variety of bird species. This hidden gem in Montenegro also has great potential for eco and medical tourism, offering visitors the chance to experience its healing properties and learn about the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.