Things to Do in Ulcinj

Ulcinj sits at Montenegro's southern edge, where the Adriatic coastline takes on a distinctly Albanian character. This ancient port town has weathered centuries of Ottoman rule, leaving behind a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses with wooden balconies, and one of the most atmospheric old towns along the Montenegrin coast. The town actually feels quite different from the rest of Montenegro - you'll hear Albanian spoken as much as Montenegrin, and the cuisine reflects this cultural blend in genuinely interesting ways. What draws most people here, though, is the coastline itself. Velika Plaža stretches for over 12 kilometers of sandy beach - a rarity along this predominantly rocky coast. The town manages to feel both historic and relaxed, with a pace that's noticeably slower than the busier resort towns to the north. It's the kind of place where you might find yourself lingering longer than planned, particularly if you appreciate places that haven't been entirely polished for tourism.

The dining scene here reflects Ulcinj's position as a cultural crossroads, with Albanian, Turkish, and traditional Montenegrin influences creating something genuinely distinctive. You'll find excellent seafood restaurants along the harbor where the catch is legitimately fresh and prepared simply. The old town has several atmospheric spots serving traditional Albanian dishes like tavë kosi and byrek, often in settings that haven't changed much in decades. For whatever reason, the Turkish coffee culture is particularly strong here - you'll find tiny cafes where old men spend entire afternoons over single cups. The beachfront restaurants tend to be more international but often lack the character of the family-run places tucked into the old town's winding streets.

Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant weather, with May and September being particularly appealing for their warm days and comfortable evenings without the intense summer heat. July and August see the highest temperatures and biggest crowds, though the coastal breezes keep things more bearable than you might expect. Interestingly, October can be quite lovely if you don't mind cooler water - the town returns to its quieter pace, restaurants stay open, and you might find yourself having entire beaches to yourself. Winter is genuinely quiet, with many tourist facilities closed, though the old town maintains its charm and you'll get a sense of how locals actually live.