Ulcinj, a coastal town in southern Montenegro, has a very long history, more than 2,500 years. It was founded by the Illyrians and later ruled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans—each leaving behind traces of their culture and architecture.
Ulcinj was also once known as a pirate haven in the Middle Ages, adding a fascinating, adventurous chapter to its history. One of the most famous legends of Ulcinj tells of the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, and his supposed connection to the town’s pirate past. According to local lore, Cervantes was captured by Ulcinj’s pirates in the late 16th century, when the Adriatic coast was a known hunting ground for corsairs. The pirates brought him to Ulcinj as a slave, where he spent several years in captivity before eventually being ransomed and freed. Nowadays, we are not sure whether this is a true story, but you will still see many places here named after Cervantes.
Ulcinj is widely regarded as the cultural and historical center of the Albanian community in Montenegro. Situated near the border with Albania, Ulcinj has a majority Albanian population, and its traditions, language, and daily life reflect a strong Albanian influence. The town has its own distinct identity compared to other coastal towns of Montenegro.
Because of Ulcinj’s bilingual and multicultural character, street signs, public notices, and official texts in the town are written in both Albanian and Montenegrin.
The Old Town of Ulcinj is a remarkable blend of different civilizations. It is a unique mix of Mediterranean and Oriental influences, stunning sea views, and fortifications.
The Ulcinj Citadel, rising above the Adriatic on a rocky cliff, is the heart of the town’s ancient fortifications. Its massive stone walls, towers, and gates were designed to withstand sieges and pirate attacks. Today, the Ulcinj Citadel stands as a living museum, presenting archaeology, architecture, and culture.
Being here, you will appreciate the walls of the Ulcinj Citadel – they are so thick because they were built primarily for defense and protection. Also, the walls resisted for centuries the natural forces of the Adriatic Sea – waves, wind, and salt.
One of the most remarkable cultural landmarks in the Old Town of Ulcinj is the Archaeological Museum. It was originally built as a Christian church during the Venetian period, later converted into a mosque under Ottoman rule, and today serves as a museum preserving Ulcinj’s cultural heritage.
Ulcinj is well-known for its beaches. First, we have Velika Plaža (the Long Beach), which is the largest beach in Montenegro, with its length of 13 km. It is located between Ulcinj and Ada Bojana. Then, in the heart of Ulcinj, we have Mala Plaža (the Small Beach), where, in addition to fine dark sand and shallow warm water, you can enjoy the views of Ulcinj Old Town. There are other famous beaches in this region, including Ladies Beach (Ženska Plaža), Valdanos Beach, and others.
The southernmost destination in Montenegro is Ada Bojana, a triangular island, where the river Bojana meets the Adriatic Sea. The island is known for its untouched nature and sandy beaches, including a large nudist beach.
Along the banks of the river Bojana, you can still see the traditional wooden houses, many of which are now turned into fish restaurants. Most of them are really good, so here you can stop and enjoy the traditional fish soup (riblja čorba) and grilled fish and seafood.
Another remarkable place near Ulcinj is Ulcinj Salina (Ulcinjska Solana). Located near the southern end of Velika Plaža, it covers over 1,400 hectares of salty shallow basins. Once one of the largest salt production areas on the Adriatic, it has now become one of the most important bird habitats in the Balkans. There are about 250 bird species here, including herons, pelicans, and especially flamingos, which have become iconic residents of Ulcinj Salina.