Ulcinj (Ulqin) is the southernmost town on the Montenegrin coast, famous for Velika Plaža — the 13 km Long Beach — for its Venetian-Ottoman Old Town and for the warmest sea in Montenegro. This guide from the hosts of Hotel La Rosa Negra answers the questions our guests ask most: where to stay in Ulcinj, which beach to choose, what to see in a week, how to get here from the airports and how much a holiday costs.
- Where to stay in Ulcinj: hotels on Velika Plaža vs. the town
- Velika Plaža (Long Beach): Montenegro's longest sandy beach
- Things to do in Ulcinj: Old Town, Ada Bojana, Šaško Lake and Valdanos
- How to get to Ulcinj from Tivat, Podgorica and Tirana airport
- Best time to visit Ulcinj and what a holiday costs
Where to stay in Ulcinj: hotels on Velika Plaža vs. the town
Ulcinj has three areas to stay. The Old Town and Mala Plaža (Small Beach) area is lively, with restaurants and nightlife but a pebbly, crowded town beach. The hills between town and Long Beach offer apartments with views but need a car. Velika Plaža itself is where you stay if you want sand, shallow water and a real beach holiday — and where most of the hotels with a pool are.
Hotel La Rosa Negra is a 3-star family-friendly beachfront hotel at Kepi i Gjeranave, at the beginning of Velika Plaža next to Port Milena. Every room rate includes half board (breakfast and dinner), the outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and free parking in the hotel garage. Most rooms have a balcony with sea view, and the beach is directly in front of the hotel — no roads to cross with children.
See rooms and pricesVelika Plaža (Long Beach): Montenegro's longest sandy beach
Velika Plaža stretches for about 13 km from Port Milena to the Bojana river. The sand is fine, dark and rich in minerals, and the water stays shallow for hundreds of metres, which makes it the safest beach in Montenegro for children. The northern part, where Hotel La Rosa Negra is located, has organised beach bars with sunbeds; the southern half is wild, with kite-surfing and windsurfing schools thanks to the steady afternoon wind.
The swimming season runs from May to October. Sea temperature reaches 24–27 °C in July and August, and the beach faces west, so every evening ends with a sunset over the Adriatic straight from your balcony.
Things to do in Ulcinj: Old Town, Ada Bojana, Šaško Lake and Valdanos
Ulcinj Old Town (Stari Grad) sits on a rocky cape above Mala Plaža, 10 minutes by car from the hotel. Walk the Venetian walls at sunset, visit the Balšić Tower and the museum in the former mosque, then dine at one of the terraces overlooking the bay.
Ada Bojana is a triangular river island at the southern end of Long Beach, known for fish restaurants built on stilts over the Bojana river, a naturist resort and excellent kite-surfing. Šaško Lake (Šasko jezero), 20 minutes inland, is a bird-watching paradise with the ruins of the medieval town of Svač. Valdanos bay, hidden between centuries-old olive groves north of Ulcinj, is the best spot for snorkelling.
Day trips from Ulcinj: Bar and Stari Bar (30 min), the Skadar Lake boat tours (1 h), Sveti Stefan and Budva (1 h 15), and Albania — Shkodër is just 45 minutes across the Muriqan border.
Location and surroundingsHow to get to Ulcinj from Tivat, Podgorica and Tirana airport
Podgorica Airport (TGD) is about 80 km / 90 minutes away by the new road via Bar; Tivat Airport (TIV) is about 75 km / 90 minutes along the coast; Tirana Airport (TIA) in Albania is 130 km / 2 hours via the Muriqan border crossing. Hotel La Rosa Negra organises private airport transfers for €80 one-way from Podgorica or Tivat — simply add the time of your flight when booking.
By bus, Ulcinj is connected several times a day with Bar, Budva, Kotor and Podgorica; the bus station is 4 km from the hotel. Drivers coming from Croatia or Bosnia follow the Adriatic highway (E65/E80) to Bar and then the coastal road to Ulcinj; free parking is included at the hotel.
Ask about a transferBest time to visit Ulcinj and what a holiday costs
June and September are the sweet spot: 26–30 °C, warm sea, lower prices and quiet beaches. July and August are the peak season with the warmest water and the liveliest beach bars; book 2–3 months ahead for a sea-view room. May and October are ideal for hiking, cycling and kite-surfing at the lowest rates.
Ulcinj is the most affordable part of the Montenegrin coast. At Hotel La Rosa Negra a double room with sea-view balcony starts from around €95 per night including breakfast and dinner for two, free pool and parking — direct bookings on this website are always cheaper than on Booking.com and most stays come with free cancellation.
Check availabilityFAQ · Ulcinj
Which is the best beach in Ulcinj for families?+
Velika Plaža (Long Beach). The water is shallow for hundreds of metres, the sand is soft and there are lifeguards, sunbeds and beach bars on the northern part where Hotel La Rosa Negra stands.
How many days do you need in Ulcinj?+
Plan at least 5–7 nights: 3–4 beach days on Velika Plaža, an evening in the Old Town, a day at Ada Bojana or Šaško Lake and a day trip to Bar, Skadar Lake or Shkodër in Albania.
Is Ulcinj cheaper than Budva or Kotor?+
Yes. Hotels, restaurants and sunbeds in Ulcinj cost noticeably less than in Budva, Kotor or Sveti Stefan, and beachfront hotels on Velika Plaža such as La Rosa Negra include half board in the price.
Which airport is closest to Ulcinj?+
Podgorica (TGD) and Tivat (TIV) are both about 90 minutes away; Tirana (TIA) is about 2 hours. Hotel La Rosa Negra arranges private transfers for €80 one-way.
Is Ulcinj safe for tourists?+
Ulcinj is a calm, family-oriented seaside town; Velika Plaža has lifeguards in season and the shallow water is ideal for children. As everywhere, keep valuables in the room safe.