While millions of Brits prepare to flock to crowded Spanish, Greek, and Italian beaches this summer, a lesser-known Montenegrin town offers a tranquil alternative. Ulcinj, located on the country's southernmost tip along the Adriatic coast, boasts an eight-mile stretch of golden sand known as Velika Plaža (Long Beach). According to travel experts at Iglu Cruise, this destination provides a more laid-back and budget-friendly experience compared to northern Montenegro.
Ulcinj's old town is a maze of cobbled streets within stone fortress walls, featuring authentic local restaurants, artisanal shops, and attractions such as the Museum of Local History and the Church-Mosque. Visitors can follow the walls to find openings offering stunning sea views. The beach itself begins at Port Milena and is flat and accessible, with different sections catering to various tastes. Cabo Beach offers sunbeds, parasols, and lively bars, while Miami Beach in the north is quieter with pine trees providing shade.
Further south, the beach becomes more vibrant with bars and nightlife, and in July 2026, Ulcinj will host the EXIT Festival for the first time, turning Long Beach into a party destination. For those seeking solitude, Ladies Beach, a short drive north, is a rocky inlet with a tiny beach and flat rocks for sunbathing, plus ladders for easy access to the calm cove.
As evening falls, the stylish marina area offers waterfront bars with outdoor terraces and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. Local cuisine blends Italian influences—pizza and pasta—with Balkan dishes like smoked ham, slow-cooked lamb, and kacamak (a potato and cheese porridge). With flights from the UK available for as little as £39 and a journey under three hours, Ulcinj presents an appealing off-the-beaten-track option for 2026.
