Ulcinj Map

Description:

Description:

Description:

Ulcinj (Albanian: Ulqin) is the southernmost coastal town in Montenegro, located in the southwestern part of the country along the Adriatic Sea. With a population of approximately 21,000 people, it is the administrative center of Ulcinj Municipality. The town has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast. What distinguishes Ulcinj from other Montenegrin coastal towns is its predominantly ethnic Albanian population, which comprises about 70% of its inhabitants.

The town's history dates back to the Illyrian period when it was known as Colchinium. Throughout centuries, it changed hands multiple times, being ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. During the Ottoman period (1571-1878), Ulcinj became a notorious pirate town and an important center of the slave trade in the Adriatic. The town's architecture reflects this diverse historical heritage, with a mixture of Mediterranean, Oriental, and Baroque styles visible in its buildings and urban layout.

Among the most significant landmarks is the Old Town (Kalaja), a well-preserved medieval fortress situated on a rocky peninsula overlooking the sea. The Sailors' Mosque, built in 1719, stands as a testament to the town's maritime history and Ottoman influence. The Museum of Ulcinj, housed in a former church turned mosque, displays archaeological artifacts and historical documents chronicling the region's past.

Ulcinj is renowned for its beaches, with Velika Plaza (Long Beach) being the most famous. Stretching for 13 kilometers, it is the longest beach on the Montenegrin coast and one of the longest in Europe. The smaller but equally notable Mala Plaza (Small Beach) is located in the town center, while Ladies' Beach is known for its mineral-rich water believed to have therapeutic properties. The city is also home to the Salina, a former salt production facility that now serves as an important bird habitat, hosting over 250 bird species during migration periods.

Today, Ulcinj serves as a significant tourist destination, particularly popular among visitors from Kosovo, Albania, and Western Europe. The tourism sector, along with agriculture and salt production, forms the backbone of the local economy. The town is also known for its olive cultivation, with some trees in the region being over 800 years old.