Ulcinj Holidays

You’ll find Ulcinj in southeast Montenegro, it’s one of the oldest towns on the coast. Looks-wise, it’s like every man and his dog’s had a say, with Roman, Gothic, Renaissance and even Oriental architecture. And with its restaurants, cafés and galleries, there’s no danger you’ll get bored. But the real clincher is its beaches.

Montenegro’s not known for its sandy shoreline. But Ulcinj bucks the trend. The belts here are made up of the kind of floury-white sands that has the Caribbean looking nervously over its shoulder. The 13-kilometre-long Velika Plaza – literally, Long Beach – is said to be rich in minerals with healing qualities. And the rest of the coastline's dotted with tucked-away coves, including a women-only patch.

History buffs will have a field day in Ulcinj. In the old town, you’ve got a fort, dinky squares and a Venetian palace. And thanks to the mosques, kebab stands and lively music, the whole place has a real Montenegro-meets-Morocco feel. If you fancy making a day of it, you can fill your boots with even more ancient architecture in Kotor. It’s an hour and 40 minutes’ hop up the coast.