Ulcinj
Ulcinj is a town in Montenegro.
Understand
Ulcinj is the southern most major town along the Montenegrin coast before reaching the border with Albania. Well over a majority of the population of Ulcinj is Albanian. Together with the town of Tuzi it is one of the two major population centers of Albanians in Montenegro. Due to the towns nice location on the coast it is a major tourist destination of much of the Albanian population of Kosovo.
Get in
- There are frequent buses from Podgorica that should cost under 5 EUR.
- From Bar you can either take a normal bus or catch a 'combi' bus that runs up and down the coast of Montenegro.
- From Kosovo during the tourist season there are frequent buses leaving from the major cities. The price should be around 25 EUR.
- From Albania there are 'combi' buses that go from Durres in Albania to Ulcinj although they most likely are not formal bus operations so you'll have to do some asking around.
Get around
Ulcinj is a small city, you will have no problem getting around by foot.
See
There is an old castle over looking the sea. Most of the city has been turned into a carnival for visiting kosovars. One can't help but think of all of the shady backroom deals that go on at this coastal resort by the visiting Kosovo mafia during tourist season.
Do
There is good swimming in the area. The longest sandy beach in Montenegro is located near by, including a nudist beach for those so inclined.
- For the more adventuresome you can take the 'combi' towards the Albanian border (but not crossing it) getting off on the first road heading towards Lake Skadar near the town of Brajse. There is a small bus from Brajse that runs along this small road towards the mountains which if it's running you can take for 0.50 EUR, otherwise you'll have to walk or hitch hike. Once you get to the peak of the mountain range you'll be standing almost exactly on the Albanian and Montenegrin border. You'll be able to look out over one of the most magnificent lakes in Europe as well as get a good view of the Adriatic coast, Albania and Montenegro. Continue hitchhiking up the lake, you'll get to see some of the most rural untouched villages in the Balkans. The southern half of the lake shore is populated by ethnic Albanians while the northern half all the way up to the town of Virpazar is populated by Montenegrins. There is very little travel between the two communities so there are almost no buses that run the course of the highway meaning you'll either have to walk or hitchhike. The people driving the road though few and far between seemed more than willing to take hitchhikers. If you camp (which is a good idea) there are some camp sites about half way between Virpazar and Arbnez.
Buy
There are lots of gold and jewelry shops for those with a thick wallet.
Sleep
Accommodation is plentiful, typically with at a private residence. The town survives off of tourism and most locals have built an additional 4 or 5 rooms onto their houses which they rent to tourists. Depending on the quality and the time of year the price should range from about 5 EUR per person to about 10 EUR. Montenegrins (both Albanian or Slavic) are apt to take advantage of visiting foreigners so be sure and drive a hard bargain. After the negotiating is over they'll be as friendly as ever and more then likely invite you for a shot of raki.
Get out
The same way you got in...