Velika Plaža (Long Beach), Ulcinj, Montenegro is the country's longest beach — a remarkable, almost unbroken ribbon of fine, dark sand that runs for around 12 kilometres along the coast just south of the town of Ulcinj. Where most of Montenegro's famous shoreline is made up of pebbly coves and dramatic rocky bays, Velika Plaža (which translates simply as "Great Beach" or "Long Beach") is something completely different: a vast, open, sandy plain backed by low dunes, salt marsh and clusters of beach bars.
People come to Velika Plaža, Ulcinj for the water as much as the sand. The sea here is shallow and warm, shelving so gently that you can wade out a long way and still be only waist-deep — which makes it one of the most genuinely family-friendly beaches in the country. That same shallow, breezy bay has also turned it into Montenegro's premier kitesurfing and windsurfing hotspot, with schools and rental stations dotted along the strip.
The vibe is relaxed and unhurried rather than glitzy. You'll find simple wooden beach bars playing music, sun loungers for hire, fresh-fish restaurants, and long empty stretches where you can walk for ages and barely see another person. If you want sand under your feet, warm shallow swimming and a southern, slightly Albanian-Mediterranean atmosphere, this is the beach to aim for on Montenegro's coast.
How to get to Velika Plaža (Long Beach), Ulcinj
Velika Plaža begins about 5 km southeast of Ulcinj town and stretches towards the Bojana (Buna) River and the Albanian border. Getting there is straightforward:
- From Ulcinj town: It's a 10–15 minute drive. In summer, local minibuses and taxis run regularly from Ulcinj's centre and the Mala Plaža area down to the various beach entrances. A taxi costs roughly €8–12 one way.
- By car: The easiest option. A main road runs parallel to the beach with several signposted turn-offs (Copacabana, Miami, Safari and others), each leading to its own bar and beach section.
- On foot / by bike: Walkable from accommodation in the Donji Štoj area right behind the dunes; cycling along the back road is popular and flat.
- By boat: Not a typical arrival point, though some visitors combine it with a boat trip on the nearby Bojana River.
Nearest airports: Podgorica Airport (TGD) is about 70 km away (roughly 1.5 hours by car) and is usually the most convenient. Tivat Airport (TIV) is around 90 km (about 2 hours). Tirana in Albania is also reachable in roughly 2 hours. Renting a car or pre-booking a transfer is the simplest way down.
Parking and entry: The beach itself is free to access — there is no general entrance fee. Most beach-bar sections offer parking for a few euros, and you only pay if you rent sunbeds, a parasol or water-sports gear.
Best time to go: June to September brings the warmest sea and full beach-bar season; July and August are busiest. May and late September are quieter and pleasant. For kitesurfing, the thermal wind is most reliable on summer afternoons. Mornings are calmest for families and swimming.
What to expect / things to do
With 12 km to play with, Velika Plaža never feels crowded the way smaller coves do. Here's what you can do:
- Swimming: The headline draw — warm, shallow, gently shelving water that's ideal for children and nervous swimmers.
- Sunbeds and bars: Organised sections (Copacabana, Miami and similar) rent loungers and parasols for around €5–15 per set per day, with bars serving drinks, coffee and snacks.
- Kitesurfing & windsurfing: Several schools offer lessons, gear rental and storage. Beginners can take introductory courses; the steady afternoon breeze suits all levels.
- Walking & wild stretches: Away from the bars, long undeveloped sections backed by dunes are perfect for quiet walks, jogging and birdwatching over the nearby salt marshes.
- Food & drink: Beach restaurants serve fresh grilled fish, seafood, Balkan grills and salads. A relaxed seafood lunch typically runs €12–25 per person.
- Nearby sights: Combine your visit with Ulcinj's ancient Old Town fortress, the Bojana River and its fish restaurants, and Ada Bojana, the river-island known for naturism and seafood.
Where to stay near Velika Plaža (Long Beach), Ulcinj
Velika Plaža sits within the municipality of Ulcinj, Montenegro's southernmost coastal town, so the best base is in or just behind the beach (the Donji Štoj area) or up in Ulcinj town itself, a short drive away. Staying nearby means you can walk straight onto the sand and reach the Old Town, restaurants and other beaches with ease.
Here are some real, bookable places to stay in and around Ulcinj:
- BUZUKU KUĆA — a cottage right by Velika Plaža (Donji Stolj), from around €81/night.
- Apartmani Bazar — budget apartments on Velika Plaža itself, from about €28/night.
- De luxe apartmani Vetprom Den — apartments in Donji Stoj, near the beach, from around €57/night.
- Hotel Palata Venezia — a hotel in Ulcinj's atmospheric Old Town, from about €106/night.
- Lux Apartmani Adriatica — comfortable apartments in Ulcinj, from around €58/night.
- Vila Lux - Ulcinj — a villa near Mala Plaža in town, from about €48/night.
For a fuller overview of neighbourhoods and the best areas to base yourself, read our guide on where to stay in Ulcinj, or browse all 34 properties in all Ulcinj accommodation.
Tips
- Bring water shoes or sandals — the sand gets hot at midday, and walking from the back road to the water can be a stretch.
- Arrive early in July and August to grab the best loungers and parking at the popular bar sections.
- Choose your section to match your mood: organised bars for facilities and music, the far ends for peace and quiet.
- The afternoon wind that kitesurfers love can blow sand around — families may prefer mornings for calm swimming.
- Pack sun protection — shade is limited away from the bars, and the open beach is exposed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Velika Plaža (Long Beach), Ulcinj worth visiting?
Yes. As Montenegro's longest beach at around 12 km of fine sand, with warm shallow water and a relaxed vibe, Velika Plaža is a standout — especially for families and water-sports fans looking for something different from the country's pebbly coves.
Is Velika Plaža sandy or pebbly?
It is sandy — fine, dark, soft sand for its full 12 km length. This sets it apart from most other Montenegrin beaches, which tend to be pebbly or rocky.
Is Velika Plaža free to visit?
Yes, beach access is free. There's no entrance fee. You only pay if you rent sunbeds and parasols (around €5–15), use a paid parking area (a few euros), or hire water-sports equipment.
How do I get to Velika Plaža?
It's about 5 km southeast of Ulcinj town — a 10–15 minute drive or taxi (€8–12), with summer minibuses also running. By car, follow the signposted turn-offs to beach sections like Copacabana and Miami. Podgorica Airport is the nearest, around 70 km away.
What is the best time to visit Velika Plaža?
June to September offers the warmest sea and full beach-bar season, with July and August busiest. May and late September are quieter. Mornings suit families; summer afternoons bring the wind that kitesurfers prefer.
Ready to plan your trip? Velika Plaža is best enjoyed with a base right by the sand or in Ulcinj's lively old town. Read our guide on where to stay in Ulcinj, then browse all Ulcinj accommodation — 34 properties from budget beach apartments to Old Town hotels — and book your stay near Montenegro's Long Beach.
