Southern Montenegro: Bar, Ulcinj, and Ada Bojana — Guide 2026
Our big journey through Montenegro is coming to an end. In this guide, we have already discovered the grandeur of the Bay of Kotor, visited the lively beaches and fortresses of the Budva Riviera, appreciated the atmosphere of the old capital Cetinje, and the rugged beauty of the north...
Our big journey through Montenegro is coming to an end. In this guide, we have already discovered the grandeur ofthe Bay of Kotor, visitedlively beachesandthe fortresses of the Budva Riviera, experienced the atmosphere ofthe old capital, Cetinje, and the ruggedbeauty of the northwith its canyons and glacial lakes. And now it is time for the final chapter — an immersion into the south of the country. Here, lakes and rivers reign, along with ancient fortresses and an Eastern flavor, kilometers of sandy beaches, and a leisurely atmosphere.
Lake Skadar: excursions, pelicans, and wine tasting
Lake Skadaris the largest in the Balkans and also one of Montenegro’s most picturesque national parks. Its area changes depending on the season: from 370 to 530 sq. km, making it resemble an entire inland sea.
This is a completely different Montenegro. An endless expanse of water covered with carpets of water lilies, among which hundreds of bird species nest, including rare curly pelicans. The main starting point for exploring the lake is the village of
For photographers, a must-visit spot is the viewpointPavlova Strana (Pavlova Strana Rijeka Crnojeviča Viewpoint), which offers the famous view of the bend in the Crnojevića River. The best time to come is toward evening, when the soft light highlights the greenery and the turquoise water.
The region around the lake is also the heart of Montenegrin winemaking. Visiting a family winery such asCermeniza,LipovacorVukmirovićis a great opportunity to taste local Vranac and Kruna wines, homemade liqueurs, and cheeses. Tasting prices start at 15-20 euros.
Tip:in Virpazar, you can stay overnight in family guesthouses or small hotels and spend the evening with a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking the lake.
Bar Riviera: Old Bar, beaches, and the promenade
A few kilometers from the modern city of Bar, at the foot of Mount Rumija, liesOld Bar, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans. Its history is a kaleidoscope of cultures: Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans.
Old Baris a huge fortress city. A walk through its streets is a journey through the centuries. Here you can see the ruins of churches, a Turkish bath, a mosque, a clock tower, and a beautifully preserved16th-century aqueduct.
At the foot of the fortress grows theOld Olive Tree, which is more than 2,200 years old. In Old Bar, you can feel the proximity of Albania and an authentic Muslim atmosphere. In the colorful streets, you will be offered fresh fruit or freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.
Ulcinj and Ada Bojana: the old town and the sandy beach
Montenegro’s southernmost city,Ulcinj, and the nearby island ofAda Bojanaoffer a completely different experience. This place is famous forVelika Plaža— a 13-kilometer stretch of fine dark sand that is a mecca for kitesurfers.
The atmosphere here is more relaxed, with plenty of beach bars and water sports schools. This region is also known for its excellent fish restaurants. Be sure to try the fresh catch at places likeKonoba Kod RankaorMisko.
Tip:if you are looking for a feeling of complete freedom, Ada Bojana also has a separate nudist area — one of the largest in Europe.
This is where our big journey through Montenegro comes to an end. Together, we explored the Bay of Kotor and its islands, the lively resorts of the Budva Riviera and modern marinas, the atmospheric towns of central Montenegro, the rugged beauty of the north with its canyons and glacial lakes, and now the south with its lakes, fortresses, and endless beaches.
But even this series of travel guides does not cover every side of Montenegro: the country surprises at every turn. If you missed the previous articles, be sure to check them out to put together the full mosaic of impressions and not miss a thing:
