We were wondering were to run off for some piece and quiet by the Beach. So we thought, why not in Montenegro and especially Ulcinj. With a driving distance of 2.5 hours and not an expensive destination, it looked like the perfect alternative.

So after daddy finished some errands, we departed at around 5 pm, on Saturday from Tirana towards Shkodra. Luckily for us (at least from this point of view) Doen fell asleep and we enjoyed some mommy and daddy time without a toddler trying to escape from her car seat.

She woke up just as we were crossing the border. Since it was 6.30 pm, there were only 2-3 cars crossing the border so the procedures were pretty quick.

On the way to Ulcinj we passed some cows and sheep on the road and let me tell you that Shadow (our golden) and Doen (our baby ) were pretty impressed. We stopped on the supermarket, after crossing the border for some gas and small snacks. We recommend stopping here because gas is pretty cheap and if you plan on driving around, you are going to need it.

We drived through Ulcinj old town, to a narrow street and through a little "forest" to arrive at Limani II where our apartment was located. Since we planned on spending just 1 overnight, we chose a cheap apartment that costed only 25 Euros (including tourist tax) to spend the night. So we were not expecting any luxury. But the nature around it was pretty amazing and it offered a lovely view of Ulcinj castle.

We checked in at 8pm and after freshening up in our room and getting dressed we headed towards the old town (Stari Grad) for a dinner with a view. On the way to the apartment we noticed that the parking next to the old town was full so after getting a second opinion from the host, we decided to walk there.

It's only 850 meters we thought, at the time. Let me tell you, if you have a phobia from insects it's the worst 850 meters of your life. Our walk started with laughter and photos until the moment a grass hopper decided to get comfortable on my shirt. I didn't even see it hopping. One moment I turned my head and there it was, all comfy on my shoulder. I started screaming and running because I couldn't bring myself to touch it and move it from my shoulder. Needless to say, Dolsin almost had a heart attack :) and Doen kept calling insect .. insect.

So, as you may understand, our walk toward the old town turned pretty quick into a run..

Once we arrived there we enjoyed the narrow streets and chose a restaurant with a beautiful view (Kalaja). Well, to be totally honest, you pay for the view and not the food in Montenegro I have been so many times in Montenegro and have never been satisfied with the food but sometimes it's more about the experience than enjoying food. We ordered a grilled fish, spaghetti with seafood, a salad, potatoes, a bruschetta, a small bottle of wine and a bottle of water. All these cost 65 Euros (including tip).

After dinner we went for a walk around the promenade on the beach (Mala Plaza) but it was full with people and Doen felt sleepy so we decided to head back to the apartment. The trip back to the apartment was not much fun and by this point I was thinking to myself: "Why didn't we get the car? Why?" The road through the forest was very quiet, no one was walking at it by 11 pm (obviously) and at points there were no lights at all. The road was covered with grasshoppers and it felt like a horror movie scene. Again, if you do not have a phobia of insects, it's pretty fine

Next morning we checked out and headed towards the beach, which at this area was pretty nice but the only problem was that it was organized in platforms and that was risky with a 2-year-old who wants to stay only in water. There was even an area that was more appropriate, like a tiny bay, but there were no umbrellas and sunbeds there.

So, we decided to have breakfast in town and head towards Sveti Stefan and enjoy the lovely beach there.

From Ulcinj to Sveti Stefan, it is around 1 hour of driving. So if you're wondering, don't overthink it, just go there.

After arriving in Sveti Stefan we were notified that dogs are not allowed on the beach but they were willing to tolerate if we were to stay at the end of the beach which was initially our favorite spot anyway. So we stayed there until 3.30 pm and decided to head back to Tirana when we realized Doen was tired from all the swimming.

For lunch (that turned into an early dinner) we thought to stop in Shiroke (Shkoder). The nature there is beautiful and at the restaurant has a playground where Doen even met with a cute little friend. Food was more delicious and cheaper.

After finishing our meal we started driving to head back to Tirana, when we realized that both our phones were dying. We took so many photos and videos during the day..

Here you can take a look at the VLOG during the trip:

So that's the end of our blog for today. Hope to have provided some insight that a little adventure toward Montenegro is always fun. Just hop on that car and drive.

With love,

Eneida (my husband from Nasa: Dolsin and our girls: Doen and Shadow)

Please reach out to us if you have any questions at all. Our email is: [email protected] We're happy to help with any info that we have.