Ulcinj Salina Birding Trip, Montenegro

Birdwatching Tour in Ulcinj Salina, Montenegro

On this leisurely paced full-day Ulcinj Salina Birding Trip, we will visit one of the most important areas for birds, not only in Montenegro but in the whole of Europe.

Depending on the time of year, we will have the possibility to observe a huge variety of species, some on their migration, and some nesting on Ulcinj salina.

We will have the opportunity to observe species such as the Flamingos, Dalmatian Pelicans, Spoonbill, Kentish Plover, Collared Pratincole, Glossy Ibis, and many more. The second part of the trip is reserved for the tails of olive trees and olive oil making.

Founded in the early 20th century, Ulcinj Salina was one of the most important saltworks in this part of Europe. When saltworks were active, they produced up to 30 thousand tons each year.

For birders, bird watchers, and ornithologists alike, Ulcinj salina is one of the most important spots in Europe. Ulcinj Salina is home and resting point to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. Here you can find up to 250 species at a time from spring through autumn, but also some of them during the winter too.

In fact, it’s common for eagle-eyed observers to totally over 100 different species in just a single day! The area has been protected as a nature reserve since 2019.

The Ulcinj Salina is a breeding site for many species, including Black-winged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Little Tern, European Roller, Common Tern, Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincolle, and Shellduck.

By taking part in this trip, you support conservation activities run by CZIP, the BirdLife partner in Montenegro.

If you have a little more time to spend on your holiday, maybe you’d consider a longer trip like this North Montenegro Birding Tour.

By taking part in this trip, you support conservation activities run by CZIP, the BirdLife partner in Montenegro.

Ulcinj Salina Birding Trip Highlights include:

Visit Nature Park Ulcinj salina, one of the most important resting points on the Adriatic Flyway migratory route and also one of the most important nesting grounds in Montenegro, and in Europe as well, with more than 250 species recorded so far.
Have an enjoyable walk (or even a swim) on Velika plaža, the longest beach in Montenegro.
Enjoy some excellent food in some of the best restaurants on the coast.
Hear the tales of olive oil making while walking amongst the centuries-old olive grows.
Expert guides will reveal the wide biodiversity of the region and introduce you to the vibrant history and culture of Montenegro.

If you have a little more time to spend on your holiday, maybe you’d consider a longer trip like this North Montenegro Birding Tour.

Alternative Tour Name: Birds, Salt and Olive Oil (Ulcinj Salina Birdwatching Tour)

Day 1

Full Day Trip

Early start, since the best time for birding at the Ulcinj Salina, is early in the morning. The Ulcinj Salina is in the vicinity of the town of Ulcinj and it was created on the site of the former Zogaj lagoon, whose mudflats were turned into salt pans in 1926. As “zog” means “bird” in Albanian, it should give us a clue of how important this area is for birds.

More than 240 species of birds have been registered at the Salina so far, out of which more than 50 are breeding. During the walk between salt pans, we can see the Collared Pratincole, Little Tern, Kentish Plover, and Black-winged Stilt.

Other breeding species of conservation importance are the European Roller, Common Tern, Common Shelduck, Stone Curlew. The Ulcinj Salina is also very important as a feeding station for birds that nest in the area that surrounds it, such as the Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret, Spoonbill, and Pygmy Cormorant.

After the Salina, we continue our journey to Velika plaža (Long Beach). Along the way, we will pass through the field that is home to species like the Crested Lark, Stone Curlew, and Bee-eater and it is also not uncommon to see the European Roller and Levant Sparrowhawk. Velika plaža is a 13 km long sandy beach with a belt of brackish marshes in its background. During the walk on the beach, we can see species such as the Common Tern, and waders like the Ringed Plover, Grey Plover and Dunlin.

After the walk, and perhaps even a swim, on Velika plaža, our journey takes us to Valdanos, an area famous for olive trees. The olive grove in Valdanos, with approximately 18,000 olive trees, out of which many are more than 800 years old, is the biggest living monument of olive cultivation in Montenegro with extraordinary economic and ecological value.

Our host will tell us all about the traditional olive oil processing method and we will have an opportunity to taste some as well. After this stop, we return to hotel.

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Why should I book with Monticola?

Monticola is the only specialist birding operator in Montenegro offering bird-watching tours and different types of ecotourism activities in Montenegro and neighbouring countries. By taking part in this trip, you support conservation activities run by CZIP, the BirdLife partner in Montenegro.

What is the climate of the area?

The northern part of Montenegro is a continental area, with mountains over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) and a continental climate for the most part. In the higher parts, the climate is very similar to that of the Alps. There are snowfalls in the winter and frosts during cold spells. Summers are usually pleasant, with highs around 26°C (79°F), and on hot days even above 30°C (86°F). So, what should I pack? When you go outside, you should bring light clothes like a T-shirt and long pants. You should also bring some warmer clothes, like an insulated jacket and gloves. In case it rains or there is an umbrella on the field trip, you should have comfortable hiking shoes. You should also have sunglasses or and sunscreen. Some days you should also bring a swimsuit and towel.

Dress code and gear needed

Comfortable shoes, windproof/rainproof jacket, water bottle, sunglasses & a hat, swim suit, towel.

What sort of accommodation and vehicles do you supply?

No accommodation on this tour. We supply vehicles such as Dacia Duster, Renault Trafic, and Mercedes Sprinter (or equivalent).

What forms of travel are involved in this tour?

By car/van.

Internal flights, for example, or boats/ferries

No flights on tour. No boat on tour.

What are your group sizes?

Maximum 12 person.

Do you arrange airport pick up/drop off?

We arrange airport pick up/drop off from/to Podgorica and Tivat airports.