A pebble cove sheltered by olive groves — Nature Monument near Ulcinj
Valdanos Cove is nestled between the hills of Mavrijana and Mendra, about 5 km northwest of Ulcinj, and is one of the rare Montenegrin beaches declared a Nature Monument. The 376-metre pebble beach is sheltered from both southern and northern winds, making this cove a natural haven for vessels throughout the ages. What makes Valdanos truly special is the olive grove behind it — the largest living monument of olive cultivation in Montenegro, with around 18,000 trees averaging 800 years in age, many of which are over two thousand years old. The sea is clean, deep green in colour, and ideal for swimming, diving and snorkelling in calm, wind-sheltered conditions.
Location
5 km NW of Ulcinj
Beach Length
376 m
Status
Nature Monument
Olive Trees
~18,000
Season
May — October
Sea Temperature
up to 27°C (August)
Highlights
Valdanos Beach is 376 metres long and composed of rounded stones with a diameter of 1 to 20 cm. The cove is sheltered from southern and northern winds, making it an ideal natural refuge throughout history — ships waited here in quarantine for up to 40 days on the orders of the Ulcinj Harbour Authority, as recorded in 1833. The sea is clear, deep green in colour, and deepens quickly from the shore. The rocky ledges along the edges of the cove are ideal for fishing and diving.
The olive grove at Valdanos is the largest living monument of olive cultivation in Montenegro, with around 18,000 trees averaging approximately 800 years in age. Many trees are older than two thousand years and are protected under Montenegro's dedicated Law on Olive Cultivation. The walk through the olive grove to the beach takes about 30 to 45 minutes and passes by 11 natural springs within the grove. Along the way, locally grown olives and olive oil can be purchased directly from local growers.
On the road from Ulcinj towards the cove, on a side path to the left of the main route, you will find the Valdanos Viewpoint and Lighthouse, offering extraordinary views of the entire cove, the surrounding headlands and the open sea. On a clear day, from the hill of Mavrijana, it is possible to see all the way to the Strait of Otranto. The viewpoint is especially attractive for photographers in the morning and late afternoon hours when the light is most favourable for landscape photography.
In the waters of Valdanos Cove, meadows of the endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica grow — also known locally as morska trava, voga or lažina. This plant lives exclusively in the Mediterranean Sea and nowhere else in the world, making the underwater environment of Valdanos a botanically valuable habitat. The presence of Posidonia is also an indicator of the exceptional cleanliness of the seawater in the cove.
Hiking, walking and cycling routes that start here or pass nearby, with maps and GPX downloads.
Gallery
Did You Know?
The olive grove at Valdanos is the largest living monument of olive cultivation in Montenegro, with around 18,000 trees averaging 800 years of age — many of which are over 2,000 years old and protected by national law. 18,000 olive trees averaging 800 years of age
Plan Your Visit
Admission
Free entry
Website
ulcinj.travelOpen all year round, with no access restrictions. Beach bars and restaurants operate seasonally, mostly June–September.
Large free car park right by the beach, partly shaded by pines and pine forest. There is plenty of space, but it fills up quickly in July and August — arriving in the morning is recommended.
Access for people with reduced mobility is limited — there is no paved path from the car park to the beach, and the surface is pebbly.
Plan your stay
Live offers from local hosts on our booking platform. Nothing is charged online — you pay the host on site.
Booking requests are confirmed by the host; payment on site. Offers come from the Travel to Montenegro booking platform.
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