Valdanos Beach
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Valdanos Olive Grove

4.1
·757 reviews·Ulcinj, Montenegro

Discover Valdanos Olive Grove: a unique coastal gem with ancient trees, clear waters, and a secluded pebble beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Valdanos Beach

Valdanos Olive Grove

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Valdanos Olive Grove: a unique coastal gem with ancient trees, clear waters, and a secluded pebble beach.

4.1
(757 reviews)

"The setting among olive trees is beautiful, but be ready for pebbles, seaweed, and a 'nobody's taking care of this place' feel."

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TIP

👟 Bring Water Shoes

The pebble beach and seabed can be challenging; water shoes are a must for comfort!

🚗 Parking Available

Ample parking is available, though parking under pine trees might lead to resin damage.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Olive Grove Drive

Ancient Olive Grove Drive

A scenic journey through a vast grove of old olive trees, setting a picturesque tone for your visit.

Pristine Pebble Beach

Pristine Pebble Beach

Enjoy clear, deep waters perfect for swimming on a less crowded, natural pebble beach.

Secluded Vibe

Secluded Vibe

Escape the crowds and find a more private, picturesque setting surrounded by nature.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Valdanos

While the drive through the ancient olive grove is stunning, the road can be narrow. Taxis are a convenient option from Ulcinj (around €5-7), or bring your own car. Walking is possible but a steep uphill return trip.

Beach Conditions

Valdanos features a pebble beach with larger stones, making water shoes highly recommended. Be aware of potential seaweed and litter, as maintenance can be inconsistent.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Travel suggestions?

👟 Bring Water Shoes

The pebble beach and seabed can be challenging; water shoes are a must for comfort! Reddit

🚗 Parking Available

Ample parking is available, though parking under pine trees might lead to resin damage. Reddit

🌊 Seaweed & Litter

Be prepared for potential seaweed and litter; maintenance can be inconsistent. Reddit

🍕 Beach Bar Food

The beach bar offers good pizza and drinks, with friendly, English-speaking staff. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Bring Water Shoes

The pebble beach and seabed can be challenging; water shoes are a must for comfort! Reddit

🚗 Parking Available

Ample parking is available, though parking under pine trees might lead to resin damage. Reddit

🌊 Seaweed & Litter

Be prepared for potential seaweed and litter; maintenance can be inconsistent. Reddit

🍕 Beach Bar Food

The beach bar offers good pizza and drinks, with friendly, English-speaking staff. Reddit

🚕 Taxi for Access

Taxis are a convenient way to reach Valdanos from Ulcinj, costing around €5-7. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(757 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Valdanos Olive Grove offers a unique, picturesque escape with its ancient trees and clear waters, praised for its secluded vibe and good beach bar food. However, visitors should be prepared for a pebble beach, potential seaweed and litter, and inconsistent facility maintenance, which can detract from its natural beauty.

"This is one of the most unique spots around Ulcinj. It’s set in a huge olive grove — the drive down is gorgeous, with ancient olive trees everywhere, and there’s plenty of parking right by the beach.

The beach itself is pebble, not sand — and the stones are pretty big, so bring water shoes unless you like doing the little “ouch-ouch” dance on the way to the water. The water is super clear and deep, perfect for swimming.

But there are some downsides: a lot of seaweed gets washed up onto the beach and just sits there — nobody seems to clean it, so it can look and smell a bit rough in spots. There’s also some litter here and there (plastic bottles, cups), not a ton, but enough to notice.

From the looks of older photos, there used to be sunbeds and a beach bar here about a year ago. Right now there are no sunbeds, no working bar — everything is closed, and the whole area feels abandoned and not maintained.

Getting here on foot isn’t really practical — it’s about an hour walk from Ulcinj and all downhill one way (which means a steep uphill hike back). Way easier to grab a taxi (around €5–7) or come with your own car.

The vibe is still more relaxed than the packed city beaches like Mala Plaža, and the setting among olive trees is beautiful — but be ready for pebbles, seaweed, and a “nobody’s taking care of this place” kind of feel."

One Friday

"Food and drinks in the beach bar are excellent! We tried two kinds of pizza and both were perfect. Waiters service was very good. Now the beach, nice sunbeds, and lots of activities and for good swimmers it's ok, but for less fit people and kids the slimy and rocky bottom can be very challenging, I recommend sea shoes."

MrVojchek

"Best beach we visited in the area.Lots of space. The parking lot is very convenient. The beach is clean and after 2m the seabed is only soft sand. The beach bar is very welcoming, where you can get a great oven baked pizza. Plus: all the waiters speak english."

Andrei Crecan

What People Like

Scenic olive grove drive
Clear, deep water
Secluded, private atmosphere

What People Dislike

Pebble beach, large stones
Seaweed and litter
Inconsistent facility maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient ways to reach Valdanos are by car or taxi. The drive through the olive grove is beautiful but the road can be narrow. Taxis typically cost between €5-7. Walking is an option but involves a steep uphill return journey. Reddit

The road leading to Valdanos is described as a 'little bit narrow' but manageable. There's a large improvised parking lot available, though it's advised to park in the sun rather than under pine trees to avoid resin damage. Reddit

While technically possible, walking to Valdanos from Ulcinj is about an hour each way and involves a steep uphill climb on the return. It's generally recommended to use a taxi or car for easier access. Reddit

There is a large, improvised parking lot available at Valdanos, often situated on a meadow between pine trees. Visitors suggest parking in the sun to avoid potential damage from pine resin. Reddit

Public transport options directly to Valdanos are limited. Taxis and private vehicles are the most common and recommended modes of transport for reaching this secluded spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no explicit entrance fee mentioned for Valdanos Olive Grove itself. Access to the beach and the surrounding area is generally free, though facilities like sunbeds may incur charges. Reddit

Valdanos Olive Grove and its beach are natural attractions and do not have set opening or closing hours. Access is typically available from sunrise to sunset. Reddit

Past reviews indicate that sunbeds and umbrellas were available for a moderate price (around €7 for a set). However, some recent accounts suggest these facilities might be closed or not maintained, so it's best to check on arrival. Reddit

No advance booking is required to visit Valdanos Olive Grove or its beach. It's a natural attraction that can be visited spontaneously. Reddit

To avoid crowds, visiting during summer mornings or late afternoons is recommended. The beach is generally less crowded than city beaches like Mala Plaža. Reddit

🎫 🏖️ Beach & Nature

Valdanos is primarily a pebble beach with larger stones. The seabed can be slimy and rocky near the shore, transitioning to soft sand after a couple of meters for good swimmers. Reddit

The water at Valdanos is described as super clear and deep, making it perfect for swimming, especially for good swimmers. Less fit individuals or children might find the rocky bottom challenging. Reddit

Reviews mention that while the beach itself can be clean, seaweed often washes ashore and is not always removed, leading to a less-than-ideal appearance and smell in some spots. Litter like plastic bottles can also be present. Reddit

Yes, Valdanos beach is uniquely surrounded by a forest on three sides, and the drive to the beach passes through a long and beautiful olive tree plantation. Reddit

The vibe at Valdanos is generally more relaxed and private compared to busier city beaches. It offers a picturesque setting amidst nature, though some visitors note a feeling of abandonment due to lack of maintenance. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a beach bar and restaurant at Valdanos. While some reviews praise the food and service, others note that facilities like bars and ice cream stands might be closed or not operational. Reddit

The beach bar is known for serving excellent oven-baked pizza. However, one reviewer found the pizza's salsa to be very sour, despite the tasteful dough and good baking. Reddit

Prices for drinks, food, and the use of beach facilities are described as moderate. A set of two loungers and a parasol was priced around €7 in a past review. Reddit

Yes, multiple reviews mention that the waiters at the beach bar speak English, contributing to a welcoming experience. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions mentioned about bringing your own food and drinks. However, given the presence of a beach bar, it's likely intended for patrons to utilize its services. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ancient olive trees lining the drive are incredibly photogenic. The unique pebble beach with its clear water and surrounding forest also offers stunning natural beauty. Reddit

Late afternoons are ideal for photography at Valdanos, as the golden hour light casts a beautiful glow over the olive groves and the beach. Reddit

The drive itself offers numerous spots to pull over and capture the expansive olive grove. The beach provides a picturesque backdrop with the forest meeting the sea. Reddit

A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the vastness of the olive grove and the beach landscape. A polarizing filter can help enhance the clarity of the water. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in natural reserves or coastal areas before flying. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Valdanos can be a beautiful spot for families, but requires some preparation. The pebble beach and larger stones mean water shoes are essential for little feet to avoid discomfort. While the water is clear and deep, parents should supervise children closely, especially if they are not strong swimmers. The beach bar offers food options, but it's wise to check if it's fully operational. The drive through the olive grove can be a fun introduction to the area for kids, offering a scenic start to the day. Reddit

Consider packing extra snacks and drinks as facilities can be inconsistent. The secluded nature of Valdanos means it's generally less chaotic than busier beaches, which can be a plus for families. However, the potential for seaweed and litter means it might not be the pristine environment some families prefer. It's a good option for families looking for a more natural, less developed beach experience, provided they come prepared. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers & Car Owners

Valdanos Olive Grove is a fantastic stop for those exploring by car. The scenic drive through the ancient olive trees is a highlight, offering numerous pull-off points for photos. There's a large, convenient parking area available, though it's recommended to park in the sun to avoid pine resin damage. The ease of access by car makes it a great destination for day trips from Ulcinj, allowing you to easily transport beach gear and supplies. Reddit

Be mindful of the narrow road leading down to the beach, which requires careful driving. The availability of parking right by the beach is a significant advantage, especially compared to other coastal spots where parking can be a challenge. This makes Valdanos an attractive option for travelers who value convenience and the ability to explore at their own pace. Reddit

🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers

For nature enthusiasts and photographers, Valdanos is a dream. The ancient olive grove is a unique and captivating landscape, perfect for capturing stunning shots, especially during the golden hour. The beach itself, with its clear waters and surrounding forest, offers a picturesque and relatively untouched natural beauty. It's an ideal location to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the serene environment. Reddit

While the beach's natural state means it might not always be perfectly manicured, this very rawness is part of its charm for many. The secluded atmosphere allows for uninterrupted enjoyment of the scenery. Bring your camera and be prepared to be inspired by the ancient trees, the vibrant sea, and the tranquil surroundings. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ancient Olive Trees of Valdanos

The drive to Valdanos Olive Grove is an experience in itself, winding through a vast expanse of ancient olive trees. These trees, some estimated to be centuries old, create a unique and almost mystical atmosphere. The sheer scale of the grove is impressive, offering a picturesque and serene journey to the coast. Many visitors find the drive to be as memorable as the beach itself, providing ample opportunities for stunning photographs. Reddit

The historical significance of these trees adds another layer to the visit. Olive cultivation has a long tradition in this region, and Valdanos stands as a testament to that heritage. The gnarled trunks and sprawling branches tell stories of time, making it a truly special natural landscape. It's a place where you can feel a deep connection to nature and history simultaneously. Reddit

Valdanos Beach: Nature's Raw Beauty

Valdanos beach offers a more natural and less commercialized beach experience compared to some of its neighbors. It's characterized by its pebble shore, with larger stones that can make entry into the water a bit tricky without water shoes. The water itself is a major draw – clear, deep, and inviting for swimmers. The surrounding forest provides a beautiful, secluded backdrop, enhancing the feeling of being in a pristine natural environment. Reddit

However, visitors should be aware that the beach's natural state means maintenance can be inconsistent. Seaweed often washes ashore and may not be cleared promptly, and occasional litter can be found. Despite these points, the beach's secluded nature and the beauty of its surroundings make it a favored spot for those seeking an escape from crowded tourist areas. Reddit

Recent reviews suggest that while some facilities like sunbeds and a beach bar exist, their operational status can vary. This contributes to a 'nobody's taking care of this place' vibe for some, while others appreciate the untouched, private feel. It's a place with significant potential, often described as a 'jewel' waiting to be fully revitalized. Reddit

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