Sveti Nikola: A sand ridge between the beach, salt pans and the Bojana

A peer-reviewed 2019 floristic study of the Velika plaža and Ada Bojana area places Sveti Nikola within the Štojska sand ridge, between the beach, salt pans and the Bojana River. The wider sand belt includes dunes and extends to Ada Bojana. This makes it possible to view the surroundings on two levels: as the specific sand ridge near Sveti Nikola and as part of a larger landscape.

Sand ridges, depressions and kneta

Field research conducted between 2011 and 2016, with findings published in 2019, describes low-lying elevated areas of about 3.2 to 4.4 metres in the region, as well as small water-filled depressions and marsh vegetation. This vegetation is locally known as kneta. Together, the sand ridges, depressions and damp areas with vegetation create a more varied landscape than a beach description alone. If you take natural features into account when planning your trip, you can consider these different landforms as a guide to the character of the area.

Ada Bojana and fresh fish specialities

The wider sand belt extends to Ada Bojana. There, the natural surroundings are complemented by several restaurants offering fresh fish specialities. Sveti Nikola and Ada Bojana therefore represent different, specifically identified interests: sand ridges and damp landforms here, and a natural area with culinary offerings there. Individual restaurants and menus may change; check what is currently on offer before visiting.

Culture in the wider destination of Ulcinj

In the wider destination of Ulcinj, the Old Town offers a distinct cultural and historical focus. It was protected as a cultural asset of national importance in 1961. Its upper section is dominated by the citadel and has a military character; below it lies a civilian settlement surrounded by defensive walls. The Church of St. Mary in the Old Town was built in 1510 and converted into a mosque in 1571. This architectural and building history offers a different perspective from the landscape features of Sveti Nikola.

Other landscape features in Ulcinj

Valdanos is also a distinct landscape feature in the wider destination of Ulcinj. It is home to a 376-metre-long beach that has been declared a natural monument. The Valdanos olive grove contains about 18,000 trees, with an average age of 800 years, and is under special state protection.

Another cultural and historical point of interest in the wider destination of Ulcinj is the historic town of Shas. It lies on 85-metre-high Shas Hill, north of Lake Shas, and offers views of the lake and the Bojana Delta. The ruins of about ten ancient churches have been found in Shas, including the churches of St. John and St. Mary. This makes it possible to distinguish the sand and wetland landscapes of Sveti Nikola from the separate historic sites in the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Bratica, Kunje, Ulcinj, Doni Štoj, Utjeha-Bušat, Mala Gorana.

Go to the wider travel overview: Ulcinj.