Birdwatching in the Nature Park: A Key Reason for Tourists from Western Europe to Visit Ulcinj

Birdwatching is gaining popularity, and the Nature Park „Ulcinjska Solana“ offers an incredible tourist experience amidst untouched nature. Montenegro is home to over 350 bird species, with more than 250 calling the Solana, which covers 1,492 hectares, their habitat. Given that Europe has about 500 bird species, and more than half reside in the Ulcinjska Solana area, it’s no surprise that birdwatching enthusiasts travel far and wide, especially in spring and autumn.

Some individuals travel over 20,000 kilometers to observe birds, but this bird paradise is right at our doorstep—less than five kilometers from the center of Ulcinj lies a natural treasure where you can observe the fascinating lives of birds through a camera lens.

The tourist season has begun in the “Ulcinjska Solana” Nature Park, attracting visitors from Western Europe and beyond. Artan Lika, a tour guide at the park, shares, “I have combined the pleasant with the useful—connecting with nature and meeting new people to whom I provide interesting information about the Nature Park and its ‘residents.’” Lika, who has been guiding tours for five years, recalls his first visit to the protected area at the age of 28, stating, “I was enchanted by the beauty of untouched nature. The main reason I came to the Solana was to see the flamingos. They’re fantastic—people travel great distances to see them. Their world is mesmerizing; the more you learn about them, the more intriguing they become. Observing other bird species is also very engaging.”

When asked about tourists’ initial impressions of the Salina, Lika commented, “Their first reaction is regret that the administration building and other facilities are abandoned. Foreign visitors are surprised and often ask why these structures aren’t maintained. It would be wonderful if they were restored.”
“When tourists see the birds, they enjoy the wonderland that the Solana represents,” he added.
For those who enjoy active holidays, walking and cycling tours are organized in the Nature Park, either in the morning or late afternoon. Many visitors consider watching flamingos—the birds that have become a symbol of the Ulcinjska Solana—as the highlight of their experience.

Jessica from the UK shared her thoughts: “We saw flamingos and many colonies, which was impressive. The weather was perfect; despite forecasts for rain, we enjoyed our tour without a drop falling. Even rain wouldn’t have stopped us from watching the birds. Artan is an excellent guide—he shares his extensive knowledge engagingly and provided us with local fruit during the tour. Riding bicycles was a fun way to explore the Solana.” She also remarked that they had previously seen flamingos in California, but were pleasantly surprised by the number present in the Ulcinjska Solana.
Over 2,500 flamingos reside in the Ulcinjska Solana, making it the only flamingo nesting site along the eastern Adriatic coast, where these birds stay year-round.

Artan and Rina Lika are dedicated to offering authentic and unforgettable tours of the “Ulcinjska Solana” Nature Park, helping visitors connect with the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. “Our mission is to promote sustainable tourism by preserving nature, nurturing local traditions, and strengthening the communities we work with. The tours are both ecological and educational, while also celebrating the spirit of this area—its people, customs, and gastronomy,” says Artan Lika.
The best time for birdwatching is during migration periods, from March to June and from mid-August to November. Each visit to the Solana is a new experience, regardless of how many times you come.

Alongside the Ulcinjska Solana Nature Park, the “Katič” Nature Park in Buljarica is also crucial for birds, providing a resting place for migratory species after their exhausting sea crossings. The Tivat salt pans, located along this significant Adriatic corridor, are another safe haven for birds.
It’s worth noting that over three decades of the European Birdwatching Weekend have allowed millions to recognize the importance of birds for the ecosystem. The message is clear: birds should only be hunted with binoculars. Birdwatching itself is a unique experience.

It is estimated that there are over six million birdwatching enthusiasts in the European Union and nearly 50 million in the United States. In the UK, where the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was founded in 1889, there are now three million active birdwatchers. Ornithologists claim that birdwatching is considered a national pastime in the UK.