Best Dubrovnik Beaches to Visit in 2024
When you think of Dubrovnik, I’m willing to bet that images flood your mind of the Old Town’s towering city walls or the ancient fortresses that stand protectively on each corner of the city.
But did you know that Dubrovnik is also home to several secluded and picturesque beaches?
Dubrovnik is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia. Sitting on the Adriatic coast, this sprawling city houses a well-preserved old town with monuments dating back to the 12th century.
These striking relics have made the city a prime filming location, so Dubrovnik has frequently appeared in the TV series Game of Thrones.
The coastline which surrounds Dubrovnik is mostly made up of high cliffs. But nestled within quiet bays are an array of beaches that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Best Beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia for Cruisers
If you wish to unwind on your trip to Dubrovnik, visiting a beach has got to be one of the best activities for you.
The great news is that most of the area’s best beaches are just a short distance away from Dubrovnik Cruise Port, making them extremely accessible to cruisers.
In this article, I will delve into some of my favorite beaches in Dubrovnik!
Banje Beach
Frequently touted as the best beach in Dubrovnik, Banje beach is one of the closest beaches to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, nestled just a stone’s throw away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town Port.
From Ploče gate, on the northeastern side of Dubrovnik Old Town, it’s a mere 5-minute walk to Banje beach.
The prime location of this beach and the lively beach bar just behind it make this beach extremely popular. In the summer months, it can get very busy.
There are sun loungers that you can rent and a range of watersports for you to enjoy from the beach, such as jet skiing.
Perhaps the best thing about Banje Beach is the uninterrupted views of both the Old Town and Lokrum Island that you are gifted with.
Like most beaches in Croatia, Banje beach is a pebble beach. Therefore, water shoes are a must if you plan to take a dip in the ocean!
This beach is best for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and don’t wish to venture far from Dubrovnik city.
Buža Beach
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Below Durbvonik’s towering city walls, which stand atop a jagged swathe of coastline, you will find a handful of small rocky beaches. Buža beach is one of these picturesque hideaways.
A hole in the city walls allows visitors to venture to this beach from the Old Town. Once through the hole, you will have to descend a series of steep stone steps.
There are flat stone areas ideal for sunbathing on sun loungers available to rent, as well as a set of stairs that lead into the crystal clear ocean.
Beside Buža beach, you will find a beach bar where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail after a dip in the ocean.
Buža beach is set in a truly unique location and has stunning views of Lokrum Island. It’s a great beach for those who love jumping into the ocean from rocky platforms, but is not recommended for families with young children.
Be mindful that it can get pretty windy here at times.
Sveti Jakov Beach
On the other side of the idyllic bay to Dubrovnik Old Town lies Sveti Jakov beach. Framed by fragrant pine trees atop craggy cliff faces, this is arguably one of the most scenic beaches in Dubrovnik.
Also, a pebble beach, the waters that lap upon the shore are breathtakingly clear. You’ll struggle to find clearer waters in the area in which to swim.
The beach is a mile (1.6 km) away from Dubrovnik Old Town, and it takes just under 30 minutes to walk here from Ploče gate.
Alternatively, it takes just under 5 minutes via Uber or taxi. Another way to reach the beach is via taxi boat, which departs several times a day from the Old Town Port.
Atop the beach is a beautiful church. From here, you will have to descend a series of 160 stone steps to reach the beach itself.
The beach has striking views across the bay, from Dubrovnik Old Town to Lokrum Island.
There’s a beach bar and restaurant at one end of Sveti Jakov beach, which will enable you to enjoy a bite of eat during your visit.
Šulić Beach
Tucked away in a small but beautiful bay between the majestic Lovrijenac fortress and a craggy headland is this hidden gem of a beach. The views from this small stretch of pebble beach are extraordinary.
Šulić beach is typically quiet thanks to its relatively hidden location. It’s the perfect launch site for kayaks, which are available to hire and take on a scenic ride around the Old Town.
Just above the beach is both a beach bar and restaurant which have panoramic views over the bay.
Šulić Beach is a mere 4-minute walk to the west from Pile Gate, so is ideal for those who don’t want to venture far from the Old Town.
Bellevue Beach
Surrounded by steep cliffs is this secluded pebble beach, which has a gaping cave just a few meters away from the shore.
Bellevue Beach is 20 minutes outside Dubrovnik Old Town, on the edge of the modern city, directly below Bellevue Hotel.
The beach can be accessed via a flight of steps that start right behind the hotel.
It’s best to visit Bellevue Beach in the early mornings and late afternoon as this is when the beach is at its sunniest. During the middle of the day, the surrounding cliffs shield the beach from the sun and provide natural shade.
Swimmers can enjoy a short swim to the nearby cave and underwater rocks provide great spots for snorkeling.
There is a restaurant and beach bar just above the beach at the Bellevue Hotel.
Copacabana Beach
On the other side of Dubrovnik, on the peninsular opposite Dubrovnik’s Cruise Port, is this pristine expanse of glistening pebbles with views over mainland Croatia’s rolling hills.
Numerous deck chairs are available for you to rent and a stylish beach bar on one side of the beach.
Copacabana Beach is in a sheltered bay with calm waters which are perfect for swimming in.
This is one of the more accessible beaches in the area as you don’t need to contend with steps to reach it.
Copacabana Beach is around a 10-minute drive from both Dubrovnik Old Town and Dubrovnik Cruise Port. Walking to this beach would take just under an hour.
Lokrum
Lokrum Island is only 600 meters from Dubrovnik Old Town. Gorgeous beaches span pretty much the entirety of Lokrum Island’s south coast. The beaches are rocky and fringed by towering pine trees. The beaches feel secluded and there are even dedicated beaches for naturalists.
One of the most unique spots to swim on Lokrum Island is the Dead Sea Lake (also known as Mrtvo More), a natural pool within the island that is surrounded by a flat rocky beach. The waters here are incredibly clear and the inland location makes the ocean calm and ideal for swimming.
Frequent ferries run between Dubrovnik Old Town Port and Lokrum Island, leaving every 30 minutes during the summer months. The boat trip lasts just 15 minutes.
Uvala Lapad Beach
Also known as Sunset Beach, Uvala Lapad Beach is perfectly positioned on the west coast of Dubrovnik and is gifted with exquisite views of the setting sun.
Nestled within a picturesque bay on the Lapad peninsula, this charming beach is backed by a promenade lined with an array of bars and restaurants.
As well as making the most of the beach’s clear waters, visitors can enjoy jet skiing or simply relaxing on one of the beach’s sun loungers which are available for rent.
Uvala Lapad Beach is a 7-minute taxi or Uber ride from Dubrovnik Old Town or a 45-minute walk.
Coral Beach Club
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Also on the Lapad peninsula is this chic and relaxed beach club. Here you can sit on cushioned loungers facing the ocean whilst sipping on a cool cocktail.
The pebble beach has beautiful views of the nearby Daksa Island as well as the mountainous mainland.
The beach bar also serves a wide selection of delicious food. Visitors rave about the fantastic service and vibrant atmosphere.
Coral Beach Club is a 10-minute drive from Dubrovnik Old Town or Dubrovnik Cruise Port. Walking here will take around an hour from both locations.
Betina Cave Beach
Just 15 minutes outside of Dubrovnik Old Town is this hidden beach within a cavernous cave that is only accessible by sea.
The best way to access this gorgeous beach is via kayak which can be rented in Dubrovnik.
A visit will leave you breathless as you soak up the incredible rock formation which curves around the pebble beach. Atop the arching cliffs are rows of pine trees which add to the tranquil ambiance.
For a couple of hours in the morning, you can catch golden rays of sunlight here but otherwise, the cave produces natural shade.
There are no facilities here and the lack of road access means this beach never gets too busy.
Best Beaches Near Dubrovnik
For those who are prepared to venture slightly further away from Dubrovnik, there are a gorgeous selection of beaches just waiting to be discovered.
Šunj Beach
Sheltered on the east coast of the island of Lopud is this secluded sandy beach. Šunj is unique in that the beach is composed of golden sand as opposed to pebbles or rocks, so is ideal for those looking for that picture-perfect beach.
Reaching Šunj beach requires a 55-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s main port to Lopud island. The ferry will take you to the western side of the island. From there, it’s roughly a 30-minute walk through pristine forests until you reach this slice of paradise.
This is one of the most popular beaches near Dubrovnik, so you can expect it to be busy. Several water activities are available here, including pedalos. Sun loungers are also available to rent.
Behind the beach, you can find a couple of restaurants that have exceptional views over the crystal clear waters that lap against the golden sand.
Veliki žal
30 km (18.6 miles) west of Dubrovnik Old Town is this scenic pebble beach that looks out over pristine cyan waters. Concealed within a small bay, this beach is made up of large pebbles and the water is shallow for a great stretch, making it ideal for families with children.
Behind the beach is a restaurant and ice cream vendor. Sun loungers are also available for rent.
The beach is a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik Old Town and can be reached via taxi, Uber, or public bus.
Pasjača Beach
Nestled below dense swathes of forest, 30 km (18.6 miles) south of Dubrovnik Old Town, is this hidden beach. This tiny stretch of gravel lies in the shallow cove of a huge cliff face.
It’s remote and fairly challenging to reach, making it the perfect location for adventure and a slice of solitude. Access is obtained by descending a steep, narrow path.
The beach itself is only 80 meters long and 10 meters wide and there are no facilities there. The water, however is perfect for a dip and is crystal clear.
Pasjača beach is, in fact, a man-made feature. In the 20th century, an excavated stone from a tunnel was thrown off a cliff. Over the next few years, the Adriatic Sea turned this into the beautiful beach that we see today.
The only way to reach Pasjača if you don’t have your own vehicle is by taxi. It’s a 35-minute drive from Dubrovnik Cruise Port to the parking lot that rests at the start of the trail to Pasjača beach. The roads do get pretty narrow as you near the beach and are littered with potholes.
From the car park, it is a short walk down winding trails to the beach.
Nude Public Beaches in Dubrovnik
There are several nude public beaches in Dubrovnik.
One of the best nude beaches can be found on Lokrum Island. Not only is the scenery that surrounds the beach extraordinary but due to the layout of the island, the rocky beach is shielded from prying eyes, allowing you to sunbathe in peace.
The beach is known as FKK Rocks and true to its name, it’s a highly rocky beach so be prepared to scramble a bit to find the best bathing spot.
Another nude public beach can be found on Lopud Island, in the northern corner of Šunj beach. Known as FKK beach, this secluded area of golden sand is very popular and is surrounded by extraordinary panoramas of the bay.
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Dubrovnik
The Adriatic sea is warmest in the summer months, so if you’d like to combine your trip to the beach with a lovely swim in the ocean, the period between May and the end of August provides the best weather and, subsequently, water temperatures.
Visiting a beach in the summer does mean you have to contend with far more people so if you’d like more privacy on your beach visit, then you may wish to visit outside of the summer holidays in either May, June, or September.
Visiting a beach in the early morning also allows you to grab a moment of solitude.
Due to the different locations of the beaches, each beach gets sunshine at different times.
East-facing beaches typically have sunshine in the mornings, west-facing beaches get the sun in the late afternoon, and south-facing beaches give you the best chance of getting sunshine throughout the day.
Tips for Visiting Beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia
My number one tip for visiting a beach in Dubrovnik is to bring a pair of water shoes. These are perfect for walking over rough pebble or rocky beaches and are essential if you fancy a swim. The ocean floor is rough, and I have come across sea urchins while swimming off the Croatian coastline.
Most beaches in Dubrovnik are very close to restaurants, bars, and public toilets so you don’t need to bring any snacks with you.
I would, however, recommend bringing plenty of bottled water as it can get hot sunbathing in the summer and water purchased from the shops will be a lot cheaper than from the bars.
If you wish to rent a sun lounger on a beach, then you’ll need to bring cash with you. Bring a range of notes and coins as some vendors don’t have any change on them.
If you plan on swimming, then I’d recommend bringing a change of clothes and your own towel. There are public toilets near most beaches, which are perfect for changing into dry clothing after your swim.
I don’t recommend taking valuables to the beach with you as your personal belongings will likely be unguarded whilst you swim.
If you are in a group, then I recommend taking turns swimming so there’s always someone watching your belongings.
I also like this bag. It locks around your beach chair, and it’s also slash-resistant. ⤵️
The good news is that practically all beaches in Croatia are public and available for use so you don’t need to worry about private beaches.
Dubrovnik Croatia Beaches FAQ
What is the nicest beach in Dubrovnik?
Sveti Jakov Beach is in my opinion, the most beautiful beach in Dubrovnik. However, Šunj Beach is also extremely popular as it is the only sandy beach in Dubrovnik.
In truth, the nicest beach in Dubrovnik is really subject to your own personal taste, and all of Dubrovnik’s beaches have something different to offer.
Are the beaches in Dubrovnik good?
The beaches in Dubrovnik are mostly comprised of pebbles and rocks. Therefore, if you are expecting rolling sand beaches, then you may be disappointed.
However, in my opinion, the beaches in Dubrovnik possess their own unique beauty. The pebbles make the water appear translucent, making them some of the most beautiful waters in Europe. The scenery surrounding the beaches is also spectacular.
Are there any sandy beaches near Dubrovnik?
There is one sandy beach near Dubrovnik which can be found on Lopud Island, just off from Dubrovnik. This is Šunj beach.
What is the number 1 beach in Croatia?
One of the most popular and picture-perfect beaches in Croatia is Zlatni Rat, which is on the island of Brac near Split.
The unique pointy shape of this beach makes it so spectacular and is the reason why it has been rated as one of the best beaches in Europe on numerous occasions.
Are beaches better in Split or Dubrovnik?
Whilst the beaches in Dubrovnik are beautiful, Split does have a lot more beaches and some of them are truly spectacular. Therefore, I have to say that Split has the edge here.
In some ways, the beaches in the two regions can’t be compared as they are so different. Dubrovnik’s coastline is made up mostly of tall cliffs, whereas Split is noticeably flatter, and so has more beaches as a result.
Although Split has some of the best beaches in Croatia, that doesn’t mean that Dubrovnik’s beaches should be discounted in any way.
Which beach in Croatia has the clearest water?
A lot of beaches in Croatia have unbelievably clear water, so if water clarity is what you are looking for, then many beaches will definitely tick your boxes.
Oprna Beach on Krk Island is famous for its crystal clear waters, which are ideal for snorkeling.
Kornati Islands National Park, which consists of 89 islands and reefs, also houses a number of beaches with exceptionally clear water.
Is the sea warm in Dubrovnik?
The sea temperature fluctuates throughout the year. In summer, it is typically between 22°C to 25°C (71.6°F to 77°F), which is comfortable for swimming in. It is colder at other times of the year.
Can you swim at the beaches in Dubrovnik?
Yes! You can swim at all beaches in Dubrovnik, which I have listed in this article. Before you embark on your swim, however, just check that the sea is safe for swimming at the time that you are visiting, as at certain times of the year, it can be rough.
Final thoughts on the best Beaches in Dubrovnik
There are several fantastic beaches in Dubrovnik, and each one has something unique to offer. With some of Europe’s clearest waters, you can’t go wrong with visiting a beach in Dubrovnik.
Which is your favorite beach in Dubrovnik?
