Beach-hopping in Dubrovnik:
Guide to the Best Beaches in Dubrovnik and its region
Dubrovnik beaches – what to expect?
1. Beach, eng: a shore of a body of water covered by sand, gravel, or larger rock fragments, a seashore area.
2. Plaža, cro.: a place to hop in and out of the sea.
With most beaches in Dubrovnik area sporting rocks and pebbles, it might be good news that the new-age beach fashion allows for crazy-colored rubber shoes to be worn without succumbing you to any major outbursts of laughter.
Dubrovnik beaches are alluring
Beach time should be at the backbone of every summer visit to Dubrovnik. Locals love sunbathing, fishing, diving, and going out with their boats, and they make a point of not missing an encounter with the sea whenever possible. This intangible connection lingers in the air and seems to brush off on every visitor. Hence smart travelers plan for ample beach time when designing their Dubrovnik visit itineraries! Yes, keep in mind lunches are served with a glass of wine over here, so whether you’re up for a siesta or for an action-packed afternoon, if you want to do it the local way – do it on the beach.
Beaches in Dubrovnik Old Town
~ rugged refreshment
Believe it or not, but even the Dubrovnik Old Town wonder of stone delivers a couple of attractive dipping spots. The seaside of the historic center is on the south, where the walls are founded on very high rocks, hence the beaches in Dubrovnik Old Town come rugged, wild, and mind-blowingly beautiful on a backdrop of the imposing City Walls.
A stone’s throw from all major attractions inside the walled area, they are an ideal chance to refresh from the crazy summer heats, all while exploring the Old Town. A word to the wise: when headed out for leisurely wanderings, always pack your swim suit – it could come in handy! One thing to know when planning to swim in the Old Town is that all its beaches sit by deep sea, so if you’re a fan of slow-entering, check out the beaches in vicinity of the Old Town, listed in the next section ‘Beaches near the Old Town’.
Porporela Pier
~ Dubrovnik beach between the fortress of St. John and Lokrum Island
Our two cents: Always come to Porporela with your swim suit on.
Buža Bar and Buža Cold Drinks bars
~ A drink and a dip by the walls of Dubrovnik
Our two cents: Swim in the afternoon, then enjoy a sunset drink.
Šulić beach
~ a swim under the watchful eye of Lovrijenac Fortress
Our two cents: Come here in the morning while cruiser crowds swamp the town, then head out to explore the UNESCO listed town in the afternoon.
LOKRUM ISLAND
~ a lushly green escape just 15 minutes from the Old Town
Reaching Lokrum
Mysterious-looking Lokrum Island sits sprawled in front of the Dubrovnik Old Town harbor, and within an easy reach. Connecting the Old Town and Lokrum Portoč harbor, public boats run on a regular and frequent schedule, bringing you to the island in a short, 15-minute ride. Lokrum visitor’s center is situated in Portoč harbor and provides all the information you might need to make the best of your visit, plus some lovely and unique souvenirs.
Feeling Lokrum
Arriving to Lokrum from Dubrovnik Old Town might feel like reaching an alternate universe, serene, green and nothing like the bustling city core. Crickets chirping, birds singing, peacocks flaunting their tails, peaking at your sandwiches… There’s also a bunch of super-cute bunnies on the island, so if you fall for that kind of stuff, make sure to pack extra snacks!
Exploring Lokrum
Hiking and walking trails crisscross the island and are clearly marked. You’ll spot the first signage as you step inland from the Portoč harbor. The eastern side of the island is rocky, with high spots to dive from, plateaus to suntan and a secluded area allocated as the nudist beach. The lake-like Dead Sea makes for an ideal swimming spot for all who are not fans of the deep blue. The islands’ central part is a large open area shaded in sky-high pine trees. Along with a couple of volley-ball courts, a soccer terrain, outdoor gym and a bunch of trees to hug or lounge under, you’ll also find the lovely La Croma restaurant here. Just next to it, the ruins of the Benedictine Monastery house several exhibitions, including one on the Game of Thrones filming in Dubrovnik. The highlight is, of course, the Iron Throne replica, and fans can take their photo in it completely free of charge. The west side of the island delves in fantastic panoramas of the Old Town, from its Napoleonic fort Royal on the top of the hill. If you’re not up for hiking the Paradise Trail to the top, enjoy a lovely seaside promenade around the island’s western tip, explore the lush botanical gardens or pick-nick in the olive orchards.
For the best experience: Leave your schedules and agendas on the Old Harbor pier and arrive to Lokrum ready for a timeless experience. Pack snacks, perhaps even a pick-nick, some sporting gear, perhaps a volley-ball or badminton racquets. Also playing cards, books, and of course – sunscreen, large hat, and sunglasses.
Tips
- The Sea: for an amicable encounter, dip your toes in first.
- Keep in your bag at all times: shades, sunscreen, water, hat, swimsuit.
- Pack for the beach: towels, rubber shoes to walk on rocks, pareo, reading materials, cards or games, snacks.
- Typically in Croatia, we will swim in some rather crazy places, but never in harbors.
Beaches near Dubrovnik Old Town
~ minutes away, worlds apart
Stepping away the city center brings not only a sense of distance, but on occasion, the enchanting Dubrovnik Old Town in the backdrop. Perhaps some modern architecture too, but certainly an inspiring face-to-face time with the horizon. Minutes away from the Old Town, these beaches deliver a variety of sceneries, each sprinkled with great vistas and great experiences.
Banje Beach Club
~ A beach club for days and nights
Our two cents: after dark, the lounge bar of Banje beach club turns into a night club and rocks on until 6AM.
Danče Beach
~ as local as it gets
Our two cents: Danče is especially exciting in July and August, when it becomes one of the playgrounds for the Wild League Amateur Water Polo Competition.
Sv. Jakov (St. Jacob’s) Beach
~ Close, yet far away
Our two cents: Stay for the sunset.
Best beaches in Dubrovnik Town
~ something for everybody
If you’re staying in Dubrovnik for longer than a day or two, you’ll soon discover that there’s more to this place than just the Old Town. Actually, most Dubrovnik beaches are in areas other than the historic center. Venturing across the town, you’ll find Lapad Bay with its many pebble beaches on one side and tiny, almost private, rocky spots on the other. The peninsula of Babin Kuk today hosts a few resort complexes, but also several popular beaches and beach clubs.
Bellevue Beach
~ Shaded from the highest sun
Our two cents: shaded almost all day long, Bellevue is a great choice at peak summer.
Copacabana Beach
~ Time flies when you’re having fun on Babin Kuk.
The beach is conceptualized as a Dubrovnik beach club, although several operators run different venues on Copacabana. From café and cocktail bars, a simple resto, sun loungers and umbrella rental to an aqua park, Copacabana excites and entertains, and is certainly happening on all days.
Our two cents: Bring cash. You’ll need it, as the activities offer is tempting.
Coral Beach Club
~ Dubrovnik beach with style
Our two cents: Wave over for cocktails, but stand up for your food – as you’ll have to pick it up from the central counter.
Uvala Lapad – The Bay of Lapad
Easily reached from the Old Town on Libertas bus no. 6, Uvala Lapad is a large pedestrianized area, very popular for its beaches, kid’s parks, cafes, and leisure in general. Its central beach, a vast strip of pebbles backed by an orchard, will certainly remember 2017 for the massive upgrades to its premises, turning it from a low-key local beach into a world-class beach club.
Best beaches in Dubrovnik area
Beaches around Dubrovnik, in its wider region, come just as varied as those close to the town. From the divine coves of Pelješac to the wild rocks of Konavle, you’ll find party spots, secret coves, private outlets and busy public places. Some of these Dubrovnik beaches are accessible by public transportation, such as buses or boats. But for some, you’ll need a private boat and an experienced skipper!
Read on for our ‘not-to-be-missed’ beaches in the region, headed by one sandy beach in Dubrovnik.
Šunj beach on Lopud Island:
~ the sandy beach in Dubrovnik
Our two cents: bring a small beach ball to try out the local version of beach volleyball called picigin.
Kamen Mali in Cavtat
~ Wild and fresh rocky cove
Our two cents: don’t forget your camera for some incredible sunset pics.
Kupari
~ An Abandoned Pebble Heaven near Dubrovnik
Our two cents: bring one of those inflatable, floating beds.
We hope you have enjoyed in our travel guide presenting alluring Dubrovnik beaches. If you are looking for more things to do in Dubrovnik or you want to get a better insight into Dubrovnik nightlife scene, we have much information to share with you.
- PHOTO COPYRIGHTS
Porporela pier – Photo by aldeka_
Sulic beach (Lovrijenac fortress) – Photo by Eric Hossinger
Banje beach – Photo by Anosmia
Danče beach (hotel Libertas) – Photo by ahisgett
St. Jacob beach – Photo by colleen_elizabeth
Bellevue beach – Photo by ahisgett
Copacabana beach – Photo by roseannadana: Back on my home turf
Šunj beach (Lopud island) – Photo by Jude Doyland
Kamen Mali beach – Photo by Josemico
Kupari beach – Photo by Robert Cutts