Beach-hopping in Dubrovnik:

Guide to the Best Beaches in Dubrovnik and its region

Dubrovnik Beaches, Travel guide by Revelin

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.

You’ll have to part with your dream of sandy beaches when in Dubrovnik, as this place delivers wilderness at every seaside moment. Think rocky, think wild, think pebbles – think divine spots to become one with the sea. Around Dubrovnik, beaches are much more than just places, they are experiences. So when locals tell you about their favorite beaches in Dubrovnik, keep in mind they might just be referring to some smartly positioned rocks or a miniscule pebble cove. But experiencing the sea up close and personal is the highlight of Dubrovnik living, and hence, of every Dubrovnik visit.
Tip:
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.

Average Sea Temperatures in Dubrovnik

Average sea temperatures in Dubrovnik

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.

Beaches in Dubrovnik old town

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

The highlight of the Old Town harbor, Porporela pier and its red lighthouse are also a popular swimming spot. There’s a regular crowd which gathers here, some on the concrete plateau by the pier and some in the rocky area around the Dubrovnik City Walls corner. Sitting beneath the fortress of St. John, counting the many boats passing by, face to face with the horizon, you are bound to achieve a relaxed state-of-mind, unattainable within the bustling City Walls.

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

Hanging off the southern side of the walls, Buža bars are also very popular bathing spots. Cascading from the Walls to the sea, the upper terraces at Bužas stage a bar, while the lower ones double for beaches. The concrete terraces are leveled between rocks, adding an irreversible touch of civilization to the otherwise untamed spots. Adrenaline junkies will get their shot by diving off rocks, but please be smart – do so before hitting the bar!

Our two cents: Swim in the afternoon, then enjoy a sunset drink.


Šulić beach

  ~ a swim under the watchful eye of Lovrijenac Fortress

A sense of awe overwhelms when you first set your eyes on the bay of Šulić. After wandering through Kolorina area on the west side of the Old Town, pass through a small gated entrance to find yourself amazed by the mighty cliffs on one end and impressive Lovrijenac fort hovering over the other. Discovering Šulić feels very much like stumbling onto some secret treasure, a heavenly bay known only to those who wish to step off the beaten path. With a pebbly central area, concrete piers on the sides and a large bar with stone terraces, Šulić attracts and enchants visitors and locals alike.

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!

Beaches on Lokrum island

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

  1. The Sea: for an amicable encounter, dip your toes in first.
  2. Keep in your bag at all times: shades, sunscreen, water, hat, swimsuit.
  3. Pack for the beach: towels, rubber shoes to walk on rocks, pareo, reading materials, cards or games, snacks.
  4. 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

Banje beach enjoys almost surreal views of its first neighbors, the Dubrovnik Old Town and Lokrum Island. Dubrovnik’s prime beach is popular for its wondrous views, fantastic location 5-minutes east of the Old Town and Banje beach club. The club comprises a separate area of the beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, a seafood restaurant and a lounge bar which turns into a night club after dark. The part of the beach which is not under the club’s management is open to public and comes with no fees attached. An outlet of Dubrovnik Watersports, positioned in the center of the beach, makes it easy to add some adventure to your day, whether tubing, jet-skiing, water-skiing or parasailing. If you’re going to Banje, definitely come prepared to stay for a long time!

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

Some 600 meters west of the Old Town, Danče beach sits just under the lush oasis of pine trees at Gradac Park. Gracing the eastern tip of the bay, and with hotel Libertas Rixos on the opposite side, Danče showcases fantastic vistas of Dubrovnik Riviera. With a number of concrete plateaus coupled with untamed rocks, Danče is the epitome of a local beach in Dubrovnik. With no ‘beachy’ entrance into the sea, you’ll have to either descend down a beach ladder or simply hop in. But it’s the proper way to do it in Dubrovnik! A small beach bar serves simple drinks, like beers and juices, and soccer games on the central plateau are a common occurrence.

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

The beach of Sv. Jakov sits some 2 kilometers east of the Old Town and can easily be reached on foot. From Ploče gate, walk against traffic on the main road and turn right next to hotel Argentina. The grand finale of the walk to St. Jacob’s comes adorned with a descent of over hundred stairs, so if you’re into more leisurely arrivals, inquire in the Old Town harbor about boat transfers to the beach. Embraced in humongous cliffs topped with St. Jacob’s monastery, facing Lokrum Island and serving vistas of the Old Town in the distance, St. Jacob’s makes the stretch well worth it. Coupled with an easy-going beachside bar/restaurant, St. Jacob’s beach makes it easy to lose a day feeling like you earned it.

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.

Best beaches in Dubrovnik

Bellevue Beach

  ~ Shaded from the highest sun

You’ll have to work to arrive to Bellevue. And you’ll really have to work to leave Bellevue. Next to the cramped residential area of Montovjerna, some 15 minutes away from the Old Town, a path swirls by the hotel Libertas Rixos before descending many flights of stairs to this unique cove. Beneath a modern 5* hotel of the same name, Bellevue beach is surrounded in sky-high overhangs, and almost completely secluded from the everyday hustle and bustle. With areas of pebbles, concrete and rocks, but also sun loungers and café, it’s easy for everyone to find something to their liking.

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.

Named after the famous Brazilian beach, Copacabana reminds slightly of the South American beauty, at least by its happening atmosphere and elongated shape. It’s mainly pebbles, though. The dramatic views include the rugged karst of Dubrovnik Riviera, elegant Dubrovnik Bridge, the majestic cruise ship harbor, and funky art installations by the entrance.

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

View on the Coral Beach Club from air
Shows at Coral Beach Club
View at the beach with deckchairs
If you’re up for a tad bit of exclusivity, Coral Beach Club delivers. On the northern side of the Lapad peninsula, Coral Beach Club might remind slightly of the Bahamas, with a central cabana bar and resto. But the views are guaranteed to remind you of where you’re at, with majestic mountains slithering down into the Adriatic and taunt sails dancing before you. Elegant, fancy and secluded, the Coral Beach corner of heaven comes with a price tag, but feels very much worth it.
GET DIRECTIONS

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!

beaches in Dubrovnik area

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

The one and the only sandy cove of Šunj adorns the south-eastern side of Lopud Island in the Elaphite archipelago. Take the Jadrolinija boat from Gruž harbor, and after some 50 minutes, arrive to the town of Lopud on the northern side of the island. From here, either hike across the island to Šunj or take one of the electric cars which line up near the hotel Grand on central promenade. The sandy Šunj looks like something out of the movie ‘the Beach’, embraced in terracotta-shaded cliffs and facing the open seas. This long sandy strip provides everything you need to make the trip out here worthwhile, from a restaurant and a bar, beach chair and umbrella rentals, to nudist area on the eastern side of the beach. Attracting island-hoppers, party-goers, families, sunbathers and yachters alike, Šunj is often packed and lively.

GET DIRECTIONS

Photo by Jude Doyland, Sunj beach, Lopud islandOur 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

‘Kamen Mali’ translates to ‘Little Rock’, literally describing this azure blue cove formed by rugged rocks and rocky plateaus. There’s something about this beach which appeals to youngsters and young-at-heart likewise. Perhaps it’s the lagoon-like cove embraced in rock plateaus which allow you to sunbathe while dipping your toes in the azure water. Perhaps it’s the wilderness the cove retains even with all the beach-goers. But most likely, it’s the equal opportunity Kamen Mali provides to both those seeking action, and those seeking serenity. Rent kayaks and jet-skis, or enjoy diving off rocks and swimming in crystal clear sea. Or gaze at sunsets over a drink in a tree-house-like bar just above the cove. To find Kamen Mali, take the Libertas bus number 10 to Cavtat, then walk to the tip of the Rat peninsula.

Our two cents: don’t forget your camera for some incredible sunset pics.


Kupari

  ~ An Abandoned Pebble Heaven near Dubrovnik

A long strip of pebbles lines the coast of an area called Župa Dubrovačka, some ten kilometers east of Dubrovnik. Accessible by Libertas public buses headed to Cavtat or Konavle, Kupari are at the center of Župa Dubrovačka. The former military resort, the hotel complex at Kupari has been sitting abandoned for over two decades. Ghostly ruins of once majestic hotels today await reconstruction, sitting scattered around a spectacular pebble beach. Popular with day-trippers, families and groups of friends, Kupari is very busy and snatching its prime towel spots will require you to show up early. With a beach bar and pizzeria on site, Kupari is an easy place to spend a whole day.

Our two cents: bring one of those inflatable, floating beds.


Average air temperatures in Dubrovnik

Average air temperatures in Dubrovnik

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.

CULTURE CLUB REVELIN