Dubrovnik Beaches – Where to Find Best Beaches in Dubrovnik

Popular for its world-famous walled Old Town, Dubrovnik has a stunning coastline with a wide range of beaches to enjoy the sun rays and crystal clear water of the Adriatic. Unlike other Mediterranean towns, Dubrovnik beaches aren’t characterized by elegance and the white-sand coast.

However, the biggest advantage is that you can swim alongside the scenic and iconic Dubrovnik City Walls, and no matter which historical sight you’ll be visiting in the city, you’ll always be close to an idyllic beach to have a relaxing dip. This guide to Dubrovnik beaches gives you all the information you need to know which one to choose. 

Things to consider before you go

Before you jump in and pack for your Dubrovnik vacation, you need to know several things beforehand to make the holiday less stressful and avoid extra expenses. 

Check out the sea temperatures – Dubrovnik, undoubtedly, is a summer destination. However, as the high season sees thousands of tourists, many prefer to plan their vacation off or shoulder seasons. If you are one of those who would like to explore the city without enormous crowds and still enjoy swimming in the Adriatic, make sure you check out the average sea temperature to plan your vacation accordingly. 

Pack suitable beachwear – don’t forget that Dubrovnik is a city and not a beach getaway; therefore, make sure you pack suitable beachwear that is not much revealing if you decide to take a walk in the city straight from the beach. 

Get water shoes – Dubrovnik beaches are pebbly and rocky, with quite harsh terrain underwater in various parts. Even though you can get them in the town, pack a pair of comfortable water shoes beforehand to avoid extra expenses on the trip. 

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Famous Dubrovnik beaches 

Banje Beach

Banje beach is probably one of the most famous Dubrovnik beaches, and there are plenty of reasons for it. It is also one of the most amazing beaches in Croatia. It’s right next to the Old Town, so close that you can see the walls while you sunbathe; it doesn’t get more dazzling than to swim in the Adriatic Sea with privileged views of the most beautiful city in Croatia. To reach it walk a few minutes east from Ploče Gate. You can’t miss it!

The beach is small, but it offers a restaurant where you can get decent food and drinks. There’s also a shower that operates with coins and rental of sunbeds and water sports equipment. For the most adventurous, there’s wakeboard and flyboard, and for the ones that prefer to chill, there are kayaks and snorkeling sets. If you want to remain on complete rest mode, you can get a boat by the hour to take you around.

The best Croatia travel tips you can get is to avoid the peak of summer since Dubrovnik will be super crowded and this small beach will feel jammed; and to bring water shoes, since most of the coastline around the country, including Banje, are pebble beaches.

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Porporela 

Porporela is actually a pier and breakwater in the old harbor of the city. It was originally built to reduce waves’ intensity, erosion and protect boats and ships anchored in the harbor. It’s a famous spot to stroll down or sit at the bench and watch seagulls, listen to the sound of waves, enjoy sunset and views of Lokrum Island. 

During the summer months, Porporela becomes a lively beach in Dubrovnik where travelers come to sunbathe and swim, while local youngsters love to jump into the sea from its rocks.  

Due to its location, it’s one of the perfect Dubrovnik beaches for those who come here on a day trip and would love to have a refreshing and quick swim to escape the heat.

To get to Porporela, walk to the eastern side of Stradun, pass through the arch, turn right and walk straight towards the Sveti Ivan Tower and you are there. Note that as it’s not a typical beach, there are no facilities like showers, toilets, lounges, etc. 

Buža Beach

If you are looking for attractive and best Dubrovnik beaches, make sure to check out Buža Beach, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island. The area is rocky with several concrete terraces where you can sunbathe painlessly or jump into the sea. 

Buza beach is an ideal place to watch the sunset, as the horizon turns into a red and orange color palette. Moreover, with its central location, you can combine city sightseeing and relaxation in one day. 

To access the area, pass through the hole in the town walls, and walk down the cliffs’ steps. Unfortunately, there’s no access for wheelchairs or strollers. During the summer months, Buza beach could be very windy because of its location, therefore come here during the mornings. And because of the crazy winds and terrain, Buza beach is not very family-friendly either. 

The basic facilities on the beach include small cafe-bar selling snacks and refreshments. 

Šulić Beach 

Pronounced as “shoo-lich, “it is also referred to as Kolorina beach because of its location in Kolorina bay, just outside of City Walls. The beach is one of the oldest compared to other Dubrovnik beaches and a favorite spot for locals. Due to its location, it is also famous among those who come on a day trip to Dubrovnik.

With stunning views of the open seas and close by Lovrijenac tower, this pebble-sand beach offers nice shade from two towering cliffs, two cafe-bars as well as public showers and toilets. To add a bit of an adventure to your visit, you can hire a sea kayak or snorkeling gear.

Danče Beach

One of the most popular and best beaches in Dubrovnik is the rocky shore known as Danče Beach. Offering stunning turquoise-color water and sunbathing terraces, it is just a 10-minute walk west of Pile Gate. Even though it’s very close to the Old Town, it’s a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Old Town and enjoy the tranquility. 

Dance beach is another oldest spot among Dubrovnik beaches and a favorite place for many locals. The beach sees few tourists and offers basic facilities such as freshwater showers and a small beach bar selling snacks and refreshments. The best time to enjoy Dance beach is early mornings with almost no people.

Bellevue Beach Dubrovnik 

Nestled in a deep, scenic bay enclosed by steep cliffs and a large cave, Bellevue beach is one of the best Dubrovnik beaches for those who love tranquility and isolation. Located around 20 minutes walk from the Old Town right at the beginning of the Lapad peninsula, the beach is accessed by a stairway close by the Hotel Rixos Libertas. 

The pebbled shore is popular among locals and is also a great spot for cliff jumping. The nearby cafe-bar sells snacks and drink if you get hungry or thirsty. The beach also has plenty of shade from early afternoon, making it a perfect place for those who’d like to escape strong summer heat yet spend a day at the beach. However, if you’d like to suntan, come here in the early mornings. 

Uvala, Lapad

One of the best beaches in Dubrovnik is Uvala Lapad, especially for relaxation. This beautiful pebble beach also offers much more than just the beach. You’ll find many restaurants, bars, and hotels, and there is a lovely promenade to walk on. The surrounding area is stunning and somewhat secluded. 

The Uvala Lapad beach is located on the Lapad peninsula, and it is very close to Dubrovnik’s city center. To get to the beach from the center, you can take the bus or even walk depending on which part you’ll be staying at. It takes around 45 minutes’ walk from the very heart of Dubrovnik and its city walls. The beach has changing cabins, showers, sun umbrella, and a sunbed upon request right at the spot! Additionally, the beach is a family-friendly coastline with slides and inflatable water toys for kids.

Moreover, Uvala Lapad beach is known for its beautiful sunsets. So make sure to stay here until a later time of the day. 

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Copacabana beach Dubrovnik 

This half-moon-shaped, sandy, and pebbled beach located on Lapad Peninsula is another great choice when looking at Dubrovnik beaches. Famous for turquoise-colored sea, Copacabana beach Dubrovnik is a favored place for locals and visitors who love cocktails, parties, private huts, and fresh smoothies.  You’ll most likely find a DJ spinning tunes to ensure a nice beach party right at the shore. 

Despite that, it’s also a great spot for families because of the shallow waters on this side of the peninsula. Kids can have fun at a small inflatable water park, while adults enjoy an all-day bar.  You can find sun loungers and umbrellas at Copacabana beach Dubrovnik. 

Coral Beach Club

If you are looking for a shore with sophisticated and luxurious hang-out space, consider visiting Coral Beach Club, just around 10 minutes walk from the Copacabana beach Dubrovnik. With perfectly set sandbanks, palm trees, dozens of comfortable lounge chairs, and a bit overpriced cocktails, Coral Beach Club has an ideal spot for relaxation among other Dubrovnik beaches.   

Best beaches near Dubrovnik 

Lokrum Island 

Lokrum is the closest island to Dubrovnik and a must-visit place to explore during your visit to Dubrovnik. The island has plenty of areas to sunbathe, swim, and relax. However, most of them are rocky and ideal for cliff jumping. 

Boats to Lokrum, depart from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbor every 30 minutes. The ticket costs 200 HRK, and the journey only takes 15 minutes. The ferry schedule changes according to the season, so make sure you check the timetable here or ask the cashier when the last boat departs to Dubrovnik. As there are no accommodation options on Lokrum, you don’t want to miss it! 

Apart from sunbathing, there are a few things to do in Lokrum, including admiring peacocks and rabbits wandering freely among people, explore the remains of various buildings and monasteries, hike to the tower for amazing views over Dubrovnik, and see the island’s own Dead Sea with a high concentration of salt. 

Lokrum island has outdoor showers and several beach bars concealed in the woods. 

Sveti Jakov

Sveti Jakov is another favorite Dubrovnik beach for many locals and a few tourists who know about it. Boasting with a scenic walk along the Boulevard with pine trees on its side and panoramic views of the Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik Old Town, Sveti Jakov is only 20 minutes walk from Banje beach. Alternatively, you can take bus number 5 and 8 from Lapad and Gruz, respectively. 

Sveti Jakov beach has a mixture of sand and pebbles. Moreover, it sees fewer people compared to other beaches in Dubrovnik. However, because of that, there are fewer amenities too.

To get to the beach, you need to walk down the long staircase, making it less suitable for those who have limited mobility. And climbing up is more difficult than walking down. 

Koločep Island

Koločep Island is part of the Elaphiti Islands, offering several gorgeous sandy beaches. Located only 30 minutes from Dubrovnik by boat, the island has two main villages: Upper Celo and Lower Celo. 

The ferry to Kolocep departs from Gruz harbor, and the schedule depends on the season. For instance, the ferries run four times a day during the high season. Check the timetable here.

Enjoy your time on the island, either swimming and sunbathing, searching for water crabs and other marine life, or walking along the towns’ small lanes. The shores here are smaller than Dubrovnik beaches and see fewer tourists too. 

Lopud Island

Like Kolocep, Lopud is the second island of the Elaphiti archipelago, making a perfect day trip opportunity from Dubrovnik. So, if you are looking for sandy beaches near Dubrovnik, get on the ferry from Gruz port and relax at Sunj beach. 

Once you get off the ferry, follow the path across the island up the hill and then down via the wooded trek to reach the Sunj beach.  Don’t worry; the walk takes around 20 minutes. 

With knee-deep water, the beach is perfect for families and kids. You can rent an umbrella if you want to keep yourself from direct sunlight the whole day. And if you get hungry, there are two beach restaurants serving drinks and simple food meals.

Alternatively, to avoid the hustle, here’s the organized tour that includes lunch and unlimited drinks.  

Best Dubrovnik beaches for snorkeling

Buža is one of the most beautiful beaches for snorkeling in Dubrovnik. The water here is clear, and the visibility underwater is excellent. The beach is rocky with deep slaps and is located near the Old Town. 

Danče makes another great snorkeling location with massive and alluring cliffs to explore right at the shore. There are plenty of places to observe the underwater world and are easily accessible by public transport from the center. Make sure to bring food and drinks with you. Gorica is a perfect place for confident snorkelers. Even though the sea bottom is very deep, you don’t have to dive far to see the underwater world. Bring your own supplies, food, and drinks. 

Lokrum island is perfect to have a small getaway from the town.  As mentioned above, you can get to the island by ferry, but if you feel adventurous you can also rent a sea kayak and paddle for around 20 minutes. Once you get on the island, there are several easily identifiable snorkeling spots. 

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