Best Dubrovnik Beaches: 15 Idyllic Spots for a Dip
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The city of Dubrovnik boasts a wealth of cultural sights.
Fantastical palaces, beautiful monasteries and intriguing museums all jostle for space inside its age-old medieval walls. But when it’s time for a break, the coast calls.
Wondering where to swim in Dubrovnik to cool off on a hot day? Searching for beaches in the Old Town itself?
No problem – Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s top beach cities!
We’ve visited Dubrovnik on several occasions now (we just can’t get enough of Croatia!) and have uncovered the best Dubrovnik beaches to add to your dream Croatia itinerary – perfect for sunbathing, swimming and soaking up the Adriatic’s magic.
Contents: Dubrovnik’s 15 best beaches
Beaches near Dubrovnik Old Town
About the best Dubrovnik beaches
Just a heads up.
When it comes to the world’s prettiest beaches, Croatia’s beaches can hold their own.
But most aren’t sandy beaches like you find in Hawaii or the Caribbean. They’re pebble or rock beaches. Sometimes, they’re just rock or concrete slabs or piers, with ladders leading down into the sea.
The sea is crystal clear though – and you can’t go to Dubrovnik and not swim in the sea!
Beaches near Dubrovnik Old Town
Whether you’re looking for the overall best beach in Dubrovnik to hang out for the afternoon – or you fancy something small, secluded and perfect for a quick swim – here are some of the top spots in and around the Old Town.
1) Banje Beach
So you’ve walked atop the massive Dubrovnik city walls encircling the Old City.
And you’ve enjoyed coffee and a delicious Croatian cake or pastry at a café.
Now it’s hot. Very hot.
Not to worry. Beach bliss awaits at Banje!
Because of Banje Beach’s proximity to the Old Town (just a five-minute walk from the eastern entrance, to be exact), it’s definitely the most popular Dubrovnik beach.
This stretch of pebbly – not sandy – coastline close to the Old Town harbor offers a stunning vista of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
It’s not surprising that it’s considered the “main” beach in town.
Now, you do have to walk down a steep set of about 100 steps leading down from the road to the beach.
But once you’ve made it down, you’ll be greeted by a sparkling scene.
One part of it consists of a beach club, where you can pay to use the amenities (which include beach loungers, umbrellas and cocktail service).
Or you could just opt to throw your towel down on the pebbles (like we did on one visit) and chill out for a while.
No doubt about it. This is one of the best swimming beaches in Dubrovnik!
Banje Beach, Dubrovnik: See Banje Beach on the map
2) Sulic Beach
Sulic Beach is found close to Pile Gate, the main entrance to Dubrovnik Old Town, so it’s one of the closest beaches to the ancient sights of the city.
The fortresses of Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress) and Bokar bookend the bay in which it’s located, forming a sheltered spot that’s ideal for swimming.
Don’t come here expecting a wide sweeping stretch of sand or a huge crescent bay, though.
Sulic Beach is almost like a cove. It’s tiny, it gets really busy and it’s lacking in facilities.
Still, this small beach is one of the best places for swimming in Dubrovnik when you want a refreshing dip in crystalline waters, right by the Old Town.
And the beach bar, which is set above the pebbles on a terrace, is an idyllic spot to spend some time with a cold drink or two.
Sulic Beach: Dubrovnik: See it on the map
3) Sveti Jakov Beach
Quieter than Banje Beach, Sveti Jakov Beach is more of a local spot.
This sandy pebble beach is a scenic 20-minute coastal walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, following the leafy avenue of Vlaha Bukovca.
A staircase from Sveti Jakov Church leads down to the shoreline, where you’re treated to stunning Old Town views and golden sunlight that lingers late into summer evenings.
With sun umbrellas and lounge chairs for rent, plus a café bar serving snacks and drinks, it’s easy to settle in and stay all day. No rush, no crowds – just pure Adriatic bliss at another one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik.
Sveti Jakov Beach: See it on the map
4) Dance Beach
Another popular local hangout, Dance Beach is a rocky locale lapped by clear azure waters.
It’s close to the Old Town, but far enough away to keep most tourists away, making it feel like a bit of a hidden gem.
But, we have to be clear. Dance Beach certainly isn’t a sandy beach. It’s not even a pebble beach.
Think instead concrete and rock slabs for sunbathing, with ladders for climbing down into the sea. Just find a flat spot to spread out your towel and you’re good to go.
It doesn’t get much better than this tranquil spot if beach chairs aren’t important for you! The water is super clear, ideal for swimming, and people like to dive off the rocks.
It also has showers, toilets and a small café bar serving refreshments – just don’t expect much shade.
Dance Beach, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
5) Buza Beach
Clinging to the base of the steep cliffs and walls of Dubrovnik Old Town, Buza Beach is one of those picture-perfect Mediterranean beaches that we all dream about.
Part of the charm is accessing it through a wrought-iron gate in a thick defensive wall – so you feel like you’re entering a different world entirely.
Again, it’s not a “beach” in the traditional sense of the word.
But Buza Beach does offer some of the best swimming in Dubrovnik, with diving from the large rocks a popular pastime.
Most people choose to sit at one of Buza Bar’s tables on the terrace, however, and lap it all up, drink in hand.
Buza Beach, Dubrovnik: See Buza Beach on the map
6) Porporela
The first thing you need to know about Porporela is that this Dubrovnik Old Town beach isn’t a beach at all – surprise! It’s a pier.
However, jutting out from the eastern section of the Old Town walls, it’s one of the most convenient places to swim in Dubrovnik – if only for the fact that it’s so close to the Old Town.
Benches along the pier invite you to sit and while away some time. Or just perch on the rocks or lay down a towel on the pier itself.
You’ll have great views of both Lokrum Island out to sea and the handsome walls of the Old Town itself.
Sun yourself, bring a book and take a dip when you feel like it.
Porporela Pier, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
7) Cave Beach (Betina Beach)
Nicknamed Cave Beach, Betina Beach is a picture-perfect slice of paradise.
Tucked inside an almost perfectly round cave opening that casts dappled shade over its pebbly shore, it’s flanked by rugged rocks, adding to its hidden-away feel. Accessible only by water, it’s one of Dubrovnik’s more secretive spots.
A great way to reach it? Join a sea kayaking tour. You’ll paddle to the calm waters of Betina Beach, Lokrum Island and other scenic locales along the craggy Dubrovnik-area coastline.
When you stop at Betina Beach, you’ll have ample time for a swim before clambering back into your sea kayak to continue your adventure.
Cave Beach, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
Best Lapad beaches
About two miles to the west of Dubrovnik, the tree-clad peninsula of Lapad provides more plentiful options to relax by the coast. The following are some of the best beaches in Lapad.
8) Bellevue Beach
This pebble beach is located right at the beginning of Lapad Peninsula.
Bellevue, which means “beautiful view” in French, is also known as Miramare (literally “look at the sea”) in Italian. Both names are apt.
It’s a great place to while away some time, sunbathing and swimming in this beautiful coastal area near Dubrovnik.
Bellevue Beach is somewhat hidden.
To get there is a mini-adventure: You have to descend a flight of stairs that wind past the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik hotel and down the rocky cliffside to the beach.
It’s also a good spot to gaze at locals diving off the cliffs or watch teams battle it out in water polo bouts – the OMG of water sports.
Bellevue Beach, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
9) Lapad Bay Beach (Sunset Beach)
The peninsula’s eponymous beach, Lapad Bay Beach (also known by the names Uvala Lapad Beach and Sunset Beach), is a family-oriented spot.
If you’re traveling with little ones in tow, this is a great beach to visit.
With smooth pebbles and clear shallow waters lapping the shore (ideal for swimming), it’s a classic easy-going beach that attracts a mixture of tourists and locals.
If you want to get away from the crowds, check out the small coves in the vicinity. These are easily accessed via a series of winding walking paths leading from the main beach.
Facilities at this much-loved beach include showers, lifeguards, sun loungers and several eateries – everything you need for a happy day at the beach.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also a water slide and children’s play area to keep everyone entertained.
Lapad Beach, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
10) Copacabana Beach
It may not be Rio de Janeiro, but Dubrovnik’s very own Copacabana Beach (aka Kopacabana Beach) still holds its own as among the best in the area.
Mind you, it bears little resemblance to Rio’s Copacabana.
For starters, this Lapad Peninsula beach is pebbly, with raised concrete platforms.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t picturesque. The crescent curve of beach attracts a whole mix of visitors, thanks to the combination of its beauty and the good facilities on offer.
Families like the calm shallow waters, which make for ideal swimming conditions, while adults can indulge in a cocktail (or perhaps a few) from one of the bars and clubs that line the beach.
You can pay to use the facilities at one of the beach clubs (like the Copacabana Beach Club), which feature comfy sun beds and funky soundtracks.
But it’s not necessary. Simply turn up, find a spot to throw down your towel and enjoy.
Copacabana Beach, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
11) Coral Beach Club
Perfectly situated overlooking the sparkling waters of Dubrovnik Bay, this chic beach club offers a laid-back yet sophisticated ambience for a very chilled (and rather stylish) day by the sea.
You won’t be fighting for space on the pebbles. Instead, you can secure a plush sun lounger, cabana or table on the beach or on one of the terraces above it.
The service is friendly and attentive, making it that much easier to slip into a day of indulgence.
Think Mediterranean food, chilled Balearic music and freshly made cocktails. All with a side of sunlight and the chance to swim in that clear turquoise sea.
Coral Beach Club, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
Other great beaches around Dubrovnik
Though plenty of beaches are just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik, some of the most beautiful lie on the nearby islands – perfect for a quick escape from the mainland.
If you’re willing to venture a bit further out, there are also a couple of fantastic beaches a little further away from the city (but still quite close and easy to reach).
12) Lokrum Island
One of our favorite Dubrovnik activities is to take a 15-minute boat to swim at Lokrum Island – it makes for a lovely day trip!
This lush uninhabited nature reserve feels a world away from the buzz of the Old Town.
To get there, hop on one of the little water taxis that leave Dubrovnik’s old harbor (at Porporela Pier). Boats leave every half hour in high season. (Check the ferry schedule here.) Entrance to the island is included in the ferry fare.
Once on the island of Lokrum, there’s plenty to explore
We’ve hiked nature paths through the pine forests, where we’ve barely seen another soul!
Fans of Game of Thrones may want to hunt down the show’s filming locations scattered around the island, including the former Benedictine Monastery.
And you’ll want to keep an eye out for the peacocks. There must be hundreds roaming around!
As for the beaches, there are popular ones and hidden ones (the kind that require a hike).
There’s even a nudist beach right at the southern tip and LGBTQ-friendly spots too.
One of the more unusual places for a swim is Mrtvo More (literally “Dead Sea”). This salty body of water is a natural lagoon that’s perfect for swimming.
When we visit, we like to hike a little then search out a quiet slab of rock to sun on like lizards, occasionally climbing down a ladder into the sea to swim.
Near the water taxi dock, you’ll even find outdoor freshwater showers.
Just watch out for sea urchins here (as in all of Croatia). Consider bringing along some reef shoes – we purchased some at a shop in the Old Town.
For refreshments, there are a couple of cafés where you can get drinks and a bite in scenic surroundings, including one overlooking Mrtvo More lagoon.
Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
13) Sunj Beach, Elaphiti Islands
Sandy beaches in Dubrovnik are something of a rarity. But over on the Elaphiti Islands, there’s an exception – Sunj Beach, one of a mere handful of sandy beaches in the area.
Located on the island of Lopud, it takes about an hour to reach by ferry from Dubrovnik. But you’ll love it when you get there. Think soft sand, shallow waters, a tree-shaded eatery, showers and sun loungers for rent – everything you need for a relaxed beach day.
The easiest and most fun way to visit Sunj Beach is on a boat trip from Dubrovnik.
This full-day cruise to the Elaphiti Islands lets you soak up the stunning scenery of the Adriatic Sea as you enjoy an open bar and lunch.
It stops at not only Lopud but also the islands of Sipan and Kolocep, with time to swim and explore old stone villages on the islands. (More than 1,700 happy visitors have rated this experience 5 stars on Viator.)
Or, for a more exclusive adventure, indulge in a private boat tour to Lopud.
With your own skipper and a flexible itinerary, you can hop between Dubrovnik’s best beaches or simply bask in the sun at Sunj Beach – it’s all up to you.
Sunj Beach, Lopud: See it on the map
14) Pasjaca Beach
Pasjaca Beach is a bit of a hidden spot.
Located near Popovici, around a half-hour drive from Dubrovnik Old Town, this beach may seem like a wild all-natural spot but it was actually made artificially in the 1950s (though you probably won’t be able to tell).
The beach itself lies at the bottom of a 200-foot cliff, with an equally dramatic route that you’ll have to tread to reach it – it involves stairs that cling to the side of the rock, as well as tunnels cut into the cliff itself.
The water at Pasjaca Beach is clear as can be, but because it’s not that sheltered, it can get choppy on a windy day.
Make sure to bring your own sun umbrella with you, as there’s no shade. But for privacy and seclusion, it’s a hidden haven.
Pasjaca Beach, Croatia: See it on the map
15) Mlini Beach
Hop on one of the frequent buses heading along the main road southeast of Dubrovnik, and you’ll reach the small coastal village of Mlini in about 20 minutes.
There are a few beaches in Mlini, connected by a walkway – all beautiful and boasting crystal clear waters.
You’ll find cafés and restaurants too.
Mlini Beach, Dubrovnik: See it on the map
Dubrovnik beaches, Croatia: Frequently asked questions
Does Dubrovnik have sandy beaches?
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast isn’t exactly renowned for its sandy beaches. But there are a select few to discover.
One such beach is Sunj Beach on the Elaphiti Islands (about an hour’s boat ride from Dubrovnik). Another sandy beach in this small archipelago is the compact sandy bay at Gornje Celo, on the island of Kolocep.
Most Dubrovnik beaches are pebbly though.
Is the sea warm in Dubrovnik for swimming?
Not exactly. The beaches of Dubrovnik aren’t famed for their warm water (not like, say, Caribbean or other tropical beaches around the world). But the water is definitely not cold in the tourist season.
The water temperature in early summer (June) hovers between 60.8 F and 78.8 F, while in late summer (August) the long hot days produce aquatic highs of 80.6°F.
We’ve gone swimming in Dubrovnik in both early June and late September – and loved it! When it’s sunny and warm outside, you can certainly enjoy a good long dip.
The water is noticeably warmer in September, however, than it is in early summer.
How far is the beach from Dubrovnik Old Town?
Banje Beach is the closest “real” beach. It’s only about 600 feet from the eastern entrance to the Old Town, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy a day by the sea.
Several other beaches can also be found within a comfortable walking distance from Dubrovnik Old Town.
That wraps up our guide on the best Dubrovnik, Croatia, beaches!
Dubrovnik has it all.
In one day alone, you can wander medieval streets, step into real-life Game of Thrones backdrops, eat delicious food and then unwind by the sea for an afternoon of sunning and swimming.
Bring a towel, a good book, your swimsuit (and maybe some reef shoes to protect your tender tootsies from the rocky coastline) – and you’ll be all set to soak up the Adriatic like a pro!
See our other Croatia travel guides
- The Perfect 14-Day Croatia Itinerary (Dalmatian Coast)
- The 10 Best Beach Towns in Croatia
- 17 Wonderful Things to Do in Hvar
- The 15 Best Things to Do on Brac Island
- Visit Trogir: The Tiny Croatian Town Nicknamed “Little Venice”
- 21 Delightful Things to Do in Split
- Visiting Diocletian’s Palace in Split
- Get High! Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
- 33 Delicious Croatian Desserts You Must Try!
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