13 Dubrovnik Beaches That Will Steal Your Heart
When you think of Dubrovnik I’m willing to bet that images flood through your mind of the Old Town’s towering city walls or the ancient fortresses which 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 that contains monuments that date as far back as the 12th century.
These striking relics have made the city a prime filming location and as a result, Dubrovnik has made a frequent appearance 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.
1. 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 especially it can get very busy.
2. Buža Beach
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 that are ideal for sunbathing on sun loungers which are available to rent and 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
There are numerous deck chairs 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.
7. Lokrum
Only 600 meters from Dubrovnik Old Town is Lokrum Island. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 to Lopud island from Dubrovnik’s main port. 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 the beach 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.
12. 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.
13. 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 which makes it the perfect location for those looking 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.
