Dubrovnik is renowned for its stunning Old City surrounded by mighty stone walls. But the Pearl of the Adriatic has another crown jewel – its incredible array of beaches lining the crystal blue sea. From secluded coves to lively shores, Dubrovnik boasts some of the best hidden beach gems in all of Croatia. As a local, I’m often asked about finding the best beaches and top spots for swimming, sunbathing or just taking in that iconic view of the Old Town from the water.
Our pick of the best hotels in the Dubrovnik 🔝
- 💎 Luxury: Hotel Dubrovnik President
- ✨ 5-Star: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik
- 🏨 4-Star: Hotel Neptun Dubrovnik
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Rooms Sveti Jakov
- 💸 Budget: Rooms Sveti Jakov
- 🏢 Apartments/Villas: Dubrovnik Luxury Residence–
With over 200 beaches within the Dubrovnik area, it can be tough to narrow it down. That’s why I’ve compiled this insider’s guide to the 12 absolute best beaches in and around the city. Whether you’re staying in the city of Dubrovnik for a week or just on a quick day trip from Split, this list covers all the must-visit beaches. From the popular sandy paradise of Banje Beach right in the Old City, to the rocky coves and pebble shores northwest of Dubrovnik like Sveti Jakov – I’ve included diverse picks suitable for families, couples or anyone who wants to discover paradise. Some beaches like Betina Cave are only accessible by kayak, while others have full facilities on the beach. But they all showcase that legendary Dubrovnik Riviera beauty. Get ready to dive into the best that the “Mediterranean as it once was” has to offer!
Quick guide to the best beaches in and around Dubrovnik 📋
- 🏙️ For Old Town Views: Banje Beach
- 🌊 For Water Sports: Copacabana Beach
- 🏖️ For Families: Sveti Jakov Beach
- 🌅 For Stunning Sunsets: Uvala Lapad Beach
- 🐚 For Seclusion: Pasjača Beach
- 🌴 For Island Escapes: Šunj Beach (Lopud Island)
1. Banje Beach – The Best Sandy Beach Near Dubrovnik Old Town 🏙️
📍 Old Town Locale: The pebbly Banje Beach is the closest to the Old Town – just a 5-minute walk from the Ploče Gate entrance. You can’t beat the convenience and views!
🏞️ Dramatic Backdrop: With the historic city walls and Lovrijenac Fortress as its backdrop, the beach offers a uniquely dramatic setting. The visuals are simply stunning at sunset.
☕ Amenities Galore: You’ll find everything you need right her – beach chair/umbrella rentals (around 50 HRK), casual cafes, bars, public restrooms, and showers.
🏊♂️ Swimming Challenges: While the location is prime, the beach itself can get very crowded and the entry is quite rocky underfoot. The water is also chillier compared to other Croatian beaches.
🚶♀️ Getting There: Simply walk through the Ploče Gate entrance to Dubrovnik Old City and follow the Banje signs down to the beach. Arrive early to snag one of the limited free parking spots nearby.
Where to stay near Banje? 📋
- Hotel Excelsior This beachfront 5-star hotel is a local landmark. It offers elegant rooms with sea views, a luxurious 850 m² spa, 3 restaurants, and 24-hour room service.
- Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik This historic hotel features an indoor pool, wellness center with saunas and massage facilities, and air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities. It has a terrace restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
- Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik This 5-star luxury resort is situated on the Lapad Peninsula in Dubrovnik, offering rooms with balconies overlooking the sea. It has indoor and outdoor pools, a private beach area, and several restaurants and bars on site.
2. Sveti Jakov Beach – Best Dubrovnik Beach for a Relaxing Stay 🌴
🏞️ Scenic Setting: This peaceful pebble beach is tucked into a cove just west of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, offering stunning views of the city walls and Lokrum Island. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town’s western entrance or you can take the short boat ride from the Old Harbor for around 35 kuna.
☕ Casual Amenities: You’ll find sunbed and umbrella rentals (around 40 kuna), a few casual cafes like Beach Sveti Jakov providing refreshments without the party vibe of Banje. There are also public showers and changing cabins.
👨👩👧👦 Family Favorite: With shallow waters and a relaxed atmosphere, the beach is a top pick for families looking to spend a laid-back beach day. The beach has on-duty lifeguards during peak season.
🍽️ Dining: For a casual meal, you can grab pizza, salads and drinks at the beachfront cafe. Or head up to the the local church for amazing views and upscale Mediterranean fare at Nautika Restaurant (mains 100-250 kuna).
Where to stay near the area? 📋
- Rooms Sveti Jakov This property is located right on Jacob’s Beach. It offers simple accommodation with free WiFi.
- Sveti Jakov Situated directly on Jacob’s Beach, this hotel features a bar and restaurant. It’s just a short walk from the Old Town.
3. Copacabana Beach – Lively Sandy Spot to Discover the Best Beaches in Croatia 🎣
🎉 Party Vibes: As the name suggests, Copacabana is Dubrovnik’s liveliest beach scene with bumping music, beach clubs, and a young energetic crowd. It’s open from 9am to midnight during peak season.
🛋️ Amenity Central: You’ll find all the amenities here – sunbeds (70-100 kuna), umbrellas, bars like Coba Bar, watersports rentals like jet skis (from 400 kuna/30 mins), massages and more. Expect to pay premium prices.
🏖️ Sandy Shores: One of the few sandy beaches in the area, the soft golden sand is perfect for lounging and playing games like picigin.
🍽️ Dining Scene: Grab a table at one of the upscale beach clubs like Eastwest or Bowa for cocktails with DJ beats and fresh seafood mains around 200-300 kuna. Or try the more casual fare at Copacabana Beach restaurant.
Where to stay near Copacabana? 📋
- Dubrovnik President Hotel A 5-star luxury hotel offering 2 outdoor pools and a private beach area
- Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik This beachfront hotel offers a sun terrace right on the beach, features an outdoor pool, spa facilities, and rooms with balconies.
4. Bellevue Beach – Charming Secluded Cove Near Dubrovnik’s Old Town Walls 🏰
🏰 Secluded Cove: Bellevue Beach is a charming pebbly cove tucked below Hotel Bellevue, offering a peaceful escape just a 10-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town. One of the best beaches for admiring the iconic fortifications up close.
🛋️ Simple Amenities: You’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas for rent (around 50-100 kuna per day). The bar Nevera serves drinks, light snacks like sandwiches and salads, as well as fresh seafood dishes. The small sea cave is perfect for swimming or cliff jumping if you’re feeling adventurous.
🌉 Old Town Views: For the best vistas of the Old Town walls and Lovrijenac Fortress, stake out a spot on the western side of the beach near the cliffs.
🍽️ Dining Options: Hotel Bellevue has several highly-rated dining options including the Michelin-recommended Vapor Restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine, the beachfront Nevera serving fresh seafood, as well as the Spice Lounge and Wine Bar.
⏰ Beach Hours: Nevera Beach Restaurant is open from 11am-5pm from May to September.
🚶 Getting There: From the Old Town, walk through Pile Gate and continue west for 15 minutes, passing Boninovo. Turn left on Put Pera Cingrije and you’ll see stairs down to the beach near Hotel Bellevue.
Where to stay near Bellevue Beach? 📋
- City Hotel Dubrovnik Centrally located in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, this hotel offers easy walking access to many of the city’s best beaches along the Dubrovnik Riviera, providing air-conditioned rooms and an on-site restaurant.
- Hotel Porto Dubrovnik A 3-star hotel situated in the Babin Kuk area of Dubrovnik, offering an outdoor pool and rooms with balconies.
5. Lokrum Island Beaches – Pristine Sandy Beach in Dubrovnik 🏝️
🏝️ Pristine Beach: Lokrum Island’s pristine beaches like Deadman’s Beach/Portoc Bay and Borka Cove offer a tranquil oasis just a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Harbor.
🌴 Natural Beauty: The car-free nature reserve has an undeveloped, rustic vibe with limited amenities beyond the soft golden sand and unique Dead Sea lake. Deadman’s Beach has a basic snack bar called Lacroma serving light fare. The island’s botanical garden has over 800 plant species.
⛵ Easy Access: Regular ferries run to/from Lokrum in the summer months from the Old Harbor (around 150 kuna round-trip). The island also has a Benedictine monastery ruins and free-roaming peacocks to explore. Ferries run every 30 minutes from 9am-7pm.
📖 Pack Supplies: Be sure to pack water, snacks and any other supplies you’ll need for the day, or dine at Lacroma Restaurant on the island. There are no shops or vendors on the island of Lokrum.
Where to stay near Lokrum Island Beaches? 📋
- Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik A 5-star luxury hotel located within the walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, featuring an indoor pool and spa facilities.
- Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik A 5-star luxury hotel situated on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, offering an outdoor pool, spa, and rooms with sea views.
6. Pasjača Beach – Sandy Retreat for the Best Beaches Near Dubrovnik 🌊
🏞️ Sandy Retreat: Tucked beneath towering seaside cliffs, the secluded Pasjača Beach offers a dramatic sandy setting about 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik’s city center in the village of Popovići.
🥾 Steep Descent: Getting there involves a steep 15-minute hike down rocky trails, but you’ll be rewarded with turquoise waters and complete seclusion away from crowds. The hike has some shaded areas but can be strenuous in high heat.
🥤 BYO Supplies: With no vendors on this remote beach, you’ll need to pack all your own food, water, sunscreen and any other beach supplies. Bringing a small cooler is recommended.
🩴 Reef Shoes: Bring reef shoes as the beach entrance is quite rocky. This hidden gem is best for those seeking natural beauty and an escape from Dubrovnik’s busier stretches.
Where to stay near Pasjača Beach? 📋
- Konak Ramonda Serbika This property in Sremski Karlovci, offers air-conditioned accommodation with a garden and free WiFi.
- Prenociste Zone A guesthouse providing rooms with air conditioning, a shared lounge, and free WiFi.
- Guest House Dimitrije This guesthouse offers rooms with air conditioning, a garden, and free WiFi access.
7. Uvala Lapad Beach – Long Pebble Paradise in Dubrovnik’s Lapad Bay 🏖️
🏖️ Pebble Paradise: Uvala Lapad is one of Dubrovnik’s most popular public beaches, offering a long pebble shoreline with shallow waters ideal for families in Lapad Bay about 3km northwest of the Old Town.
☕ Promenade Scene: A lively palm tree-lined promenade runs behind the beach with numerous restaurants like Zuzori and Orsan serving local seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as cafes and ice cream shops. Many stay open late for drinks and nightlife.
🛋️ Full Amenities: You’ll find all the typical beach amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, bars and watersports rentals. It’s easy to spend a full day here. Jet ski and banana boat rentals are popular.
🚍 Easy Access: Take bus #6 from the Old Town (around 15 kuna) for the short 15-minute ride to this lively beach area. Buses run every 10-15 minutes.
Where to stay near Uvala Lapad Beach? 📋
- Villa Franovic A villa offering with an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and free WiFi.
- Guest House Ragua 3/4 This guesthouse offers accommodation with a garden and terrace in Dubrovnik.
- Villa Astra Dubrovnik A beachfront villa providing an outdoor pool and garden views.
8. Danče Beach – Rocky Cove with Beach Bars Around Dubrovnik 🍹
🍹 Beach Bars: For a relaxed local vibe, head to pebbly Danče Beach tucked between hotels and apartments in the Babin Kuk residential area northwest of Dubrovnik’s city center.
☕ Low-Key Scene: Don’t expect too many amenities beyond sunbeds, umbrellas and a couple basic bars like Banje Beach – part of Danče’s laid-back charm with shady pine trees lining the shores. Banje has a small restaurant as well.
🌲 Natural Setting: You can spend lazy days swimming in the clear shallows or reading under the trees. The beach has great views of the Elafiti Islands across the water.
🚍 Getting There: It’s about a 20-minute bus ride from the Old Town on bus #6 (around 15 kuna) plus a short walk to reach this local hangout.
Where to stay near Danče Beach? 📋
- Apartment Capitano Blue These beach apartments offer easy access to Dubrovnik’s shores and provides air conditioning and free WiFi.
- Apartment & Room Lukre Beach apartment rentals offering accommodation with a garden and terrace in Dubrovnik.
- Sesame Inn This inn offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The rooms are simply furnished and feature a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a private bathroom.
9. Sulic Beach – Secluded Pebble Beach on Koločep Island Near Dubrovnik 🐚
🐚 Secluded Pebble Beach: For a true island escape, take a ferry from Dubrovnik’s Gruz port to the sleepy island of Koločep and seek out the tranquil pebble cove of Sulic Beach on the western shore.
☕ Simple Pleasures: With just a basic bar, Sulic offers a chance to unwind away from crowds by swimming, sunbathing or taking in views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town across the channel. The bar serves cold drinks and light bites.
⛴ Ferry Access: Frequent ferries run to/from Koločep in the summer months from Gruz port (around 25 kuna each way). Ferries take about 30 minutes each way.
🥘 Pack a Picnic: As amenities are limited on this quiet island, be sure to pack any food, drinks and supplies you’ll need for the day.
Where to stay near Sulic Beach? 📋
- Apartments Luna Dubrovnik Beach apartments offering air-conditioned apartments with free WiFi. Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, a living area, and a private bathroom.
- The Byron Dubrovnik A hotel offering air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi and city views. The apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, a living area, and a private bathroom.
- Old Town Hostel This centrally-located hotel offers dormitory-style accommodation with free WiFi. The hostel provides shared facilities, including a common area and a shared kitchen.
10. Coral Beach Club – Upscale Sandy Beach Club in Dubrovnik, Croatia 🌴
🌴 Beach Club: The upscale Coral Beach Club delivers an Ibiza-inspired experience with its private beach, pools, plush sunbeds and VIP cabanas in Župa Bay about 20 minutes northwest of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
🍽️ Dining & Nightlife: In addition to pampering beach amenities, Coral Beach offers an array of dining and nightlife venues from beach clubs like Ibiza Beach Club to open-air nightclubs. The Coral Beach Club is open from 9am to midnight.
💰 Splurge Worthy: While not cheap, an all-inclusive day pass provides access to all of Coral Beach’s facilities, with prices around 300-500 kuna. VIP cabanas can cost over 1000 kuna.
🚗 Getting There: It’s about a 20-minute drive northwest of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Taxis from the Old Town cost around 100 kuna each way.
Where to stay near Coral Beach Club? 📋
- Dubrovnik President Hotel A luxurious beachfront hotel offering outdoor pools, a private beach area, and elegantly appointed rooms with sea views. The hotel features a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, a spa, and fitness facilities.
- Tirena Dubrovnik The hotel provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy the pool area and the on-site restaurant.
- Argosy Dubrovnik A beachside hotel offering an outdoor pool and rooms with free WiFi. The hotel provides air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
11. Sunset Beach – Best Beach in Dubrovnik for Stunning Sunsets 🌅
🌅 Best Beach for Stunning Sunsets: As its name suggests, tiny Sunset Beach on the western end of the Lapad peninsula is one of the best places to watch the sun dip into the Adriatic.
🏖️ Sandy Shores: This small sandy cove faces west, offering unobstructed sunset views and a few basic amenities like sunbeds and a bar. The bar serves cocktails and has a DJ in the evenings.
🔭 Front Row Seat: To get the best view, grab a spot on the sand early as the sky transforms into vibrant oranges, pinks and reds at dusk. Sunset is around 8pm in summer.
🚶 Easy Access: You can easily reach Sunset Beach via a short walk from the western end of the main Uvala Lapad Beach area. Just follow signs for “Plaža Sunset.”
Where to stay near Sunset Beach? 📋
- Dubrovnik Luxury Residence These luxury beachfront residences provide an outdoor swimming pool, a garden with stunning views, and free WiFi throughout the property. The villa offers spacious and elegantly furnished accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen, a living area, and a terrace with outdoor seating.
- Grand Hotel Park Dubrovnik A 5-star luxury beachfront resort offering elegantly appointed rooms with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.
- Hotel Vis This beachfront hotel offers an outdoor pool and rooms with free WiFi. The hotel provides air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
12. Sunj Beach on the Island of Lopud near Dubrovnik – The Tranquil Escape 😌
🏖️ Peaceful Cove: If you’re looking for a true escape from the hustle and bustle, allow me to introduce you to Sunj Beach. This peaceful cove is located on the car-free island of Lopud, just a short ferry ride from famous Dubrovnik. It’s the perfect spot to get away from it all and find some true tranquility.
⛴️ Getting There: Ferries to the island of Lopud depart regularly from Dubrovnik’s iconic harbor. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the main village on Lopud to reach the secluded shores of Sunj Beach. You can be worlds away from the crowds yet so close!
😌 Serene Setting: With no roads, no crowds and no noise pollution, Sunj Beach offers a truly serene escape into tranquility. The fine shores give way to shallow azure waters that are ideal for families to swim and play safely. You’ll feel like you have this little cove all to yourselves.
☀️ Limited Amenities: In keeping with Sunj’s laid-back unspoiled vibe, you won’t find any major beach clubs or amenities right there. Just a few simple family-run bars and casual restaurants to grab a bite or refreshing drink between dips in the sea. No need for much else in this island paradise!
🐠 Activities: How you spend your days at Sunj is entirely up to you. Swim, sunbathe and beachcomb on the sands. Explore the island’s scenic coastal hiking trails offering dramatic views. Or simply lounge with a good book, soaking in the serenity. Don’t forget to bring snorkel gear to spot marine life in the clear shallows!
⭐ Insider Tip: For the ultimate serene island experience, stay overnight at one of Lopud’s historic monastery residences turned hotels. You’ll have the beach all to yourself in the golden hours after the day-trippers depart.
Best hotels near the area 🏨
- Hotel Dubrovnik Palace This is a 5-star luxury hotel. Children of any age are welcome, but pets are not allowed.
- Royal Neptun Hotel Renovated in 2015, it offers rooms with balconies, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and modern bathrooms. The hotel has outdoor pools, restaurants, a spa, and a private beach area.
- Sun Gardens Dubrovnik Formerly the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, this is a 5-star luxury resort. Children are welcome but pets are not permitted.
FAQs about Visiting Croatia Beaches in Dubrovnik❔
What is Dubrovnik nicest beach?
Banje Beach is considered Dubrovnik’s nicest beach, located just outside the Old Town walls with stunning views.
Has Dubrovnik got sandy beaches?
There are no fully sandy beaches in Dubrovnik, but Sunj Beach on Lopud Island has fine sand mixed with pebbles.
Can you swim in the sea in Dubrovnik?
Yes, you can swim in the sea in Dubrovnik as the Adriatic waters are suitable for swimming from late spring through fall.
Is there a public beach in Dubrovnik?
Yes, Banje Beach is a public beach located just outside the Old Town walls of Dubrovnik.
How warm is the sea in Dubrovnik?
In June, the average sea temperature in Dubrovnik is around 22-23°C (72-73°F), warm enough for comfortable swimming.
