There is no better way to relax and cool off after a day of Dubrovnik Sightseeing than heading to the seaside to take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic.
Although this Croatian city is better known for its historic sights than sunbathing, there are several Dubrovnik beaches within walking distance of the Old Town.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Best Dubrovnik, Croatia Beaches
Not so fast! Before you head for the sea, there are a few things to know about Dubrovnik beaches.
Dubrovnik Beach Types
If you are hoping to find long stretches of powdery sand beaches in Croatia, you will likely be disappointed.
There are a few nearly sandy beaches in Dubrovnik but expect more pebbles and smooth rocks than powdery soft sand. Additionally, they tend to be small and are not ideal for long beach walks.
Concrete or rock platform beaches are also common in Croatia. Perhaps not the most comfortable for sun-tanning, we love being able to jump right in!
Top Tip: Make certain that the water is deep enough and always have an exit strategy. Be sure to look for a ladder or set of stairs before taking the plunge.
Nude Beaches in Dubrovnik
In Croatia, nude beaches are usually labeled as FKK. This stands for Freikörper-Kultur in German and translates to Free Body Culture or Naturist.
There are no nude beaches near Dubrovnik Old Town, but there is an FKK beach on Lokrum Island, just a short ferry boat ride away.
Swimming in Dubrovnik
Swimming in the sea is one of the favorite Dubrovnik activities of tourists and locals alike. Even in the height of summer, the water is cool and the salty sea helps keep you buoyant.
Also be aware of sharp rocks, sea urchins and broken glass. We recommend wearing swim shoes to protect your feet.
Dubrovnik Snorkeling
Despite the incredibly clear water, the snorkeling in Dubrovnik (and most of coastline along Croatia) is not that great.
If you have your own snorkel gear, it can be fun to check out the sea floor and marine life. Just don’t expect an abundance of brightly colored fish and coral.
12 Best Beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia
We believe the best Dubrovnik Beaches are ones that you can easily walk to from the Old Town. However, we’ll also highlight beaches around Dubrovnik that can be accessed via bus, boat or car.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Dubrovnik Beach Guide for your Vacation to Croatia!
#1 Banje Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Stylish, hip and fun, Banje Beach is the most popular Dubrovnik, Croatia beach for good reason. Located just outside the Ploce Gate, it’s easily accessible via a 5 minute walk.
The idyllic spot offers incredible views encompassing the Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island and the crystal clear, blue sea.
Banje Beach Croatia has small pebbles rather than sand and is split into two sections: public and club.
On the smaller public section, visitors are free to claim their space with beach towels and bring their own drinks.
Banje Dubrovnik Beach Club
Banje Beach Club offers an upscale experience with cushy loungers, bamboo beds, on-site massages and classic summer cocktails.
The restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes with a focus on seafood and local Dalmatian cuisine – while a DJ serves up the beats all day long.
#2 Sulic Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Tucked into a deep cove just west of the old city, Sulic Beach is a real gem. Towering cliffs rise up from both sides and the stoic Fort Lawrence (King’s Landing from Game of Thrones) sits atop one ledge.
The beach is pebbly and not that big, but it’s also not as popular as Banje, so there will likely be fewer people.
Waves of turquoise water roll through the small opening of the cove, crashing first on the rocks until it makes its final surge onto the shore.
Swimmers can enter the water from the beach or via the paved path along the edge below the cliff. There are two beach bars at Sulic where you can grab a bite to eat or sip on a cold drink.
Top Tip: For one of the Best Views in Dubrovnik, walk to the top of the bluff that rises from the sea to the west.
#3 Dance Beach
{MAP} Dance is also located west of old town and it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk there from the Pile Gate.
A platform beach, it’s comprised of both natural rocks and poured concrete. The west-facing shore sits at the outer edge of a charming crescent bay.
The coastline has multiple water access points, where swimmers can use a ladder or simply jump into the sea. A small café offers drinks, chairs and shade (only open in the summer months).
Top Tip: Most of the bay is covered in natural forest. Follow the path to the north past the small church and find coastline trails that lead to secluded spots.
#4 Dubrovnik Walls Public Beach
{MAP} Although we have never found an official name for this beach, we feel it is one of the best places to swim in the city!
Swimming in the Adriatic Sea – below the imposing and iconic Dubrovnik walls – is an experience unlike any other place in the world!
The no-frills beach platform is located on the outside of the southern walls, around the corner from the St. Ivana Fort (which is now the Maritime Museum).
To find this beach, make your way to the Old Port and follow the walkway out to the breakwater and lighthouse.
Climb over the breakwater wall – there are stairs – and continue on the path that hugs the outside of the city walls to the platform and rocks.
Top Tip: This swim spot is open to the sea – not in a cove – and many boats pass close by. Be aware of wakes when swimming – especially when using the ladder or stairs to climb out!
#5 St. Jacob’s Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} The furthest beach we suggest walking to our list is about a 30 minutes from the Old Town, but is one of the most picturesque spots in the city!
Located southeast of Old Town Dubrovnik, Sveti Jakov is nestled in a cove at the base of a rocky cliff and provides a wonderful view of the walled city rising out of the blue ocean.
While walking to St Jacob’s Beach, the road may appear to end at a church, but continue around it and you will find this beautiful location.
Accessed via a steep staircase, the beach is pebbly and rocky. There is an on-site restaurant that serves drinks and beach food. You can also rent loungers and umbrellas for less than at Beach Banje.
Top Tip: From St Jacob’s, follow the coastline below the abandoned Belvedere Hotel for a rustic beach called Plaza Badestelle.
#6 Secret Beach, Dubrovnik
{MAP} We have never been able to find a name for this ‘Secret Beach’, but it’s one of our favorite shoreline spots in Dubrovnik.
This area is accessed via an unmarked staircase, which leads to a paved path (that becomes a dirt) and eventually winds down below Villa Amor to a sea-level platform with ladders.
The views are phenomenal, which is why we believe it is the best beach in Dubrovnik. You need to bring along anything you want, as there are no services.
Not only do we like that we can easily get in and out of the water here, but also love that we can escape into the shade of trees when it gets too hot.
#7 Buza Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Of the two Buza Bars in Dubrovnik, the Mala Buza Bard Bar is also another place to swim along the walls.
Again, be sure to check the railings and ladders before entering the water and you will also be expected to purchase something from the bar itself.
#8 Betina Beach Cave
{MAP} Only accessible via boat, Betina is located inside a shallow cave along the eastern shoreline. Although it is mainly a pebble beach, there is a small patch of sand.
There are no facilities, but cliff-jumping and snorkeling are possible. It’s also a popular stop on Kayak Tours.
#9 Uvala Beach Lapad
{MAP} Uvala (also called Sunset Beach Dubrovnik) is the main beach in Lapad. The shore is pebble, but there are lounge chairs available for rent. Additionally, there’s a nearby waterpark and playground for the little ones.
#10 Bellevue Beach
{MAP} This popular Dubrovnik beach is situated under a towering rocky bluff and can get crowded in peak season.
The pebble beach can be tricky to find and is accessed via a steep staircase after a 30 minute walk from the old city.
#11 Copacabana Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Copacabana is on the north side of Babin Kuk in Lapad – and similar to Banje Beach Club (being both posh and pricey). The shore is pebble, but the setting is extraordinary.
#12 Cava Beach
{MAP} Just west of (and very similar to) Copacabana, Cava Beach caters to an upscale crowd…but there is no public space. This was once an FKK area, but it is now the exclusive Coral Beach Club.
Dubrovnik Map of Beaches
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Dubrovnik Beach Map below.
Travel Tips for your Dubrovnik Trip
Finding the best beaches in Dubrovnik is just one aspect of planning your trip. We are sharing some honest advice that will help make your Croatia trip planning a breeze!
How To Plan a Trip to Dubrovnik
Beaches are a top attraction and great for Budget Trips to Dubrovnik, but there is so much more to see! Read our guide to the Best Things To Do in Dubrovnik for more top-rated activities.
You can also follow in our footsteps on this Self Guided Walking Tour or to the top of Mt Srd. For other nearby adventures, read our suggestions for the Best Dubrovnik Day Trips.
Those going to more than one destination can get ideas on your route with our 14 Day Croatia Itinerary and sample 7 Day Itineraries.
Staying organized is key when planning any getaway. Use our printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the pertinent details!
Dubrovnik Beach Hotels
- Located close to Ploce Gate, Hotel Excelsior is a five-star property with a phenomenal view and direct access to the beach via the spa.
- Hotel Kompas overlooks the sea in Lapad Bay. The property features a spa, outdoor swimming pool and is near the beach.
- Sun Gardens is a luxury hotel offering panoramic sea views, three outdoor pools and a private beach.
More Tips for Visiting Croatia
Visiting other Top Destinations in Croatia? Wonderful! Get insider tips from our detailed guides so that you can plan your best trip.
Dalmatian Islands
Prime islands are just a ferry boat ride away from Dubrovnik. We’ve got you covered for Things To Do in Hvar, What To See on Korcula, Hiking on Brac and Visiting Vis!
Alternatively, you can hop aboard a Croatian Island Hopping Cruise and leave it all to the crew!
Split, Croatia
Many travelers who vacation in Croatia visit both Dubrovnik and Split – and we have numerous tips for visiting the Dalmatian Capital City, too!
Just like Dubrovnik, sandy beaches are few and far between in Split. Read our guide to the Best Beaches in Split for all the options.
To plan your time out of the water, use our list of the Best Things To Do in Split and find suggestions for day trips and putting it all together in our Split Itinerary.
More Croatia Destination Guides
- Free Walking Tour of Zadar
- What To See in Romantic Rovinj
- Things To Do on the Makarska Riviera
- Tips for seeing Croatian Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes and Krka NP
- Top Attractions in Zagreb
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
