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 shoreline sunbathing, there are several Dubrovnik beaches within walking distance of the Old Town. Each Dubrovnik beach has its own character, so visitors can find the one that best suits their style!
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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: Sand, Pebble, Rock, Platform
If you are hoping to find long stretches of powdery sand beaches in Croatia, you will likely be disappointed. The country’s long coastline is more rocky than sand. There are a few nearly sandy beaches in Dubrovnik but expect more pebbles and smooth rocks than powdery soft sand.
Additionally, Dubrovnik beaches 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 into the water from the ledges.
Top Tip: Whenever you jump, make sure that the water is deep enough. And, always have an exit strategy. Be sure to look for a ladder or set of stairs to get out of the water before taking the plunge.
Nude Public Beaches in Dubrovnik
In Croatia, nude beaches are usually labeled as FKK (which 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 from Dubrovnik.
Swimming in Dubrovnik, Croatia
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 swimmers buoyant.
There are beaches in Dubrovnik where you can either jump or wade into the water. At the Dubrovnik beaches where you wade in, be aware of sharp rocks, sea urchins and broken glass. We recommend wearing swim shoes at the beaches in Dubrovnik to protect your feet.
Snorkeling Dubrovnik, Croatia
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 sea life…just don’t expect an abundance of brightly colored fish and coral.
Dubrovnik Beaches Map
At the end of the post, you will find a link to a helpful Dubrovnik Map of Beaches so that you can locate each one. We also include a link to Google Maps for each Dubrovnik beach so that you can easily get walking directions from wherever you are.
Dubrovnik Beach Hotels
Want to stay in a Dubrovnik beachfront hotel? You’ll find a list of highly-rated beach resorts near Dubrovnik at the end of the article, as well.
Our 6 Best Beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia
We think the best Dubrovnik Beaches are ones that you can easily walk to from the Old Town. However, there are many beaches around Dubrovnik that can be accessed via bus, boat or car. Our list details the Dubrovnik Beaches that are easily accessible on foot, but we include a list of the Best Beaches Around Dubrovnik, too (which require some sort of transport to access from the Old Town).
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Dubrovnik Beach Guide for your vacation to Croatia!
Dubrovnik Beaches You Can Walk To From The Old Town
Grab your towel and sunscreen and find your perfect Dubrovnik beach just steps from the historic walled city.
#1 Banje Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Stylish, hip, family-friendly and fun, Banje Beach is the most popular Dubrovnik, Croatia beach for good reason. Located just outside the Dubrovnik Ploce Gate, this beach is easily accessible from the Old Town via a 5 minute walk. (The Banje Dubrovnik Beach, however, is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, as the beach is accessed via steep stairs).
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 (seriously, there are very few sandy beaches in Croatia!) and is split into two sections: public beach and Banje Beach Club.
On the public Dubrovnik beach, visitors are free to claim their space with beach towels and bring their own drinks. However, if you want to sit in a lounger at the beach club, there is a fee for the chair and you will need to purchase food and beverage from their restaurant.
Banje Beach Club Dubrovnik
The posh Banje Beach Club offers an upscale beach experience with cushy loungers, bamboo beds, on-site massages and classic summer cocktails. The restaurant serves Mediterranean beach food with a focus on seafood and local Dalmatian cuisine – while the DJ serves up the beats all day long.
Top Tip: The beach club is one of the top spots for Dubrovnik nightlife, too. After dark, Banje Beach Club transforms into a nightclub where patrons can dance until dawn.
#2 Sulic Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Tucked into a deep cove near the Old Town Pile Gate, Sulic Beach is a real gem. Towering cliffs rise on both sides of the narrow inlet; the stoic Fort Lawrence (a familiar sight as King’s Landing from Game of Thrones) sitting atop one side.
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 little beach.
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 – Ala Mizerija and Dodo Beach Bar Dubrovnik – where beach-goers 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 of Sulic Beach.
Find out more in our Guide to Dubrovnik Viewpoints!
#3 Dance Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Dance Beach is located west of the Dubrovnik Old Town – and it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk there from the Pile Gate. A platform beach, Dance Beach is comprised of both natural rocks and poured concrete. The west-facing beach sits at the outer edge of a charming crescent bay.
The beach 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 past the small church and find the coastline trails that lead to unnamed and secluded Dubrovnik beaches and picturesque spots along the cove.
#4 Dubrovnik Walls Public Beach
{MAP} Although we have never found an official name for this Dubrovnik beach, we think it is one of the best places to swim in the city! The water is crystal-clear and deep, making it easy to jump right in the water. 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 (as in no facilities, except a few basic showers) is located on the outside of the southern Dubrovnik walls, around the corner from the Old Port and St. Ivana Fort (which is now the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum).
To find this beach, make your way to the Dubrovnik 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 tour boats pass close to the outer walls. Be aware of boat wakes when swimming – and especially when using the ladder or stairs to climb out.
#5 St. Jacob’s Beach Dubrovnik (Plaža Sveti Jakov)
{MAP} The furthest beach on our list from the Old Town, St. Jakov Beach Dubrovnik is one of the most picturesque spots in the city!
Located southeast of the Dubrovnik Old Town, Sveti Jakov Beach is nestled in a cove at the base of a rocky cliff and provides the wonderful view of the old walled city off in the distance.
It’s about a 30-minute walk…but it’s worth the effort to get to one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The road to St Jacob’s Beach may appear to end at a church, but continue around it and you will find the stairs down to this beautiful location.
Accessed via a steep staircase, the beach is pebbly and rocky – so it’s best to wear water shoes if taking a swim. There is an on-site restaurant that serves cold drinks and beach food (and has a bathroom). Visitors can also rent loungers and umbrellas (for less than the cost of chairs a Beach Banje).
Top Tip: From St Jacob’s, follow the coastline past the beach bar to an abandoned hotel and more rustic coastline around the corner called Plaza Belvedere Badestelle.
#6 Secret Beach, Dubrovnik
{MAP} We have never been able to find a name for the ‘Secret Beach’, but it’s one of our favorite secluded spots in Dubrovnik. This beach is accessed via a staircase, which leads to a paved path (that becomes a dirt path) and eventually winds down to a sea-level platform with ladders.
The views of Dubrovnik Old City are phenomenal, which is why we think it is the best beach in Dubrovnik.
Not only do we like that we can easily get in the water at this beach, but we also love that we can escape into the shade of trees when it gets too hot. Visitors need to bring their own food and drinks, as there are no services or cafes.
Top Tip: The Secret Beach is about two-thirds of the way to St. Jacob’s Beach. The unmarked access is simply a staircase – with green handrails – off Ulica Vlaha Bukovca street. (There is no ‘Private’ sign, so we can only assume that it is one of the Dubrovnik public beaches.)
BONUS: Buza Beach Dubrovnik for Drinks!
{MAP} Of the two Buza Bars in Dubrovnik, the Mala Buza Bar Beach was a great place to swim along the Dubrovnik walls. However, on our most recent trip, we noted that the railings and ladders (which are essential for getting out of the water) have been removed. Until they are replaced, we do not recommend swimming here. That said, it’s still a great spot to sunbathe and listen to the water lap at the rocks.
Top Tip: Sunsets from either Buza Bar in Dubrovnik are spectacular! (You need to patronize the bar if you sit at a table, otherwise, you are free to sit on the rocks and BYOB.)
The Best Beaches NEAR Dubrovnik
You can’t walk to these beaches from the Dubrovnik Old Town, but they are close to the city center and worth going to if you’re planning a beach vacation to Dubrovnik!
Betina Beach Cave, Dubrovnik
Only accessible via boat, Betina Beach is located inside a shallow cave along the eastern shoreline. Although it is mainly a pebble beach, there is a small patch of sand beach (finally a sandy Dubrovnik beach!). There are no facilities, but cliff-jumping and snorkeling are possible. The beach cave is a popular stop on Kayak Tours.
Babin Kuk and Lapad Beach Locations
A residential suburb to the north of the Old City, Lapad Bay Dubrovnik is a popular place for Dubrovnik beach holidays away from the crowds.
The area boasts numerous hotel and Airbnb accommodations, which offer an affordable alternative to staying in Dubrovnik Old Town. Plus, the district is home to some of the best beaches of Dubrovnik!
Uvala Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} The Uvala Lapad Beach Dubrovnik (also called Sunset Beach Dubrovnik) is the main beach in Lapad. The beach is pebble, but there are lounge chairs available for rent. There is a nearby waterpark and playground for kids.
Bellevue Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Bellevue is a Lapad Dubrovnik beach that can actually be reached on foot from the Old Town in about 30 minutes. The 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.
Copacabana Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Copacabana Dubrovnik Beach is on the north side of Babin Kuk – and similar to Banje Beach Club (being both posh and pricey). The beach is pebble, but the setting is extraordinary.
Cava Beach Dubrovnik
{MAP} Just west of (and very similar to) Copacabana Beach Club, Cava Beach caters to an upscale crowd…but there is no public space. We heard this was once an FKK beach, but now it is now the exclusive Coral Beach Club.
Lokrum Beach Options: FKK
{MAP} Lokrum is one of the best islands near Dubrovnik and easy to get to on the local ferry boat. The most popular Lokrum Island beach is the nude beach near the island’s southern tip. It is a rock beach – and non-naturists often end up at the beach, too.
Top Tip: Most nude beaches are in secluded locations, but not this one. Boats carrying camera-toting tourists come pretty close to the beach…and some are not shy about snapping photos.
Dubrovnik Map of Beaches
Use this link to Google Maps for an interactive version of our Dubrovnik Beach Map.
Travel Tips for your Dubrovnik Trip
Finding the best beaches in Dubrovnik is just one aspect of planning your trip. We are sharing a few top tips that will help make your Croatia trip planning a breeze!
How To Plan a Trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia
Beaches are a top attraction in Dubrovnik (and one of the free things to do in Dubrovnik), but there is so much more to see and do!
Use our complete guide to the Best Things To Do in Dubrovnik for tips on the top-rated activities.
You can follow in our footsteps to see the best sights with our Self Guided Dubrovnik Walking Tour. For other nearby adventures, use our tips for the Best Dubrovnik Day Trips.
For general tips on traveling to Croatia, however, get our best advice on Planning a Croatia Vacation. Travelers going to more than one destination can get ideas of where to go and how to plan your time in our extended Croatia Itinerary.
Staying organized is key when planning a trip. Use our printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the pertinent details.
Dubrovnik Beaches: What You Will Need
Obviously, you will need a swimsuit (well, unless you are heading for Lokrum Island!), but you will want to make sure to have the following items when visiting Dubrovnik beaches.
Travel Shoes for Croatia
Flip flops are great summer travel shoes for walking to the Dubrovnik beaches on our list (I pack these flip flops!). But we recommend wearing water shoes for swimming in Croatia.
Dubrovnik Beach Towel
Hopefully your Dubrovnik accommodations will provide beach towels. However, we recommend packing a lightweight wrap for your Croatia trip that can double as a beach towel in case you need one.
Sun Protection in Croatia
The Croatia sun is intense! Remember to apply sunscreen before you head to the Dubrovnik beaches – and bring it with you to reapply after swimming. It’s also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face. You’ll also want a great day pack to carry all these daily essential travel items in!
Waterproof Phone Casing
Whenever we are near the water – be it on beach or boat – we slip our devices into waterproof casing to ensure there is no water damage. We love the cases by Sea to Summit.
GoPro
The water is so clear in Croatia, which makes for fabulous underwater videos. If a GoPro is out of your budget, consider buying a less-expensive underwater action camera.
Croatia Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may help with cancelled flights, lost luggage or if you become sick or injured while away. Check rates and coverage with World Nomads for your trip to Croatia.
Dubrovnik, Croatia Beach Hotels
We have never stayed in a Dubrovnik Beach Resort, but there are several holiday hotels that come highly-rated by fellow travelers.
Whenever we search for hotels, we start our search on Booking.com! However, before making a reservation, be sure to read our tips for how to Find the Best Hotels at the Best Price.
Hotel Excelsior
Located close to Ploce Gate, Hotel Excelsior is a five-star hotel with a phenomenal view of the Old Town and direct access to the beach via the hotel spa. (This is also one of the top-rated Dubrovnik hotels with a pool!). Check prices and availability!
Hotel Kompas
Located in Lapad, Hotel Kompas overlooks the sea in Lapad Bay. The hotel features a spa, outdoor swimming pool and is near the beach. Check prices and availability!
Sun Gardens Dubrovnik
Located 11km north of the Old Town, Sun Gardens is a luxury hotel offering panoramic sea views, three outdoor pools and a private beach. Check prices and availability!
More Tips for Visiting Croatia
Visiting other Top Destinations in Croatia? Wonderful! Get our insider tips in our detailed guides so that you can plan your best trip.
Visiting Split, Croatia
Many travelers who vacation in Croatia visit both Dubrovnik and Split – and we have numerous tips for visiting the Dalmatian City.
Just like Dubrovnik, sandy beaches in Split are few and far between…but there are Split beaches that have some sand. Use our guide to the Best Beaches in Split, Croatia for all the details.
To plan your time in Split, use our mega list of the Best Things To Do in Split and find suggestions on how to put it all together in our Split Itinerary.
Going to Dalmatian Islands
Some of the best islands in Dalmatia 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, travelers can hop aboard a Croatian Island Hopping Cruise – and leave it all to the pros!
More Travel Destination Guides
- A 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 more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!
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