If you’re looking for a beach holiday where you can sunbathe beneath historic fortresses, Dubrovnik beaches ticks all the boxes. Dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik has become one of Croatia’s top destinations for sun-seekers and history buffs alike.
Though you may know the city for its famed Game of Thrones locations, Dubrovnik is also spoiled with top-notch beaches. Its picturesque pebbled coast wraps the walled city with sun-soaked coves and calm turquoise waters.
From cliff jumping at the foot of Old Town to jet skiing in Orasac Bay, Dubrovnik beaches offer plenty of activities. So pack your sunscreen and snorkel and gear up to visit these 15 best beaches in Dubrovnik.
Best Beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia
The best Dubrovnik beaches aren’t just limited to the city. Hop in a car and cruise the Adriatic Highway from Brsecine in the west to Mlini Bay for pebbled paradise.
Sveti Jakov Beach
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbles and Sand
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
Get away from the crowds and enjoy gorgeous views of Lokrum Island at Sveti Jakov Beach. Dubrovnik’s city beaches can get pretty crowded during high season so check out this local favourite. If you’re up for a bit of a trek, Sveti Jakov is a quieter beach with scenic panoramas of Old Town.
How To Get To Sveti Jakov Beach, Dubrovnik
Sveti Jakov is a 25 minute walk east from Old Town. You can also take bus 5 or 8 to Viktorija and shorten your walk down to 10 minutes. Either way, prepare for a steep climb to the beach that’ll get your heart pumping on the way up!
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Sveti Jakov Beach
Sveti Jakov is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik to spend a day. There is a restaurant and beach bar on-site, along with watersports equipment for hire. Try your hand at sea kayaking, rent some jet skis, or hit the beach volleyball court. Plus, there are sun loungers and umbrellas, complete with a cool shower for rinsing off.
Uvala Lapad Beach (Lapad Bay Beach)
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
Uvala Lapad, or Lapad Bay Beach, is a popular Dubrovnik beach surrounded by hotels, bars, and a restaurant. It’s a favourite for families with children since it has so many water sports and facilities. That said, it can get very packed during the summer so it’s not exactly the peak of relaxation.
How To Get To Lapad Bay Beach, Dubrovnik
The best way to get to Lapad Bay Beach is on the #4 bus toward Hotel Palace. You can get off near the hotels and wander down to the beach without any stairs (rare for Croatia beaches!).
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Uvala Lapad Beach
Uvala Lapad has a mix of pebble beach and concrete seawall with showers, changing rooms, umbrellas, and sunbeds for hire. Thanks to the surrounding pine trees, there are plenty of lovely shady areas. Grab a cocktail at one of the beach bars or sit down for a seafood lunch at Sunset Beach Trattoria. You’ll want to stay for sunset and find out how Lapad Bay earned its nickname as Sunset Beach.
Veliki žal Beach (Veliki Zali)
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
Venture out of town and explore the small village of Brsecine at Veliki Zali Beach. It’s covered in beautiful white pebbles that perfectly contrast the crystal clear waters and green pine forest. The beach is showered in sunshine all day and has a nice shallow bay perfect for swimming.
How To Get To Veliki žal Beach
Veliki Zali is 30 km away from Dubrovnik Old Town and takes 30 minutes to reach on the Adriatic Highway. Conveniently, there is a large parking area located right next to the beach.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Veliki žal Beach
The namesake bar and restaurant is a lovely place to sit back with a light lunch and enjoy the view. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire, along with water sports for those craving some action. Since it’s not usually crowded and has lots of parking, Veliki Zali is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik to pull over for a quick swim.
Šulić (Kolorina) Beach
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
One of the oldest swimming spots in Dubrovnik, Sulic Beach is the ultimate hidden refuge in the city. Set in the shadows of cliffs and neighbouring Fort Lovrijenac, Sulic offers plenty of shade to escape the heat. It’s mostly used by locals and those seeking a quick swim close to Old Town.
How To Get To Sulic Beach, Dubrovnik
When it comes to beaches in Dubrovnik Old Town, Sulic is a great retreat from the tourist hustle and bustle. You can walk out of town through Pile Gate and hit the steps down to the water.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Šulić Beach
Sulic Beach is a popular starting point for kayaking tours around the city’s rocky coves. It has two local restaurants above the beach with a menu of snack foods and fresh salads. Grab a drink at Dodo Beach Bar after doing some snorkelling or cliff jumping. While there aren’t sunbeds or umbrellas, this hidden gem does have showers and toilets.
Our Tip: Stroll through Gradac Park to watch the sunset at Danče Beach in the evening. Dance Beach is a hidden rocky cliff that faces directly west for the perfect sundown view.
Banje Beach
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Yes
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
One of the most popular Dubrovnik beaches, Banje Beach boasts gorgeous views of Old Town and nearby Lokrum Island. It can get very crowded in the summertime but is still one of the best beaches near Dubrovnik.
How To Get To Banje Beach, Dubrovnik
Just a short walk from Ploče Gate, Banje Beach is a 10 minute walk from the Old Town. It’s the closest beach to Dubrovnik Old Town, which is why it’s so popular.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Beach Banje
Stop in at Banje Beach Club Dubrovnik to hire a sunbed or umbrella and peruse their menu of pizzas and seafood. Later, it even turns into a trendy nightclub where you can dance the night away. They have toilets and change rooms so you can suit up before hiring a kayak or jet ski.
READ NEXT: How To Plan A Day Trip To Lokrum Island Near Dubrovnik
Mlini Bay Beaches
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
Some of the best beaches on the Dubrovnik Riviera are in Mlini Bay. The white pebbles wrap the protected bay’s stunning turquoise waters while pine trees shade the cliffs. Soak in the sun at Srebreno Beach, walk the ruins at Kupari Beach, or lay on a coveted sandy beach at the Sheraton Riviera.
How To Get To Mlini Beach, Dubrovnik
Take the main Adriatic Highway east about 15 minutes from Old Town. Better yet, take a taxi boat for a spectacular cruise into the bay.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Mlini Bay
Mlini Bay is filled with bars, restaurants, and seaside cafes. You can rent a sunbed, hire a kayak, or cruise the bay in a jet ski. The largest in the bay, Srebreno Beach has toilets, showers, and changing rooms available.
Orasac Bay Beaches
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebble
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
Orasac Bay boasts some of the best beaches around Dubrovnik for a more laidback beach day. Namely, Potok Beach is a pebble beach at the Radisson Blu Resort (Sun Gardens) offering sweeping views of nearby islands.
How To Get To Orasac Bay
Orasac Bay is 20 minutes away from Old Town by car on the main Adriatic Highway. Similar to Mlini Bay, you can take a taxi boat instead and enjoy the city view from the water.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Orasac Bay
The Radisson Blu Resort has everything you need to enjoy the sun and ocean breeze. They have bars, restaurants, jet skis, snorkelling gear, and even a spa. You’ll have no trouble finding sunbeds and umbrellas to rent before jumping in for a swim.
Lapad Bay Hideaway Coves
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: No
Everyone knows Lapad Beach, Dubrovnik, but the hidden coves are the area’s best-kept secret! Settle into one of these rocky coves and get the feel for your own private beach in the city.
How To Get To Lapad Bay Hideaway Coves
Head to Lapad Beach on the #4 bus and roam the pathway from the Kompas Hotel around the bay. Peek through the pine trees and you’ll see several rocky platforms perfect for lounging.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Lapad Bay Hideaway Coves
Each cove has its own place to relax and sunbathe while some even have steps into the water. It’s the ideal spot to jump in for a swim or watch the sunset in the evening. Keep in mind that you’ll have to head back to Lapad Beach for restaurants and facilities.
READ MORE: Things To Do In Dubrovnik, Croatia
Copacabana Beach
Family-friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbles
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
This half moon-shaped beach is the gem of Babin Kuk on the Lapad Peninsula. Copacabana Beach is a great place to stretch out and mingle with the locals far from the crowds at Banje.
How To Get To Copacabana Beach, Dubrovnik
Hop on the #6 bus to Babin Kuk and stroll along the beautiful coastline until you reach Copacabana Beach Club.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Copacabana Beach
Copacabana is favourite for kids thanks to inflatable water toys while the beach bar keeps adults busy too. There are showers, changing rooms, ice cream shops, and sunbeds for hire at the Copacabana Beach Club.
Porporela Pier
Family friendly: No
Pebbled or Sandy: Concrete
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: No
A favourite swimming spot for locals, Porporela Pier is an awesome place to plunge into the Adriatic. While most of the best beaches in Dubrovnik are pebbled, Porporela is made of large concrete slabs with steps into the water.
How To Get To Porporela Beach, Dubrovnik
Porporela Pier is in the heart of Old Town on the edge of the city harbour. You can easily walk to Fort St. Ivana and hit the pier from there.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Porporela Pier
Besides swimming, Porporela Pier is a scenic place to relax and watch locals play water polo. It’s an ideal spot for diving into the water and is close to all of the city’s restaurants and facilities.
Cava Beach
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: Yes
Cava Beach is a lovely rocky beach surrounded by greenery on the western side of Babin Kuk just past Copacabana. It’s dotted with sunbeds and palm trees with lovely views of the Elaphite Islands.
How To Get To Cava Beach, Dubrovnik
Make your way to the Lapad Peninsula on the #6 bus and it’s a short walk to the beach from there.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Cava Beach
Coral Beach Club is the main hub of Cava Beach, offering snacks, drinks, umbrellas and cushioned sunbeds. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, you can watch the boats pass by while getting a massage. Finish the day with a cool shower at the facility block that also has toilets and change rooms.
Brsecine Beach
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: No
Tucked away on the Orasac Coast, Brsecine Beach is a peaceful retreat into nature. The beach is surrounded by pine hills and spectacular island views.
How To Get To Brsecine Beach
The beach is about 30 minutes from Dubrovnik Old Town by car. It’s a great place to stop while touring Orasac Bay.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Brsecine Beach
Brsecine is a much quieter beach than other beaches in Dubrovnik, with just one small beach bar. Here, you can grab a drink and some snacks before plunging into the calm bay that’s perfect for swimming.
Hawaii Beach
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: No
Close to the shores of Orasac Bay, Hawaii Beach is a hidden gem. Its lovely little harbour is flanked by shady pine trees and peaceful azure waters.
How To Get To Hawaii Beach
Follow the main Adriatic Highway west from Dubrovnik Old Town and head to the water once you pass the campground.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Hawaii Beach
Similar to Brsecine Beach, there’s just one restaurant nearby. Caffe Bar Hawaii has a menu of pizzas and snacks with breathtaking views of the bay. The relaxed atmosphere isn’t filled with sunbeds or jet skis, but is a dreamy place to lay out and watch the boats go by.
READ NEXT: Highlights Of Croatia: Our Favourite Must-Visit Destinations
Trsteno Bay Beach
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: Yes
Facilities available: No
Like much of Dubrovnik, Croatia, you might recognize Trsteno Bay after gracing the screens on Game of Thrones. The secluded bay is set in an idyllic pine forest with a gorgeous walkway to the turquoise sea.
How To Get To Trsteno Bay Beach
Trsteno Bay is in between Brsecine and Orasac, a 25-minute drive from Old Town Dubrovnik.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Trsteno Bay Beach
No visit to Trsteno is complete without checking out the dreamy gardens at the Arboretum. You’ll see lush forests out of a storybook before diving into the sea for an energizing swim. There is a small restaurant near the road where you can stop for lunch but no other facilities.
Betina Cave Beach
Family friendly: Yes
Pebbled or Sandy: Pebbled
Restaurants nearby: No
Facilities available: No
A little different from the other best beaches in Dubrovnik, Betina Cave is a hidden marvel. Set below a massive rocky cave, the beach is breezy and shady. If you’re in search of unique destinations in Dubrovnik, add Betina Cave to your list!
How To Get To Betina Cave, Dubrovnik
Getting to Betina Cave is all part of the adventure. Hop in a boat or kayak and search for the pebbled opening hidden beneath the cliffs.
Restaurants, Facilities, and Things to Do at Betina Cave Beach, Dubrovnik
As you’d expect, there are no restaurants or facilities at the cave. It’s a shaded beach that’s a lovely place to bring a picnic and paddle around on a kayak.
Questions and Essential Travel Info
Is Dubrovnik good for beaches?
Absolutely. While Dubrovnik beaches might not get as much attention as those on nearby islands, it boasts a stunning coastline perfect for enjoying the sun.
Are beaches better in Split or Dubrovnik?
Beaches in Dubrovnik are all easily accessible from the city centre, which is preferable for many travellers. Meanwhile in Split, you have to go a bit further out to get the best beaches.
Is Dubrovnik expensive?
Being one of Croatia’s top destinations, Dubrovnik can come with a price tag. It still has plenty of options for affordable food, drinks, and activities, but it’s generally higher priced than other parts of Croatia.
Where are the nicest beaches in Croatia?
Some of the best beaches in Croatia are on islands like Zlatni Rat on Brac and Sakarun on Dugi Otok.
