One of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean, Dubrovnik is primarily known for its historic Old Town with its massive stone walls and picture-perfect 16th-century structures. However, its location by the Adriatic coast also makes Dubrovnik a must-visit for beachgoers. Characterized by pebbled or rocky shores, Dubrovnik beaches are either located near the Old Town, in a peninsula or on an island.
With every type of beach to cater to every type of visitor, Dubrovnik has it all. Here are some of the best beaches in Dubrovnik that you simply must visit.
The 11 Best Dubrovnik Beaches
1. Copacabana Beach, Dubrovnik
With a variety of amenities and activities on offer for its guests, it’s quite understandable why Copacabana is one of the most popular family destinations in Dubrovnik. Copacabana is also the biggest beach within the city area and boasts of water slides and small piers. It also has facilities and equipment if guests want to go kayaking, play water polo or ride a jet ski.
Copacabana has a lift for getting in and out of the beach, specially designed for the elderly and disabled. The beach also provides a fantastic view of the nearby Dubrovnik Bridge and Elafiti islands.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Contact Information
Phone: +385 99 424 8112
Address: Ulica Ivana pl. Zajca bb, 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
2. Banje Beach Dubrovnik
Another popular destination for families is Banje Beach, which is close to Ploce Gate. It boasts of a picturesque view of the old town. The beach can get too crowded though, so make sure you time your visit.
It is packed with amenities and facilities for guests, this place is mostly run by the EastWest beach club so be mindful of the fees when availing of conveniences such as deck chairs or bathrooms. It is one of the best things to see in Dubrovnik as well.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Contact Information
Email: info@banjebeach.eu
Phone: +385 99 314 64 85
Address: Banje Beach Frana Supila 10b 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
3. Sv. Jakov Beach, Dubrovnik
If you don’t like the often crowded Banje Beach, just walk 15 to 20 minutes uphill to reach Sv. Jakov. It is located very close to one of the best five-star hotels in town – the Villa Dubrovnik. Sv. Jakov is definitely less crowded than most beaches within the city center, and the shores are characterized by pebbles and rocks.
Its location gives guests stunning views over the old town as well as Lokrum Island. You can rent kayaks or jet skis on the beach, and there are places to buy food but not near enough to the beach area so it’s best to just bring your own.
4. Lapad Bay Beach
A beach with shores that are a mix of pebbles and concrete, Lapad Beach is the largest in all of Dubrovnik. It is located in Lapad bay and a short distance off the west part of the old town. Easily accessible by a bus ride, it is known for the many bars in the area as well as amenities and activities on offer for guests.
This family-friendly public beach is also known among locals as Uvala Lapad Beach.
5. President
This beach is within the property of the President Hotel and situated in Babin Kuk, which is a part of the Lapad Peninsula. Known for its crystal blue waters and diverse landscape, the beach is ideal for every type of beachgoer.
You can relax on the pebbled parts enjoy some quiet time on the concrete terrace or rocks, or explore the bays.
President Beach has various amenities on offer for guests as well as facilities for water sports and exploring the waters such as jet skis and paddle boats.
6. Betina Cave
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Only reachable from the sea, Betina Cave Beach is a real Dubrovnik gem. The cave is mostly what makes it extra special, as it keeps this little beach cool even during hot summer months. It has a nice pebbled shore and quite secluded so it’s a place you need to visit if you want to avoid the crowds in the more popular, bigger beaches.
The best way to explore Betina Cave Beach is through a kayaking tour so make sure you book one in advance.
7. Sulici Beach, Dubrovnik
Another family-friendly beach in Dubrovnik is Sulici, which is located near the Pile Gate. If you want to avoid the crowds and have more relaxing beach time, this is an ideal place to spend the day.
Despite its proximity to the old town, Sulici is not very popular, mostly because it’s quite small. Its crystal blue waters, pebbled shores, and cemented plateaus make it a good place to visit though, one of the best Dubrovnik beaches you can enjoy sans the crowds.
8. Sunj Beach
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A Dubrovnik beach that’s pretty laid back and ideal for family or group outings looking to just relax, is the scenic Sunj Beach. It is located on Lopud island, at the far end of the main village, so it’s less crowded and quite secluded.
It can get busy at times especially during summer, but it’s definitely not as cramped as the ones near the city center. It has conveniences perfect for a day excursion such as restaurants, public toilets and bathrooms, and a changing room.
From the main village on the island, it’s a 20-minute walk, but you can also take a taxi golf cart or boat.
9. Bellevue
The top sport in Dubrovnik is water polo, and if there’s one beach in Dubrovnik that’s known among those who love the sport, it’s Beach Bellevue. This area is perfectly situated by the bay, adjacent to Hotel Bellevue. This beach also hosts the Wild League games, an amateur water polo competition considered to be the biggest in the world.
The beach is also known for its gravel and concrete terraces, as well as the rocky shores and even underwater. When you swim or snorkel, it is advised that you wear a mask and a set of flippers.
The bigger rocks in the shoreline also prevent the sun from shining directly on the beach so it’s best to come here in the morning or early afternoon.
10. Dance Beach in Dubrovnik
Dance beach is considered as the oldest beach in Dubrovnik and is very popular among locals. A familiar sight when you’re in Dance Beach are locals playing water polo. This scenic beach is characterized by its rocky shores instead of pristine sands.
There’s a monastery on the biggest part of the beach where nuns ring the bells whenever ships pass by. Dance beach is situated about 200 meters from the old town, close to the Pile Gate so it’s pretty easy to find.
11. Splendid Dubrovnik Beach
One of the best beaches in Lapad Bay and in all of Dubrovnik is Splendid. Its name comes from the hotel which stands in one area of the beach, and staying here is mostly free. You only need to pay a certain fee for lounge chairs and parasols if you need them.
This beach’ name is quite appropriate, as it’s clear blue waters and pebbled shores are really quite splendid. Relax on the shore, dive or swim or just walk along the pebbled stretch. A visit here is sure to relax and refresh you.
