9 Must-Visit Beaches in Dubrovnik

Sun-drenched Dubrovnik is rich in culture, featuring magnificent medieval walls, stunningly preserved monasteries, palaces, and a plethora of museums and galleries. Alongside its historical allure, the city boasts numerous beaches—most of them compact—both within the Old Town and in the surrounding areas. Some are well-known and bustling, while others remain hidden gems.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing swim or a relaxing spot by the water with a cocktail, keep reading to uncover some of the best beaches in and around Dubrovnik. For those eager to avoid the crowds, consider joining a kayak tour to reach more secluded swimming spots along the rocky shores of the nearby Elafiti Islands.

Enjoy swimming or sunbathing with picturesque views of the Old Town of Dubrovnik © Goran Jakus / Shutterstock

1. Banje Beach

Ideal for Families

Located just a stone's throw from the harbor, this popular pebble beach offers breathtaking views of the Old Town along with numerous amenities such as restaurants and sun loungers. As Dubrovnik’s main city beach, it draws large crowds, so arriving early is recommended to secure your spot. It's family-friendly and transforms into a vibrant beach bar and party scene in the evening.

Getting there: Simply stroll from the Ploče Gate past Lazareti.

2. Sveti Jakov Beach

Top Local Beach

Located just a bit beyond Banje, this local gem is less than a 25-minute stroll from the Old Town. Nestled beneath cliffs, it can be reached via a set of steps descending from the Sveti Jakov Church. The beautiful shingle and pebble beach offers sun loungers for rent, along with a restaurant, bar, and restroom facilities. Like Banje, it boasts fantastic views of the Old Town.

Directions: If you prefer not to walk, catch the 5 or 8 bus from the Old Town.

Kopakabana (Copacabana) Beach features a long stretch of pebble beach alongside crystal-clear waters © Shutterstock / Kiev.Victor

3. Copacabana Beach

Ideal for Activities

Nestled on the northern coast of the Babin Kuk peninsula at Seka Bay, the trendy Copacabana may be smaller than its Brazilian counterpart, but it’s still a fantastic location for swimming, sunbathing, and sipping cocktails. The beach features a delightful curve of pebbles, along with a fleet of white sun loungers and cabanas. There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site. You can keep entertained by renting jet skis, enjoying a massage, or borrowing sports gear.

Getting There: Hop on bus 2a or 6 from Pile.

4. Buža

Ideal for Swimming

These rocks located beneath the city walls, accessible via a doorway on ulica od Margarite, have become a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing (or enjoying a drink), though they are no longer the hidden gem they once were. There are a few small tables with umbrellas, a modest bar serving refreshments, and some concrete areas where you can lay out a towel or take a leap into the sea. Keep in mind that the rocks at Buža lack shelter, making it less suitable for children.

Access: Buža can only be reached by passing through an opening in the town walls.

5. Šulići Bay

This quaint pebble beach is situated right next to the Pile Gate, nestled between the Lovrijenac and Bokar fortresses. Despite its prime location, it’s less crowded than Banje and offers good shelter, with equally clear water. While there are no facilities directly on the beach, you'll find cafes and restaurants just a short walk away.

Getting there: Simply head to Pile Gate and enter through the passage.

Lopud is an excellent choice for families, featuring the shallow, sandy Šunj Beach © TPopova / Getty Images

6. Šunj Beach

Ideal for Sand Lovers

Šunj is a sandy beach—one of the few in the Dubrovnik area—located on Lopud, one of the Elafiti Islands. The shallow waters make it an excellent choice for families. You'll find sun-loungers available for rent, and a restaurant nestled in the woods just behind the beach.

Getting there: You can stroll across the island from the small town of Lopud, where the ferry docks—it’s roughly a 30-minute walk. Alternatively, you can hop into one of the golf cart taxis that travel the route. Jadrolinija operates ferries to Lopud from Dubrovnik multiple times daily.

7. Lokrum

Perfect for Naturists

The tiny island of Lokrum, just a 15-minute boat ride from the Old Town, features a rocky coastline ideal for swimming. There’s also a shallow saltwater lake in the center, known for its high salt content, earning it the nickname of the Dead Sea Lake. The southern part of the island offers a naturist beach.

Getting there: You can reach Lokrum by ferry or private boat.

Pasjača Beach is celebrated as one of the most stunning beaches in Europe © Shutterstock / Simun Ascic

8. Pasjača Beach

Ideal for tranquility

If you're looking for a wilder, more secluded experience, consider Pasjača – a narrow pebble beach nestled at the base of a dramatic cliff. Accessed by a somewhat lengthy path that tunnels through rock in spots, this beach is actually man-made, created in the 1950s, though it feels entirely natural. Located about 30km from Dubrovnik near the village of Popovići, past Cavtat and Dubrovnik airport, it’s well worth the trek. Just be aware that there are no facilities, so pack your own food and water, and be sure to take your trash back to the car park.

Getting there: There is no public transport to Pasjača, so you'll need to drive or take a taxi.

9. Veliki žal

Situated around 30km northwest of Dubrovnik and facing the island of Šipan, Veliki žal features a lovely stretch of stones and pebbles bordered by a narrow band of greenery right below the Jadranska magistrala (the main coastal highway, D8). It's a family-friendly option that’s a bit less crowded than the beaches closer to Dubrovnik. You'll find a small bar and restaurant, as well as some water sports available.

Getting there: Take bus 12, 15, or 21 from Dubrovnik.