Searching for the best Cavtat beaches? This is the perfect blog post for you!
Cavtat is a charming seaside town just a short ride from Dubrovnik. Many visitors actually choose to stay here and visit Dubrovnik for day trips, rather than staying in the busy Old Town itself. The sea in Cavtat is beautifully clear, and while the beaches aren’t usually long, pebbly ones, they often feel nicer than those in Dubrovnik simply because they’re far less crowded. Here’s a guide to the best beaches in Cavtat to enjoy during your stay!
Read more >>> CAVTAT: WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO DO
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ARE CAVTAT BEACHES NICE?
Yes, Cavtat beaches are lovely, but they have their own unique character. As I’ve already mentioned, you won’t really find long sandy stretches or even many pebbly beaches like in Dubrovnik. Instead, most spots here are stone terraces or rocky coves with steps leading straight into the sea.
You’ll come across the occasional pebbly beach, but those usually draw the biggest crowds. If you prefer more space and quiet, they may not be for you. The sea around Cavtat is clear, calm, and warm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating in the sun. Most beaches are also well set up with sunbeds, showers, and nearby bars or restaurants, so you can easily spend the whole day by the sea.
What makes Cavtat especially nice is its size. The town is small and walkable, so wherever you’re staying you’ll never be far from a beach, often just a few minutes away. Here’s a list of the best Cavtat beaches to check out while you’re there!
BEST CAVTAT BEACHES:
ZAL BEACH
Zal Beach is just a short walk from Cavtat’s town center and one of the rare longer pebbly Cavtat beaches. Because of that, it’s popular and often busy, especially with families. The sea is calm and crystal-clear, and the entrance is shallow, which makes it great for kids or for anyone who enjoys an easy, relaxed swim.
If you’re after a bit more excitement, you’ll find plenty of options on Zal Beach, from jet skis and parasailing to paddleboards, kayaks, and even a floating aqua park. There’s some natural shade from the pine trees, and you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas for extra comfort. Facilities are good too, with showers, changing cabins, and free toilets, plus several beach bars where you can grab a cold drink or snack.
Zal Beach is very much the classic Croatian beach with pebbles, clear water, and all the amenities you need for a full day by the sea. If you prefer a quieter swim, go there early in the morning or around sunset when there are no crowds and the atmosphere is even more peaceful.
SUSTJEPAN BEACH
Sustjepan Beach stretches along the Sustjepan Peninsula and it’s a lovely, low-key spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying views of Cavtat’s old town and harbor. The beach is fairly long, so it never feels too crowded and you can easily find your own little corner.
The shore is a mix of concrete terraces, pebbly patches, and rocky edges, so you can choose what you like best. Pine trees give you plenty of natural shade, and you’ll also find showers, sunbeds for rent, and a few cafés and bars close by.
BANAC BEACH
Banac Beach is a small but very charming spot right next to Cavtat harbor. It’s not your typical pebbly beach, here you’ll again find stone terraces with steps leading directly into the sea.
What makes it special is the lively beach bar just a few steps away, perfect for a cold drink or a quick snack between swims. There are even a handful of sunbeds if you’d rather relax in the sun than sit at the bar. The location couldn’t be better, just a short walk from Cavtat Old Town, which makes Banac Beach a great choice if you don’t feel like going far but still want a relaxing swim and beautiful views.
CAVTAT CITY BEACH (GRADSKA PLAZA)
Cavtat City Beach (or Gradska Plaža) is right in the heart of town, so it’s the easiest place to go for a swim if you’re staying nearby. Just steps from cafés, restaurants, and the old town promenade, it’s also directly in front of Hotel Cavtat. If you’re staying there, you can be in the sea within minutes.
The beach is mostly paved with plenty of room to lay down a towel or rent a sunbed. There’s a lovely little beach bar right by the water, and the sea here is calm and shallow near the shore, which makes it especially good for families. With so many bars, restaurants, and shops close by, it’s really convenient. It does get a bit crowded in the summer, but that’s part of the atmosphere that makes it fun.
ISPOD GOSPE BEACH
Right next to Cavtat’s marina, you’ll find Ispod Gospe Beach, one of the most popular Cavtat beaches. It is an easygoing spot loved by both tourists and locals, and the perfect central location for a few hours by the sea. This beach is a simple concrete platform with steps leading into the water, so you can lay down your towel or rent a sunbed, and dive straight into the sea.
Pine trees will give you a bit of shade when the sun gets strong, and the view of the bay and the town is calm and beautiful. It’s not a large beach, but it’s great for a quick swim or a lazy afternoon close to town.
KAMEN MALI BEACH
Kamen Mali Beach is one of the most charming spots in Cavtat, located at the very tip of the Rat Peninsula. It’s loved by both locals and visitors for its crystal-clear water, rocky shoreline, and the natural pools formed over time by the wind and waves.
You can rent a sunbed for 8 euros and spend the whole day here enjoying the atmosphere. There’s also a beach bar Little Star, with laid-back music, colorful seating, and cocktails that are perfect to enjoy as the sun sets. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, this is also one of the best places in Cavtat to try cliff jumping!
RAT BEACH
Rat Beach is one of the most charming spots in Cavtat. It’s located on Rat peninsula, just a short stroll from Cavtat’s old town. This is a pebbly beach that goes gently into the clear sea, but it also has plenty of stone paved terraces where you can rent sunbeds (around 7 euros) and umbrellas (about 3 euros).
The beach has plenty of natural shade from the trees, and a few casual cafés for drinks and snacks. There’s even a restaurant right above if you want to pause for lunch. Rat Beach has a relaxed, almost secluded feel due to its location, even though it’s only a few minutes away from the town. It does get a bit crowded during the day, so arrive early to snag your spot.
KLJUCICE BEACH
Only a few minutes from Rat Beach, you’ll find another charming beach. Kljucice Beach is absolutely stunning, and it feels like your own private escape, especially if you come early in the morning when there are no crowds. It’s a natural little bay with crystal-clear water surrounded by pine trees and rocky cliffs.
The beach is mostly pebbly and there are sunbeds you can rent all around the beach and in the trees. You can rent a sunbed for about 7 euros a day, or even book one for the whole week (42 euros) if you’re staying nearby. Umbrellas are free if you need them, though there’s plenty of natural shade from the trees. There aren’t many facilities here, but anything you might need is just a short walk back at Rat Beach.
