10 BEST DUBROVNIK BEACHES FOR ULTIMATE SUMMER ESCAPE

Coming to Dubrovnik and looking for the best beaches? I’ve spent several summers enjoying Dubrovnik beaches, so this guide is all you need!

When choosing Dubrovnik as your holiday destination, the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea is probably one of the main reasons it’s so high on your list. I’m sure you can’t wait to take that first refreshing dip!

I have to admit, Dubrovnik isn’t my absolute favourite place in Croatia when it comes to beaches. Many of them are rocky, and I personally prefer a gentle, pebbly entrance into the sea. I’m much more of a Makarska Riviera kind of girl when it comes to beaches.

However, even though Dubrovnik isn’t as famous for its beaches as some other parts of the Croatian coast, it still offers some truly beautiful spots where you can relax and enjoy the sea. Keep reading to find out exactly where to go!

6 PUBLIC DUBROVNIK BEACHES IN OR CLOSE TO THE OLD TOWN

BANJE BEACH

The most popular beach in Dubrovnik is definitely Banje Beach. It’s the closest “real” beach (actual pebbly beach, not rocky one) to the Old Town, just about 5 minutes from Ploce Gate. Because of that, it’s a very convenient swim stop between sightseeing.

The beach itself is beautiful. One half is public, where you can lay down your towel and relax for free, while the other half is private and requires renting sun loungers and umbrellas. There’s also a beach bar and restaurant, and music is usually playing throughout the day, so it’s quite lively.

Because of its location, Banje is almost always crowded and isn’t typically a local favourite. If you’re just looking for a quick dip with an iconic Old Town view, it does the job. However, renting sun loungers is quite expensive, around 30 euros per lounger plus an additional 10 euros for an umbrella. In my opinion it’s absolutely not worth it.

The beach is family-friendly and has a relatively easy entrance into the sea. If you’re planning to visit, early morning is by far the best time to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy it more peacefully.

DANCE BEACH

Dance Beach is located on the other side of the Old Town, closer to Pile Gate. It takes about 10 minutes to walk there from the gate, so it’s another easy-to-reach swimming spot near the historic centre of Dubrovnik.

This is a fairly small beach and definitely not your typical sandy or pebbly one. The bay is surrounded by large rocks that many people use to jump into the sea. If you prefer something more relaxed, there are concrete platforms where you can lay down and sunbathe.

Dance isn’t really suitable for families with small children or for inexperienced swimmers, as the sea gets deep quite quickly and access points are rocky. There is a small beach bar where you can grab a drink after your swim, but there are no sunbeds or parasols available.

It’s a very simple beach perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and just enjoy a proper swim in the open sea.

SULIC BEACH

One of the smallest beaches in Dubrovnik is Sulic Beach. and it’s a little gem you should definitely visit. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Pile Gate, so it’s very easy to reach.

The beach itself is tiny, so there isn’t much space to lay your towel directly on the pebbles. However, you can also relax on the concrete areas on both sides and use the stairs to enter the sea. Even if space is limited, the views make it absolutely worth it.

Sulic Beach is located between two cliffs and offers an incredible view of Fort Lovrijenac, which makes it one of the most unique beaches in the city. It also makes this beach a popular cliff jumping spot! There’s also a beach bar nearby, so if the small beach area feels too crowded, you can grab a drink and enjoy the scenery from the side.

It’s generally family-friendly, but because it gets quite crowded, I personally wouldn’t recommend it for families with very small children.

SV. JAKOV BEACH

The prettiest of all beaches in Dubrovnik is without a doubt Sveti Jakov Beach. It’s located about a 25-minute walk from the Old Town and it offers some of the most incredible views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. If you don’t feel like walking, grab an Uber, it’s just a 5 minute drive from the Old Town. I wouldn’t recommend driving yourself, as it’s easy to accidentally enter a restricted zone and risk getting a fine.

Because of its beauty, Sveti Jakov is never empty. It gets quite crowded during the day, though I’d still say it’s not as packed as Banje Beach. If you prefer a calmer atmosphere, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. There are quite a few stairs down to the beach and then back up when you’re finished, so be ready for that!

The beach has sun beds for rent and a small beach bar. Keep in mind that the sun beds take up a large portion of the beach, so if you’re not planning to rent one, it’s best to come early to secure a good spot.

It’s family-friendly, the sea is beautiful, and the view of the Old Town from here is truly unforgettable. Out of all Dubrovnik beaches, this one is absolutely my favourite.

BELLEVUE BEACH

This beach is about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town, but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re looking for something a bit more secluded. Bellevue Beach is a gorgeous pebbly beach located right below Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik and close to Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, two of the most luxurious hotels in the city.

It’s usually not as crowded as Banje or Sveti Jakov Beach, although it still attracts a fair number of visitors during peak season. The beach isn’t very large, but there’s a bar where you can grab drinks and relax by the sea.

One of the most unique things about Bellevue Beach is that it often hosts local water polo matches. People gather to cheer for their clubs, and if you happen to catch a game, it’s quite a spectacle and a very authentic local experience. It’s also a popular spot for cliff jumping, if you’re feeling adventurous!

KOMARDA ROCK BEACH

Komarda Beach isn’t a classic beach like the others, it’s mostly concrete platforms and rocks by the sea, with stairs leading directly into the water.

The biggest perk of Komarda is the stunning view of the Old Town, since it’s located near the Dubrovnik Harbour. Swimming here with that backdrop is truly special. There are no beach amenities such as bars, sun beds, or umbrellas, but you’re close to grocery stores, so you can easily grab drinks or snacks beforehand.

It’s usually not crowded, and there’s almost always enough space to relax and enjoy your swim in peace. If you’re open to rocky or concrete swimming spots rather than traditional beaches, this one is definitely worth a try. I don’t have a photo of the beach on its own, but here’s a picture of me there so you can get a better idea of what to expect!

4 ADDITIONAL EXCELLENT DUBROVNIK BEACHES

COPACABANA PRIVATE BEACH

The most popular private beach in Dubrovnik is Copacabana Beach. If you’re someone who loves lounging on comfortable sun beds and enjoying great food right by the sea, this beach is perfect for you. It’s also a fantastic option if you’re staying in Babin Kuk or Lapad, since it’s conveniently located nearby.

Unlike many of the central public beaches, Copacabana is usually less crowded, as most visitors opt for the free options closer to the Old Town. If you’re looking to spend a relaxing afternoon on a sun lounger while listening to a DJ, this is a great choice.

Just keep in mind that private beaches in Dubrovnik can be quite pricey, so decide in advance if that’s something you’re happy to splurge on. I’ve visited Copacabana Beach a few times, and while it’s lovely, it’s not really a place I’d spend more than one day of my holiday at.

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MANDRAC BEACH

Mandrac Beach is a public beach in Babin Kuk, about 20 minutes from the Old Town by car. It’s a clean pebble beach and surprisingly quiet, with lots of locals visiting. I’d say it’s definitely worth checking out if you want a more authentic experience.

You can rent a sun bed or umbrella and relax in peace. The beach also has free showers and a bar where you can grab drinks. If you’re looking to escape the typical tourist crowds, Mandrac Beach is a perfect choice.

PASJACA BEACH

Named one of the best beaches in Europe, Pasjaca Beach is a bit outside Dubrovnik but absolutely worth the trip. It’s located near Dubrovnik Airport, in the small village of Popovici, and is a stunning spot you don’t want to miss.

Yes, getting to Pasjaca is a bit challenging. The path down to the beach is steep, and climbing back up the stairs can be tiring. But it’s so worth it. You’ll be swimming right under a cliff with incredible views all around. There’s no bar here, so make sure to bring your own food and drinks, and enjoy the crystal-clear water!

VAL DI BRENO BEACH

Val Di Breno Beach Club is a fairly new beach club in Srebreno, near the Sheraton Hotel. The beach and surroundings are beautiful. I’ve visited a few times and I’d say it’s definitely worth checking out.

There are plenty of comfortable sun beds, a restaurant, and even a gelato shop for ice cream. The food is great, and the best part is how they handle sun bed payments: during peak season, you pay €50 for a chair, but that includes credit you can spend on food and drinks. It’s basically a prepayment for meals, which makes it a much better value compared to places like Banje Beach where you pay more and get nothing extra.

If I had to pick one beach to rent a sun bed, this would be it. Personally, I’d choose this over Copacabana!

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON DUBROVNIK BEACHES

I spend a lot of time in Dubrovnik, but honestly, the beaches here aren’t really my favourite. Among the public beaches (which, by the way, all beaches are public, some just have private sun bed rentals), my top pick is definitely Sv. Jakov Beach.

If we’re talking beach clubs, I’d go with Val Di Breno Beach Club. It’s beautiful, new, and a much better value for money than the others.

But honestly, if you want a truly stunning beach near Dubrovnik, make a day trip to Lopud Island. The beaches on Lopud are sandy and way better than anything you’ll find in Dubrovnik itself.

CONCLUSION: DUBROVNIK BEACHES

Overall, Dubrovnik has a mix of beaches, but most of them are rocky or pebbly, and sandy ones are rare. The public beaches like Banje Beach or Sv. Jakov Beach are great for a quick swim or a day in the sun, while beach clubs like Val Di Breno Beach Club offer more comfort and amenities. If you’re after truly stunning, sandy beaches, the best option is a day trip to nearby islands like Lopud Island.