Dubrovnik is not just about the Old Town and its famous walls. The coastline around the city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, ranging from lively urban spots just a short walk from the city centre to hidden coves that can only be reached by boat. Here is our local guide to the best beaches near Dubrovnik, whether you are after a quick swim or a full day by the sea.
Banje Beach is Dubrovnik's most famous and most visited beach, sitting just outside the Ploce Gate on the eastern side of the Old Town. The views from the water here are extraordinary, looking straight back at the city walls and the old harbour. It is a pebble beach with clear, clean water and plenty of facilities including sun lounger rental, beach bars, and a well-known beach club.
Because of its location and facilities, Banje gets busy in peak season. Arrive early in the morning for the best spot, or visit in May, June, or September when the crowds thin out considerably.
Bellevue is one of those beaches that rewards the effort it takes to get there. Tucked at the bottom of steep cliffs on the western side of the Old Town, it is reached by a long staircase that descends from the road above. The beach itself is a sheltered pebble cove with exceptionally clear water and a dramatic backdrop of white limestone cliffs.
It is quieter than Banje despite being close to the city centre, simply because most visitors do not know it exists or cannot be bothered with the stairs. That makes it a favourite with locals who appreciate a bit of peace.
Pasjaca is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Dubrovnik region, and its setting is truly dramatic. Located near the village of Popovici, south of the city, the beach sits at the foot of towering red cliffs and can only be reached by climbing down a long metal staircase bolted into the cliff face.
The effort is absolutely worth it. The water here is a stunning deep blue, the beach is almost always quiet, and the sense of being somewhere genuinely special is hard to shake. Pasjaca is best visited by hiring a private boat from Dubrovnik and approaching from the sea, which also allows you to spot other hidden coves along the same stretch of coastline. A Dubrovnik boat rental from Dubrovnik Boat Club is a great way to explore this part of the coast at your own pace.
Betina Cave Beach on the island of Kolocep is one of those places that feels genuinely secret. Located inside a sea cave on the eastern shore of the island, it can only be reached by swimming or by approaching from the sea by boat. The cave opens up into a sheltered pool of perfectly clear turquoise water, with shafts of light filtering down from above.
Visiting Betina Cave is one of the highlights of any Dubrovnik boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands. If you book a private boat tour with Dubrovnik Boat Club, we can take you directly there and anchor up so you can swim and explore at your own pace. It is the kind of place that simply cannot be reached any other way.
St. Jakov is a smaller, quieter beach on the eastern side of Dubrovnik, just below the church of the same name. It is less well known than Banje but offers similarly beautiful water and views back toward the Old Town. The beach is popular with locals and tends to attract a quieter, more relaxed crowd than the main tourist beaches.
There is a small cafe nearby and the water is excellent for snorkelling. It is a 15-minute walk from the Old Town along the coastal path, making it an easy addition to any day in the city.
For those who prefer sand to pebbles, Sunj Beach on the island of Lopud is the answer. It is one of the very few genuinely sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik region and one of the most beautiful in all of Croatia. The bay is wide, sheltered, and shallow at the edges, making it particularly good for families with children.
Getting there requires a boat to Lopud island, followed by a 20-minute walk across the island. The most enjoyable way to visit is as part of a day trip by boat from Dubrovnik. Our Elaphiti Islands boat tour includes a stop at Lopud, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beach before heading back.
Betina Cave Beach on Kolocep and Pasjaca Beach are best accessed by boat. Many other hidden coves along the coast are also only reachable from the sea. A private boat rental from Dubrovnik Boat Club is the easiest way to explore them.
Most beaches in the Dubrovnik area are pebble or rock. The best sandy beach near Dubrovnik is Sunj Beach on the island of Lopud, reachable by boat from the city.
Yes. Dubrovnik Boat Club offers private boat rentals and guided boat tours that take you to the best beaches and hidden coves along the coast, including spots that simply cannot be reached any other way.
