Dubrovnik is a coastal city situated on the Adriatic Sea, a region renowned for its crystal-clear waters, pebble beaches, rugged cliffs, and calm swimming conditions. Unlike many destinations with white sand, most beaches here are pebble or rocky; however, they are clean, well-maintained, and scenic. The coastline is also home to hidden coves, natural sea caves, and offshore islands with stunning bays.
Travelling around Dubrovnik is also simple. Many beaches are within walking distance of the Old Town, but if you want to explore more freely, it is invaluable to rent a car in Dubrovnik. With a car, you can easily reach beaches on the Lapad Peninsula, Babin Kuk, or even remote spots outside the city. Renting a car also helps you avoid crowded buses during peak season. Keep reading to discover the best Dubrovnik swimming spots.
When you stay near the Old Town, you will find several swimming spots only a few minutes away on foot. Because this area is the busiest part of the city, the beaches here often have lively crowds, beach bars, and convenient facilities. The coastline is mostly rocky or pebbled, so swimming in Dubrovnik usually means stepping into deep blue water from smooth stones or concrete platforms.
Banje Beach is one of the most famous Dubrovnik beaches, located just steps from Ploče Gate and the Old Town walls. This beach features a mix of pebbles and sand and is renowned for its panoramic views of the terracotta roofs, city walls, and the island of Lokrum. Because of its central location, Banje Beach is often busy, especially in summer. The water here is clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming. You can rent sunloungers, umbrellas, kayaks, or jet skis. There is also a beach club and restaurant. If you want to save money, there is a free public section where you can lay your towel. Many visitors enjoy coming here in the late afternoon for sunset views over the Old Town.
Sveti Jakov is one of the most beautiful beaches in Dubrovnik. It is located below tall cliffs and offers peaceful surroundings with stunning views of the Old Town and Lokrum Island. Compared to Banje, this beach is more secluded, but you can walk here in about 20 to 25 minutes from the Old Town. At the top, you will find a stairway that takes you down to the beach.
The beach features pebbles and rocks, accompanied by clear, turquoise water that is excellent for swimming and snorkelling. There is a small bar and restaurant, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. The scenery is breathtaking, especially around sunset, when the cliffs turn golden, and the sea becomes calm.
Šulići Beach is one of the most charming Dubrovnik swimming spots, located in a small cove between Fort Lovrijenac and Fort Bokar. Even though it is close to the Old Town, this beach feels peaceful because it is tucked behind stone walls and narrow paths. The beach has pebbles, smooth rocks, and a concrete platform where travellers can sit and relax. The water is usually calm and clear, ideal for swimming or short snorkelling sessions. There are also cafés and restaurants nearby.
Danče Beach is one of the oldest swimming areas in Dubrovnik, and it is loved by locals who enjoy the deep, refreshing water. It is located just west of the Old Town, around a 10-minute walk from Pile Gate. The coast here is rocky, featuring concrete terraces and ladders for easy access to the sea. Because the water becomes deep quickly, this beach is for confident swimmers. The area is beautifully rugged, with cliffs, a small cave, and views of the nearby monastery. There is also a bar where you can buy drinks, and showers are available. Danče Beach is ideal for those seeking a quiet, non-touristy spot for swimming in Dubrovnik.
Buža Beach is one of the most unique Dubrovnik beaches, accessed through a small opening in the Old Town walls—known as “the hole in the wall.” This rocky swimming area sits right on the cliffs, offering dramatic sea views and direct access to the deep blue Adriatic. It is not a traditional beach but a flat rocky area where travellers can jump into the sea or enjoy the scenery. Many visitors love Buža Beach for its romantic atmosphere, cliff-jumping spots, and beautiful sunset views. There is a bar built into the rocks where you can buy cold drinks, but there are no toilets or showers.
The Lapad Peninsula and the Babin Kuk area are ideal destinations for travellers seeking comfortable Dubrovnik swimming spots with excellent facilities. These districts are a short drive from the Old Town. They offer a mix of pebbled bays, long promenades, beach bars, and family-friendly spaces. The beaches here are typically broader and more laid-back than those near the Old Town, making them ideal for extended beach days. This area is also home to several modern hotels, clean promenades, and seaside paths that lead to smaller coves.
Uvala Lapad, also known as Sunset Beach, is one of the top Dubrovnik beaches for families. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand. The water is shallow near the shore, and the beach has plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and changing areas. Along the long Lapad promenade, you will find cafés, bakeries, ice cream shops, and restaurants. One of the best things about Uvala Lapad is the evening view. As the sun sets behind the hills, the sky turns a vibrant orange and pink, creating one of the most beautiful sunsets in Dubrovnik. If the main shore is crowded, you can walk along the coastal path to discover small rocky coves.
Copacabana Beach is situated on the Babin Kuk peninsula and is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and watersports. This beach is a wide, pebbly bay with shallow water, perfect for families and groups. It has sunloungers, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants, making it one of the most convenient Dubrovnik beaches. You can rent jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and try the popular floating water park in the bay. Copacabana is large, so it’s rarely overcrowded, even in high season. This area is also very photogenic, with views of the Elaphiti Islands and the Franjo Tuđman Bridge in the distance.
Bellevue Beach is a picturesque cove located beneath cliffs near a hotel. To reach the beach, you follow a path and then descend a series of stairs. Once you arrive, you will find a peaceful bay with pebbles, calm water, and clear views of the rocky coastline. The beach is ideal for swimming, and the deep water also attracts confident swimmers and thrill-seekers who enjoy cliff jumping. This beach has a café and toilets near the shore. The surroundings are more secluded than many Dubrovnik beaches, which is why locals often come here for early-morning swims. Bellevue Beach also offers excellent visibility for snorkelling along the rocks.
When you explore the islands near Dubrovnik, you will discover some of the most unique swimming spots in the entire region. These islands are easily accessible by ferry or boat, offering quiet bays, sandy shores, hidden caves, and rocky platforms ideal for sunbathing. Swimming in Dubrovnik’s island waters feels different from the mainland because the sea is often calmer, the water is even clearer, and the landscapes are more natural.
Lokrum Island is located 10 to 15 minutes by ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Town and is one of the easiest island escapes. The beaches here are not sandy. Instead, you will find rocky platforms, ladders for climbing into the sea, and dramatic cliffs. One of the highlights of Lokrum is the small Dead Sea lake, a saltwater pool inside the island, where you can float in calm water. There is also a naturist beach on the eastern side. While Lokrum has some sunbeds available, most people sit on the rocks. The island is also rich with greenery, wildlife, and old stone buildings.
Betina Cave Beach is one of Dubrovnik’s most unusual and adventurous beaches. It is hidden inside a wide sea cave between Banje Beach and Sveti Jakov, and the only way to reach it is by kayak or boat. Inside the cave, you will find a small pebble beach with calm water, and the rock walls above you create a dramatic natural frame. Many kayaking tours stop here for swimming and resting, and it is also a popular area for snorkelling.
Šunj Beach on Lopud Island is one of the few sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area. The bay is wide and protected, with water that remains very shallow. You can reach Lopud Island by ferry. From the port, the walk to the beach takes around 20 to 30 minutes through shaded paths. You can also take a buggy ride if you prefer not to walk. At Šunj, you will find sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar, and restaurants. The beach is large enough to always find space, and the surrounding pine forests create a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
Koločep Island is known for its calm, scenic beaches and beautiful surroundings. The coastline is a mix of rocky shores, small coves, and areas where you can swim directly from stone platforms. One of the highlights of visiting Koločep is exploring its flooded sea caves, including the Blue Cave, Pigmej Cave, and the Green Caves. When sunlight shines through the underwater openings, the water glows in bright shades of blue and green. Koločep’s beaches are quieter than those in the city. Snorkelling is popular here because the water is very clear, but it is important to visit when the sea is calm. If the water is rough, the caves may not be safe to enter.
The following tips will help you prepare for swimming in Dubrovnik and make the most of your beach day.
Most Dubrovnik swimming spots are not sandy. They are usually covered in pebbles, small stones, or flat rocks. Because of this, you must bring or buy water shoes, especially if you have sensitive feet. Pebble beaches do not trap heat like sand, and they keep the water incredibly clear. You should also bring a towel, sunscreen, and snorkelling equipment if you enjoy underwater views. Natural beaches often feature sharp rocks or sea urchins, so be sure to walk carefully.
Many popular Dubrovnik beaches offer convenient amenities for travellers. These may include sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, and beach bars. Beaches such as Banje, Copacabana, Uvala Lapad, and Šunj offer a range of services available for rent or purchase. Sunbeds and umbrellas usually cost extra per day. Some beaches have changing cabins, equipment rentals for activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding, and small cafés serve drinks and snacks. More natural beaches, such as Buža or parts of Lokrum Island, have limited or no services.
The best time to visit Dubrovnik beaches is generally from late May to early October. During this period, the weather is warm, the sea temperature is comfortable, and most beach services are open. July and August are the hottest months, but also the busiest. If you prefer fewer crowds, June and September are ideal months with pleasant temperatures and clear water.
Travellers visiting in early spring or late autumn will find that the sea is cooler, but still possible for a quick swim on sunny days. Regardless of when you arrive, mornings and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy quieter beaches and softer sunlight.
Since many Dubrovnik swimming spots are rocky, enter the water slowly and carefully. Ladder access is common on rocky or concrete beaches. Wear water shoes to protect your feet from slippery rocks or small sea urchins. If you enjoy cliff jumping, always check the water depth and avoid areas with shallow rocks. Beaches like Buža and Bellevue are popular for jumps, but only attempt these activities if you feel confident. When snorkelling, stay close to the shore and avoid venturing into open waters without proper experience.
While some beaches are close enough to reach on foot, others require short journeys through coastal neighbourhoods or uphill residential areas. Public transport is available, but can be crowded during peak season. For travellers who want maximum freedom to explore hidden coves, distant bays, and nearby islands, having your own transport is extremely convenient. With a car, you can travel between beaches like Copacabana, Uvala Lapad, Bellevue, and Sunset Beach, as well as reach ferry ports if you wish to continue your adventure to nearby islands. Parking is available near most major beaches.
Choosing which Dubrovnik beaches to visit is an enjoyable part of planning your trip, especially when you know what each beach offers. Dubrovnik is home to a wide range of seaside experiences—from lively city beaches near the Old Town to peaceful coves on the Lapad Peninsula and adventurous island shores. You will always find spots that match your mood, whether you want deep water for snorkelling, shallow bays for relaxing, or scenic cliffs for photography.
To make the most of your beach days, rent a car in Dubrovnik with Final Rentals. Choose your pickup and drop-off dates in just a few clicks and pick up your vehicle when you land at Dubrovnik Airport. Rentals are available for drivers aged 21 and up, with a wide local selection of cars for your travel plans. Once you book, you’ll get instant confirmation. For extra convenience, download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
