Zaton Bay is a picturesque inlet located just northwest of Dubrovnik. The bay stretches roughly 3 kilometres along the Adriatic coast. It forms a sheltered horseshoe shape embraced by green hills and pine-clad slopes. Exploring the Zaton Bay shoreline with a car rental in Dubrovnik is a convenient way to reach its calm beaches, small villages, and scenic viewpoints. In this guide, we’ll show you the best coastal landscapes in Zaton Bay that you can easily reach on a day trip.
Planning a day trip to Zaton Bay is straightforward and rewarding, especially if you want to experience the best coastal landscapes in Zaton Bay at a relaxed pace. With short driving distances and clear roads, it makes an ideal escape from Dubrovnik.
Zaton Bay is located about 10 to 12 kilometres north west of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. The journey follows the D8 Adriatic Highway, also known locally as Jadranska Magistrala, before a short turn off leads down into the bay. Roads are paved, well-maintained, and clearly signposted.
As you approach, signs direct you to Zaton Veliki and Zaton Mali, the two villages that frame the bay. The final descent is along a narrow local road, where it is best to drive slowly and enjoy the first coastal views. Traffic can be heavier in summer, but the drive remains calm and scenic.
Parking in Zaton Bay is limited but manageable. Both villages have small public parking areas near the waterfront, and some restaurants offer parking for guests. During peak summer afternoons, arriving earlier in the day makes finding a space easier. Even if you park slightly away from the centre, the bay is compact, and everything is within a short walk. Bring water and essentials from Dubrovnik, as local shopping options are limited. However, the bay has plenty of seafront cafés and restaurants.
Zaton Bay has a compact coastline that is easy to explore by car. A single local road links Zaton Veliki, Zaton Mali, Štikovica, and Vrbica, allowing you to drive around the bay in just a few minutes. The Adriatic Sea stays close to the road throughout, offering frequent views with little effort. This section focuses on the best Zaton Bay coastal landscapes.
Zaton Beach and the waterfront in Veliki Zaton are an ideal starting point for exploring the bay by car. You can drive directly into the village and arrive beside calm harbour waters within minutes. Parking is usually available along the roadside near the pier, and you’re steps from the pebble beach and promenade. The beach has shallow water that is suitable for swimming and safe paddling. Because the bay is sheltered, the sea is typically calm and clear.
The waterfront promenade features wooden fishing boats resting in the water, while benches beneath tamarisk trees face the bay. On one side lies the Zaton Bay shoreline, with emerald water and small coves, and on the other stand stone houses, jetties, and local taverns. This area is ideal for short walks, photos, or a simple break by the sea. A pedestrian path continues for about 3 kilometres around the bay, where you can continue exploring.
Driving the scenic coastal road around Zaton Bay is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the area. This narrow two-lane road follows the inner curve of the bay and often runs very close to the water. As you drive from one end to the other, the Zaton Bay coastline remains in view, with calm Adriatic waters reflecting the opposite shore.
In some sections, the road passes beneath low cliffs covered with pine trees. In others, it opens up to wide views across the bay, where Zaton Veliki and Zaton Mali are opposite each other with stone houses clustered along the shore. Near Štikovica, the road offers views towards the mouth of the bay and glimpses of the open sea beyond. Locals are often seen resting on rocks or preparing small boats close to the water.
As you continue towards Zaton Mali, the scenery becomes greener, with olive and cypress trees framing occasional sea views. There are a few safe places to stop, which are ideal for photos or a short pause.
For wide panoramic views, the hills above Zaton Bay offer several easy roadside viewpoints that require no walking. One of the most convenient spots lies along the D8 Adriatic Highway just before the descent into Zaton when travelling from Dubrovnik. A pull-off on the right allows a few cars to park safely.
From here, the full curve of the bay is visible below, framed by village rooftops and green hills. It is an excellent place for photos, especially in the morning light or at sunset. You only need to step a few metres from your car to enjoy the view.
Another option sits above Zaton Mali on the uphill road towards Pobrežje. This quieter route climbs through pine forest, and after about a kilometre, there are widened sections where drivers often pause briefly. From this higher angle, the bay’s long, sheltered shape becomes clear, almost resembling a lake opening to the sea. On clear days, the Elafiti Islands can be seen on the horizon.
Zaton Bay is best for visitors who enjoy short, easy walks alongside driving. Several coastal paths begin close to parking areas, allowing you to explore more scenery without long hikes. One of the most enjoyable routes is the seaside promenade linking Zaton Mali and Zaton Veliki.
Parking is usually available near the small harbour or church in Zaton Mali, where the flat path starts. The promenade follows the water for about 3 kilometres, passing holiday villas, pine and olive trees, and quiet pebble coves. Even a short section offers chances for a swim or a pause on a stone bench by the sea.
Another accessible walk begins near Štikovica Beach on the eastern side of the bay. Parking is available nearby, and a short coastal trail runs along the rocky shoreline. This path offers open views of where the bay meets the Adriatic Sea and is suitable for all ages, though sturdy shoes are helpful on the smooth stones.
Pine trees provide shade, and locals are often seen fishing or exploring tide pools. For a brief uphill option, park near the chapel of Our Lady of Mercy in Zaton Veliki. A short marked path leads to a quiet viewpoint above the bay.
Driving around Zaton Bay is generally relaxed and uncomplicated. In summer, expect moderate traffic on the D8 highway leaving Dubrovnik, particularly in the morning and late afternoon. Local roads within the bay are slow-paced and quiet, although it's busier in July and August. During spring and autumn, roads are empty and peaceful.
Parking is limited but manageable in each village. In peak summer hours, spaces near the waterfront can fill quickly, so arriving earlier in the day improves your chances. Parking is informal and usually free, but it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You may need to park slightly away from the water, but walking distances are short.
One of Zaton Bay’s strengths is how close everything is. In most cases, you park and are immediately by the coastline, beaches, or viewpoints. Coastal paths and promenades begin directly in the villages, making sightseeing easy and suitable for visitors who prefer minimal walking.
Facilities are simple but sufficient for a day visit. Expect several seafront restaurants and cafés, basic beach amenities, a small supermarket, and an ATM. Mobile coverage is strong, and Dubrovnik is close if needed.
Zaton Bay is one of the best places to slow down and enjoy the coast. It’s close to Dubrovnik, and easy to get around by car. You can park close to the water, take in the views, have a swim, and grab a coffee by the sea. Whether you’re driving the coastal road, stopping at a viewpoint, or taking a short walk along the shoreline, the landscapes are calm, green, and relaxing.
Rent a car in Dubrovnik with Final Rentals and explore the best coastal landscapes around Zaton Bay. With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select your Dubrovnik Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
