The Best Dubrovnik Beaches: A Guide for Your Dubrovnik Beach Vacation

Dubrovnik beaches are a dream. This guide will share the best beaches in Dubrovnik, where to find them, and what you need to plan the perfect Croatian beach holiday.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I ONLY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THINGS I PERSONALLY USE, LOVE AND SPEND MONEY ON MYSELF.

A photo of a beach in Dubrovnik is one of the first images I ever remember seeing when I first got a Pinterest account back in 2010. The water was clear and beautiful, it was the perfect shade of blue.

At the time, I couldn’t even point Croatia out on a map if you’d asked me to. I had no idea where this place was but I fell in love with that Dubrovnik beach photo.

I never forgot that image, obviously, since I’m sitting here writing about it eight years later. Over the years as I’ve become more aware of the world and able to afford to travel more often, I always kept Croatia high on my travel bucket list.

The image of that beach was like nothing I’d ever experienced in real life. It is what inspired me to choose Dubrovnik, Croatia as a destination when I was recently planning a trip to Europe.

The moral of this short story is that I think most travelers plan a trip to Croatia with one common thing in mind—the beaches in Croatia. Of course that’s not the only reason travelers want to visit Croatia. I ended up uncovering countless other reasons to visit this beautiful country other than just the beaches. But the beaches in Croatia do not go overlooked, and rightfully so.

When planning my trip to Dubrovnik I quickly learned that the beaches in Croatia were a bit different than I was used to. I gathered a ton of useful information that really helped me travel smarter and more prepared, so I want to share everything I learned from my own experience vacationing at Dubrovnik beaches.

If you’re looking for more information on traveling to Dubrovnik beyond just its beaches, I found this guide book really helped me prepare.

The Ultimate Guide to Dubrovnik Beaches

Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic Sea which separates the Balkan peninsula from the Italian peninsula. The Adriatic Sea is the northernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea. There is over 3,600 miles of coastline in Croatia, lined with many gorgeous islands of various sizes.

The town of Dubrovnik is in the southern part of Croatia, the Dalmatian Coast, where the shorelines are dramatic, rocky, and beautiful. Dubrovnik has understandably earned its nickname “The Pearl of the Adriatic.”

Growing up in California I am used to long, sandy beaches. The biggest shock for me was learning that there aren’t really any these soft, sandy beaches in Dubrovnik. At first I was like, “but how is this a beach destination then? Where’s the sand?” Throughout my life beaches have always been directly equated with sand. Silly California girl.

That said, it’s important to know from the start that Dubrovnik beaches are rocky and pebbly, in all different shapes and sizes. This may not be a shock to many of you, and I might sound naive, but if you’ve spent your life on beaches lined with fine, soft sand then I’m sure you can understand where I’m coming from. Preparing to go on a rocky beach vacation is a bit different than preparing to go on a sandy beach vacation.

I’ll jump ahead a bit and just say that I loved my trip to Dubrovnik. While I was a bit hesitant at first as to whether or not this was the right destination for the relaxing beach vacation I had created in my head, it ended up being amazing.

The beaches in Dubrovnik are very different from what I’m used to, but it’s a unique and stunning location that I highly recommend everyone to experience at least once in their life. Dubrovnik has become rather touristy in recent years, but I would still go back in a heartbeat. The location of the city offers easy access to so many awesome day trips, making it an even better town to stop in and use as a home base.

READ THIS NEXT: Looking for bars and restaurants in Dubrovnik? Click here to see my favorite places to eat and drink in Dubrovnik!

When to Visit Dubrovnik

Without a doubt summer is the peak travel season in Dubrovnik, Croatia. But with the beautiful, warm and sunny weather also comes the crowds of people. I can see why though, because I loved the warm days on the beaches in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is a popular stop for cruise ships so the days can be especially busy when the ships dock and release a swarm of passengers into the town. The locals that I spoke to in Dubrovnik told me that July and early- to mid-August is the busiest time.

My trip to Dubrovnik was the last few days of August and the first few days of September. Based on things I had read prior to visiting I honestly expected the crowds to be much worse than they were. Dubrovnik’s Old Town and main beaches were still pretty busy during the day, but not to a point where I was absolutely miserable (and crowds often make me feel that way.)

I’d gladly revisit Dubrovnik at the same time of year again and personally recommend the end of August or early September as a good time to visit. The weather is still perfect for spending time on the beach and in the water but the peak season has begun to die down so the crowds have lessened.

If you don’t really care about sunbathing or swimming in the Adriatic Sea, then Dubrovnik would be beautiful any time of year. I had a blast swimming and spending time on the beach, but the Dalmatian Coast is so stunning that I’d be happy to admire the scenery in the winter as well. Please note though that many businesses and restaurants close during the offseason.

The Best Beaches in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Banje Beach

Without a doubt Banje Beach is the most popular and busy of the Dubrovnik beaches. Some might define this beach as ‘touristy,’ but I had a blast here at this pebbly beach. It definitely gets a big mix of tourists and locals, but it’s so hard to deny the convenient and scenic location of Banje Beach.

The beach is located right next to Old Town Dubrovnik, so the sight of the historic walls and architecture offers an unbeatable and unique beach view.

To access the beach you need to walk down a flight of stairs. There is a beach club located right in the middle of Banje Beach but I found it to be pretty overpriced, as you’d expect when being located smack in the middle of a tourist hotspot.

The lounge chairs at Banje Beach also do not come for cheap, as they need to be paid for to use. Unless you plan to spend the entire day in that chair, I don’t feel like it’s worth the money.

Besides the overpricing of the beach amenities, I still really loved hanging out at Banje Beach. I do think that part of the reason I enjoyed it such much is because I went to the beach first thing in the morning before the crowds hit.

Since I was still not adjusted to the time change from traveling to Croatia from California, I found myself waking up really early everyday. Because I was waking up around 6 a.m., I would go down to Banje Beach around 8 a.m. The weather was so nice that it was already warm outside at this time of morning; it was actually perfect!

The beach was quiet and beautiful, with just a couple of locals doing their morning exercise in the water. Getting out there early is the best way to dodge the swarm of tourists and really enjoy the beauty and views from Banje Beach.

Bellevue Beach

Directly below the lovely Bellevue Hotel you will find another great Dubrovnik beach, Bellevue Beach. This beach sits in a small bay and is equally as beautiful as the next.

Bellevue Beach is home to the local water polo team, so if you’re there at the right time you may be able to catch the players practicing or in the midst of a competition. The beach is made up of some sand but is pebbly, in typical Croatian beach fashion.

Locals say that it is best to visit Bellevue Beach in the morning when it is being hit by the direct sun. In the afternoon the sun passes the cliffs and the beach becomes covered in shade.

So if you’re a beach-goer who’s interested in dodging the direct sunlight, this beach would be perfect for you during Dubrovnik’s hot summer afternoons. And if you want access to this beach in a matter of minutes, you might look into staying at the Bellevue Hotel or some of the other beachfront hotels I’ve listed later in this post.

Beach Buza at Buza Bar

Of all of the Dubrovnik beaches I would say that Beach Buza is probably the most unique. Located just outside of the Old Town wall, Beach Buza basically sits on a cliff between the Old Town wall and the sea. I honestly am not sure I would have ever qualified this spot as being a beach, but then again my definition of ‘beach’ has expanded quite a bit ever since visiting Croatia.

Because Beach Buza is located in a super random, unexpected spot that is essentially the edge of a cliff, there are only a few ways to access it. Technically you could access it by water if you cruised up on a kayak or a boat, but the way I reached this beach was through the stairs accessed from Buza Bar.

The bar sits atop the cliffs overlooking the beach area and the Adriatic Sea. Buza Bar is accessed through a hole in the Old Town wall which leads you into the bar and to the exterior side of the wall. From the bar you can follow stairs down to the water where there are rocks and concrete areas to lay out and enjoy the view.

It’s a great place to hop in the water for a quick swim or simply enjoy the view of the Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island in the distance. And you are at a bar after all, so there’s also the option to enjoy a Croatian beer or two while you are there.

Buza Bar and Beach Buza is a really cool spot and worth checking out, as it’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced anywhere else in the world. How often are you in a bar that allows you to jump off a cliff in and out of the ocean?

I will note that this may not be the best beach for kids. You are literally hanging out on a cliff at the edge of the sea so I’d be hesitant to bring any children, especially if they are not strong swimmers. But that’s just my take.

Lapad Beaches

Lapad is a peninsula and suburb of Dubrovnik located northwest of the Old Town.  The Lapad Bay is a hot spot for many of Dubrovnik’s nicest waterfront hotels, making the area a popular homebase for travelers.

The bay is lined with beach area, with the main beach being Uvala Beach. At the main beach you can find lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent, along with showers and changing areas. Since many hotels are near here this beach can get busier, it’s also possible to explore the bay and find a more quiet spot to enjoy the water.

The Lapad area is also popular for its pedestrian walkways and collection of restaurants, cafes, and shops. This is a short drive away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town but it’s definitely an area that many travelers love to stay in since it offers its own collection of beaches and lodging.

It’s worth looking into as a place to consider staying on your own trip, even though it’s not in the middle of the Old Town action. Like all of the other beaches in Dubrovnik I have mentioned, the Lapad Bay beaches are also not made of soft sand, but rather range from pebbles to large rocks and some artificial concrete slabs for sunbathing.

Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Old Town Dubrovnik and makes for the perfect day trip. This is the island closest to Dubrovnik and the one you see if you are hanging out at Banje Beach.

If you are looking for a more quiet, private beach experience then Lokrum Island is the place for you. During my trip I took the Dubrovnik ferry to Lokrum Island to have a more relaxing beach experience after I was over dealing with the busier vibe at Banje Beach.

The cool thing about Lokrum Island beaches is that there are so many different spots you can post up and feel like you have the sea all to yourself. The island is fairly small and can be covered by foot, which is actually your only option since Lokrum Island is car-free.

No one lives on Lokrum Island so staying overnight there is not an option. It is a great place to spend half a day surrounded by nature and the Adriatic Sea.

READ THIS NEXT: How to take the Dubrovnik ferry to Lokrum Island for a relaxing, quiet beach day

Dubrovnik Beach Hotels

If you love the beach so much that you want to have quick access to it during your time in Dubrovnik, check out these Dubrovnik hotels that are located right along the coastline offering a combination of private beaches, indoor/outdoor pools with views, and ocean view dining options. Sometimes you’ve gotta treat yo’ self.

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik sits atop a seaside cliff that overlooks the Adriatic offering stunning views from all of its rooms. One of the highlights of this property is its easy access to Bellevue Beach, which I mentioned earlier in this post as being one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik to visit.

All of the guest rooms have views of the sea and the property is a little over a half a mile from the Old Town. Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik also has an indoor pool that is open year round if you happen to visit during the off season when the weather isn’t good enough to swim in the Adriatic. Click here to check pricing and availability.

Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel

Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel has a drool-worthy pool with a view of the Adriatic Sea.  The property is located a little further away from the Old Town, being a 10-minute or so drive away, but the distance provides you with a more intimate and tranquil setting.

The seafront hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and turquoise blue water, leaving guests feeling immersed in nature. Each room at the Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel has a balcony or terrace, which I am totally a sucker for when I see a hotel that offers this. In addition to an indoor and outdoor pool, hotel guests have access to a small, private pebble beach. Now that’s what I’m talking about. Click here to check pricing and availability.

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is located on the beautiful Lapad peninsula. Like the previous properties, Hotel Dubrovnik Palace has both indoor and (multiple) outdoor swimming pools, one of which has a swim-up bar. Am I the only one who is continually enticed by the presence of a pool swim-up bar, no matter how old I get? Click here to check pricing and availability.

Of course the pool isn’t all they’ve got—there’s access to a private hotel beach along with tennis courts if you feel like being sporty. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is also just a few miles from the main, popular Lapad Beach so you have the option to head that way as well.

One other cool note about this property is they have scuba diving on site. I’m not a diver but I wished I was because the water in Croatia is so beautiful. Click here to check pricing and availability.

Hotel Excelsior

Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is a great option if you are looking for stellar views of both the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The hotel is in a former royal villa that was built in 1913 and has welcomed a number of famous guests over the years. There’s a beautiful indoor pool as well as dining options that offer breathtaking views of the sea. Click here to check pricing and availability.

This hotel is a great option if you still want to be close to all of the central attractions in Dubrovnik. Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is a little over 10-minutes walking distance from the Old Town so getting around is easy. The hotel also provides guests with access to a private beach. Conveniently located just aside Banje Beach guests also have easy access there as well. Having multiple beautiful beaches in Dubrovnik at my fingertips? Sign me up. Click here to check pricing and availability.

Grand Villa Argentina

Grand Villa Argentina is located in central Dubrovnik not far from all of the main tourist attractions. The highlight of this hotel for me is 100% the seaside saltwater pool. There is also a private beach for guests, along with an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, a sauna, and spa services.

The location of this property is hard to beat. Grand Villa Argentina is on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, housed in a 20th century mansion. There’s something really special about staying in properties with a rich history, I always find that fun and it’s such a draw for me. Like all the others on this list, this hotel is a beauty and would be a treat for any traveler. Click here to check pricing and availability. 

READ THIS NEXT: Take a day trip from Dubrovnik to Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia-Herzegovina—one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen!

Packing for Dubrovnik Beaches

Waterproof Sandals: I cannot emphasize this one enough! (!!) No joke this ended up being the most important thing in my suitcase for my trip to Dubrovnik. Thanks to the pre-trip research I did and the advice of other travelers I was prepared with waterproof sandals. This is a crucial item for beaches in Dubrovnik for a few reasons.

First and foremost, the beaches are extremely rocky as I’ve explained so you won’t be frolicking gracefully in your bare feet like you might on sandy beaches. All it takes is one sharp or slippery rock in your foot to put a real damper on your Dubrovnik beach trip. Then there’s also the fact that the rocks can get really freakin’ hot. Ouch.

One more big thing to be aware of is that there are sea urchin in the area. The last thing you want to deal with on your vacation is stepping on a sea urchin. Because the beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky, you can be strutting out into the water and face an unpleasant surprise underneath your foot. I’d usually just wear my sandals straight into the water if I was going to be walking on rocks. You’ve been warned.

If it’s hot, bring a hat: If you’re like I was and you’re thinking “but I’m not a hat person,” who cares. Seriously, you will be very happy you brought a hat if you are planning to spend time on the beaches in Dubrovnik in the middle of summer. This trip actually sold me on becoming a ‘hat person’ because I quickly learned the floppy sun hat actually serves a purpose and isn’t just an Instagram prop.

The bigger the hat the better in this case, because it provides more shade which is highly appreciated when you’ve been in the sun for eight hours. But if the chic beach hat look isn’t your thing a cute baseball cap will do.

Water-Resistant Bag: I highly recommend you leave your beloved Louis bag at home and get something that you don’t mind getting dirty and wet. I don’t know if that’s even a realistic assumption, that someone would bring a Louis bag to the beach, but it’s for dramatics, okay. I don’t have designer purses, but even my non-designer purses don’t belong on this beach vacation.

Being in and out of the water, on and off of boats, and spending hours in the beating sun, you’ll want something to transport your stuff that can handle a mild beating. I love carrying this small backpack. It’s water- and dirt-resistant so it’s a bit tougher than you’re average backpack. It’s also a great compact size so I don’t ever feel like I’m dragging my life around with me. There is a variety of sizes available in this bag though so you can size-up if you felt the need to.

Only have a few days in Dubrovnik? Check out this Dubrovnik weekend itinerary

Map of Beaches in Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Beach Hotels

Save the map below to find all of the Dubrovnik beaches and Dubrovnik beach hotels that I mentioned in this post.