Best Beaches in Dubrovnik

With its dazzling Adriatic coastline, the best beaches in Dubrovnik offer something for every kind of traveler - from vibrant city beaches to hidden coves and adventure-friendly shores. Whether you’re in the mood for sunbathing with a view of the Old Town or snorkeling beneath limestone cliffs, these top 10 Dubrovnik beaches near the Old Town (including a few within a 15-minute coastal drive of Dubrovnik Old Town) are worth adding to your itinerary.

1. Banje Beach

Best for: Sightseers, couples & watersports lovers. Location: Plaža Banje, Frana Supila ul., Dubrovnik 20000. Distance from Old Town: 0.2 miles/ 0.3 km (2–3 minute walk).

Just a short stroll from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Banje Beach is one of the city’s most iconic beach spots. This pebbled stretch of beach is free to access and ideal for soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. With water sports, sun loungers and parasol rentals, plus beachside dining and cocktails, it’s the go-to beach for tourists and locals alike. The panoramic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town offers a memorable backdrop when seeking some relaxation and time-out from sightseeing.

2. Sveti Jakov Beach

Best for: Swimmers, couples & peaceful sunbathing. Location: Ul. Vlaha Bukovca, Dubrovnik 20000. Distance from Old Town: 1.1 miles/ 1.8 km (5-7 minute drive/ 20–25 minute walk).

Looking for a quieter alternative? Located just 1km east of the Old Town, Sveti Jakov Beach is a tranquil escape framed by cliffs and accessed via a stairway. Its clear turquoise waters and peaceful vibe make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing, with views of Lokrum Island for company. Those seeking refreshment can enjoy kicking back with a chilled drink and laid-back lunch at the beach bar.

3. Betina Cave Beach

Best for: Kayak rentals, snorkeling & swimming. Location: Accessible only by kayak or boat, located between Banje Beach and Sveti Jakov. Departure Point (Banje Beach): 0.2 miles/ 0.3 km from Old Town. Cave Distance by kayak: 0.6 miles/ 1 km along the coast from Banje.

Accessible only by kayak or boat, Betina Cave Beach is a hidden gem for the more adventurous beach-goer. This secluded cave beach offers excellent snorkeling, crystal-clear waters, and an unspoilt sunbathing experience, away from the crowds - for a memorable beach day with a difference.

4. Lapad Beach (Sunset Beach)

Best for: Families, casual swimmers & beachside dining. Location: Šetalište kralja Zvonimira, Dubrovnik 20000. Distance from Old Town: 2.4 miles/ 3.8 km (10–12 minute drive).

Set in the Lapad Bay area just northwest of Dubrovnik Old Town, this family-friendly beach is a sure crowd-pleaser, with its lively promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, and shady palm trees. The pebbled shoreline and shallow waters make it perfect for children, while older teenagers and grown-ups can enjoy paddleboarding or sunset views over the Adriatic.

5. Copacabana Beach

Best for: Families, water sports & groups. Location: Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca, Babin Kuk, Dubrovnik 20000. Distance from Old Town: 2.9 miles/ 4.6 km (12–15 minute drive).

Located on the Babin Kuk Peninsula, Copacabana Beach is a large, pebbled beach popular for water sports and group gatherings. With a floating water park, sunbeds, and a laid-back beach bar scene, it’s a great choice for families and groups staying just outside the Old Town.

6. Šulić Beach

Best for: Cliff jumping, confident swimmers, kayaking & for a local vibe. Location: Ul. branitelja Dubrovnika, near Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik 20000. Distance from Old Town: 0.3 miles/ 0.5 km (5–7 minute walk).

Nestled beside Fort Lovrijenac, this small local-favorite beach is known as one of the oldest swimming spots in Dubrovnik and is renowned for its calm waters and dramatic cliff backdrop. Šulić Beach (Kolarina Beach) is a great place for cliff jumping, swimming, casting off in a kayak rental and relaxing after exploring Dubrovnik’s historic center - only minutes away on foot.

7. Coral Beach Club

Best for: Couples, young groups, beach lounging & upscale beach days. Location: Ul. Ivana pl. Zajca, Babin Kuk, Dubrovnik 20000 (near Copacabana Beach). Distance from Old Town: 3 miles/ 4.8 km (12–15 minute drive).

If you're looking for an upscale beach experience, head to Coral Beach Club in Babin Kuk. With luxury sunbeds, DJs, a stylish lounge area and refined beach dining on the menu, a beach day here promises added glamour. Although there’s an entry fee for the premium areas, the fun day to night vibe, spa and leisure activities and VIP-feeling beach club services are top-notch.

8. Bellevue Beach

Best for: Confident swimmers, locals & quiet beach days. Location: Beneath Hotel Bellevue, Ul. Pera Čingrije 7, Dubrovnik 20000. Distance from Old Town: 0.8 miles/ 1.3 km (5-minute drive/ 15–20 minute walk).

Tucked beneath the cliffs of Hotel Bellevue, this pebbly beach is popular with locals for its sheltered cove and calm sea. The beach offers a serene spot for morning swims, just a 10-minute walk from the city center. It's good to note that the 5-star Bellevue Hotel on the cliff above manages half of the beach for their guests' private use. The other half of Bellevue Beach is free and open to the public. Being reachable via a steep flight of 100 or so stairs, it's more popular with older families and those who can manage the steps.

9. St. Jacob’s (Plaža St. Jakov)

Best for: Couples, swimmers & photographers. Location: Near Hotel Villa Dubrovnik, Ul. Vlaha Bukovca, Dubrovnik 20000. Distance from Old Town: 1.2 miles/ 2 km (6–8 minute drive).

Not to be confused with Sveti Jakov, Plaža St. Jakov lies slightly farther along the coast and rewards visitors with exceptional views of the Old Town. Reached by stairs, this peaceful, tucked away cove offers pristine waters and a relaxed beach cafe and bar. Its unspoilt setting makes it a favorite low-key option among those seeking a more local, less-touristy beach experience.

10. Pasjača Beach

Best for: Adventurers, photographers & confident swimmers. Location: Near Hotel Villa Dubrovnik, Ul. Vlaha Bukovca, Dubrovnik 20000. Distance from Old Town: 1.2 miles/ 2 km (6–8 minute drive).

A short 15-minute drive south of Dubrovnik leads you to Pasjača Beach in Konavle - one of the most unique beaches in Croatia. Carved into a cliffside and reached via a steep staircase, this secluded beach is a quiet, otherworldly spot for intrepid beachgoers. As there are no beach facilities of any kind here, it's best to plan ahead and bring your own picnic and beach gear you can't be without - for a timeless-feeling day along the coast.

Plan your Dubrovnik Beach Break

With so many incredible beaches in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, why not turn your trip into something unforgettable? Our collection of Dubrovnik vacation rentals includes luxurious villas in prime locations - complete with inviting self-catering layouts, private pools, and scenic dining terraces. Plus, with optional Concierge, from private boat charters, island hopping tours, in-villa dining, spa treatments and more your Dubrovnik beach break will be elevated to a whole new level.