Beaches · Dubrovnik · Croatia
The best beaches in and near Dubrovnik
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alaexis, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Banje Beach (2 minutes' walk from the Ploče Gate). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in June–September.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- June–September
- Warmest sea
- 25°C (77°F)
The beaches
2 minutes' walk from the Ploče Gate · Swimming with an Old Town view
1.Banje Beach
A pebble beach just outside the Ploče Gate with direct views of the walls and Lokrum; part is a beach club with sunbeds and part is free to use.
About 1.5 km east of the Old Town · Couples and a calmer swim
2.Sveti Jakov
A quieter pebble cove below the church of St Jacob, reached by a long staircase, with views back to the Old Town and Lokrum.
About 4 km west; 15–20 minutes by bus · Families
3.Lapad Bay and Sunset Beach
A sheltered bay at the end of Lapad's pedestrian street, with fine pebbles, shallow water and cafés.
About 5 km west; 20–25 minutes by bus · Families and water sports
4.Copacabana Beach
A long pebble beach on Babin Kuk with water sports, a slide and views of the Dubrovnik Bridge.
About 1.5 km west of the Pile Gate · Sunset swims
5.Bellevue Beach
A small pebble cove between cliffs in the Miramare bay, reached by steps from the road, where locals jump from the rocks.
About 15 minutes by boat from the Old Port · A nature day with swimming
6.Lokrum rocks
Flat rocks around the island offer clear water, and the saltwater Dead Sea lake is calm enough for weak swimmers.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C (57°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| February | 14°C (57°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
| March | 14°C (57°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| June | 22°C (72°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| October | 20°C (68°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| November | 18°C (64°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| December | 16°C (61°F) | 13°C (55°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for couples, luxury and beach
Ploče
Just outside the Ploče Gate, this area has some of the city's best-known hotels and apartments looking back across the water to the walls and Lokrum. Banje Beach and the restored Lazareti quarantine buildings are at the bottom of the hill, and the cable car station is a short climb up.
- Good
- Classic views of the walled city; Five minutes' walk to the Old Town; Beaches close by
- Watch out
- Steep streets and stairs; Expensive sea-view rooms
- Nearby
- Banje Beach, Cable car, Ploče Gate, Lazareti
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Libertas buses run frequently from the Pile Gate to Lapad, Babin Kuk and Gruž, and to Cavtat; tickets bought from kiosks are cheaper than on board.
- Boat — Boats from the Old Port reach Lokrum in about 15 minutes and Cavtat in about 45; Jadrolinija ferries and catamarans from Gruž serve the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet and Korčula.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in June–September. The busiest of those is June, so book early.
Beach safety
Dubrovnik has low levels of street crime, but heat exhaustion on the walls, slippery polished limestone and steep rocks by the sea cause more problems for visitors. Wear water shoes on rocky beaches because of sea urchins, and keep valuables close in crowded lanes. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Dubrovnik have beaches?
Yes: Banje Beach, Sveti Jakov, Lapad Bay and Sunset Beach, Copacabana Beach, Bellevue Beach and Lokrum rocks.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Dubrovnik?
Usually June–September, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Dubrovnik?
Banje Beach: A pebble beach just outside the Ploče Gate with direct views of the walls and Lokrum; part is a beach club with sunbeds and part is free to use.