The first thing you’ll notice about Dubrovnik is that it’s completely surrounded by water. The Adriatic Sea is always in view—just beyond the old town walls, below the cliffs, or stretching out past the harbor. It gives the city such a special feel, especially when you’re exploring the Dubrovnik Old Town, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With so many scenic spots along the coast, it’s no surprise that there are some incredible beaches to swim just steps from the historic center.
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Since we visited in the summer, we ended up swimming every day during our trip. Some places were right next to the city walls, others were tucked-away coves we found while wandering around. The crystal clear water makes it hard to stay away, especially on hot days.
Keep in mind that most beaches here aren’t sandy beaches—they’re pebbly, so water shoes are a must. Still, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches along the coast. You can spend the whole day at one spot or beach hop and try a few different ones.
In this post, I’m sharing the best beaches to swim in Dubrovnik and the best places to swim, relax, and enjoy this truly unique city. If you’re looking for the best beaches near the old town walls, this guide has you covered.
Top Suggestions and Unique Experiences
Looking for quick Hotel suggestions? Here are the top picks:
- Affordable Stay: SUNce Palace with free parking
- Ideal for Location: Dominus Rooms
- Best Luxury Hotel: Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
- Top View: Hotel Excelsior
- Great for Families: Rixos Premium Belek
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Unique Experiences in Dubrovnik
14 Best & Top Beaches to Swim in Dubrovnik (and beyond)
From popular city spots to quieter corners along the rocky shores, each beach on this list is a great place to cool off, take a break from sightseeing, and enjoy the Adriatic. Some are easy to reach right from the Old city, while others are worth the short walk or drive for a little more space and calm.
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1. Banje Beach – Dubrovnik’s Main Beach with a View
If you’re staying near the Old Town, this beach is a must-visit. Known as the main beach in Dubrovnik, Banje Beach is easily one of the most popular beaches to swim in the city.
It’s just a short walk from the Old Town’s Ploče Gate, so it’s super easy to get to if you’re staying in Dubrovnik’s old town or nearby.
The views here are hard to beat. You can see the old town walls and nearby islands such as Lokrum Island, right from the shore. There’s a public section if you just want to lay out your towel, and a beach club where you can rent loungers, order drinks, and stay for the day. The beach club only takes cash for chair and umbrella rentals. There is a restaurant on site as well.
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The beach has pebbles, not sand, so water shoes definitely help. I absolutely loved the crystal-clear water, it was perfect for swimming and cooling off! Just keep in mind that it gets crowded, especially in the afternoon. Come early if you want to find a good spot and enjoy it while it’s still quiet.
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2. Sveti Jakov Beach – Peaceful Cove with a Workout
Tucked away from the crowds, this spot feels quieter and more local. Sveti Jakov Beach is one of the prettiest beaches to swim in Dubrovnik and definitely worth the extra effort to get there.
It’s about a 35-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s old town, Pile Gate, and around 20 minutes from Banje Beach. It’s a bit farther out, but still very doable. Once you get there, you’ll need to walk down a long, steep staircase to reach the beach—and hike back up when you’re done. It’s a bit of a leg workout, but totally worth it once you’re at the bottom, so bring water and take your time. But once you’re down there, the view and the atmosphere totally make up for it.
This is a pebble beach, but it’s spacious and not usually crowded. You can rent lounge chairs and sun umbrellas, and there’s a small bar with a laid-back, tiki-style vibe—great for a cold drink or a quick bite.
The crystal clear water is calm and absolutely perfect for swimming. Plus, the views of the Old Town from the beach are amazing. If you’re looking for a great place to spend a few hours with fewer crowds, Sveti Jakov is definitely one of the top beaches to swim in Dubrovnik.
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3. Buza Beach – A Hidden Beach Bar on the Cliffs
This is a super fun and chill place for sure! Buza Beach is one of the most unique places to swim and hang out in Dubrovnik. Located right inside the Old Town, this cliffside beach bar is carved into the rock, with multiple levels built into the mountain. It’s one of those places you could easily walk right past—until you step through a little doorway and realize you’ve just found a great spot to chill, drink, and enjoy the beautiful views.
When you first walk in, you’ll see Buza Bars, which are first-come, no reservations. As you head down to the lower levels, there are spots to swim and places to climb and jump from the large rocks, including one really high cliff for the brave ones. I didn’t do the jumping myself, but it was fun to watch while relaxing with a drink in hand.
Since we were staying in the Old Town, Buza Beach was only a 3-minute walk from us, and we ended up coming back few times.
One evening we stopped by right before sunset. The sky was gorgeous, and the views over the sea were unreal. During the day, it has a super laid-back vibe, with music playing and people lounging around in bathing suits.
It’s definitely one of those must-visit spots that feels totally different from the typical beach scene.
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4. Danče Beach – Quiet Swimming Spot Near the Old Town
Danče Beach (also spelled Dance Beach) is one of those perfect beach spots if you’re looking to escape the crowds. We went here midday in the summer and were surprised by how peaceful and empty it was! This is definitely a hidden gem just a short walk from the Old Town, about 12 minutes.
It’s one of the oldest swimming spots in Dubrovnik with raw natural beauty and calm vibe. The shore is made up of rocky beaches and large rocks, with ladders that lead straight into the water. It’s not a place for sandy lounging, but if you’re looking for quiet beaches to swim and relax, this is a great choice.
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5. Šulić Beach – A Chill Spot Tucked Below the Cliffs
This is a peaceful little cove just 5 minutes from Pile Gate and feels way more local and laid-back. Šulić Beach is tucked below the cliffs near Fort Lovrijenac and has calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. It is also one of the easiest beaches to swim near the Old Town if you’re short on time but still want a dip.
The beach is small and pebbly, with some flat rocks for sunbathing. There are also smaller rocks to jump from if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sulic Beach also has a beach bar nearby where you can grab drinks or snacks, so you can eat, drink, sunbathe, and then cool off in the clear water. It’s super chill and a perfect place to spend a few relaxed hours. Keep in mind that the beach does get a bit busier around midday, but there always seems to be a spot to lay out and relax.
Sulic Beach is only 7 minutes from Dance Beach, so you could easily visit both in one day.
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6. Kolorina Beach – A Local Spot by the Fort
Kolorina Beach is a small, tucked-away spot right next to Fort Lovrijenac and just outside the Old Town walls. In fact, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but it’s actually a popular swimming spot for locals. Because the beach is so close to town, it’s also one of the more convenient beaches to swim near the city.
The beach is small and rocky, with clear water and beautiful views of the fort towering above. You can swim, lay out on the flat stones, or just sit and enjoy the view. It’s not a full beach day kind of place, but great for a quick dip—especially after walking around the Old Town.
7. West Harbor – Swim Below the City Walls
West Harbor is one of the most scenic and easy-to-reach swimming spots in Dubrovnik. It’s located just outside Pile Gate, between the Old Town walls and Fort Lovrijenac. The views here are incredible—you’re literally swimming right below the fortress with the city walls rising behind you.
There’s no real beach here, just a stone platform and steps that lead straight into the crystal clear water, but that’s part of what makes it fun. It’s not as popular as some of the bigger beaches, so it can feel more peaceful, especially in the morning.
It’s a great quick swim if you want to jump in after sightseeing or cool off while exploring the area. You won’t find loungers or a bar here—just the sea, the cliffs, and that postcard-perfect view.
8. Fort Bokar – Cliffside Swimming Next to the Fortress
This isn’t an official beach, but the area below Fort Bokar is a local favorite swim spot for a quick dip. It’s tucked between the fortress and the sea, with stone platforms and natural rock ledges that lead straight into the beautiful water.
There’s no sand, no loungers, and definitely no bar. But if you’re up for a simple, scenic swim right under the city walls, this is a fun little spot to check out. It’s usually quiet, with just a few people sunbathing on the large rocks or jumping in for a swim. The views of the fortress and the open sea make it feel like you’ve found a secret corner of Dubrovnik.
9. Pasjača Beach – Remote and Ridiculously Scenic
Pasjača Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in all of Croatia. While it’s not in Dubrovnik, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if you rent a car to explore other parts close by. It’s also one of the more unique beaches to swim near the city, thanks to its dramatic setting and peaceful vibe.
We rented a car for the day and did a little road trip. First stop was Sokol Tower, then we drove about 20 minutes to reach Pasjača Beach. It honestly felt like we stumbled onto a secret.
The beach is tucked between massive cliffs and feels totally hidden. There are no facilities, so make sure to pack towels, umbrellas, food, and water. After parking, you’ll have to walk down a steep path. You’ll walk along the edge and will see some amazing views the whole way down. Once you reach the bottom, the clear blue water and dramatic setting make it 100% worth it.
If you’re up for a bit of an adventure and want a quiet escape from the crowds, this is a perfect beach to add to your list.
10. Cavtat – Charming Coastal Town with Beaches
On the way back to Dubrovnik, we made a stop in Cavtat, just about a 20-minute drive from Pasjača Beach. It’s a small coastal town that’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon, with a much slower, quieter vibe than the city.
There are a few nice beaches to swim around here—Žal Beach, Beach Ključice, and Rat Beach. Žal Beach is one of the more popular ones and also one of the bigger beaches in town. There are facilities, lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, and plenty of space to spread out. All of them have calm and crystal-clear water. I also loved how there were little swimming spots all along the waterfront promenade, where you can jump in straight from the rocks.
Visiting Cavtat was such a nice break after the drive from Pasjača Beach and a great way to wrap up the day before heading back to Dubrovnik.
11. Copacabana Beach – Laid-Back Vibes & Sunset Views
Copacabana Beach is located on the Lapad Peninsula and has a totally different vibe from the beaches near the Old Town. It’s more of a chill, all-day beach with sandy areas, large rocks, and calm water that’s great for swimming or just floating around.
It’s one of the few beaches in Dubrovnik with a full setup. There are lounge chairs and sun umbrellas for rent, a big beach bar, and even a restaurant. You can also rent paddleboards or jet skis if you’re in the mood for a little adventure. The atmosphere is laid-back, and it’s a beach to swim at and also to stay for sunset.
It’s a bit farther out, about a 10- to 15-minute drive from the Old Town, but it’s worth the trip if you’re looking for a larger beach with more space and a relaxed, resort-like feel.
12. Uvala Lapad Beach – Easygoing Beach Day
Located in the Lapad Bay area, Uvala Lapad Beach is one of the easiest beaches to swim and spend a full day at. It has a more local, laid-back vibe compared to the Old Town beaches. But it still has everything you need—lounge chairs, sun umbrellas, beach bars, restaurants, and even a shaded promenade right behind it.
The beach is a mix of pebbles and some sandy areas. And of course, there’s that pretty crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming. It’s family-friendly, and there’s a bit more space to spread out, so it doesn’t feel as packed.
13. Island of Lokrum – A Peaceful Day Trip from Dubrovnik
The Island of Lokrum is just a short 15-minute ferry ride from the Old Port. This is an easy access day trip from Dubrovnik. It’s a nature reserve, so the vibe here is super calm—no cars, lots of shady trees, and peacocks wandering around everywhere!
There are plenty of beaches to swim on that are scattered around the island. Most of them rocky and surrounded by cliffs and greenery. You won’t find sand here, but there are flat rocks and stone platforms that are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The water is incredibly clear, and there are quiet coves all around the island to explore.
One area even has a small saltwater lake called the Dead Sea, where you can float in completely calm water. Definitely one of the more unique beaches to swim near Dubrovnik.
It’s a popular spot, especially in summer, but there’s enough space to spread out and find your own great beach area. Pack a towel, some snacks, and water shoes—and make a day of it!
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14. Elaphiti Islands – Beach Hopping by Boat
The Elaphiti Islands were one of our favorite day trips from the Dubrovnik area. It was so fun getting out on the water and seeing a totally different side of the coast. There are a ton of places and beaches to swim at.
You can book a group boat tour or rent a private one—which is what we did. Going private gave us more flexibility to create our own route and stop wherever we wanted.
There are plenty of beaches to swim at across the main islands—Koločep, Lopud, Šipan, and even a stop at BOWA. Some had sandy spots, others were rocky, but all of them had clear, calm water and that laid-back island feel. We swam, jumped off the boat and rocks, explored the Blue Grotto, and even found a few quiet coves with no one else around.
It was such a great way to mix swimming, exploring, and just being out on the sea for the day.
15. Sunj Beach on Lopud Island
We stopped at the Island of Lopud during our boat trip, and it was such a calm, quiet, and pretty place to take a break. The island is car-free, with cute little cafés near the port and a beachy, slow-paced vibe that feels totally different from the city.
There’s a long sandy beach called Šunj Beach on the other side of the island. It’s one of the few sandy beaches to swim around Dubrovnik. You can walk there or take a quick golf cart ride. The shallow waters are warm and a perfect spot for swimming, especially if you just want to float and relax. It’s a great place to explore for an hour or two before heading to your next stop.
16. Bowa – A Luxe Private Island Escape at Bowa
Welcome to paradise! BOWA was one of the most memorable stops of our boat day. This is hands down one of the prettiest places I’ve seen near Dubrovnik and probably our favorite place! It’s located on a private part of Šipan Island, and you can only get there by boat. You’ll need a reservation in advance to visit. Luckily, our boat captain knew the manager and called ahead so we could stop by—and I’m so glad we did.
As you dock, a concierge greets you at the pier to check your reservation. From there, it feels like a hidden beach club paradise. There’s a restaurant right by the water, a beach area with chairs and umbrellas, and an open-air bar on the second level with amazing views overlooking the beach.
The water here is crystal clear—honestly, the clearest we saw during our entire trip. It’s also one of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches to swim in the Dubrovnik area. Between the peaceful setting, stunning views, and relaxed vibe, BOWA felt like a dream. If you’re planning a private boat day, this spot is 100% worth including.
Where to Stay in Dubrovnik
Final Thoughts on Beaches to Swim in Dubrovnik
If you’re planning a trip and looking for the best spots to swim, relax, and enjoy the beautiful views, Dubrovnik and the nearby islands are full of options. From quiet hidden coves to lively beach clubs, these are some of the most popular Dubrovnik beaches—each with its own vibe and scenery.
You can stay close to the Old Town, explore nearby islands by boat, or take a road trip to find a good place to cool off. The best time to visit is between late spring and early fall, when the sea is warm and everything is in full swing. Along the way, you’ll come across some truly unforgettable beaches to swim, each offering a different kind of experience.
I hope this guide helps you plan your Dubrovnik, Croatia travel—from the easiest swim spots to the dreamiest island beaches. There’s so much to explore, and now you’ll know exactly which beaches to check out first.
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Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.