When I think of Dubrovnik, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t just the old city, but also the fabulous beaches nearby. You don’t have to go far to reach some of the best beaches near Old Town Dubrovnik, with crystal-clear waters and beautiful views along the Adriatic Coast.
Some are just a short walk from the city walls, while others are tucked away in little coves that feel like your own private escape. In this blog, I’m sharing a guide to some of my favorite beaches so you’ll know exactly where to spend your time by the water!
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Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: What To Expect
One thing to note is that most of the beaches near Old Town Dubrovnik are pebbly. So make sure to bring water shoes with you. The water is pretty calm and incredibly clear. Absolutely perfect for a refreshing swim in the warm Adriatic Sea.
Many of the beaches are quite small, and the popular ones can get really crowded during the summer. I recommend going out early so you are able to get a good spot.
Some beaches have beach clubs where you can rent lounge chairs and sun umbrellas for a more comfortable day in the sun. Others are a bit more natural and simple, so if you go that route, don’t forget your essentials!
Wherever you go, you’ll find crystal-clear waters pretty much everywhere. The views of the city walls or nearby islands make it even more special. Now, let’s dive into some of the best beaches near Old Town Dubrovnik!
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Danče Beach
Dance Beach is one of those perfect little spots to escape the crowds. We came here in the middle of summer and were surprised by how empty it was! It’s just a 10 minute walk from the Old Town, but it feels like you are miles away from the busy city.
This is actually one of the oldest beaches in Dubrovnik, with tons of raw natural beauty and a calm, relaxed vibe. The shore is made up of rocky outcrops, with some flat areas, and there are ladders that lead straight into the water. It is the perfect spot for a quiet swim and some downtime. Dance Beach is definitely one of the more peaceful beaches near Old Town Dubrovnik.
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Šulić Beach
This peaceful little cove is just 5 minutes from Pile Gate and feels a lot more local and laid-back than the busier beaches. Tucked below the cliffs near Fort Lovrijenac, Šulić beach has calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming.
The beach itself is small and pebbly. There are flat rocks for sunbathing and a few areas to jump from if you’re feeling adventurous. Sulic Beach also has a beach bar to grab drinks or snacks. I thought it was the perfect place to spend a couple of hours — lounging, swimming, and just relaxing. It did get a bit busier around midday, but there were open spots and easy to find space.
Šulić Beach is only 7 minutes from Danče Beach. I went to both on the same day, and it was super easy and convenient.
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Banje Beach
If you’re staying near Dubrovnik old town, Banje Beach is an absolute must! It is also the main beach in the city and one of the most popular beaches in Dubrovnik.
To get here is just a short walk from the Old Town’s Ploče Gate. So it’s easy to get to if you’re staying in Dubrovnik’s old town or close by. I love the views here; you get a perfect look at the city walls and even Lokrum Island in the distance.
When you get to Banje Beach, you’ll see that there’s both a public and a private area. In the public section, anyone is free to lay down their towel. But for more comfort, there is also a beach club, which is what I did. There, I rented loungers, ordered drinks, and spent the day relaxing.
Just a heads up: the beach club only takes cash for chair and umbrella rentals, though the restaurant on site does take credit cards. Like most beaches in Dubrovnik, this one is pebbly, so bring your water shoes!
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Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Sveti Jakov Beach
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 is definitely worth the extra effort to get there.
It’s about a 25-minute walk from Pile Gate in Dubrovnik’s old town. 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. However, once you’re down there, the view and the atmosphere totally make up for it.
This is a pebble beach, but spacious and not crowded. You can rent lounge chairs and sun umbrellas. There’s also 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. Sveti Jakov is definitely one of the top beaches near Old Town Dubrovnik!
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Buza Beach
Buza Bar has such a fantastic vibe! It is honestly an ideal spot to relax, swim, and enjoy incredible views right from the rocky shores.
Located in Old Town, this cliffside bar feels like a hidden gem. Buza Bar is literally carved into the rock, with multiple levels built into the mountain. It’s one of those places you could easily walk by until you step through a small doorway and realize you’ve just found a great spot to chill, drink, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
This lively beach bar is first-come, first-served with no reservations. It is a great place to spend a few hours. During the day, it has a super laid-back vibe, with music playing and people lounging in bathing suits.
Since I stayed 3 minutes from Buza Bar in Old Town, we visited a few times during our stay, and also at sunset. The sky at sunset was gorgeous, and the views over the sea were incredible. Buža beach is definitely a unique spot in Dubrovnik and a must-visit!
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Kolorina Beach
Just outside the city walls, below Fort Lovrijenac is one of the smaller beaches near Old Town Dubrovnik. Kolorina Beach feels like a hidden local spot, and I might have walked right past it if I didn’t know it was there. 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 rocky but has pretty, crystal-clear water and amazing views of the fort above. I thought it was a nice place for a quick swim and to stretch out on the flat stones, but not really somewhere to spend the whole day. Still, it’s a great little break after walking through the Old Town.
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: West Harbor
Just outside Pile Gate, between the Old Town walls and Fort Lovrijenac is one of the most scenic places to swim in Dubrovnik. The views are incredible here, with the fortress above and the city walls rising right behind you.
West Harbor is not a traditional beach, just a stone platform with steps that lead straight into the crystal-clear water. I think that’s part of the charm, though. It also feels a little more peaceful than some of the bigger beaches, especially early in the morning.
I liked it as a quick swim spot, perfect for cooling off after sightseeing. There are no sun loungers or a bar here—just the sea, the cliffs, and that postcard-perfect view.
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Fort Bokar
This is also not a traditional beach. It is an area below Fort Bokar that locals love for a quick dip. It sits between the fortress and the sea, with stone platforms and natural rock ledges that lead right into the crystal clear water.
There’s no sand, no loungers, and no bar. However, this is a fun little spot to check out for a simple, scenic swim right under the city walls. It’s pretty quiet, with just a few people sunbathing on the large rocks and jumping in for a swim.
The views of the fortress and the Adriatic Sea make it feel like you’ve found one of the secret beaches near Old Town Dubrovnik.
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Dead Sea (Lokrum Island)
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the Old Port is Lokrum Island. The island is really calm, with rocky shores and crystal-clear water. But the real highlight, and one of the most unique swimming spots here, is the Dead Sea. This is a small salt lake that’s kind of hidden on the island. The calm, shallow waters are warm and clear, and it’s the perfect place to float. I thought it was such a fun experience, and it’s also great for kids since there are no waves.
Floating in the Dead Sea feels like such a unique experience compared to other beaches near Old Town Dubrovnik.
Beaches Near Old Town Dubrovnik: Šunj Beach
Island of Lopud
While it’s not that close to Old Town Dubrovnik, I wanted to include Šunj Beach because it really is a rare gem. It’s on the Island of Lopud, about an hour away, and we visited during our boat trip through the Elaphiti Islands. What makes it stand out is that it’s one of the few sandy beaches near Dubrovnik. The shallow waters go out quite far, so it’s a great beach for kids or anyone who prefers easy swimming.
FAQ & Things to Know Before Visiting Dubrovnik
When is the Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik?
Choosing the right time to visit can really shape your Dubrovnik experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
April, May, September, and October: Shoulder Season
The shoulder season is a great time to visit. The weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller compared to the summer months. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the city without feeling rushed, and it’s easier to find tables at restaurants and explore popular sites like the City Walls and Lokrum Island without the peak season hustle.
June – August: High Season
The summer months are the busiest in Dubrovnik, with long days, hot weather, and lots of tourists. During this time, the city is at its liveliest, but also the most crowded and expensive. If you visit during this time, plan to start your sightseeing early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and big crowds. Spend your days cooling off at the beach. You’ll want to book hotels, restaurants, and cable car tickets well in advance.
November – March: Off-season
The off-season is much quieter with fewer crowds, and some attractions, shops, and restaurants may close or have limited hours. However, if you’re not a fan of crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, this can be a quiet time to explore the Old Town. Just keep in mind that swimming spots and boat trips might not be available during these months.
How to get around Dubrovnik?
The best way to get around Dubrovnik, especially the old town, is on foot. The Old Town is compact, and most of the main sights are within walking distance. I did not need public transport to explore the city center. The stone streets, narrow alleyways, and scenic viewpoints are best enjoyed by walking.
You’ll likely enter through Pile Gate, but there’s also Ploče Gate on the opposite side, which leads you to the eastern entrance of Old Town and the outer walls. Both gates are easy walking routes that connect you to the city’s main attractions.
Public buses are available if you’re staying further out, but once you’re inside the Old Town, walking is the easiest and most enjoyable way to see Dubrovnik.
Is Dubrovnik safe to visit?
In my experience, Dubrovnik felt like one of the safest places I’ve ever visited. It’s the kind of city where people leave their bags and belongings on the beach without worrying. I didn’t see or hear of any pickpockets, which is very different from places like Rome, Barcelona, or Paris, where you always have to be cautious.
Everyone we met in Dubrovnik was friendly and welcoming. The city is also extremely clean, and the streets almost sparkle! There’s no trash or litter lying around, and the whole place feels very well cared for.
If you’re worried about safety, Dubrovnik is a destination where you can relax and truly enjoy without constantly being on guard.
Language: Do I need to speak Croatian?
You don’t need to worry about speaking Croatian when visiting Dubrovnik. Most people speak English very well, and we never had any language barrier during our trip. In restaurants, shops, and even small local places, communication was always easy.
That said, it’s always respectful to learn a few basic Croatian phrases, like “hello” (bok), “thank you” (hvala), and “goodbye” (doviđenja). Locals really appreciate it when visitors make a small effort to use their language.