The Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a fantastic place to visit if you love beaches. With a long rugged coastline and dozens of nearby islands, there are wonderful beaches around every corner in Croatia. Whether you like a vibrant, party-like atmosphere, or a tranquil oasis you can have all to yourself, there is an option that is perfect for you.
Explore our top picks for Dubrovnik’s best beaches:
So are you ready to discover the coastal delights of Dubrovnik? Read on to find the perfect beach to visit on your sailing holiday.
Are there any sandy beaches in Dubrovnik?
There are plenty of sandy beaches in Dubrovnik! While they are certainly less common here than in other Mediterranean destinations, with many beaches being at least partially composed of gravel and pebbles (including several of the beaches in this list), it won’t take long for you to find golden sandy beaches that you can explore barefoot and sunbathe in.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik for beaches
If you’re a beachlover, a great place to stay in Dubrovnik for beaches is the Old Town. This is a great, central place to position yourself, close to many of the most popular and sought-after beaches (including some we could not include in this list). Even if beaches like Lapad Beach or Bellevue Beach are too far away on foot, you won’t have to sail far from the Old Town to reach them.
Destination #1: Sveti Javok Beach
Nestled near the Old Town, Sveti Javok Beach offers a peaceful retreat just a 20-minute walk from the bustling city center. Perfect for sailors and visitors alike, it provides a quiet escape with a scenic stairway climb into town that’s not to be missed.
A true suntrap, Sveti Javok Beach is warm until late in the evening – there are showers and sun shades available for you to use, and when you’ve had your fill of sunbathing you can go to the bar and restaurant on the beach, both perfect spots to try traditional food. Both the beach itself and the local eateries offer incredible views of the fortress, making Sveti Javok a wonderfully atmospheric place to catch the sunset.
Pro-tip: The beach is made up of shingles and white pebbles, so remember to bring appropriate shoes with you. You can find more advice on what to pack for a sailing trip with our blog.
Destination #2: Betina Cave Beach
Suggested: For a truly unique beach experience, Betina Cave Beach is a hidden gem in Dubrovnik. Nestled within a cave, this small beach offers a rare adventure, perfect for those seeking the extraordinary.
Betina Cave is a wide cave mouth that opens up to reveal a small sand and pebble beach, only about 50m in length. While you could take a staircase down from the street above to find this beach, the most popular way to experience it is to hire a kayak and row over into the cave mouth.
You can find some of the best snorkelling and diving in Dubrovnik here – Betina Cave Beach is just the prelude to Betina Cave, an extensive underwater cave system ready to be explored. While it can get quite crowded here, it’s completely worth it for the experience – Betina Cave Beach is a mysterious feat of natural beauty, utterly and completely different from any other beach in Croatia.
Destination #3: Copacabana Beach
The luxurious Copacabana Beach wraps around Seka Bay and offers an array of delights for new visitors. Suitable for families, couples and groups of friends alike, this is one of the best beaches in Dubrovnik no matter what you require.
If you’re looking for a child-friendly space to entertain your kids, there are plenty of ways to have fun on the water – you can enjoy the water chutes, and rent parachute boat rides and banana boats for them.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to unwind, there are white loungers and deckchairs for you to sink into, and you can book a night in one of the 5-star hotels facing the beach to enjoy spas and massages.
Why not stay at Copacabana Beach for the whole day and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with the beachside restaurant? You might even stumble upon a fun beach party, with a DJ spinning tracks right by the shore.
Destination #4: Šulići Beach
Adjacent to Fort Lawrence, a famed Game of Thrones location, Šulići Beach stands out as an urban sunspot. Ideal for those seeking sun and sand within city limits, it offers a lively, accessible beachside experience.
Nestled in the busy central area, this small stretch of pebbly-sand beach with bright turquoise waters lapping in is a popular haunt with the locals. You’ll see beachgoers dotted across all the different terrains, dipping into the nearby eateries, and playing by the basketball hoop.
You can jump into the water, take the ladder, or walk in, and enjoy this vibrant social spot with your party. There is always a lifeguard present, but note that this area is a little less sheltered than some of the other spots on this list, so the waves may be rougher.
Destination #5: Pasjača Beach
Awarded Europe’s most beautiful beach in 2019, and widely recognised as one of the best beaches in Croatia – Pasjača Beach offers an exclusive retreat. Located in Konavle, just south of Dubrovnik, its seclusion adds to its allure, making it a must-visit for those seeking privacy and unparalleled beauty.
The beach is a 80-meter stretch of golden sand and gravel backed onto a towering 200 foot cliff. This is a great choice for sailors because, while difficult to reach on land (you have to find a long narrow pathway and staircase that runs along and through a cliff wall) it is very easy to access by yacht.
Pasjača Beach’s gorgeous scenery makes up for its small size, surrounded by breathtaking cliff faces on three sides. With few visitors compared to its reputation, and even fewer visitors in the shoulder season (read our blog to learn When to Sail in Croatia) it’s also wonderfully tranquil. This is truly one of the best beaches in Croatia near Dubrovnik.
See Dubrovnik in Style with Sunsail
Which beach strikes your fancy the most? The family-friendly Copacabana Beach? The secluded and romantic Pasjača Beach? No matter how you see your sailing charter unfolding, you can find inspiration for your Dubrovnik Sailing Itinerary with our blogs.
Looking for a sailing holiday in Croatia that’s further away from the hustle and bustle? In that case, Agana would suit you beautifully – enjoy island hopping and visiting quiet villages in breathtaking rural areas, all while knowing that you’re only a short distance from Split if you miss the atmosphere of the city. Discover our Agana Sailing Itinerary to learn more.
Sunsail offers bareboat, skippered and flotilla yacht charters in Dubrovnik and Agana. Use our personalised quote builder to start planning your perfect holiday.
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isabelcoltham
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