It’s no secret that Dubrovnik in the summer is HOT. Sightseeing in Old Town is a must, but it will undoubtedly make you want to jump into the clear blue waters of the Aegean for a break from the heat. When planning your itinerary, be sure to leave some time to visit the best beaches in Dubrovnik. While some of the swimming spots aren’t your traditional sandy beaches, on a hot day in Dubrovnik, you’ll want to spend most of your time in the water anyway!
Banje Beach
Best for: access to a beach club and spending a full day at the beach
Banje Beach is one of the most popular options for tourists. It’s located 10 minutes outside of Old Town when leaving through the Ploce gate. Given its prime location, it can get very crowded in the summer. The beach has a public portion and a private beach club where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. If you’re looking for a sandy beach, you’ll want to stick to the private side of Banje.
Porporela
Best for: taking a quick dip while sightseeing
This swimming spot is right outside of Old Town’s city walls near the old pier called Porporela. If you get hot while exploring Old Town, this is the perfect place to jump in for a swim. You won’t find any sand at this “beach”. Instead, there are concrete slabs with ladders providing access to the water.
Buža Beach
Best for: people watching, cliff jumping, having a drink
Located near the south side of Old Town, Buža Beach is a literal hole in the wall…the city walls that is. On the other side of the wall, you’ll see a set of stairs leading down the cliffs to a bar area with seating called Buža Bar. If you keep heading down the stairs, there’s a ladder to the water. For those who are feeling adventurous, cliff jumping is popular here. I found the water to be kind of rough and it was hard to get in and out. Instead, I recommend coming to Buza Bar if you’re in the mood for a drink and want to watch the cliff jumpers.
Šulić Beach
Best for: families due to the shallow water
Šulić Beach is located outside of Old Town near Fort Lovrijenac. If you’re looking for more of a traditional beach, this is a good option. While the water is nice and calm, it can also get extremely crowded. Unlike some of the other swimming spots, you can access the water easily from the land. The beach is made up of small rocks, so water shoes are recommended.
Danče Beach
Best for: fewer crowds and natural scenery
Last but not least, is Danče Beach. It’s located farther outside of Old Town when exiting through the Pile gate near Gradac Park. While there is no sand in sight, there is plenty of space to lay out on the concrete. This was my favorite swimming spot in Dubrovnik with calm water and lots of space to swim around. Danče also has a lifeguard on duty, two beach bars/cafes, and public showers and toilets.
Final Thoughts
What’s a visit to Croatia without spending anytime in the water? If you find yourself in Dubrovnik, make sure to leave an extra day or afternoon for exploring some of the best beaches in Dubrovnik. Whether you want to camp out for a full day or take a quick dip in the water while sightseeing, there’s an option for you.
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