Essential guide to the beaches near the cruise port of Dubrovnik (Croatia) in 2023, including reviews of Banje Beach, Buža Beach, Old Port Beach, Lapad Bay, Copacabana Beach, Coral Beach Club
Most cruise travelers will want to discover the rare beauty of Dubrovnik's notable highlights but if you wish to go for a dip in the Adriatic Sea, or spend a few hours sunbathing, there are stunning beaches to enjoy.
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If the cruise ship traveler has been in Dubrovnik before and has explored its highlights and attractions, a day at the beach might be a good alternative. Or, maybe, you would like to just enjoy a dip in the Adriatic Sea after a morning exploring the old town.
Next to the Old Port, there is a concrete beach, which is can be ideal for a refreshing swim. Also close to the Old Town, within walking distance on the east side, the Banje Beach is ideal for a dip although it may get a bit crowded.
For those planning to spend most of the day on the beach the Lapad Peninsula is the place to go, in particular if your cruise ship is docked at the Port of Gruž. Although just across the port, the walk to the peninsula can be tiresome and streets are not easy to navigate. The beaches on Lapad Bay, in particular, Copacabana Beach and the Coral Beach Club are the Editor's favorites.
Copacabana Beach
Photo © IQCruising.com
Therefore, it's advisable to take a taxi or a bus. Bus #7 is the best to get to Lapad from the Port of Gruž. From the Old Town, buses #5 and #6 leave from Brsalje Square (next to Pile Gate) to Lapad. Learn More about Transportation and Basic Information.
The Lokrum Island is another great place to enjoy a full day on pristine beaches. To get there you need to get on a boar from the Old Town. Be aware that like elsewhere in Croatia, most beaches in Dubrovnik aren't sandy but with pebbles.
Banje Beach
(Most Popular)
Photo: Hons084 CC-by-SA
Located on the east side of the old town, after passing the Revelin Fort, Banje Beach is a pebble beach, where the cruise traveler can rent beach chairs or an umbrella, and relax the day away overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Cocktails are also available and even massage therapy after a morning exploring the Old Town. Who knows, you might even get into a game of volleyball. The Beach Club also offers transfers from the Old Town.
Banje Beach Club Website: sunsetbeachdubrovnik.hr
Buža Beach
(Off Track)
Photo © IQCruising.com
It is not obvious how to get to Buža Beach, which is, in fact, a rocky cove without sand or pebbles. But once there, this marvelous spot is inviting to relax in the shade of terraced bars and a jump in the water. The best access is by walking up the famous Baroque stairs from Gundulić Square to the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola and then take a path well advertised to Buža Beach.
Beach Bar Buža Facebook Page
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Old Port Beach
(Next to St John’s Fort)
Photo © IQCruising.com
Many a cruise traveler miss this lovely spot for a dip in the ocean or only realize that you should have taken beach attire once walking the tip of the Old Port. Located on the southern tip of the Old Port, this concrete beach is a perfect place if the cruise traveler just wishes to get refreshed in the Adriatic Sea.
Lapad Bay
(Close to Port)
Photo © IQCruising.com
Located only a few miles out of town, and very close to the Port of Gruž, Lapad Beach is somewhere where the cruise traveler can enjoy the beach, water, the sun, a quick bite or lunch. You may even enjoy it all in the privacy of a cabana at the Sunset Beach, which you can book online. On the way to the Lapad Bay (and the Sunset Beach) you will find a long, tree-lined pedestrian strip with coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
Sunset Beach Website: sunsetbeachdubrovnik.hr
Copacabana Beach
(Lapad)
Photo © IQCruising.com
Located on the Lapad peninsula this beach is nothing like its namesake in Rio de Janeiro. This is a pebble beach, with entertainment for all, from jet skis, kayaks to a parachute ride behind a speedboat. With plenty of beach bars, and even a dance club, the cruise traveler is always entertained here.
Owners Website: www.thebeachdubrovnik.com
Photo © IQCruising.com
Coral Beach Club
(Lapad)
Photo © IQCruising.com
Next to Copacabana Beach, in Lapad, the Coral Beach Club aka Cava Beach is another hidden treasure for those looking to spend a day sunbathing on exquisite spot.
Facebook Page
Bokar Beach
(Old Town)
The cruise traveler will easily see Boka Beach by the massive Bokar Fort from the terrace next to Brsalje Square where the Kavana Dubravka restaurant is located or when walking to Pile Gate. There is a lengthy stairway down to the beach that is not obvious where it starts and you better ask locals how to find it. This beach is a combination of pebbles and sand, where you can swim, sunbathe, rent a kayak, a beach canoe or jet ski.
Photo © IQCruising.com