This guide highlights the top 5 less crowded beaches around Dubrovnik, offering peaceful alternatives where you can enjoy your holiday.
Dubrovnik, a jewel of the Adriatic known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, draws over a million tourists each year.
While the city’s beauty is undeniable, this popularity often leads to crowded streets and busy beaches, especially during the peak summer months. Many visitors come to walk the ancient city walls and explore the limestone streets of the Old Town, which can become quite congested.
For those looking to escape the crowds, there are a few quiet hideaways just a short distance from the city center.
This guide highlights the top 5 hidden beaches around Dubrovnik, offering peaceful alternatives where you can enjoy the region’s clear blue waters and beautiful natural settings without the crowds.
1. Sveti Jakov beach
Just a 30-minute walk from the Old Town, Sveti Jakov Beach is often overlooked by tourists. This beach offers a quieter alternative to the more popular Banje Beach, with the same stunning views of Lokrum Island and Dubrovnik’s city walls but with fewer crowds. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset or enjoy a relaxed day swimming in the clear waters.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Activity level required – moderate
This beach is less crowded and more relaxed, ideal for visitors looking for a quiet day at the beach with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. The walk down and back up from the beach involves some steps, so a moderate level of mobility is required.
Best time to visit
Late morning or early afternoon for the best sun.
Distance
About 25 minutes from the Old Town.
2. Pasjača beach
While this beach involves a steep descent down a cliffside path, it does not require a boat to reach. Located near the village of Popovići, Pasjača Beach is a stunning, secluded spot known for its dramatic cliff backdrop and pebbly shore. The path to the beach was originally created when tunnels in the cliff were excavated, and the removed rocks formed the beach below.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Activity level required – Moderate to Challenging
Accessing Pasjača requires descending a steep path carved into the cliff, which can be somewhat challenging. Once at the beach, the activities are more relaxed, primarily focused on swimming and sunbathing in a stunning setting.
Best time to visit
Morning to avoid the stronger sun and to find the best spots.
Distance
Requires a car ride from Dubrovnik, about 30 minutes.
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3. Danče beach
Easily accessible by a short walk from the western gate of the Old City, Danče Beach is known for its rugged charm and is one of the oldest public swimming spots in Dubrovnik. It’s a favorite among locals and offers deep waters and rocky outcrops, ideal for more adventurous swimmers.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Activity level required – Moderate to Active
Known for its rocky landscape and deep waters, Danče Beach is popular for more active pursuits like diving and cliff jumping. It’s less suited for lounging due to the rocky surface but great for those looking for a more dynamic beach day.
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon are ideal to avoid the crowds and the peak sun hours, providing a quieter and cooler experience.
Distance
Approximately 15 minutes walking west from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, making it easily accessible for those staying in or near the historic center.
ACCESSIBILITY
The beach is reached via a series of steps and rocky paths, which can be somewhat challenging. The area is well-suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.
4. CAVA BEACH
Cava Beach is one of Dubrovnik’s less crowded options, located near the Coral Beach Club on the Lapad Peninsula. It offers a lovely pebble shore and clear waters, with amenities nearby for a comfortable day out. It’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking relaxation away from the city’s buzz.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Activity level required – Low
Cava Beach is known for its easy accessibility and comfortable amenities, making it suitable for a relaxed and leisurely beach day. The beach features a pebbly shore with gradual entry into the water, ideal for swimmers of all levels, including families with children. With sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, and nearby facilities offering refreshments and snacks, Cava Beach is perfect for visitors seeking a low-effort, peaceful day by the Adriatic Sea.
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the most peaceful environment.
Distance
About 10 minutes’ drive from the Old Town, followed by a short walk.
ACCESSIBILITY
The beach is reached via a series of steps and rocky paths, which can be somewhat challenging. The area is well-suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.
5. Copacabana beach
Also settled on the Lapad Peninsula, Copacabana is a bit further away from the city center and tends to be less crowded than its more famous counterparts. It’s particularly good for families, offering a range of facilities and water sports options.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Activity level required – Moderate
This beach is well-suited for families and individuals looking for a mix of relaxation and activity. It offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. The beach features a pebble shore and clear, shallow waters that are perfect for all ages.
Best time to visit
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds. Visiting during the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October can also provide a quieter experience while still enjoying pleasant weather.
Distance
Approximately 10 minutes by car or a 30-minute walk.
ACCESSIBILITY
Easily accessible by car, taxi, or local bus from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The beach has parking facilities and is located near several hotels and resorts on the Lapad Peninsula.
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Dubrovnik is a stunning destination that attracts visitors from around the world, especially during the peak months of July and August. During these times, it can be nearly impossible to avoid crowds, particularly at the more popular beaches and tourist hotspots.
For families and those seeking a more relaxed experience, planning a holiday in June or September is ideal. The weather remains warm and pleasant, but with fewer tourists, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable visit.
When heading to the stated less crowded beaches in Dubrovnik, it’s wise to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to secure a good spot and enjoy the area before the larger crowds arrive. Always bring essentials like water, sun protection, and snacks, especially if visiting more secluded beaches where amenities might not be available.
By following these tips and choosing your travel dates wisely, you can experience the best of Dubrovnik’s coastal charm in a way that suits your preferences for peace and leisure.