Parks and Beaches in Dubrovnik
Hidden coves for your romantic nights or easy walks trough renaissance parks... choose among the diversity Dubrovnik offers.
According to Jean-Jacques Cousteau's claim from 1978., Dubrovnik and it's surrounding areas boast the cleanest sea in the Mediterranean. Many of Dubrovnik's beaches have the "Blue flag" which symbolises a preserved, safe and comfortable environments suitable for rest, recreation and sport, as well as sea cleanliness.
Dubrovnik's beaches present a distinctive fusion of natural splendour, historical allure, and contemporary conveniences. The coastline of the Dubrovnik region is varied, featuring a combination of sandy shores, pebbled inlets, and rugged cliffs. Each beach possesses its own unique charm, from the family-oriented vibe of Banje Beach, the serene seclusion of Sveti Jakov, to the lively beach bars of Copacabana Beach.
The Adriatic Sea is the perfect playground for water enthusiasts who like swimming, snorkelling and diving. Its inviting waters are perfect for sea kayaking and a myriad of other aquatic adventures. Many of the beaches near Dubrovnik's Old Town are set against the city's iconic ancient walls, offering a breathtaking setting for sunbathing and beach-side activities.
Journey beyond the captivating city of Dubrovnik and uncover more of the region's stunning splendour. Check out some of the Best day trips from Dubrovnik.
Lokrum is Dubrovnik’s easiest nature getaway, a protected island reserve just offshore with shady forest paths, the Benedictine monastery complex, the “Dead Sea” saltwater lake, rocky swimming coves and the Fort Royal viewpoint. It works particularly well as a half-day trip from the Old Town, but you can easily spend most of the day here if you want time for swimming and walking.
Getting there is simple: the official boat runs from Dubrovnik’s Old City Harbour to Portoč Cove in about 10 minutes. During the main season departures are frequent, but schedules change during the year and boats can be cancelled in strong wind or rough seas. Always check the current timetable and make sure you return on the last official boat.
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Read more: Lokrum Island (Dubrovnik) - Ferry, Tickets, Things to Do, Beaches & Tips
Cava Beach is a pebble beach on Dubrovnik's Babin Kuk Peninsula, best known as the home of Coral Beach Club. The beach combines clear Adriatic water with an organised beach-club atmosphere, including seasonal sunbeds, food, drinks and music.
Cava Beach and Coral Beach Club are not quite the same thing: Cava is the beach itself, while Coral Beach Club operates the restaurant, bars, loungers and other commercial services on the beach. There is currently no entrance fee, although sunbeds, lounges, food, drinks and other premium services cost extra.
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President Relax Beach, still widely known as Valamar President Beach, is a 200-metre pebble and paved beach directly below President Hotel, Valamar Collection on Dubrovnik's Babin Kuk Peninsula. It is one of the better-equipped beaches in Dubrovnik, with clear water, views towards the Elaphiti Islands and a range of hotel-style beach facilities.
The official name is now President Relax Beach, but travellers may still find it described as Valamar President Beach, Dubrovnik President Beach or Hotel President Beach. The existing beach and location are the same.
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Lapad Bay is one of the main beach areas in Dubrovnik, with a series of pebble beaches, concrete bathing areas and rocky swimming spots connected by the waterfront promenade. The beaches are especially convenient for visitors staying in the many hotels in Lapad, but they are also a popular choice for local families and swimmers.
Unlike Banje Beach or Sveti Jakov Beach, Lapad Bay is not really one single beach. The main organised beach sits at the head of the bay, while continuing along the coast reveals smaller pebble sections, concrete platforms and rocky places where you can enter the sea.
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Sveti Jakov Beach, also known as St. Jacob's Beach, is one of the most scenic beaches in Dubrovnik. Its biggest attraction is the wide view towards Dubrovnik Old Town and Lokrum Island, which makes the extra effort of getting there worthwhile.
Sveti Jakov is farther from the Old Town than Banje Beach and requires a descent of roughly 160 steps. It can feel like a quieter alternative to Dubrovnik's central beaches, but it is not an empty hidden beach in summer: plenty of visitors make the trip specifically for the Old Town views. The shore is made of smooth pebbles, so water shoes are useful.
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Copacabana Beach is one of the larger and best-equipped beaches in Dubrovnik. Located on the Babin Kuk side of the Lapad Peninsula, it combines a pebble shoreline and concrete bathing areas with easy access, seasonal water activities, food and drink, and one of Dubrovnik's better beach setups for families and visitors with reduced mobility.
Copacabana is a good choice if you want to spend several hours at the beach rather than simply stop for a quick swim. It does not have the Old Town views of Banje Beach or Sveti Jakov, but it offers more space, a wide range of seasonal facilities and relatively straightforward access.
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Arboretum Trsteno is the oldest Renaissance botanical garden on the Adriatic coast and in the region, dating back to 1494, located in the village of Trsteno, an easy nature escape just outside Dubrovnik. Expect shaded paths, sea views, and a protected Renaissance-Baroque garden with historic stone features (plus a well-known Game of Thrones filming backdrop). The arboretum also features impressive centuries-old plane trees that have become one of its signature sights. Use this guide for the essentials: what it is, how long to plan, and the latest official hours and ticket info.
Arboretum Trsteno is about 19 km northwest of Dubrovnik (roughly 25-35 minutes by car depending on traffic). In peak summer, the easiest strategy is to arrive early, the arboretum opens at 07:00 (May-Oct), which helps you avoid the strongest heat and the busiest mid-day tour waves.
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Park Gradac is Dubrovnik's largest and oldest public park, a shady coastal green space just west of the Old Town near Pile Gate and Fort Lovrijenac. Opened in 1898, it is a good place for a short walk, sea views and a quieter break from the historic centre.
Park Gradac is also known to Game of Thrones fans as the filming location used for the Purple Wedding feast in Season 4. A major reconstruction carried out in 2025-26 has added renewed paths, lighting, a children's playground, new resting areas, a small outdoor auditorium and improved visitor facilities.
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Banje Beach is one of the best-known city beaches in Dubrovnik and one of the easiest beaches to add to a day in the Old Town. Set just outside Ploče Gate, it combines a quick swim stop with some of the city's most famous views - across the sea to Lokrum Island and back toward Dubrovnik's City Walls and Old Port.
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Read more: Banje Beach Dubrovnik: what to expect, how to get there and useful tips