Lopud Bay has two small sandy beaches directly beside Lopud village, only a few minutes from the ferry pier. They are much smaller than Šunj Beach, but more convenient if you want an easy swim, shallow water and restaurants or cafes close by without walking across the island.
The beaches are part of the waterfront of Lopud Island, one of the Elaphiti Islands northwest of Dubrovnik. They are especially useful for families, day-trippers and anyone with limited time before the return ferry.
Lopud Bay beaches overview
| Beach type | Two main small sandy beaches plus other waterfront swimming spots |
|---|---|
| Location | Lopud village, beside the ferry harbour |
| Best for | Families, easy swimming and short visits |
| Water entry | Generally shallow from the sandy sections |
| Facilities | Restaurants, cafes and shops nearby |
| From ferry pier | A few minutes on foot |
| Alternative | Šunj Beach, about 1.6 km across the island |
Where are the Lopud Bay beaches?
The beaches stretch along Lopud village on the western side of the island. Public ferries arrive directly into the same bay, so you can be beside the water only minutes after stepping off the boat.
This is their biggest advantage over Šunj. If you are visiting Lopud for only a few hours, travelling with young children or simply do not want to cross the island, the village beaches are the easiest place to swim.
For ferry information, see our guide to the Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands ferry.
Sandy beach beside Lopud harbour
The first sandy beach is beside the small harbour in the centre of Lopud village. Despite being close to the ferry pier, it is a popular swimming spot and one of the easiest beaches on the island to reach.
The sandy and gently shelving shore makes it particularly convenient for families with children. Restaurants, cafes, pizzerias and small shops are immediately behind the waterfront, so there is no need to carry everything you need for the day.
Sunbeds, umbrellas and water-sports equipment such as kayaks or pedal boats are commonly available during the main summer season, although individual services can change from year to year.
This is also a practical beach if you want one final swim before catching the ferry back to Dubrovnik.
Grand Hotel beach
A second sandy beach lies farther along Lopud Bay in front of the former Grand Hotel. It is still close to the village but feels more separated from the activity around the ferry pier.
The large park behind the beach provides greenery and useful shade, making this part of the bay attractive during the hottest hours of the day. Restaurants and bars are also within easy walking distance.
The shaded area behind the beach has long been popular with local families for relaxed summer picnics, giving this part of Lopud Bay a different atmosphere from the busier harbour beach.
Lopud Bay beaches vs Šunj Beach
The main choice for beachgoers on Lopud is whether to stay beside the village or cross the island to Šunj Beach.
| Lopud Bay beaches | Šunj Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Lopud village | Opposite side of the island |
| From ferry | A few minutes on foot | About 1.6 km across the island |
| Size | Small sandy beaches | Large sandy bay |
| Facilities | Village restaurants, cafes and shops | Seasonal beach facilities |
| Best for | Convenience, families and shorter visits | A longer beach day |
If the main purpose of your trip is spending several hours on a broad sandy beach, Šunj Beach is usually the better choice. If you prefer easy access to the ferry, restaurants and village life, Lopud Bay is more convenient.
Šunj Beach, including Blue and Green Cave Tour from Dubrovnik
For active travellers seeking adventure.
The Elaphiti Islands offer stunning sea caves, especially on Koločep Island. The tour also includes a stop at the beautiful sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud Island, a cruise past Dubrovnik's city walls and Fort Lovrijenac, and the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the caves. To keep you fuelled, the tour includes a sandwich, soft drinks, and water. You can choose between a morning or afternoon tour to fit your schedule.
Are Lopud Bay beaches good for families?
Yes. The sandy sections and generally shallow entry make Lopud Bay particularly convenient for families with younger children.
Being directly beside the village also means food, drinks and other basic services are close at hand, while parents do not need to make the walk across the island to reach Šunj.
As with any beach, conditions can change with wind and weather, and children should always be supervised in the water.
Facilities, restaurants and shade
The main advantage of swimming in Lopud Bay is having village facilities directly behind the beaches. Cafes, restaurants, ice cream, small shops and accommodation are all within a short walk.
The beach near the former Grand Hotel also benefits from the greenery and shade of the park behind it, while the harbour beach is the better choice if you want to stay closest to the ferry pier and village centre.
Beach equipment and water-sports rentals are seasonal, so availability should not be assumed outside the main summer months.
How to get to Lopud Bay beaches
Lopud is a car-free island for visitors and is most commonly reached by passenger ferry from Dubrovnik's Gruž port or by an organised Elaphiti Islands excursion.
The ferry arrives directly in Lopud Bay. After passing the Franciscan monastery on the headland, boats enter the harbour beside the village and its waterfront beaches.
Once ashore, no additional transport is needed for the Lopud Bay beaches. Simply walk along the waterfront from the ferry pier.
Which beach on Lopud should you choose?
Choose Lopud Bay if you want the easiest swimming, are travelling with small children, want restaurants and cafes close by or have only a limited amount of time before your ferry.
Choose Šunj Beach if the beach itself is the main reason for visiting Lopud and you want to spend several hours beside a larger sandy bay.
You can also combine both. Spend part of the day at Šunj, then return to Lopud village for dinner, an ice cream or a final swim before taking the ferry back to Dubrovnik.
Explore more of Lopud
The beaches are only one reason to spend time on the island. See our complete Lopud Island guide for sights, walks and practical information, or browse more beaches on Lopud.
Location
Lopud Bay
20222 Lopud
Croatia