LET YOUR ADVENTURE BEGIN

Just a 15-minute boat ride from the Old Town, Lokrum feels like stepping into a nature documentary (with better swimming). It’s a protected reserve and the perfect place to spend an entire day exploring and relaxing.

The “beaches” are dramatic slabs of rock that stretch into shady pine forests and grassy areas — ideal for setting up camp for the day. You can rent loungers and umbrellas, or just claim your own sunny perch.

Don’t miss:

• The Botanical Garden
• The old Fort Royal (worth the hike for incredible views over Dubrovnik)
• The small saltwater lake nicknamed the “Dead Sea,” where many local children learn to swim
   

There’s also a restaurant set inside a former monastery at the far end of the island — simple, beautiful, and very Dubrovnik.

Getting There: Boats depart every 30 minutes from the Old Town Harbour (last return usually around 7:00pm). Buy tickets at the booth near Poklisar.

Cafe Buza

“Buža” literally means “hole in the wall,” and that’s exactly how you find it. Tucked through a small opening in the city walls near St. Stjepan, this hidden cliffside spot is a favourite for locals.

You swim straight off the rocks into the Adriatic — no beach, just pure sea. It’s magical, but use common sense: if no one else is swimming, don’t be the first one in (currents can be strong).

Please be respectful — this is a beloved local hangout.

Tip: There’s barely a sign (look for one that says “Cold Drinks”). Wander the small streets behind the Cathedral and keep an eye out for openings in the wall. Don’t confuse it with the Buža entrance gate to the Old Town.

The most famous beach just outside the Old Town — and for good reason. Pebbles underfoot, crystal water, and postcard views of the city walls.

Great for families during the day, and a bit of a “scene” in peak summer. You can rent loungers, umbrellas, and even cabanas. Jet skis and water sports are available.

The stylish EastWest Beach Club transforms from chic beach bar by day to nightclub by night.

Getting There: Just outside the Ploče Gate below Lazareti. Walk through the Lazareti complex and follow the stairs down.

One of Dubrovnik’s oldest and most local beaches, Danče sits just five minutes west of the Old Town in Danče Bay. Expect big rocks, jetties, ladders into the sea — and real local energy.

Not ideal on windy days, but on calm mornings it’s beautiful and authentic.

Access: Walk to Gradac Park and follow the narrow path downhill toward the sea. Along the way you’ll pass the Franciscan convent and church of Sveta Marija overlooking the bay.

Copacabana Beach Dubrovnik / Coral Beach Club

2 Beach Clubs - People go here to experience the sunsets — they’re some of the best in Dubrovnik. Comfortable loungers and beds, great food, music, and a relaxed beach-club atmosphere. Easy, stylish, and fun.

The largest family-friendly beach in Dubrovnik, located in Lapad Bay (a short drive or quick bus ride from the Old Town).

Pebble beach, full-day sun, loungers and umbrellas for rent, plus cafés, restaurants, playgrounds, and shops nearby. At the far end, there’s a beautiful seaside walking path along the hotels — stop for a drink at Cave Bar More for a memorable setting.

About a 20–30 minute walk from the Old Town, this beach sits in a stunning cove beneath the church and abbey of St. James. It offers one of the best panoramic views of Dubrovnik — and holds sun longer than most beaches.

Pebbles and some sand, loungers for rent, and a small restaurant. There’s a scenic (and steep!) staircase down — worth every step. You can also take Bus #8, drive, or arrive by water taxi from the Old Town (it drops you at a small pier at the end of the beach).

Part of the Elaphiti Islands, Lopud is known for its sandy beach at Šunj Bay — rare in this region. It’s car-free, charming, and perfect for a relaxed island day.

You can take the ferry from Gruž Port. Once there, consider renting a golf cart to reach Šunj Beach on the other side — the walk can be long and hot in summer.

Lopud sits between Koločep and Šipan and is the second-largest of the Elaphiti Islands.

Many visitors choose a boat excursion to see Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep in one day. It’s a great overview — but keep in mind you’ll have limited time on each island, so it’s more of a sampler than a deep dive.

Tickets can be purchased from stands in the Old Town Harbour.

When renting loungers or umbrellas, either check in at the rental table or simply sit down — someone will usually come by to collect payment.

Our favourite beaches, local Dubrovnik day trips, and hand-picked apartment rentals — everything you need for the perfect Adriatic summer. 

 By  Ivana Smilović Times Travel

Dubrovnik is amazing and once you visit it – it’s possible that you’ll want to stay forever. However, if you are coming for a few days, it might be a good idea to leave the Old City in order to enjoy some other place! You can enrich your time in Dubrovnik with day trips to the places that are only a drive away and will make a wonderful memory. Here are some suggestions:

1. Cavtat

The easiest place to reach on this list is surely Cavtat, because it’s the closest and luckily you don’t have to cross any borders to visit it! This little gem, often considered as a Dubrovnik’s best kept peaceful secret, is located just around 20 minutes away from Dubrovnik and it carries the role of the centre of the Konavle municipality. Even though it’s a touristic place, it’s still not crowded and you can enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee or a stroll right by the sea without getting frustrated because of the crowds. It’s a perfect little getaway from Dubrovnik, especially during the summer. To reach it, you can just hop on the bus!

2. Kotor Montenegro

If you are in the mood to explore other countries while you’re in Dubrovnik, Montenegro is the perfect choice. Our recommendation is Kotor, which is around 2 hour drive away from Dubrovnik. This beautiful city has one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic and is a UNESCO world heritage site. During your day trip you can enjoy just walking around the streets, cuddling with cats for which Kotor is quite famous or if you are feeling active – climbing the ancient walls and enjoying the amazing view on top of the city. Also, you can visit the artificial islet Our Lady Of The Rocks and hear some interesting legends. Many agencies organize trips to Kotor, however you can visit it alone by car or by the bus from the Dubrovnik main bus station.

3. Kravice - Bosnia i Herzegovina

For nature lovers, Kravice waterfalls might be the perfect choice! This natural phenomenon is located on the Trebizat river in Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the town of Ljubuski. The height of a waterfall varies from 26 to 28 metres, with a water amphitheater under the waterfall with a diameter of 120 m. During the summer, you are more than welcome to jump in your swimming suit and enjoy the refreshment of the waterfalls. That is a perfect place for a picnic too – so feel free to carry some yummy food and enjoy it while you are on this beautiful location. The best time of year for visiting is during the springtime when the fall is at its fullest and the arid landscape turns a bright green. To get there, you must drive for around three hours.

4. Mostar - Bosnia i Herzegovina

One of the favorite locations to visit when it comes to tourists in Dubrovnik is certainly Mostar. Located on the Neretva River, Mostar is is the fifth-largest city in the Bosnia and Herzegovina, well known for one of the most recognizable landmarks of the country – the Old Bridge. You can enjoy your time by walking around the city, browsing the colourful souvenirs located at stands and you might even see the spectacle of man jumping from the Old Bridge in the really shallow water. Sometimes, they collect money on the bridge, telling people that they will jump if enough money is collected. The thing you shouldn’t miss is trying amazing food – cevapcici or burek, followed by dessert such as baklava, hurmasica or tufahije. The drive to Mostar lasts around three hours, but many agencies organize day trips to visit it, so you don’t have to drive there yourself.

What are some of your favourite Dubrovnik day trips & beaches?  

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