Dubrovnik Beaches
Dalmatian beaches have been appreciated as being among the world's best cleanest by the world's most knowledgeable and experienced mariners, including Jacques Cousteau himself! We pride ourselves on our natural heritage, and still resist the pressures of time to succumb to the huge coastal developments and multi-nationals. We see ourselves as caretakers of one of the world's most amazing and welcoming coastlines, and love to share our beaches with all who respect their fragile beauty. Many of our beaches are pebbly or rocky, which underlies the incredible clarity and visibility to depths of even fifteen meters in some parts Dalmatia- you'll feel as akin to Alice diving through the green looking glass! We also enjoy some of the world's prettiest sand beaches, with the beach at Sunj (pron.: Shoon-y.), on the island of Lopud ( pron.: Low-pood) being a very pleasant and relaxing day trip across from Dubrovnik on the ferry.
In Dubrovnik itself, the most popular and trendy beaches include in Ploce, overlooking the Old Town, the East West Beach Club, or Banje ( pron.: Bun-yeh)Beach, and the dramatically beautiful beach of Sv.Jakov (St.James); all around the old town you will peak at holes in the fortress walls leading to a set of inviting steps into the sea; the family-friendly beaches at Lapad; the chill-out beaches at Babin Kuk ( pron.: bobbin kook, and translates as Nana's hip) ; and nearby the popular beaches at Cavtat( pron.:Tsuv-tut ) , Plat ( pron.: Plut), Mlini, Srebreno ( pron.: Sreb-ren-oh) to the South; to the north Zaton Mali( pron.: Zu-tonne Mul-y), and Peljesac (pron.: Pel-ye-shuts), and just an endless choice of swimming beaches on the nearby surrounding islands!
Rocky beaches will sometimes have a concreted approach or steps into the sea, which we locals have learnt to appreciate as a way of avoiding tiny sea urchins that often wait in the freshest of shallow water and rocks with their spiny calling cards! Don't forget your "crocs" here- waterproof beach footwear are an ideal accessory to pack for your trip here.
Our beaches are such a deeply ingrained part of our national psyche, and the year round warmth of the sea has meant that swimming pools are not as common a part of the local accommodations as some of visitors expect, however, our landlords are always ready to strive to fulfill our visitors' preferences, and pools are becoming a more frequent addition to our properties. Many of the hotels will welcome visitors to their pools at a modest charge, such as the hotels in Lapad.
When to visit Dubrovnik
Our high season now extends from mid May through to mid September, and crowds on the roads and beaches peak in July and August. April and October are often still warm enough to afford good swimming conditions, with sea temperature reaching above 20 degrees.
Winter can also be an inspiring time to visit, with dramatic colors and conditions, without the crowds, that many photographers, poets, and romantic souls prefer. Only three and a half hours' drive away, are the former Olympic ski slopes of Sarajevo. Growing rapidly in popularity and foreign interest, the skiing boomed here last Winter, and next season promises more snow. What a better Winter duet- imagine skiing the slopes of Sarajevo in the morning, and basking in the Winter sun, while sipping warm toddies overlooking the Old Town harbor after lunch.
Getting to Dubrovnik
See our tips on all forms of transport, (including driving, buses, ferries, planes, and trains) into Dubrovnik, with links to timetables, at our webpage Dubrovnik and Transport. Enquire also about our excellent value transfers to the door of your accommodation.
What to wear
In the warmer months, a wide-brimmed hat, and rubber-soled sandals will be your most welcome attire. Daytime mode is sporty casual, with Summer chic coming to the fore as twilight approaches on the Placa or Stradun and Lapad's famous promenade, and the locals and visitors all come out in the cooling evening air, to strut their stuff, see, and be seen.
Currency: Croatia's local currency is the kuna. ATM's are available at many locations all around the Old Town and surrounding districts.
Language: Naturally, Croatian is spoken in most homes in Dubrovnik, but you will find most locals able to converse in at least English. Efforts by visitors to speak Croatian will be welcomed warmly!
Recommended Restaurants, Cool Bars and Hot Spots in Dubrovnik! Click here for our recommendations as locals for the best seafood and wine-tasting in Dubrovnik, and more!
Dubrovnik Climate through the year
Dubrovnik is blessed with a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate, and enjoys over 3000 hours of sunshine annually, or over 300 days! Summers are warm, and July and August temperatures peak in the high 30's, and average 25 degrees. Otherwise, Winters are mild, but often rainy, and snow is a fleeting sighting we see every couple of years , but remember long after. Click here for more detailed climate averages. See below for Dubrovnik's five day weather forecast.