Pasjača Beach stands out as Europe’s best beach, and it’s just one of many hidden gems along Dubrovnik’s coastline. The famous Banje Beach gives you amazing views of the Old Town. The real magic happens at the quieter spots dotted around the mainland and nearby islands.
Dubrovnik’s beaches cater to every taste. Dance Beach ranks among the city’s oldest swimming spots, while Sveti Jakov welcomes families with open arms. These secret swimming spots are surprisingly close – you can walk to many of them from the Old Town in just 10-15 minutes. The Elaphiti Islands add another layer of adventure, with Lopud’s sandy Šunj Beach perfect for those seeking peaceful coastal hideaways.
Locals treasure these hidden swimming spots, from tucked-away mainland coves to peaceful island retreats. These lesser-known locations help you dodge the summer crowds and carve out your own slice of paradise on the Adriatic coast.
Hidden Mainland Beaches in Dubrovnik Only Locals Know
Away from the tourist crowds, locals treasure spectacular swimming spots hidden along Dubrovnik’s coastline. These untouched mainland beaches let you experience the authentic charm without summer crowds.
Štikovica Beach sits in the natural inlet of Zaton Bay where locals love its smooth large pebbles and crystal-clear waters. A short drive from Dubrovnik takes you to this peaceful spot that works great for families with kids because of its shallow waters and easy-to-walk-on pebbles. Beautiful pine forests surround the area with trails that lead to quiet spots in the woods.
Pasjača Beach near the village of Popovići takes some work to reach but makes the effort worthwhile. A stunning 80-meter golden strip of sand lies under towering 200-foot cliffs. The beach came to life in 1955 when leftover stones from tunnel construction were washed by waves and turned into sand over time. Even after being named one of the world’s 50 best beaches in 2023, it stays quiet thanks to its remote location.
If you want something closer, Cava Beach on the Lapad Peninsula (Babin Kuk) has a lovely pebble shore just 10 minutes from Old Town. You’ll get sunbeds, umbrellas, and places to grab refreshments without dealing with big crowds.
Betina Cave might be the most unique spot to swim on the mainland. You can reach this amazing pebble beach only by water as it sits inside a natural cave wrapped by rocky cliffs. The beach lies 500 meters east of Dubrovnik’s Villa Sheherezada. Most people get there by kayak – about 30 minutes from Old Town – or speedboat.
Sveti Jakov (St. Jacob’s Beach) shows off amazing views of Dubrovnik’s walled city across the bay. About 500 steps lead down to this white pebble cove.
Next door, Dance Beach remains a true local secret in the cove next to Beach Sulic.
Taking a private boat tour lets you explore these hidden mainland treasures, which comes in handy for spots like Betina Cave that you can’t reach by land.
Secret Island Beaches Near Dubrovnik
The Elaphiti archipelago draws travelers to its pristine beaches that you can reach only by water. These island gems are the best hidden beaches near Dubrovnik for anyone ready to sail a bit offshore.
Koločep Island has the stunning Blue Cave, a natural wonder that glows with an ethereal azure light. The sun reflects off the white seabed and fills the cave with radiant blue light. This cave stands out from others in Croatia because swimmers must paddle their way inside. The Green Cave sits nearby and amazes visitors with its emerald glow.
Lopud Island features the beautiful Šunj Beach, one of Croatia’s few sandy stretches. The beach stands out with its shallow waters that stretch almost 150 meters from the shore. Hidden coves dot the rest of Lopud. These spots give you privacy and calm waters that are perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
Šipan Island was a favorite spot for Dubrovnik’s nobles, with 42 summer houses and 34 churches scattered across its land. The northeastern shore has secluded, bright lagoons where pine trees meet the sea. These private coves let you escape completely, showing off colors from dark green to cobalt blue.
A bit further out, Mljet Island has Saplunara Beach, a horseshoe-shaped sandy paradise known for its beauty and quiet setting. Limuni Beach (also called Blaca) has warm, shallow waters that families love. The island’s two saltwater lakes stay several degrees warmer than the sea around them.
Private boat tours give you the best way to explore these island hideaways. You won’t need to follow ferry schedules and can create your own island-hopping adventure. You can drop anchor at quiet spots that most visitors never see. This lets you enjoy these amazing beaches like locals do—far from crowds and close to the Adriatic’s natural beauty.
Accessing Hidden Beaches by Private Boat
Private boat charters give you complete freedom to explore Dubrovnik’s most secluded coastal treasures at your own pace. A private vessel lets you visit breathtaking locations that remain hidden from most visitors, unlike scheduled ferries or crowded tour boats.
Why choose a private boat tour? Flexibility stands out as the main advantage. Your skipper collaborates with you to create a customized itinerary based on your priorities. As one charter company explains, “You and your skipper will create your perfect day at sea according to your personal requirements”. You decide the time spent at each spot – whether you want to snorkel in a quiet cove or relax on a remote beach.
Private boat tours from Dubrovnik come in half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) options. Full-day trips naturally give you more time to explore and often include suggestions for waterfront dining.
Quality boat charter services typically provide:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Beach towels
- Coolers with drinks and snacks
- Waterproof cameras
- Inflatable water toys
- Freshwater showers on board
“All of our boats have a freshwater shower, music, and safety gear. On all of our tours, we include local beer, wine, snacks, towels, floaties, suncream, snorkeling gear,” notes one charter company.
Private boats can reach remarkable spots like Betina Cave that you can only access by water. These hidden spots feature “untouched nature, entangling greenery and a wider range of animals”.
A private boat elevates your Dubrovnik beach experience to something exceptional. You’ll find “hidden bays, beautiful beaches and the crystal clear Adriatic waters” while enjoying personalized attention instead of dealing with crowded shores.
The companies pick you up from your accommodation and maintain flexible cancelation policies. Most offer full refunds if you cancel up to 24 hours before departure.
A private boat charter serves as your gateway to Dubrovnik’s most pristine and isolated beaches. This experience helps you discover the region’s best-kept secrets rather than just providing transportation.
Ready to plan your private boat tour from Dubrovnik?
A private boat tour is the perfect way to reach these hidden gems. You won’t have to stick to rigid schedules or deal with tourist crowds. Your private boat journey from Dubrovnik lets you explore secret local beaches at your own pace, and these moments will stay with you forever.
Contact us today and let’s create your perfect day at sea.