The Ultimate Guide to Swimming in Dubrovnik (and Beyond)
Want to go swimming in Dubrovnik? Read our full guide!
If you’re visiting Croatia between late spring and early fall, chances are you’ll be tempted to take a dip. The Adriatic Sea is almost too inviting, with its crystal-clear water and stunning views – especially when the summer sun is blazing. During our weeklong stay, we went swimming in Dubrovnik every single day – either right in the city or in nearby towns and islands.
If you love the water, keep reading. This guide to swimming in and around Dubrovnik covers water temperatures, the best time of year to swim (June through September), top swimming spots (both within the city limits and just beyond), and possibly our most important tip: the need for water shoes.
Dubrovnik’s Rocky Beaches: Why We’re Fans
Most swimming spots around Dubrovnik are rocky – that’s just the nature of the coastline here. The area’s limestone cliffs and rugged shorelines have been shaped by centuries of waves, leaving behind dramatic edges, stone platforms, and hidden coves instead of sandy beaches.
We always thought rocky beaches and swimming spots would be uncomfortable, but Croatia made us the biggest fans, mainly for two reasons:
- Rocky beaches mean crystal clear water – like, unbelievably clear. With no sand to stir up, the sea stays beautifully transparent, which makes swimming here feel extra magical. You can see straight to the bottom, spot little fish darting around, and really soak in those gorgeous Adriatic blues.
- No sand means you’re not bringing half the beach home with you. Since we were walking and taking public transportation to most of our swimming spots, it was such a relief not to deal with sandy feet, towels, or backpacks. We could dry off, throw our clothes back on, and head to our next stop without feeling like human sandboxes.
⚠️ The Must-Have Item for Swimming in Dubrovnik
Croatia’s rocky coastline may be stunning, but it’s not very foot-friendly. Between jagged stones and plenty of sea urchins, you’ll want something sturdy on your feet.
You need water shoes!
But don’t assume all water shoes are created equally. We tried a number of shoes before finding our favorite pair: SEEKWAY water shoes from Amazon.
Many water shoes lack a good grip. Some of them feel like you’re wearing a legitimate shoe in the water, which is just weird, and makes swimming more difficult.
But not these. They have tremendous traction, they’re affordable, they pack well, and they’re supportive enough for short walks between swimming spots.
We had them with us at all times when swimming in Dubrovnik!
⭐ Don’t just take our word for it – these water shoes have over 9,000 5-star reviews on Amazon! ⭐
You can also grab water shoes in Croatia, but we recommend packing a pair – one less thing standing between you and the water on arrival!
Water Temperatures
Dubrovnik’s waters follow a similar Mediterranean pattern, with a noticeable temperature shift from winter to summer. In the colder months, sea temperatures can dip to around 14°C (55°F), while in peak summer, they warm up to a lovely 25–26°C (77–79°F) – perfect for daily swims.
Like much of the Adriatic coast, cooler sea temperatures often linger into spring, even as the air warms up. Conversely, the water remains mild into early fall (September and October), even as air temperatures start to drop.
Also keep in mind that water temperature can vary depending on location – sheltered bays and shallow coves tend to warm up faster than open coastline spots, where the water is deeper with stronger currents.
We were in Croatia in late July and early August and found the water to be lovely for swimming. In open areas, there was a chill to the water, but this was welcomed in the hot summer sun!
Best Months for Swimming in Dubrovnik
If you prefer warm water, the best months for swimming in Croatia are July to September.
If you don’t mind slightly cooler but still pleasant water (and prefer milder land temperatures), June can also be a nice month for swimming, as well as late May and into October (depending on weather). As a bonus, if you’re swimming in Dubrovnik during these months, you’ll encounter fewer crowds!
Our Favorite Places for Swimming in Dubrovnik
We swam every day – often more than once – during our visit to Dubrovnik in late July and early August. No matter where you’re staying (or even if you’re just visiting for the day), there’s always a swimming spot nearby.
We stayed in Old Town and could walk to several great places to swim in under 10 minutes. Our absolute favorite was in Lapad – a bit farther out, but still within Dubrovnik and easy to reach by bus. We also took a few short trips to nearby towns and islands, where the swimming was just as magical.
Also, Zoey insisted we include this: her hair has never felt softer than it did after swimming in the Adriatic. We’re guessing it has something to do with the salt content, but either way… major bonus.
🏖️ Lapad (Our #1)
Of all the places we swam in Dubrovnik, the Lapad area was hands-down our favorite. This quieter part of the city (compared to the bustle of Old Town) offers a mix of swimming spots – from the popular Lapad Bay Beach to hidden rocky nooks where you can slip into the sea without the crowds.
We started at the main beach, which has a pebble section for easier entry and exit, plus cement platforms with ladders (or spots to jump in, if you’re feeling bold).
It can get a little busy here, but there’s plenty of space to spread out – and the bay itself is lovely for swimming.
From there, we wandered along the coastal path and stumbled on what became our absolute favorite swimming spot in Dubrovnik. It’s not a beach, but a rocky shoreline where you can climb right into the water.
We had spotted something labeled “Old Dog Rock” on Google Maps (named for a rock that looks like a dog’s side profile) and were curious.
What we found (in addition to “old dog”) was our own little swimming paradise – and we came back more than once!
If Lapad sounds like your kind of place, check out Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. They’ve got beautiful pools with coastal views and their own private rocky areas for sea swimming.
🏖️ Old Town
Most people associate Dubrovnik’s Old Town with its towering stone walls, narrow cobbled streets, and its starring role as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones – not necessarily with swimming.
But we’re here to tell you that there are several great swimming spots in or right next to Old Town.
Pile Gate / Dubrovnik West Harbor
We stayed in Old Town during our weeklong visit to Dubrovnik, and since we were there in the heat of the summer, finding places to cool off with a quick dip became essential.
Our favorite spot was in the small harbor just outside Pile Gate. There’s a small rock beach here (Kolorina), where kayaking tours take off, but we actually preferred swimming on the opposite side of the harbor.
Here, you enter and exit the water via cement steps, with centuries-old fortresses towering around you – truly a one-of-a-kind swim.
⚠️ Just a word of caution: we spotted lots of sea urchins in this area, including along the cement wall and steps we used to get in and out of the water. Needless to say, we were very glad we had our water shoes on!
If you walk just a couple minutes past the West Harbor, you’ll reach Beach Šulić, which is also a nice spot to dip into the water.
Porporela Pier
On the opposite side of Old Town, just off the Old Harbor, you’ll find Porporela Pier – a long stone jetty that juts out into the sea and offers stunning views of the Adriatic and the city walls behind you, as well as Mount Srd above.
This is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to relax, catch the breeze, and enjoy the sunset. There’s a ladder and stone steps for easy access into the water if you’re up for a swim.
We never ended up swimming here ourselves, but we often grabbed an evening gelato and strolled out to the end to take in the views.
If we’d had our suits on, we definitely would’ve taken the plunge!
Buža Bar
You might also spot swimmers (and brave cliff jumpers!) near Buza Bar, a cliffside café with epic views and adrenaline vibes. There’s no beach here – just rocks, ladders, and open sea – so it’s best suited for confident swimmers looking for a more adventurous way to cool off.
We didn’t get a chance to jump into the Adriatic here ourselves, but we did see this swimming spot along our walk of the Dubrovnik Walls, and it looked incredible. We’d recommend it to anyone seeking a little thrill with their swim.
🏖️ Cavtat
Cavtat is located just south of Dubrovnik, near the airport. It’s a charming seaside town that could make a great home base in its own right, but also works perfectly as an easy day trip from Dubrovnik. One of our favorite things about Cavtat is that it feels like you’re on an island – with its laid-back vibe and scenic peninsulas – but you don’t have to deal with ferries (because it’s not one!).
During our visit, we walked through town and out along the peninsula. There’s a paved walking path that wraps all the way around it, and you can wander off in many spots to find your own little place to take a dip.
We got into the water near the tip of the peninsula, close to Beach Kamen Mali. This was another spot where water shoes came in very handy – the entry was rocky and a bit slick. Since the water here is open to the sea, just be aware that passing boats can create some waves.
We also swam right in the center of town, in the bay. If you’re looking for super calm, protected water, this is your Cavtat spot.
Read more about our Cavtat day trip here.
🏖️ Koločep
If you go to Croatia and don’t visit an island, did you really go to Croatia?
We kid… but maybe not?
Dubrovnik has a handful of nearby islands that make for incredible day trips – especially if you’re craving a swim.
On our Koločep day trip, we took the ferry to the tiny island. The journey from Dubrovnik’s port takes just 30 to 45 minutes each way, but once you arrive, it feels like you’ve been transported to another world. There are no cars on Koločep, which gives the island an extra peaceful, off-the-grid vibe.
During our time on Koločep, we walked across the island (which sounds more intense than it is – Koločep is only about one square mile!) to a quiet swimming cove called Don Đivan. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the ferry harbor, and totally worth it.
We also took a dip in Koločep Bay while waiting for the ferry back to Dubrovnik. If you’re planning to island hop between the Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan), this bay is a perfect swim-and-lunch stop before heading off to your next island adventure.
Read more about our Koločep day trip here.
Swimming in Dubrovnik: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim year-round in Dubrovnik?
Not really – unless you’re into polar plunges!
The swimming season in Dubrovnik typically runs from late May through early October, when the Adriatic Sea is warm enough for comfortable dips. July and August are the warmest months, with water temps often in the mid-to-high 70s°F (around 24–26°C).
Outside of those months, the water gets chilly, and while you might spot a few hardy locals taking a dip, most people stick to dry land.
Beautiful sea views are open year-round, though – no wetsuit required!
Is there dangerous marine life in Dubrovnik?
Not really! The Adriatic Sea around Dubrovnik is generally safe for swimming.
You’ll spot sea urchins near rocky areas (of which there are many), so water shoes are highly recommended to avoid stepping on one.
As for jellyfish, they occasionally show up but aren’t a constant concern – and stings are rare.
There are sharks in the Adriatic, but they don’t pose a threat to humans, and sightings near the coast are very rare.
So, go ahead – dive in with confidence!
Are there lifeguards?
Generally, no – especially not in the rocky swimming spots and coastal nooks we loved most.
Some of the main beaches may have lifeguards during peak summer season, but it’s not a guarantee.
If you’re swimming outside of designated beach areas (which is easy to do in Dubrovnik!), you’ll likely be on your own. Just something to keep in mind – be aware of your surroundings and always prioritize safety, especially if you’re jumping in from rocks or swimming near boat traffic.
A general rule we follow is to never swim alone in the sea. If you’re traveling solo, this means hopping in where others are. If something happens to you while in the water, it’s important that someone is nearby to help.
Are there changing facilities or showers at swimming spots?
Not usually. Most of Dubrovnik’s best swimming spots are more natural or informal – rocky edges, ladders, or tucked-away coves.
Some of the larger beaches may have limited facilities, but it’s best to come dressed to swim and bring a quick-dry towel and wet/dry bag for after.
Do you need water shoes?
YES.
A thousand times yes!
Between the rocky coastlines, slippery entry points, and surprise sea urchins, water shoes are an absolute must for swimming in Croatia, including Dubrovnik.
We wore our water shoes every single time we got in the water – and our feet were very, very thankful. Trust us, this one item can make or break your swimming experience in Croatia.
What should I bring for a swimming day in Dubrovnik?
Besides your swimsuit and a solid pair of water shoes (we can’t mention them enough), a few essentials include a quick-dry towel, sun protection (hat, UPF clothing, sunscreen), a reusable water bottle, and a dry bag for valuables.
Do you need a car get to swimming spots in Dubrovnik?
Nope! Dubrovnik is well-connected by local buses and ferries, making it easy to reach beaches, swim spots, and nearby islands without a car. If you purchase the Dubrovnik Pass during your stay, use of Dubrovnik’s buses is included.
We took buses to Lapad and Cavtat for swimming, as well as to the ferry port when we visited Koločep.
You can check bus schedules and ferry schedules to plan your trip.
Wrapping Up: Swimming in Dubrovnik
Swimming in Dubrovnik is more than just a way to cool off – it’s an unforgettable part of the experience. Whether you’re jumping off rocky ledges beneath centuries-old city walls, floating in crystal-clear coves on a quiet peninsula, or discovering hidden swim spots on nearby islands, the Adriatic has a way of pulling you in – literally and figuratively.
We swam every day of our trip and barely scratched the surface. The water is that inviting. For us, swimming in Dubrovnik was the perfect soft adventure in Europe.
With the right gear (seriously, don’t forget water shoes!), a sense of adventure, and a little curiosity, you’ll find incredible places to take a dip all along this magical stretch of the Croatian coast.
And if you find an awesome spot for swimming in Dubrovnik we didn’t cover here, let us know!