Dubrovnik Small Beach, Croatia
Beach character
The beach's defining feature is its pebbled substrate, which extends across its 20-meter width. While the stones are generally small, reviews note they can feel sharp underfoot, prompting some visitors to recommend water sandals. Natural shade from olive trees provides intermittent relief from the sun, though the beach lacks permanent structures. The sea floor slopes gently with moderate depth increase, making it suitable for snorkeling but less ideal for swimming with young children. The beach's cove shape offers some shelter from open-sea swells, though wind conditions can be strong enough to make the water feel choppy.Swimming and shore
Swimming is possible along the beach's length, though the pebbles may make entry and exit challenging. Snorkeling is a notable activity, with visitors reporting visibility of marine life in the shallows. Kayaking is available nearby, with rental options in the adjacent promenade area. The beach's depth profile allows for safe wading but doesn't support deep-water swimming. The shoreline is marked by a narrow promenade that runs parallel to the beach, offering walking space and views of the Adriatic.Facilities and activities
The beach is associated with a camping area that includes basic amenities: new toilets, unisex showers, and a washing machine located in the women's wash area. Reviews mention a 30-meter distance from the sea to the camping facilities, with a promenade connecting them. While no permanent structures exist on the beach itself, a weekly fish and grocery van serves the area. The beach's activities are limited to kayaking and snorkeling, with no lifeguards or organized water sports. Nearby, the promenade hosts cafes serving drinks and light meals, though no restaurants are directly on the beach.Access and location
Dubrovnik Small Beach is located approximately 1.2 nautical miles from Dubrovnik's Old Town, with the nearest road access via the coastal highway connecting the city to Cavtat. The beach is within walking distance of the city's southern fortifications, making it a convenient stop for visitors exploring Dubrovnik's historic sites. Public transportation options include buses from the city center to the nearby Cavtat ferry terminal, though the beach itself lacks dedicated parking or transit stops.What visitors say
Visitors report mixed experiences based on seasonality. In summer, the beach becomes "packed" with tourists, transforming the promenade into a lively space with cafes and vendors. One reviewer noted the beach "gets really busy during the summer," while another described it as "extremely quiet" during December. The camping area receives praise for its facilities, with a December 2021 review highlighting "nice, stony beach" and "promenade to walk alone the seaside." However, some visitors caution about the pebbles, with one recommending "wearing water sandals" due to the beach's "small rocks."Practical tips
Consider bringing water sandals for comfort on the pebbled beach. The weekly fish and grocery van serves the camping area, so plan visits accordingly if you need supplies. The promenade offers walking space but lacks seating. Camping visitors should note the 30-meter distance to the sea and the shared shower facilities.Exploring the coast by yacht
For yacht charter guests exploring the Dubrovnik region, this beach provides a convenient anchorage point within easy reach of the city's historic sites. The nearby promenade and cafes make it a practical stop for fueling up or enjoying a meal after a day at sea. While the beach itself isn't a marina, the surrounding area includes docking options in Cavtat, approximately 5 nautical miles away. Sailors should note the strong wind conditions, which can make the beach's waters feel more dynamic than sheltered.Camping at Dubrovnik Small Beach
The beach's camping area accommodates up to 30 campers, with facilities including new toilets, showers, and a washing machine. While no permanent structures exist, the area is described as "nice" with "olive trees" providing shade. Campers should be aware of the 30-meter distance to the sea and the lack of direct beach access from the camping area.Anchorages in the surrounding area
Anchorages near Povljana on Pag and in Vir.
- Anchorage — povljana — pag — 0.5 NM from beach
- Mlinica — kosljun pag — 1.7 NM from beach
- Anchorage — povljana — pag — 1.9 NM from beach
- Anchorage — vir — 2.4 NM from beach
- Anchorage — lozice — vir — 2.5 NM from beach
- Anchorage — kosljun pag — 2.9 NM from beach
- Anchorage — lozice — vir — 3.1 NM from beach
- Tihovac — kosljun pag — 3.2 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Mooring buoys in the surrounding area
Mooring buoys in Vir, Simuni, and Punta Skala on Pag.
- Vir — 3.2 NM from beach
- Jetty — simuni — pag — 8.8 NM from beach
- Punta Skala — petrcane — 9.6 NM from beach
- Jetty — ljubac — 9.8 NM from beach
- Šibuljina Point — sibuljina point — 10.3 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marine fuel stations
Fuel stations in Zadar, Preko, Sukosan, and Zaglav.
- Ina — zadar — 14.9 NM from beach
- Ina — preko — ugljan — 16.8 NM from beach
- Fuel station — sukosan — 19.7 NM from beach
- Ina — zaglav — dugi otok — 24.0 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Harbours in the surrounding area
Harbours in Povljana, Košljun, and Privlaka on Pag.
- Povljana — pag — 0.3 NM from beach
- Košljun — kosljun pag — 3.0 NM from beach
- Privlaka — 5.1 NM from beach
- Miškovići — miskovici — pag — 5.5 NM from beach
- Pag — 6.1 NM from beach
- Lukovo Šugarje — lukovo sugarje — rudelici — 6.8 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Marinas in the surrounding area
Marinas in Šimuni, Zadar, and Marina Borik.
- ACI Marina Šimuni — simuni — pag — 9.7 NM from beach
- Marina Borik — zadar — 14.0 NM from beach
- Vitrenjak Zadar — 14.2 NM from beach
- Marina Zadar — 14.8 NM from beach
- Olive Island Marina — sutomiscica — ugljan — 15.5 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Restaurants near the beach
Restaurants in Povljana, Vir, and Viranka.
- Lanterna — povljana — pag — 0.1 NM from beach
- Villa Kaštel — povljana — pag — 0.2 NM from beach
- Nirvana — povljana — pag — 0.2 NM from beach
- Mornar — povljana — pag — 0.6 NM from beach
- Restaurant — vir — 3.0 NM from beach
- Viranka — 3.0 NM from beach
- Restaurant — vir — 3.0 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Navigation guides for the surrounding area
Navigation guides for Otok Pag, Privlaka, and Uvala Bliznica.
- OTOK PAG — 2.0 NM from beach
- Privlaka — 5.1 NM from beach
- Uvala Bliznica — 7.7 NM from beach
- KrusCica and Uvala KrusCica Duboka — 9.5 NM from beach
- VELESITSKI KANAL (S) — 11.3 NM from beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Yachts from nearby departure bases
Yachts departing from Povljana Marina, Šimuni, and Zadar ports.
Sailing yachts
- First 45 (Egeria) — Šimuni Kolan ACI Marina — 9.7 NM from departure base to beach
- Dufour 450 Grand (Tibitoo) — Zadar Marina Borik — 14.0 NM from departure base to beach
Catamarans
- Sunreef 60 (SINATA) — Zadar Marina Borik — 14.0 NM from departure base to beach
Motor yachts
- Ferretti 780 (TESORO) — Zadar Marina Borik — 14.0 NM from departure base to beach
Motor boats
- Merry Fisher 895 — Povljana Marina — 0.1 NM from departure base to beach
- BWA Sport 22GT (BWA ) — Pag City Port — 6.1 NM from departure base to beach
- Rancraft RS Cinque.5 — Zadar Diklo Port — 12.6 NM from departure base to beach
- Rancraft RM21 (Dugi otok) — Zadar Diklo Port — 12.6 NM from departure base to beach
- Rancraft RM19 (Daycruiser) — Zadar Diklo Port — 12.6 NM from departure base to beach
- Merry Fisher 895 (Miami Vice) — Zadar Marina Borik — 14.0 NM from departure base to beach
Distances are straight-line geographic distances, not sailing routes.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dubrovnik Small Beach suitable for families with young children?
The beach's pebbled shoreline and moderate depth increase make it less ideal for very young children. Parents may want to bring water sandals and consider the summer crowds, which can make the beach feel crowded.Are there parking facilities near the beach?
The beach lacks dedicated parking, but visitors can access nearby road networks via the coastal highway connecting Dubrovnik to Cavtat.Nearby beaches
Reviews
Great beach. It gets really busy during the summer. konrad labuschagne
Seems like a nice beach with shade if you need it and palms . Sadly today it was raining so hard to judge how busy it gets
Extremely quiet. Nice camping place with only 30 campers under olivetrees. The toilettes are rather new. The washingmachine is in the ladies washarea. The showers are unisex on the outside. The area is 30m from the sea. Nice, stony, beach and promenade to walk alone the seaside, also in de evening looking at the sunset. A grocery and fish car comes once a week.
Very nice and clean beach. Most of the time it's windy so makes it easier on 30°C. I recommend wearing water sandals as beach is made of small rocks. It has caffes for drink/eat. Zadar