Beaches, Dubrovnik

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Don't expect great beaches. But, after burning in the sun along the city walls, all the water is welcome, and the coast around the town provides several beaches. Well, the possible beaches, but all with great views.

(When I remember my swim in Vodice, I must confess that this, in a pebble beach, was... SUPER.)

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Our beach was a pebble beach, with direct (but confuse) access from the hotel.

Nothing special, just... there! After my dreadful experience in Vodice, the swim at dusk was great, anyway.

Exit the city through the North gate, cross over the plaza and find your way down to the beach, the first beach, under the city wall, is for boats, continue to meander North and look for a discreet doorway on your left, poke your head through and see if there is a beach around the corner. There is a place to dive into the water, a shower, a toilet, a stone beach for little ones and a polo pool floating in te inlet. It is all less than a ten minute walk from the town wall.

Another spot is along the west wall of the city. Find a map, there are two doors that now exist, through the once impenetrable wall. they are tiny doors marked only by signs that say something like "cold drinks". They open up onto the Adriatic, with a small imple cafe at each, and access to the water. They are public and free and not safe during rough seas. At each you will fin places where the locals dive into te water along sde the tourists from cliffs a few feet above the water up to grand 40 foot dives.

From E80 north of Dubrovnik, then signs for Ston. Zuljana signposted on the left just past Dubrava. Spectacular views of a valley down to the beach for the passengers but not me the driver. Keep your eyes on the road. This was without question my favourite beach amongst a holiday of many favourites. If you are in the area you must go.

Another beach found courtesy of a Virtual Tourist member, Molunat. Follow signs south of Dubrovnik to 'Monika's' camp site. About 11/2 hours drive. We were the only English speakers there. No shelter on this beach so beware of the sun. 'Monika's' camp site is just to the left of the small bay as you look out to sea, to the left behind me. Here you will find the facilities such as toilets and cafe which are really part of the camp site. If you follow the coast line the next bay is a small harbour. On the road a couple of cafes that were welcome. This was a great place, one of our best days that we spent. Walk the other way to woodland pathways leading to rocks and bits of beach, great to explore.

I know, it could seem to be a strange idea but I've found lot of small places in Dubrovnik where you can swim. These places are often very hard to find but here you'll find a place to seat and accomodations that will allow you to go in the water. And after a long day of visit in the old town, it's really nice !!

The camp ground we were staying at was very discreetly advertised. Just north of the city (7km) and down a short road to the waters edge. The camp ground manager was a very friendly chap who directed us to the head of the inlet to a spot I would say only the locals knew about. It was like someone had craved the ledge out of the rock especially for fishing!! But it was a perfect place for sunbathing & swimming too.
Just inside the inlet is another dock. Made of concrete and position in such a way it was hidden from view. From a tree on the opposite bank was a rope swing. And before you could say "Merry Christmas", Austin had stripped off to his togs (swim wear) and was diving in to have a go. It was sensational! I would say that there a lots of places like this on the Croatian coast but it's just a matter of asking around. The locals know where to go and they don't mind sharing their secrets if you are polite but keen!

Lokrum has a pleasant nude bathing area. It is NOT clothing optional. There is a sign upon entering that explicitely says that wearing swim suits is not acceptable there. The bathing surface is made of of huge rock slabs on which you can stretch out, which is nice because there are no small pebbles in your back and there is no sand in your folds and creases. Because Dubrovnik doesn't have much of a gay life, Lokrum fills in part of this void by acting as a meeting place (cruising ground) for gay men. If this is your thing, this is may be your place. If not, either ignore it or stay away altogether.