Banje Beach

Banje Beach is the closest pebble beach to the Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, on Ulica Frana Supila in the Ploce district, a six-minute walk east of Ploce Gate down the steps beside the Lazareti. It faces the city walls and the wooded island of Lokrum, which gives it one of the best beach views in the Adriatic, with the Old Town's towers and red roofs rising directly across the water. The beach is made of fine pebbles and shallow, clear water, and part of it is occupied by a beach club with sunbeds, umbrellas, a bar and restaurant; sunbeds and umbrellas are rented separately, while a public section stays free to use for visitors who bring a towel. Swimming is good in the calm bay, and visitors can also rent kayaks or take part in water sports from the beach. The beach club hosts events and music in summer evenings. A typical visit lasts two to three hours. The best time is late afternoon, when the sun lights the walls and the beach is less crowded than at midday, which is the busiest and hottest period. The beach is open all day and night, though the beach club services operate in daylight hours. Facilities include showers, changing cabins and a nearby cafe. Visitors should wear water shoes because the pebbles can be sharp and hot, and should bring sun protection since shade is limited outside rented umbrellas. For photographs, the view across to the walls and Lokrum is best at sunset. The beach is easy to combine with Lazareti, Fort Revelin and the Dominican Monastery. Summer weekends are busy with both locals and tourists, so early morning is the quietest time for a swim.