Introduction
When you think of Dubrovnik, the famous city walls, which I introduced in a previous article, are probably one of the first things that come to mind. However, Dubrovnik is also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and its crystal-clear beaches are another major attraction.
Before visiting Dubrovnik myself, I mainly imagined it as a destination for exploring historic streets and buildings. In reality, I was just as impressed by the beauty of the sea.
This time, I would like to introduce Banje Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Dubrovnik and the easiest to access from the Old Town.
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What Is the Adriatic Sea?
The Adriatic Sea is located along the eastern side of the Italian Peninsula and is part of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Croatian coastline is particularly famous for its exceptionally clear water and is considered one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Europe.
When Japanese people think of a beach, they often imagine a sandy beach. However, many beaches along the Croatian coast are made up of small pebbles rather than sand, which helps keep the water remarkably clear.
At sandy beaches, walking around can stir up sand and make the water cloudy. Pebble beaches are much less prone to this, allowing visitors to enjoy crystal-clear water.
Dubrovnik is located in southern Croatia and is one of the southernmost cities within the Schengen Area in Europe, apart from Greece. Its relatively warm climate makes it a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the sea during the summer.
How to Get to Banje Beach
Banje Beach is located just east of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
It is only about a five-minute walk from Ploče Gate, the eastern entrance to the Old Town. This convenient location is one of the beach’s biggest advantages.
You can head straight to the beach after visiting the city walls, or enjoy a swim in the morning before exploring the Old Town.
Because of its excellent location, Banje Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Dubrovnik.
That also means it can get quite crowded during the high season. If you want to avoid the crowds, visiting in the morning is a good idea.
My First Impression of Banje Beach
My first impression when I saw Banje Beach was simply:
“The sea is really that blue!”
The vivid cobalt-blue water that you normally see in travel brochures and photographs was actually right in front of me.
What makes the scenery even more special is that you can see the walls and fortifications of Dubrovnik’s Old Town in the background. It is a landscape you do not usually find at an ordinary beach.
Even before getting into the water, Banje Beach is impressive enough to make the visit worthwhile.
Be Careful: Banje Beach Is a Pebble Beach
As mentioned earlier, Banje Beach is not a sandy beach.
The shore is covered with small, rounded pebbles.
They look beautiful, but if you are used to sandy beaches in Japan, you may find the surface a little challenging.
Walking barefoot can actually be quite painful.
It is especially noticeable when entering or leaving the water, as the pebbles can put quite a bit of pressure on the soles of your feet.
For this reason, I recommend bringing one of the following:
- Water shoes
- Sandals
- Aqua shoes
Once you are actually in the water, however, you hardly notice the pebbles at all.
The Water Is Incredibly Clear
What impressed me most was the clarity of the water.
Even in shallow water where you can still stand, you can clearly see the seabed.
You can also spot lots of small fish swimming around.
Of course, you can see fish in the sea in Japan as well, but it is not often this easy to observe them from such shallow water.
As you swim a little farther out, you can even see larger fish.
The fish I saw were large enough that I actually thought:
“You could probably eat that if you caught it.”
It was fun just watching the fish swimming near the seabed, and you can enjoy the underwater scenery even without snorkeling.
Because the water is so clear, bringing swimming goggles would make the experience even more enjoyable.
A Stunning Beach with Views of the Old Town
The beauty of Banje Beach is not limited to the sea.
When you turn around, you can see the walls and fortifications of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
It is a view that you simply do not get at most other beaches.
There are not many places where you can enjoy the sea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the same time.
That means Banje Beach is worth visiting even if you are not planning to swim. It is also an excellent spot for taking photographs.
In fact, many tourists were taking pictures along the shore.
In the evening, the stone buildings of the Old Town are illuminated by the setting sun, creating an especially beautiful view.
Protect Yourself from the Summer Sun
Summers in Dubrovnik can get quite hot.
On the day I visited, the temperature had risen to close to 30°C by around noon.
The humidity is relatively low compared with Japan, but the sunlight is very strong.
It is easy not to notice while you are in the water, but spending several hours at the beach can result in quite a serious sunburn.
For that reason, I consider the following essentials:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Drinking water
In particular, if you plan to combine sightseeing and swimming on the same day, make sure to stay hydrated.
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Conclusion
Banje Beach is an excellent place to experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea while staying just a five-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
It is particularly easy to combine with a visit to the city walls, and you can enjoy all of the following in one place:
- Cobalt-blue water
- Remarkably clear seawater
- Beautiful underwater scenery with small fish
- Stunning views of the UNESCO-listed Old Town
The pebble beach can be a little uncomfortable without water shoes or sandals, but even with that in mind, I think Banje Beach is absolutely worth visiting.
If you visit Dubrovnik, don’t limit yourself to exploring the city walls. Make sure to stop by Banje Beach as well. Once you see the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea for yourself, you will understand why this region is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
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