
Žal Beach Dubrovnik
A lively pebble beach near Dubrovnik, famous for its crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and seasonal inflatable water park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Žal Beach Dubrovnik
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively pebble beach near Dubrovnik, famous for its crystal-clear waters, stunning sunsets, and seasonal inflatable water park.
"Crystal-clear water, but there are a lot of people – a typical beach: long, noisy with the sound of crowds."

Bring Cash! 💰
Most vendors are cash-only. ATMs are nearby, but it's best to have Kuna ready.
Aqua Shoes Essential! :athletic_shoe:
The beach is rocky; water shoes make entering the sea much more comfortable.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal-Clear Adriatic Waters
The main swimming area
Dive into incredibly clear, clean waters perfect for swimming and spotting fish. The visibility is exceptional.

Stunning Sunset Views
Western-facing part of the beach
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Adriatic Sea, with views of Dubrovnik and surrounding towns.

Inflatable Water Park
In the water, seasonal
A fun attraction for kids (and adults!) with inflatable slides and obstacles. Note: it's removed in September.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King Here!
Footwear for Rocky Shores
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash! 💰
Most vendors are cash-only. ATMs are nearby, but it's best to have Kuna ready.
Aqua Shoes Essential! :athletic_shoe:
The beach is rocky; water shoes make entering the sea much more comfortable.
Pack Snacks & Drinks
While there are food options, bringing your own can save money and offer more variety.
Check for Inflatables
The water park is a hit with kids but is seasonal and removed by September.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash! 💰
Most vendors are cash-only. ATMs are nearby, but it's best to have Kuna ready.
Aqua Shoes Essential! :athletic_shoe:
The beach is rocky; water shoes make entering the sea much more comfortable.
Pack Snacks & Drinks
While there are food options, bringing your own can save money and offer more variety.
Check for Inflatables
The water park is a hit with kids but is seasonal and removed by September.
Sunbeds & Umbrellas
Available for rent, but can be pricey. Consider bringing your own towel for a spot on the pebbles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
žal Beach is lauded for its stunningly clear, clean waters and beautiful sunset views, making it a picturesque spot. While it can get crowded and is primarily stony, requiring water shoes, visitors appreciate the convenience of nearby amenities and the fun inflatable attractions for kids. The cash-only policy is a recurring point, but manageable with preparation.
"Crystal-clear water, but there are a lot of people – a typical beach: long, noisy with the sound of crowds, and sunbeds packed side by side. The inflatable attractions for children are great. Payment is cash only, but luckily there’s an ATM right by the beach."
Jana Miková
"Lovely clean beach, clear water, rocky beach but gets sandy a few meters into the water, €22 for two sun loungers with cushions and a parasol for the day"
Harriet Simmonds
"CASH ONLY. We spent 6 days in a row at this beautiful beach - perfect location, calm waters, toilets and changing rooms free to use, shower €30 cents for 30 seconds and plenty of food and drink options. The beach has pebbles and small rocks for the most part, becomes sandy once you make your water further into the water. Some water sport options to choose from.
There’s a small food truck kind of a stall as you enter the beach from the main road run by a very sweet lady Nikolina - that was our standard lunch almost all days ( made to order sandwiches/burgers at a very reasonable price)
Sun beds and umbrellas aren’t cheap but good service by the staff - €22 for two sunbeds with mattress and one umbrella.
(€7 per sunbed, €1 for mattress, €6 for the umbrella)
It was busier over the weekend but not that crowded during the week.
Bring cash - everything here is cash only!
It has become one of our favourite places in Cavtat and would happily return."
Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach žal Beach from Dubrovnik is by car or taxi, taking approximately 30 minutes. Public buses also run from Dubrovnik to Cavtat, and then it's a short walk or taxi ride to the beach. Some visitors mention it's a local favorite near Cavtat.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at žal Beach, which is a convenient option if you're arriving by car.
You can take a public bus from Dubrovnik to Cavtat, and then it's a short distance to žal Beach. This is a more budget-friendly option.
The beach itself is stony, so navigating with a stroller might be challenging. However, the path leading to the beach and the promenade area are generally accessible.
If you're in Cavtat, žal Beach is quite close. You can walk, take a short taxi ride, or even cycle to reach it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access žal Beach itself. You only pay for services like sunbeds, umbrellas, or water sports.
žal Beach is generally accessible throughout the day, from morning until evening. Specific facilities like beach bars or rental services will have their own operating hours.
It's not usually necessary to book sunbeds in advance, especially on weekdays. However, during peak season and weekends, they can fill up, so arriving earlier is advisable.
Yes, žal Beach offers free-to-use toilets and changing rooms for visitors.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, typically costing around €22 for two sunbeds with cushions and one umbrella for the day. Prices can vary slightly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The beach is primarily stony and rocky, especially near the shore. It can become sandy a few meters into the water, but water shoes are highly recommended for comfort.
The water at žal Beach is consistently described as crystal-clear, clean, and pleasant for swimming. You can often see fish swimming nearby.
Yes, there are various water sport options available, though specific offerings might vary. The inflatable water park is a popular seasonal attraction for families.
Visitors enjoy beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea, and in the evening, you can see Dubrovnik and other towns along the bay. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.
The beach can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak season. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are food and drink options available, including a small food truck-style stall run by a lady named Nikolina, offering reasonably priced sandwiches and burgers. There's also a beach bar.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to žal Beach. This can be a good way to save money.
You can find options like made-to-order sandwiches and burgers from the food stall, as well as drinks from the beach bar.
Yes, there are typically vendors selling snacks and ice cream, especially during the summer months.
While specific menus aren't detailed, the food stall might offer simple options. It's advisable to check directly or bring your own if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the crystal-clear water, the rocky coastline, and the stunning sunset views. The inflatable water park (when present) also makes for fun shots.
Drone photography might be possible, but always check local regulations regarding drone usage in coastal areas and near populated beaches. The panoramic views are excellent.
Late afternoon and early evening offer the best light for photography, especially for capturing the beautiful sunsets.
Yes, the inflatable water park provides a fun backdrop for photos, particularly for families and groups. Remember it's seasonal.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy when taking pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating žal Beach: From Pebbles to Sandy Depths
Despite its natural beauty, žal Beach can get quite crowded, especially during peak season and on weekends. The atmosphere is described as lively, with the sounds of people and inflatable attractions. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons like September can significantly reduce the crowds. The beach offers amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, though these come at a cost, and a small food stall provides convenient refreshments.
For those looking for a more secluded experience, it's worth noting that some travelers feel that if you're already in Cavtat, žal Beach is a good option, but it might not be worth a special trip from further afield if you're seeking pristine, uncrowded shores. However, the stunning sunset views and the overall clarity of the water remain significant draws for many visitors.
Budgeting for Your Day at žal Beach
While there's no entry fee, the cost of amenities can add up. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, typically around €22 for a set of two loungers and an umbrella. If you're on a tighter budget, consider bringing your own beach towel and finding a spot on the pebbles. The food stall offers reasonably priced sandwiches and burgers, which can be a more economical option than other dining choices. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is also a popular strategy among budget-conscious travelers to save money.
For those looking to save on transport, taking the public bus from Dubrovnik to Cavtat and then walking or taking a short taxi to the beach is a more affordable alternative to a direct taxi or private car. Overall, with a little planning regarding cash and bringing some of your own supplies, žal Beach can be an enjoyable experience without breaking the bank.
Family Fun and Activities at žal Beach
The clear, calm waters are also a significant advantage for families, making it safe and enjoyable for swimming and playing. While the beach is stony, the transition to sand a few meters out provides a more comfortable swimming experience. The availability of changing rooms and toilets adds to the convenience for families.
For food, the small food stall offers simple, kid-friendly options like sandwiches and burgers at reasonable prices, and bringing your own snacks and drinks is always a good strategy for families to manage costs and cater to picky eaters. The beach can get busy, so arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, can help secure a good spot and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit