March 18, 2018 – TCN continues looking at the best beaches in Croatia. This time here is Top 5 Konavle, the best beaches south of the Adriatic’s Pearl.
While all the hype usually surrounds Dubrovnik, Croatia’s pearl and the city of King’s Landing made famous by the TV series Game of Thrones; today we thought we’d head just a bit further south to explore the beauty that lies beneath the buzz – the region of Konavle.
Konavle is the southernmost region in Croatia which covers approximately 125 square miles. With a population of around 10,000, Konavle is marked by some 30 villages and hamlets. One-third of the region is covered by forest, while the rest boasts vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees, rivers, and a rocky coastline – and just 30 minutes away from the busy streets of Dubrovnik, it is the foolproof choice for your next Croatian beach holiday.
In history, life in this region dates back to Palaeolithic and Neolithic times and it was once populated by the Illyrians, Romans, Avarian and Slavic tribes. In the 14th century, Konavle came under the governance of the Republic of Dubrovnik and was of strategic importance, though it came under the rule of the French and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy until the Yugoslav Kingdom was formed in 1918. Indispensable once again as part of socialist Yugoslavia, Konavle suffered a series of attacks from its eastern neighbors during the Homeland War, and today, the region is known as a place of rustic architecture, priceless monuments, rich history, and traditions which render the area one of the most unique in Croatia.
If you’re planning on visiting Konavle on your trip to the south of Croatia, here’s a look at some of the best beaches you wouldn’t want to miss.
Pasjača
We’ll begin with arguably the most beautiful beach in the region – Pasjača. Located in the small village of Popovići just over 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, this beach is found below steep and rocky cliffs. Almost hidden to the human eye, Pasjača is only accessible via a steep stone pathway. After the trek to the bottom, visitors are rewarded with small pebbles, almost revealing a sand-like texture, and a strikingly clear blue sea destined to leave beachgoers speechless. Though Pasjača isn’t the easiest beach to get to for a swim, it has its perks in the small crowds for those wishing to take advantage of its privacy. You won’t find any amenities at Pasjača, and it is best to prepare for a beach day here with everything you might need from snacks to drinking water. Luckily, Popovići and the surrounding area will have everything you need from supermarkets to small shops. No toilets, no music, no showers, and no water sports – just the ultimate bliss beneath the cliffs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=pl6gKAJh54c
Molunat
Molunat is another village in the Konavle region that was founded in the 15th-century – and it is also known as the southernmost tourist destination in Croatia. Located on the Molunat Peninsula which encloses the Upper Molunat Bay in the southeast and the Lower Molunat Bay in the northwest, Molunat thrives off fishing and tourism and boasts sandy beaches shaded by thick pines, decent nightlife, an authentic gastronomic offer, and plenty do to for the active tourist. Interestingly, the town of Molunat doesn’t welcome cold winds, meaning the swimming season here begins as early as May. With that said, Molunat offers quite a few good beaches in the town. Most popular is the small and sandy beach located in the center of the town. With concrete platforms for visitors to sunbathe, this sandy beach is no stranger to the average, pebble-shy tourist. A wonderful beach for children who can enjoy jumping from the concrete sidewalks into the water due to its high tide, this beach also boasts activities such as volleyball and some water sports. Unlike Pasjača where you feel like you’re completely isolated from the outside world, the central beach in Molunat offers a small shop, cafes, a supermarket and a tavern restaurant not far away. Visitors can also enjoy all of the beach amenities they’d hope for here, from changing rooms to showers, and lounge chair and umbrella rentals. And yes, there is even parking. Visitors to this beach can also enjoy natural shade provided by the pines, because who wouldn’t?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=IREXC-jOt_g
Prevlaka
Many of you might already be familiar with the Prevlaka peninsula as the subject of a territorial dispute between Croatia and FR Yugoslavia, while others might know its ‘Cape Oštro’ as being the southernmost point of mainland in Croatia. Almost an hour from Dubrovnik, the peninsula also boasts a nature reserve and Prevlaka Fortress, which was built in the mid-19th century as part of the fortification system of the Bay of Kotor during the Austrian Empire. Off the beaten path, Prevlaka is the perfect place for those looking to explore nature by bike, while the sea is accessible by an asphalted path. A lot of the beach on Prevlaka is rocky and pebbled, and you won’t find beaches with much of anything on offer here. Therefore, coming prepared with all the bells and whistles you might need for a beach day is highly encouraged. No facilities – just nature, ruins, history, and a stunning coastline – welcome to Prevlaka.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=APe9xefr1v8
Cavtat
Perhaps the most popular town in the region, Cavtat can be found just 24 minutes away from Dubrovnik and is known as the largest and only urban center in Konavle. Cavtat is located on the Rat peninsula and with the Sustjepan peninsula, forms an accessible and protected bay. Cavtat is full of tourist accommodations, hotels, restaurants, and shops, and there is even a ferry boat that connects the town to Mlini and Dubrovnik. Though the busiest beach we have thus far mentioned, Cavtat does have some picturesque seaside beach property – and yes, there is more than one to name. Visitors coming to Cavtat can enjoy the Sustjepan beach (concrete), Rat beach (pebbled), and Žal beach (concrete and pebbled), all centrally located and near the main town. Each beach offers all the amenities you could hope for, from parking to showers, and restaurants, water sports, and deck chairs for rent. All beaches are also family friendly with plenty to keep your kids entertained for a day away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=zgbr-ZXflAA
Luka Bay, Čilipi
To finish off, we bring you a beach we stumbled upon by complete accident – Luka Bay in Čilipi, just 30 minutes away from Dubrovnik. Also easily accessible from Cavtat as the two towns are just 10 minutes apart, Čilipi is much quieter than Cavtat, though you may have heard of the town as it gave its name to the nearby Dubrovnik airport. A gem for swimmers in Čilipi is Luka Bay, which really only boasts a beach bar and small area for swimmers to sunbathe on the rocks. To get to the beach bar, visitors first have to park at the top of a pine-forested hill, then take a steep stone staircase down to the cliffs – here you’ll find Beach Bar Luka and an unassuming swimming point. Swimmers at Luka can enjoy the concrete slabs and rocky cliffs, while steps built into the cliffs lead into the sea to make the sparkling blue waters easier to reach than ever. It’s also safe to say that at Luka Bay, you won’t find loud music, loungers, showers, or water sports. Since we imagine the single beach bar won’t have much on offer to bathers, packing a lunch is encouraged.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=tGwrOR2OtoQ
Learn more about Cavtat and Konavle on our TC page.
For more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
