Štikovica Beach
Fjord-like inlet, emerald water, family konoba at the shore
About
Plaža Štikovica sits in a narrow, fjord-like inlet on the Dubrovnik coast near Zaton, its geometry channelling the sea into a pool of emerald calm. Dense pine and olive trees press right to the water's edge, throwing shade across the pebble shore and keeping the atmosphere cool even on hot July afternoons. The beach is compact and quiet — the kind of place where the loudest sound is the soft crunch of pebbles underfoot. A family konoba operates at the water's edge through the summer months, run across three generations, giving the spot an authenticity that larger resort beaches simply don't have. Boat traffic occasionally passes through the inlet, so keep an eye on the water when swimming.
How to get there
From Dubrovnik, the drive takes around 20 minutes; from Zaton village it's just 3 minutes by car. A ferry connection also serves the area. Small informal free parking is available at the top of the track down to the inlet — spaces are limited, so arrive early in peak season. There is no entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The quiet inlet, pine shade, and a table at the family konoba right on the water make this a genuinely low-key escape for two — no entertainment, no noise, just emerald water and good food.
For families
Safe swimming in calm, sheltered water combined with easy access and a family-run konoba serving food metres from the shore means parents can relax while children play on the pebbles — just note the konoba is only open June to September.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Plaža Štikovica is safe to swim and genuinely pleasant — the calm, sheltered inlet keeps the water flat and the emerald colour is the real thing. It's a small beach, quiet by nature, and the family konoba at the shore is the detail that lifts it above a dozen similar pebble coves on this coast. Come between June and September: outside those months the konoba shuts, facilities disappear, and the inlet loses its warmth. The limited parking and compact size mean it stays uncrowded even in July, which is increasingly rare this close to Dubrovnik. Worth the short detour from Zaton.
What to do
The sheltered inlet is ideal for a slow morning swim in the emerald water, followed by lunch at the konoba right on the shore. Just 0.5 km away, Zaton Mali Cove offers a lagoon-like anchorage dotted with moored sailboats — worth a short walk after the beach. Zaton village itself, 1 km up the coast, has a waterfront lined with restaurants. And if you're willing to drive 12 km, Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed walled Old Town is one of the most photographed medieval cities in Europe.
Frame the inlet from the shoreline with pine branches overhead and the emerald water receding toward the inlet mouth — morning light before 9 am gives the cleanest colour.
The konoba terrace at the water's edge, with its three-generation character and pebble foreground, makes a strong late-afternoon lifestyle shot when the shade deepens under the olive trees.
Where to eat
The family konoba at the water's edge is the obvious first choice — a three-generation operation serving food through the summer season. Just 0.1 km away you'll also find Konoba Veranda for Mediterranean dishes and Konoba-Pizzeria Arka for pizza. A little further, Konoba Capo at 0.8 km covers Mediterranean, Croatian, and breakfast options.
Where to stay
The nearest hotels are clustered around 4–5 km away toward Dubrovnik. Hotel Sumratin and Hotel Zagreb both sit at 4.1 km, while Dubrovnik Luxury Residence – L'Orangerie offers a more upscale option at 4.2 km. Apartmani Husanovic at 4.5 km is a practical self-catering alternative.
Photography
The best shot is from the water's edge looking back toward the inlet mouth — pine and olive branches frame the emerald water in natural green tones, especially in the soft morning light before boat traffic picks up. The konoba terrace at the shoreline makes a strong late-afternoon composition, with warm light filtering through the tree canopy onto the pebble beach.
Good to know
The family konoba is open June through September only — outside those months there is no food or water on site, so bring your own supplies if you visit in shoulder season. Boat traffic is possible inside the inlet; stay aware of your surroundings when in the water. October through March is best avoided entirely: the konoba is closed, facilities are absent, and the exposed inlet turns cold and unwelcoming. Dogs have no formal policy here but are likely tolerated given the remote setting — keep them under control near the water.
Map
Nearby places
Konoba Veranda
Konoba-Pizzeria "Arka"
Konoba Capo
Giardino
Konoba Dandy
Hotel Sumratin
hotel zagreb
Dubrovnik Luxury Residence – L’Orangerie
Apartmani Husanovic
Adria
Things to see around Dubrovnik
Zaton Mali Cove
Sheltered lagoon-like inlet with moored sailboats
Zaton Village
Small coastal village with waterfront restaurants north of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Old Town
UNESCO-listed walled medieval city
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — Frane Lovošević · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 3 — Crownmaster · source · Public Domain