Dubrovnik Apartments with Pools: The Ultimate 2026 Guide

Dubrovnik Pools: Your Guide to a Perfect Croatian Holiday

Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', is famous for its stunning coastline and crystal-clear sea. However, during the peak summer months of July and August, the city's popular beaches like Banje and Sveti Jakov can become incredibly crowded. An apartment with a private or shared swimming pool offers a serene escape, providing comfort, privacy, and a guaranteed spot to cool off. This guide provides all the essential information for finding the perfect pool apartment for your 2026 trip.

Why Choose an Apartment with a Pool in Dubrovnik?

Opting for accommodation with a pool in Dubrovnik offers several key advantages:

• Escape the Crowds: Public beaches can be packed by 10:00 AM. A private or shared apartment pool guarantees a relaxing space away from the hustle.
• Family-Friendly: A pool provides a safe and contained environment for children to play, giving parents peace of mind.
• Guaranteed Swimming: The Adriatic Sea can sometimes be affected by weather, with high winds or cooler temperatures. A pool is always available, often heated in the shoulder seasons (May, September).
• Added Luxury: A morning swim or a late-night dip adds a touch of luxury to your vacation experience.

Best Neighborhoods for Apartments with Pools

Where you stay in Dubrovnik significantly impacts your holiday. Different neighborhoods offer distinct advantages for those seeking a pool.

Lapad Peninsula: Family-Friendly with Great Beaches

The Lapad Peninsula, located about 3-4 km from the Old Town, is a popular choice for families. It features a long promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and several pebble beaches. Many modern apartment buildings here were constructed with shared pools.

• Average Price (2-bed apt, pool): €200 - €450 per night.
• Pros: Abundance of restaurants, child-friendly beaches, good bus connections to the Old Town (Bus line 6 runs every 10-15 minutes).
• Cons: Can be busy, and some apartments are a steep walk up from the main bay.

Ploče: Luxury Views of the Old Town

Situated east of the Old Town, the Ploče neighborhood offers the most iconic views of the city walls and Lokrum Island. This is where you'll find luxury villas and high-end apartments, many with stunning infinity pools.

• Average Price (2-bed apt, pool): €450 - €1000+ per night.
• Pros: Unbeatable views, walking distance (5-15 minutes) to the Old Town and Banje Beach.
• Cons: Very expensive, hilly terrain with many stairs.

Babin Kuk: Resort-Style Living

Babin Kuk is a green, tranquil peninsula home to several large hotels and modern apartment complexes. It's designed for tourism and offers a resort-like atmosphere with access to multiple pools and beaches like Copacabana and Cava.

• Average Price (2-bed apt, pool): €250 - €550 per night.
• Pros: Quiet and relaxing, excellent facilities, beautiful coastal walks.
• Cons: Further from the Old Town (4-5 km), feels less authentically Croatian.

Gruž: The Local Hub with Hidden Gems

Gruž is Dubrovnik's main port and residential area. While it lacks the tourist glamour of other districts, you can find excellent value apartments with pools here, often in renovated traditional stone houses. It provides a more authentic local experience.

• Average Price (2-bed apt, pool): €150 - €350 per night.
• Pros: More affordable, great local market, main bus terminal for easy day trips.
• Cons: Lacks beaches, views are typically of the harbor rather than the open sea.

Insider Tip: When booking an apartment with a 'shared pool', ask about the number of units that share it. A pool shared between 4 apartments is very different from one shared between 20.

Public Swimming Pools & Hotel Day Passes

If your apartment doesn't have a pool, you still have options for a freshwater swim.

Gruž Olympic Swimming Pool (Bazeni Jug)

This is Dubrovnik's primary public swimming facility, located in the Gruž neighborhood. It's where the famous Jug water polo team trains.

• Location: Ulica Andrije Hebranga, Gruž
• Features: 50-meter Olympic-sized outdoor pool, 25-meter indoor pool.
• Price: A day pass for non-residents is typically around €5-€7.
• Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 - 21:00, but check the 'Bazeni Jug' official website for public swimming times, as it varies due to training schedules.
• Best for: Serious swimmers and those seeking an authentic local experience.

Hotel Pool Day Passes

Several luxury hotels in Dubrovnik offer day passes to non-guests, allowing access to their pools, sun loungers, and other facilities. This is a great way to experience 5-star luxury for a day.

• Rixos Premium Dubrovnik: Located in Lozica. A day pass often costs between €70 - €100 and includes a sunbed, towel, and access to their extensive indoor and outdoor pools and spa facilities.
• Hotel Excelsior: Located in Ploče. Offers premium passes for its seaside pool deck with incredible Old Town views. Expect to pay over €100, which may include some food and beverage credit.
• Valamar Hotels (Babin Kuk): The Valamar Argosy and Valamar President often have day pass options, typically priced around €50-€80. These are excellent for families.

Insider Tip: Always call the hotel ahead to confirm availability and pricing for day passes, especially in July and August, as they may restrict access to hotel guests only during peak occupancy.

Comparing Pool Apartments vs. Hotels with Pools

| Feature | Apartment with Pool | Hotel with Pool | |---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | Cost | Generally more cost-effective for families or groups. | Higher per-person cost. | | Privacy | High, especially with a private pool. | Low, pools are shared with all hotel guests. | | Space | More living space, including kitchens and living rooms.| Limited to the hotel room. | | Amenities | Varies; may include BBQ, terrace, full kitchen. | Full service: restaurants, bars, spa, daily cleaning.| | Experience | More independent, 'live like a local' feel. | All-inclusive, convenient vacation experience. |

Finding and Booking Your Pool Apartment

1. Use Filters: On platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, and VRBO, use the 'swimming pool' filter as your first step. 2. Read Recent Reviews: Look for comments about pool cleanliness, crowding, and sun lounger availability. Reviews from the last 6 months are most relevant. 3. Analyze Photos: Scrutinize the photos. Does the pool look small? Is it overlooked by other buildings? Look for photos that show the pool in relation to the apartment. 4. Confirm Pool Type: The listing should specify if the pool is 'private' (sole use), 'shared' (with other apartments in the building), or an 'infinity' pool. 5. Book in Advance: For the best properties with private pools, especially in Ploče or near the Old Town, you should book 9-12 months in advance for a July or August stay.