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Best Spots to Watch the Sunset in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a city where beauty meets history on every corner — and few things capture this better than its sunsets. As the sun sinks into the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is bathed in golden light, revealing its ancient stone walls, red-tiled rooftops, and sparkling sea in their most magical form.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for more, witnessing a sunset in Dubrovnik is a must. But while some spots are popular (and often crowded), others are hidden gems offering peace, space, and a truly unforgettable view.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best sunset spots in Dubrovnik — and reveal one incredible place that most tourists miss entirely.

1. Mount Srđ – The Iconic Panoramic View

Let’s start with the classic. Mount Srđ is the go-to location for a panoramic sunset in Dubrovnik. Rising 412 meters above the Old Town, it offers a full sweep of the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum Island, and the ancient city walls below.

You can reach the summit by hiking the well-marked trail (about 30–45 minutes uphill), driving, or taking the Dubrovnik Cable Car, which is an experience in itself.

Why it’s popular:

  • Breathtaking 360° views
  • Great for photography
  • Panorama Restaurant & Bar for a sunset dinner

Tip: Get there early if you want a good photo spot or dinner reservation. This place fills up quickly — especially in summer.

2. Buža Bar – Cliffs, Cocktails, and Direct Sunsets

Located on the outer edge of Dubrovnik’s city walls, Buža Bar is an iconic cliffside bar known for its chilled drinks and uninterrupted views of the sea. It’s not just a place to watch the sunset — it’s an atmosphere.

Hidden behind an unmarked door in the wall near the Church of St. Blaise, this bar is more of a local legend than a tourist trap.

Why it’s popular:

  • Direct sea-facing view of the sunset
  • Rustic and authentic vibe
  • You can swim right from the rocks

Tip: There are actually two Buža bars — Buža I and Buža II. Both are worth checking out, but Buža I tends to have slightly better positioning.

3. Porporela – The Local Sunset Spot by the Sea

Tucked behind Dubrovnik’s Old Port, Porporela is a breakwater with a small lighthouse, popular among locals for evening strolls and quiet reflection. The best thing about Porporela is that it’s rarely packed with tourists, even in high season.

Why it’s worth visiting:

  • Peaceful atmosphere
  • Close to the city but feels distant
  • Great for couples and solo travelers

Tip: Bring a drink or snack and sit on the rocks. You’ll be surrounded by sea on three sides and can even catch glimpses of Lokrum Island as the light fades.

4. Gradac Park – A Green Oasis Above the Old Town

Looking for a hidden gem close to the center? Gradac Park is just a short walk from Pile Gate, yet it feels like a world away. Surrounded by pine trees and overlooking Fort Lovrijenac and the Adriatic, this park offers a quieter, more romantic sunset experience.

Why it’s underrated:

  • Shady benches and fewer crowds
  • Excellent view of the sea and Fort Lovrijenac
  • Great for a picnic-style sunset

Tip: Come a bit early, find a bench or a stone wall to sit on, and enjoy the birdsong while the sky shifts colors.

5. Lokrum Island – A Sunset with a Wild Edge

Only 10 minutes by boat from the Old Port, Lokrum is a nature reserve full of rocky beaches, botanical gardens, and peacocks roaming freely. While most visitors leave before sunset (as the last public boat returns in the early evening), a private boat tour can offer a rare chance to see the sunset from Lokrum’s cliffs.

Why it’s unique:

  • Dramatic cliffs and natural scenery
  • Ideal for adventurous travelers
  • Often completely empty at golden hour

Tip: Join a boat tour that passes around Lokrum at sunset — or go one step further with the next option on this list.

lokrum island

6. From the Sea – The Sunset Spot Most People Miss

And now, the one you’ve probably never heard of — or at least haven’t considered yet.

The best way to experience a Dubrovnik sunset might not be on land at all. Watching the sun go down while sailing along the coast on a traditional 16th-century galleon offers something far beyond any viewpoint or cliffside bar.

Welcome aboard Galleon Tirena.

Galleon Tirena in front of Dubrovnik City Walls
Galleon Tirena in front of Dubrovnik City Walls

Why Galleon Tirena Offers the Most Unique Sunset Experience

Most sunset tours use modern motorboats or catamarans. Tirena, however, is something entirely different — a hand-built replica of a 16th-century Dubrovnik merchant galleon, constructed in 2019 using traditional shipbuilding techniques. It’s a floating piece of local history.

With her tall wooden masts, polished deck, and classic sails, Tirena offers not just a sunset tour, but a journey into Dubrovnik’s maritime past.

What’s included in the Sunset Tour:

  • A 1.5-hour sailing experience around the Old Town and Lokrum
  • Complimentary welcome drink (wine, beer, or non-alcoholic)
  • Expert crew and professional guide
  • Tour available in English and Spanish
  • Peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere
  • Incredible photo opportunities from the open sea

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with friends or family, the Sunset Tour on Galleon Tirena is one of the most atmospheric and original things you can do in Dubrovnik.

Bonus: With only a limited number of guests on board, it never feels crowded — unlike the more mainstream sunset spots in town.

Final Thoughts

Sunsets in Dubrovnik are never ordinary — but how you choose to experience them makes all the difference. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning explorer, skip the typical viewpoints just once and treat yourself to a different kind of golden hour.

From mountaintop vistas to hidden seaside spots, this city offers countless ways to say goodbye to the day. But only one lets you sail into the sunset on a historic galleon, wine in hand, sails above, and the sea all around.

Want to join our next Sunset Tour?

Book your spot now on Galleon Tirena

Experience Dubrovnik the way few others do — from the deck of a 16th-century ship, with the sun on your face and history beneath your feet.