Zaton offers several ways to enjoy a seaside stay: bathing areas, historical landmarks and restaurants serving Dubrovnik and Dalmatian specialities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Zaton, you can start by considering whether time on the coast, cultural history or local cuisine matters most to you. The bay and its settlements, the different types of shoreline and the area’s history provide practical guidance.
A bay with four coastal settlements
Zaton lies on a bay that is around two kilometres long. Along its coast are Veliki Zaton, Mali Zaton, Štikovica and Vrbica. The four names refer to settlements on the same bay and help you get your bearings in the coastal area. If you’re considering Zaton as a place to stay, these place names can help you navigate your search. The bay is the shared setting, while the individual settlements remain distinct points of reference along its coast.
Swimming from pebble shores or rocks
Along Zaton’s coast, you can swim from both pebble shores and rocks. If you prefer a particular type of shoreline, you can take this difference into account when planning: pebbles and rocks are both part of the swimming environment in Zaton. For Plaža Zaton Mali, the municipal plan for managing the maritime domain for 2024–2028 lists a kayak rental service with eight kayaks. Check whether the rental service is available when you visit.
Cultural heritage and former use of the mills
The Church of St. Stephen and its cemetery are listed as protected cultural heritage in Zaton. The Ljetnikovac Natali - Pozza - Sorgo - Katić is also listed as protected cultural heritage. There are also Renaissance summer residences associated with former Dubrovnik noble families. The ruins of a fortress point to another historical period: its construction was begun by the French and completed by the Austrians.
At the innermost end of the bay are the Vrelo freshwater springs. Their water once powered mills. In addition to the history of the architecture, the springs and their former use are also part of the story. Those interested in Zaton’s history will find a range of subjects here: a church and cemetery, summer residences linked to Dubrovnik noble families, a fortress and the use of spring water to power mills.
Restaurants and seaside cuisine
Seaside restaurants in Zaton serve Dubrovnik and Dalmatian specialities. Restoran Ankora is in the bay of Veliki Zaton and has a large terrace right by the sea. Its menu features fish, shellfish, crabs, risotto and grilled meat, prepared simply and traditionally. Restaurant & Konoba Dandy is in the bay of Mali Zaton and serves the daily catch brought in by local fishermen.
These details offer different ways to plan where to eat: Ankora lists several dishes, while Dandy stands out for serving the daily catch from local fishermen. The location details also help you place both restaurants in the bay: Ankora in Veliki Zaton and Dandy in Mali Zaton. When choosing, you can therefore consider both the cuisine and the place name.
Discover more destinations: Lopud, Komolac, ÄŚajkovica, Sipanska Luka, Kolocep, Trsteno, Prijevor, Orasac.
Back to the main travel overview: Općina Dubrovnik.
