Kolorina Bay and Šulić Pebble Beach

Why is it significant?

You have descended into the dramatic rocky inlet of Kolorina Bay, known affectionately to locals as Šulić Beach.

Key Facts

Open the walk

You have descended into the dramatic rocky inlet of Kolorina Bay, known affectionately to locals as Šulić Beach. Tucked in a narrow chasm between the main city ramparts and the towering cliffs of Lovrijenac, this natural cove served as a sheltered fishing harbor long before the towering fortifications arose around it. The waters here shimmer in luminous shades of emerald and cobalt over smooth white pebbles, sheltered from the fiercest coastal winds.

In the sixteenth century, Kolorina was Dubrovnik's leather tanning center: the bordering lane still bears the historic name Tabakarija — from the Italian word for tanning hides. The natural brine of the bay combined with oak-bark extracts provided ideal conditions for curing tough leather used for cavalry saddles and seafaring boots, while mountain streams provided pure water for rinsing the hides before dyeing.

Modern international film enthusiasts will instantly recognize this sea chasm as Blackwater Bay from the television series Game of Thrones. Dramatic harbor farewells, Princess Myrcella's departure to Dorne, and tense naval departures were filmed on these very flagstones beneath the towering limestone ramparts, immortalizing the bay for millions of viewers across the globe. Local fishermen kept wooden skiffs moored along the stone quays here, using the sheltered waters of the cove to mend linen nets and prepare longlines before setting out into the open sea under the cover of early morning fog.

Standing by the water's edge beneath the cliffs, you feel transported to a hidden coastal sanctuary. The crash of waves echoes against the rock walls with acoustic resonance, and local bathers have gathered here for generations to swim at sunset. The cove reveals the intimate, living maritime rhythm of Dubrovnik, completely untouched by the passage of centuries and protected by towering stone fortresses.

Ascend the broad stone stairways toward the entrance portal of Fort Lovrijenac.