Part of the bucket-and-spade brigade, seeking the solace of a hidden nook or want to island-hop on your beach or city break? Dubrovnik’s splendid seasides provide just the ticket. Studded by rocky patches or emerald headland, and where aquamarine water shelves against honey-hued sand and shingle, the coastline’s scattered with lounge-here plots.

So between savouring local flavours, boxing off culture and visiting places you’ve dreamed of, it’s well worth immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty from the bliss of its beaches.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve rounded up a few fantastic picks to help you whittle down where to unfurl your towel. From picnic spots to magnets for water sports enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone here...

Banje Beach

Not far from Ploče Gate, you’ll find Banje, an expanse of pebble and sand that’s one of the city’s most popular options. It offers loungers and parasols for hire, which means you can go from the history-soaked walls of the Old Town to relaxing in minutes. And if you look behind you, you’ll still get to spy the terracotta-topped hub abuzz.

As it can get busy here, you should expect to meet locals and holidaymakers alike while you’re picking where to plonk down. There’s a stonier side of the beach which is often less inhabited, so it can make for a better spot for sunbathing. Want to up the ante? You’ll catch people trying out waterskiing, as well as kayakers hitting the water. So if you’re into best-of-both-world beaches, factor this one into your itinerary ASAP.

Copacabana Beach

Follow the twinkle of clear water and you’ll end up on Copacabana Beach. It doesn’t have many similarities to its Brazilian namesake, but it’s a must-sprawl-out-on slice of shorefront in Dubrovnik – and a large one at that. It’s located in Babik Kuk and you can swim there, rent kayaks or even give parasailing a whirl.

What’s more, it’s backed by cafés and adults-only beach bars, which let you maximise on time in the sun while refuelling too. If your idea of switching holiday mode on is by grabbing a cocktail in the rays, you’ve just found where to do it.

Lokrum Main Beach

The harbour by Dubrovnik Old Town has a dedicated area you can board boats from. Head down and hop onto one of the water taxis that’ll sail you across to Lokrum Island – it'll only take about ten minutes!

Plenty of tucked-away, leafy coves await on the verdant oasis, but the main slip comprises rocky places to sit on, as the sea laps against. It’s considered a wild beach, compared to some of Dubrovnik’s more conventional choices, but it’s certainly scenic. Lots of plants that grow have adapted over time due to being by the water, and seafood like damselfish and mussels are caught here.

Šunj Beach

Get set to embrace the idyllic turquoise water and fine golden sand of Lopud – and these core beachy ingredients are at their peak at Šunj. A shaded 25-minute wander through a pine forest will see you at the shorefront from the village, so settle down beside the shallow waters and make the most of some well-earned R&R.

You’ll also come across a cluster of sunbeds you can hire, if you want to bed in the for day. Peckish? There’s the odd restaurant too, for when you need a bite to eat.

Saplunara Beach

The unspoilt, rugged greenery of Mljet Island makes it something of a paradise on the doorstep in Dubrovnik. When you choose Saplunara as your chill-out champion, you’ll unlock woodland scenery and glittering sea vistas as standard, amid a protected natural park. Again, you can grab a drink and a snack from a handy local vendor if the mood takes you too.

Around the beach, there’s a wider bay that then opens into another smaller sandy area, so it should be quite straightforward to carve out your own space to enjoy.

Cavtat Beach

Welcome to Cavtat, the most southerly resort in Croatia. This picturesque town offers you a true taste of Dubrovnik without all the hustle and bustle of mingling in the central city. You can whizz over there by bus or ferry, or of course stay if the lower-key vibe suits you.

Past the promenade and over on the beach, the extensive pebbles provide a place to laze in the rays. Although it’s a winner, it’s less touristy than some of Dubrovnik’s beaches, which means you should be able to grab a peaceful spot nice and simply. Some people may even dive there, due to the clarity of the waves.

Mlini Beach

Just a 15-minute drive from Cavtat in one direction and 20 minutes from Dubrovnik in the other, Mlini is as quaint and traditional as they come. Scalloped in shape, the bay claims to be a suntrap, so you won’t get enough of it if you’re after a quieter option. Let jostling through crowds be a thing of the past as life’s stresses melt away on this beach.

It’s somewhere that swimmers and snorkellers relish when only water sports will do, though you’ll notice fresh fish diners when stomachs start to rumble. It’s very much a resort to totally flake out in.

Lapad Beach

Lap up the go-slow atmosphere of Lapad – something you can’t beat doing on its beachfront. Here, you’ll conveniently be right next to the Old Town for when you fancy pairing calmer days with ones spent sightseeing. The gorgeous harbour and promenade flow right down to the pebbles on the edge of the coastline, and that’s where you’ll be well-placed to bask in the sun.

Revel in the relatively laidback ambience of this locale, pick up an on-the-go coffee or snaffle an ice cream as you unwind.

Whichever beach you choose, let the Dubrovnik Coast be your oyster with Jet2holidays!