14 BEST Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Croatia

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Looking for the best day trips from Dubrovnik? From visiting Bosnia to sailing around the Elaphiti Islands, check out these tours for your next trip!

I’ve said it so many times on this blog but I adore Croatia. It’s without a doubt one of my favourite countries in the world and that’s saying something! It doesn’t matter if you’re wandering the streets of Dubrovnik, sitting in the shadows of Diocletian’s Palace in Split or island hopping around Hvar, there’s just so much to see and do here.

One place everyone flocks to is Dubrovnik. I’ve been a few times myself and every time I find a new alleyway to explore or local restaurant to eat at. Walking around the streets here feels like you’ve stepped back in time. That, or it feels like you’re on the set of Game of Thrones!

Outside the old town walls, Dubrovnik is a Mediterranean paradise. From beautiful beaches to cosy restaurants where you can order fish of the day, I really recommend going on a few day trips from Dubrovnik.

One of the most popular Dubrovnik day trips is to Mostar in Bosnia. Here you can see locals jumping off the massive 24-metre high bridge (I even did the Mostar bridge jump myself!) and it is such a stunning place in the Balkans.

Another fantastic day trip is further down the Adriatic Coast to the seaside towns of Budva and Kotor in Montenegro. They’re well worth visiting in their own right but a day trip will give you a taster as to what they’re like.

So, from sailing around the Elaphiti Islands to visiting the gorgeous Kravice Waterfalls, these are some of the best tours from Dubrovnik for your next holiday.

Planning a trip to Croatia? Then make sure you read my guides on the best adventures in Croatia, the best day trips from Split, and where to stay in Dubrovnik.

How many days do you need in Dubrovnik?

I’d give Dubrovnik at least three days if you want to see the city properly and still have time for a day trip. Two days is enough to walk the Old Town walls, wander Stradun, visit a few of the big sights and spend some time by the sea, but it will feel fairly full on.

With three days, you can slow things down a little. I’d spend the first day exploring the Old Town and the city walls, then use the second for places like Lokrum or a sea-kayaking trip. On the third day, you can head out of Dubrovnik altogether.

There are loads of options depending on what you fancy. The Elaphiti Islands are an easy choice if you want a day on the water, while Mostar and Kotor give you the chance to cross an international border and see somewhere completely different. Korčula and Mljet are brilliant for island scenery, and Cavtat or Ston are much easier if you don’t want to spend half the day travelling.

If you’ve got four or five days in Dubrovnik, I’d definitely add at least one full day trip. Personally, I like having a couple of slower days in the city as well, rather than trying to tick off a different destination every day.

Quick overview

There’s no train station in Dubrovnik, so for most of these trips you’ll be travelling by bus or ferry. You can check times and compare bus and ferry tickets on Omio, which brings together routes from different operators so you can book everything in one place.

The Elaphiti Islands, Croatia

There are so many fascinating day trips from Dubrovnik to choose from. Well, a visit to the Elaphiti Islands is definitely right up there. The good news is these islands are easily reachable and you can even go island hopping between them.

Koločep, Lopud and Šipan are the three main islands in this small archipelago. They’re actually the only permanently inhabited islands out of the 13. The others are a lot smaller and quieter, though you can explore some of these by boat too.

The peaceful beaches offer an ideal getaway from the busy streets of Dubrovnik. The waters around these islands are usually calm, which means ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. There are some really good dive sites around the islands too, so that’s just another thing to add to the list!

A tour of the Elaphiti Islands on board a replica pirate ship costs from €30. This is a full-day cruise to Koločep, Šipan and Lopud and includes a guide, a welcome drink and snorkelling gear, with lunch and wine tasting available as optional extras.

By public transport: Around 45 minutes by Jadrolinija ferry line 807 to Lopud, or about 1 hour to Suđurađ on Šipan.
By car: You can’t drive directly to the Elaphiti Islands, so leave your car in Dubrovnik and take the ferry.

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

I always recommend a day trip to Mostar on any trip to Dubrovnik. Why? Well, this rustic town in Bosnia is well known for its picturesque bridge and old world charm. I’d even go as far as to say it’s my favourite place in Bosnia!

One of the major attractions here is watching the famous bridge divers looking to impress the locals and the ladies. They take the death-defying leap off the 24-metre high Stari Most into the river below. It really is such an experience to watch and you can even do it yourself too (if you’re brave enough that is!)

For a unique local experience, walk down to the Old Bazaar where you can have a cup of traditional Bosnian coffee and pick up local crafts. There’s a big Ottoman influence in Mostar, which is why it feels so different from the towns along the Croatian coast. Personally, I think this is one of the best Dubrovnik day trips you can do!

A tour of Mostar discovering all the city has to offer costs from €30. This is for a full-day tour and includes a guide and transfers.

By public transport: Around 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes by the direct Dubrovnik–Mostar bus, with operators including Croatia Bus/Globtour, Arriva and FlixBus. Times vary depending on the operator and the border crossing.
By car: About 2 hours 30 minutes from Dubrovnik, although you’ll need to allow extra time for the Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina border.

Kotor, Montenegro

If you haven’t heard of Kotor before then you’re in for a treat. The medieval old town is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the cutest places around. Kotor is also a very romantic destination, so this is the perfect day trip if you’re travelling with your partner. I guess it’s because of all the picturesque town squares and the narrow cobblestone streets in the old town.

There are only a couple of small stone beaches in Kotor itself, but you can always head to nearby villages like Orahovac and Ljuta, where you’ll find quieter spots to swim in turquoise water.

A tour of Kotor, Perast and Budva in Montenegro costs €75. This is a full-day small-group tour (9 to 11 hours) and includes a guide, hotel pickup and the ferry across the Bay of Kotor. The Kotor city tax and the boat to Our Lady of the Rocks are paid separately. This is usually a really good group tour to join.

By public transport: Around 2 hours by direct bus from Dubrovnik Bus Station to Kotor Bus Station. Božur runs a direct service, with other operators such as Jadran Ekspres also running cross-border buses depending on the date.
By car: About 2 hours from Dubrovnik without border delays.

Lokrum, Croatia

If you want to escape Dubrovnik without spending half the day travelling, jump on a boat to Lokrum. The island sits just off the Old Town and feels a world away once you’re wandering through the pine forest.

There are walking trails, a botanical garden full of peacocks, rocky swimming spots, a little saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea and the remains of a Benedictine monastery to explore. You can also climb up to Fort Royal for some brilliant views back towards Dubrovnik and the Adriatic.

For me, the big appeal is how easy it is. You don’t need a tour or a car and you can be on the island within minutes of leaving the Old Town. The ferry runs from April to October, and a ticket costs around €28, which covers the return boat and entry to the nature reserve. Just remember you can’t stay overnight on the island. It’s a really good option if you only have a short amount of time in Dubrovnik but still want a little island escape.

By public transport: Around 15 minutes by the direct Lokrum ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbour.
By car: You can’t drive on Lokrum, so park in Dubrovnik and take the ferry across.

Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina

It’s not exactly a secret anymore, but Kravice Waterfalls is one of the best waterfalls in the Balkans. One of the reasons these waterfalls are so great is that you can swim at them. Unfortunately, swimming isn’t allowed at either Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park. That’s why it’s worth making the journey to Kravice.

Another bonus of visiting Kravice over Plitvice and Krka is that there aren’t as many tourists here. You’ll see a fraction of the crowds you get at Croatia’s best-known waterfalls. On a warm summer’s day, there’s nothing better than going for a dip in the cooling pools and admiring the forest that surrounds you.

A tour of Kravice Waterfalls and Mostar costs from €30. This is for a full-day tour and includes a guide, transfers and the entrance fee to the falls.

By public transport: There is no direct bus to Kravice Waterfalls. You can take a scheduled bus from Dubrovnik towards Čapljina, then arrange a taxi for the final 12 km to the falls, but the connections make this much less straightforward than a tour.
By car: About 2 hours from Dubrovnik, depending on traffic and the border crossing.

Korčula, Croatia

Hop on a two-hour catamaran ride from Dubrovnik and you’ll find the beautiful island of Korčula. This is said to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo, and you can even visit the house where locals believe he was born. Steeped in history, the medieval walled town is well worth visiting. From St Mark’s Cathedral to other historical buildings and monuments, there are so many cultural hotspots to visit in the Old Town.

However, the main attractions on the island are the peaceful bays where you can spend a whole day swimming in the beautiful Adriatic Sea. I also like the picturesque countryside here, which is dotted with vineyards, pine trees and olive trees. You can even pop into a couple of the vineyards for wine tasting too, which I highly recommend!

A tour of Korčula and the Pelješac Peninsula costs from around €70. This is a full-day small-group tour and includes a guide, transfers, the return boat to Korčula, a stop in Ston, lunch and wine tasting.

By public transport: Around 2 hours by direct catamaran from Dubrovnik with Krilo or TP Line, depending on the season.
By car: About 2 hours to Orebić, then around 20 minutes on the Jadrolinija car ferry to Dominče on Korčula.

Island of Mljet, Croatia

A visit to the island of Mljet is without a doubt one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik. I mean, just look at how beautiful it is! Easily reached by catamaran, Mljet is a quiet, green island that offers a peaceful getaway from the busy streets of Dubrovnik. It’s a great place for travellers who like nature and long walks.

Mljet is also home to some gorgeous beaches, including the sandy bays at Saplunara at the island’s southern tip. There are no big resorts here, just a handful of small villages, so even in summer it never feels as busy as the mainland.

The biggest draw here is Mljet National Park, built around two saltwater lakes, Veliko jezero and Malo jezero (the Big Lake and the Small Lake). In the middle of the big lake there’s a tiny island with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. I recommend renting a bike and exploring this lovely national park.

By public transport: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes by direct TP Line catamaran from Dubrovnik to Sobra, or about 1 hour 15 minutes with Krilo to Pomena in summer.
By car: About 2 hours via Prapratno and the Jadrolinija car ferry to Sobra. There is no direct car ferry from Dubrovnik.

Cavtat, Croatia

For a more relaxed day out, I recommend paying a visit to the lovely town of Cavtat. It’s just a 20-minute drive southeast of Dubrovnik and boasts a charming old town with cobbled streets and plenty of historical buildings. Check out the Rector’s Palace, explore the Račić Mausoleum designed by Ivan Meštrović, and admire St Nicholas Church while wandering the streets of Cavtat.

On the waterfront, expect to find dozens of cute cafés and restaurants where you can stop for lunch. And if you want to go sunbathing, there are a few pebble beaches around the peninsula that are ideal for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding too.

Cavtat is one of those very Croatian towns where the pace of life is a lot slower, so it’s perfect for a day trip to kick back and relax. It’s also much less hectic than Dubrovnik’s Old Town, so that’s a plus too.

By public transport: Around 30 to 40 minutes by Libertas bus line 10 from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. In summer, there are also boats from Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbour.
By car: About 20 to 25 minutes from Dubrovnik, depending on traffic.

Budva, Montenegro

If you’re in party mode, Budva in Montenegro is the place you’ll want to visit. With plenty of nightclubs and bars to choose from, this city is well known for its vibrant nightlife. There are also nice beaches where you can relax during the day and sweat off that hangover.

Thanks to its old town, Budva is also a good destination for travellers who are interested in history and culture. This part of the city is not that large, but once you step inside these walls, it will feel like travelling back in time. Explore the cute narrow streets of this pedestrian-only area and buy some souvenirs from the locals.

A tour of Kotor, Perast and Budva in Montenegro costs €75. This is a full-day small-group tour and includes a guide, hotel pickup and the ferry across the Bay of Kotor. This is usually a really good group tour to join.

By public transport: Around 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours by direct bus from Dubrovnik Bus Station to Budva. Services are run by companies including Božur, Jadran Ekspres and Croatia Bus/Globtour depending on the date.
By car: About 2 hours 20 minutes from Dubrovnik without border delays.

Ston, Croatia

As far as Dubrovnik tours go, this one is right up there. A truly hidden gem, the little town of Ston sits right at the start of the Pelješac Peninsula. It’s famous for the Walls of Ston, which stretch for more than 5 km over the hills and are among the longest defensive walls in Europe. You can walk a big section of them and visit the Veliki Kaštio fortress, and there are a couple of nice vineyards worth checking out nearby too.

The medieval town centre looks amazing, while the cute village of Mali Ston is just a short walk away along the walls. Ston is a great place to enjoy some fresh seafood, as the area is famed for its flat oysters and mussels.

A tour of Ston costs from around €130. This is a half-day tour and includes a boat ride around Mali Ston Bay, an oyster and mussel tasting, wine tasting, a guide and transfers. This is a really good tour for small groups.

By public transport: Around 45 to 55 minutes by direct bus from Dubrovnik Bus Station to Ston, with Libertas line 15 and FlixBus services available. Libertas only runs a few buses a day and not on Sundays, so check the timetable first.
By car: About 55 minutes from Dubrovnik along the D8 coast road.

Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia

Since I’m crazy about food and wine, a day trip from Dubrovnik to the Pelješac Peninsula is always a must for me. This is the largest peninsula in Dalmatia and one of the best wine regions in the country, famous for its Dingač and Postup reds. Go to Matuško Winery or Miloš Winery to sample some of the finest wines Croatia has to offer.

Don’t get me started on the food here. From shellfish and oysters to cheese plates and prosciutto, every bite you take is just delicious. As for the beaches, they’re spectacular in every way. Explore the hidden coves, book a boat trip and go scuba diving, or have a refreshing cocktail at one of the laid-back beach bars.

By public transport: Around 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes by bus to Orebić with Arriva or Libertas line 21. Services are limited, so check the timetable carefully before planning a full day on the peninsula.
By car: About 2 hours to Orebić, with Ston and the wineries along the way depending on where you want to go.

Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you’re looking for an alternative day trip from Dubrovnik then this might be the one for you. Medjugorje is one of the biggest Catholic pilgrimage sites in Europe. In 1981, six local children said the Virgin Mary appeared to them on a hillside here, and people have been flocking here on pilgrimage ever since. In 2024, the Vatican officially approved pilgrimages and devotion at Medjugorje.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re religious or not, the peace and tranquillity at Medjugorje is all around. It really is a stunning spot to visit and as I said, it’s a very different type of trip.

A tour of Medjugorje costs from around €115. This is a full-day small-group tour and includes time to climb Apparition Hill, where the visionaries say Mary first appeared.

By public transport: Around 4 hours by direct Croatia Bus or Globtour bus from Dubrovnik to Medjugorje. There are only a few departures a week, so a tour is much easier for a day trip.
By car: About 2 hours 15 minutes from Dubrovnik, depending on traffic and the border crossing.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Had enough of beach time and being lazy on a sunbed? Next on my list of Dubrovnik day trips is Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for its troubled past, this remarkable city offers enough attractions and activities to keep you entertained for a week. A day trip here will give you a really good taster of what the city is like though.

Visit the old bazaar, also known as Baščaršija. Here you’ll have the chance to try the traditional dish ćevapi. They’re small grilled sausages of minced meat, served in somun flatbread with chopped raw onion. It’s the most famous dish you can get in Bosnia and they are delicious.

Just be warned, it’s a long way to go in one day. If you can, I’d honestly stay at least one night so you’re not spending most of your time on the road.

By public transport: Around 5 hours 40 minutes by direct bus from Dubrovnik Bus Station to Sarajevo, with usually just one departure a day.
By car: About 3 hours 50 minutes from Dubrovnik, without lengthy stops or border delays.

Trogir, Croatia

Located about 27 km west of Split, Trogir is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dalmatia, and its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk down the picturesque sea promenade, admire the Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, and try local seafood specialities at one of the waterfront restaurants.

There are no beaches in the centre of the town, but Medena beach in the nearby village of Seget Donji is quite amazing. No visit to Trogir is complete without checking out Čiovo Island, which is just across the bridge from the old town.

I really like Trogir though. It’s very chilled, very quiet, very easy going. It’s one of those places where you order a beer in the main square, watch the world go by, and all of a sudden hours have passed. It is a long drive from Dubrovnik though, so it works best if you’re heading up the coast towards Split anyway.

By public transport: Around 5 hours 15 minutes by bus from Dubrovnik to Split, followed by a local bus to Trogir. Arriva and FlixBus both run the Dubrovnik–Split route, and local services include Promet Split line 37.
By car: About 3 hours 15 minutes from Dubrovnik, depending on traffic.

Which of these Dubrovnik day trips would you go on? I’d love to know what you’ve got planned for your trip to Croatia, so let me know in the comments below!

Thinking of going to Montenegro? Then check out my detailed guide on travelling from Dubrovnik to Montenegro to help plan your trip!

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