The 6 Best Day Trips To Take From Dubrovnik - Updated 2024

The 6 Best Day Trips To Take From Dubrovnik - Updated 2024
Verena
Verena 
Updated
| 7 min read

As one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Mediterranean Sea, Dubrovnik is easily the most commonly visited city in Croatia. With magnificent beaches and rich culture, it perfectly captures much of what the country has to offer. Yet, you can’t truly experience Croatia without seeing what there is outside of Dubrovnik.

No trip here would be complete without spending a day or two away from the city. From neighboring countries to nearby towns and islands, you can expand your adventures far beyond Dubrovnik. All you need is an extra day to visit any of the following places listed below:

1. Montenegro (from USD 66.0)

Given Dubrovnik’s close proximity to the borders of neighboring countries, why should your day trip be limited to Croatia? Conveniently located less than a 1-hour drive (40 kilometers / 25 miles) away from Dubrovnik, Montenegro makes for a great day trip from Dubrovnik.

Translating to ‘Black Mountain’, Montenegro is a small country on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. With numerous sights and beautiful scenery to offer, it is the perfect getaway from the more tourist-prone Croatia.

If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to rent a car and make your own way down. But if you would rather play it safe, join a tour with Viator! Starting with a drive down the Dubrovnik Riviera, the tour gives you a chance to admire the surreal coastal views. You will also get to learn about the history and culture of Croatia.

Discover the rural Montenegrin life as the minivan takes you through the villages of Montenegro. From the Adriatic Coast to the Bay of Kotor, expect to be greeted with infinite miles of coastline overlooking turquoise waters. Besides exploring the old town of Perast along the bay, you also have the option to take a boat ride out to Our Lady of the Rocks Island. Despite the additional cost, this is a must-see in Montenegro you wouldn’t want to miss.

The trip is followed by a walking tour of Kotor, one of the most appealing towns in the country with its historical cobbled streets. Continue on with a drive further down the coast until you reach Sveti Stefan, a medieval fishing village, and Budva, the famous walled city by the sea and the heart of Montenegrin tourism. And after a long day of discovering Montenegro, you will end the tour with a relaxing boat ride across the bay and drive back to Dubrovnik.

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Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik

Duration: 11 to 12 hours

1729 reviews

2. Bosnia and Herzegovina (from USD 60.0)

Just like Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina is another country close enough to Dubrovnik for a day trip. Because of its close proximity, you can easily visit several cities and towns in just one day. Although the border is only a 25-minute drive (15 kilometers / 10 miles) from Dubrovnik, it will take just over an hour to reach the nearest town of Neum.

With much to offer, this trip is a must-do if you find yourself with spare time in Dubrovnik. Not only is it an unforgettable experience, but you can also boast of your travels to this less-visited country.

While you are free to roam Bosnia and Herzegovina on your own, joining a tour will make your day a lot easier with a full itinerary planned out for you already. The first stop of the tour is Neum, the country’s only coastal town. Along the way, you are guaranteed surreal views of the Adriatic coastline that will be ingrained in your mind forever.

The tour follows with a visit to Pocitelj, a UNESCO Heritage Site with many historical attractions, and Medjugorje, a famous spot for Catholic pilgrimage. End the day with a visit to Mostar, the most important city with The Old Bridge, a renowned and iconic landmark in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There is no better way to explore all that the country has to offer. From coastlines and ancient sites to religious points and world-famous attractions, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a suitable day-trip destination for any traveller. However, expect to only spend around 1 - 2 hours at each stop.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina in One Day: Mostar from Dubrovnik

Duration: 11 hours

746 reviews

3. Split (from USD 259.0)

Split, Croatia
Source: Photo by user Yoko used under CC BY-SA 2.0

As the second-largest city in Croatia after Dubrovnik, Split is a must-visit for any trip to Croatia. Even if you can’t afford to spend a couple days there, its location, just a 3-hour drive (140 miles / 229 kilometers) up the coast from Dubrovnik, makes it doable for a day trip.

As one of the oldest cities in the country, Split is as much a historical town as it is a beach resort. Overlooking the jewel-toned blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, you will not find a town quite as charming as Split.

If you join a tour, your guide will educate you about the history of Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast on the drive from Dubrovnik to Split. After sitting in a minivan for three hours, stretch your legs on the 1.5-hour walking tour of the city. You will be taken to some of Split’s most famous attractions, such as Dioclean’s Palace and the Riva Promenade.

If you’re a fan of the HBO television series ‘Game of Thrones’, you can also look forward to visiting some spots where the show was filmed. After the tour, you are given 3 hours of free time to stroll around the town on your own. Feel free to just wander the streets; the city holds so much history that you can witness at every turn. Don’t forget to also grab something to eat; lunch is not provided.

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From Dubrovnik to Split Day Trip with Expert Guide

Duration: 11 hours

49 reviews

4. Ston and Korcula Island (From 60 USD)

Ston and Korcula Island are two towns north of Dubrovnik, each with lots of historical significance that make them worth a visit. While Ston is famous for having one of the longest medieval walls in Europe and fresh oysters, Korcula Island is known for its winery and rumored to be the former home of Marco Polo.

Viator’s tour starts with a stop on a bridge that serves as a great viewpoint for panoramic views of the port of Gruz. Don’t forget to look out the window on your drive to Ston and admire the seaside villages you will drive by.

Upon arrival in Ston, your guide will introduce the history of the town and its renowned long walls. You will also be given time to stroll around, a great chance for you to enjoy the countryside and experience a different side of Croatia. Claiming to have the best oysters in Europe, you cannot miss out on a delicious oyster lunch here. Although it is at your own expense, you will understand why these oysters are worth every penny once you have a taste.

From there, you will board a boat to ride across the Adriatic Sea to Korcula Island. After spending some time strolling through the narrow lanes of this walled town, you will be taken to Potomje, home to one of the most renowned wineries on the Dalmatian Coast. You will be given a tour of the estate and sample tastings of the local wine before you head back to Dubrovnik.

Viator: Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with wine tasting

Address: Pick-up from hotel in Dubrovnik

Duration: Around 11.5 hours

Price: From 60 USD

Contact: +1-702-648-5873

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5. Elaphite Islands (from USD 55.0)

Houses of Sipan Island (5968259928)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alex Proimos used under CC BY 2.0

An archipelago of islands in the Adriatic Sea, the Elaphite Islands are known for their luscious Mediterranean vegetation. With pristine beaches and breathtaking scenery, they are a popular tourist destination during the summer. For those interested in island-hopping, Sipan, Lopud, and Kolocep are the 3 main islands you should definitely visit.

Viator offers a tour that takes you to all three islands in one day. Traveling by boat on the Adriatic Sea for most of the day, you will get an ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is the perfect way to explore the Adriatic Sea and discover all the hidden corners it has to offer.

Each island has its own unique attractions. At Kolocep island, you can kick off the trip with a refreshing swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters, or sunbathe on the white sandy beach. The tour is followed by a stop at Sipan island, where you can explore the historical Renaissance buildings, and finally Lopud island, where you can discover its long-standing naval traditions.

Unlike the other tours listed above, this one has a buffet lunch provided on the boat. It is an all-inclusive package that ensures you have a fun and stress-free day. There is even a bar on the boat, where you can grab drinks at any time to cool down from the sun. You will truly feel like you’re in paradise in the middle of the sea.

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Elaphite Islands Cruise from Dubrovnik by Karaka

Duration: 7 to 8 hours

448 reviews

6. Mljet (from USD 114.0)

Sobra Mljet
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

As one of the many islands along the Dalmatian Coast, Mljet is the ideal spot to visit if you wish to explore another part of Croatia. Measuring 23 miles (37 kilometers) long, Mljet is a nearby and convenient place to visit on a day trip from Dubrovnik.

With Viator’s full day tour, you are guaranteed the best Dalmatian island experience you could possibly imagine. The trip begins with a catamaran ride from the port of Gruz to Mljet. Along the way, you can learn more about the history and culture of Croatia. Surrounded by the natural beauty of deep blue waters, you will be taken into a momentary paradise, cruising on the Adriatic Sea.

Once there, you will be given a chance to stroll along the hiking trails of Mljet National Park, find out more about the island’s history, and take a boat ride around the two lakes (i.e. Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero) on the island. The tour follows with another boat ride to the island of St. Mary, where you can explore the astounding 800-year-old Benedictine monastery. There is no better way to discover this island than by boat.

Free time will also be given if you wish to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Adriatic Sea, or enjoy a stroll around the island by yourself for a while. This relaxing journey will end by late afternoon, giving you ample time to hang around Dubrovnik for the rest of the night.


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Mljet National Park Day Trip from Dubrovnik, Entrance Fees Included

Duration: 11 hours

59 reviews

Beyond the borders of Croatia

What makes Dubrovnik different from other cities is that it is relatively close to both of Croatia’s neighboring countries. In other words, it is the perfect base for you to explore beyond the borders of Croatia. Why not make the most out of your trip and spend a day visiting another country? Be it Montenegro or Bosnia and Herzegovina, both countries are close enough for a day trip. But, if you would rather stay in Croatia and spend more time exploring other parts, you have just as many options to do that too. Between the renowned city of Split and the numerous islands of the Dalmatian Coast, you will be able to discover every corner of Croatia and have an adventure you will never forget.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Verena is currently a journalism student in New York City. Having to move around a lot throughout her childhood triggered her passion for traveling at a young age. She believes that exploring new...Read more

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