Last updated on February 25th, 2026 at 09:42 pm
If you’re staying in Dubrovnik for a few days, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful places to explore nearby. From island hopping and coastal towns to cultural gems just over the border, this guide covers the best day trips from Dubrovnik for an unforgettable Adriatic escape!
In all my travels to Dubrovnik, one of the things I love the most is the fantastic location; it never gets boring! There are so many interesting and beautiful places to explore for the day or even just for the morning and if you’re visiting for the first time, some of these spots really make your itinerary!
I’ve created this Dubrovnik day trip guide out of some truly memorable experiences from the best private Elaphiti Island boat trip to one of Croatia’s most stunning National Parks – on an island, these are just two of the most rewarding places to visit from Dubrovnik!
So whether you have a full-day or even half a day spare, I encourage you to get out of the Dubrovnik old town bubble and explore some gorgeous nearby gems – here’s my pick of the best day trips from Dubrovnik!
Best Day Trips From Dubrovnik (Quick Picks)!
These are also some of the most beautiful places to visit from Dubrovnik, whether you’re planning a short break or a longer Croatia itinerary.
- Elaphiti Islands – idyllic island hopping, swimming spots & lunch at BOWA
- Mljet National Park – lakes, hiking trails & unspoiled nature
- Kotor Bay – dramatic scenery & medieval towns in one day
- Mostar Bridge – heritage, history & waterfall scenery!
Scroll on for practical tips, travel times, and the best ways to visit each one!
1. Elafiti Islands (Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep)
The Elafiti islands are one of the most popular Island day trips from Dubrovnik – and for good reason. This small group of islands Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep offers car-free villages, beaches and crystal-clear waters – and among them are lovely landscapes and the type of restaurants you swoon over!
I hopped around the islands on a private boat trip from Dubrovnik town harbour, which is the best way uncover the island’s secrets, away from the tourist trail! You can plan the perfect itinerary to match your interests with the skipper, which is exactly what we did for a super day – visiting places only accessible by boat!
Some of the highlights include visiting an authentic village and swimming in a magical Blue Cave. We also opted for wine tasting and organised a lunch at dreamy BOWA, a secluded boho-chic over-water restaurant with cabanas – a fantastic experience (only reachable by boat)!
If you only have a day to spare and you want to explore more than one spot, Island-hopping is the day trip to focus on!
How To Get There
For the best experience, I recommend a small-group or private boat tour, which lets you visit multiple islands, swim in hidden coves and explore the Blue Cave in one day. We chose a full-day private speedboat tour including Šipan, Lopud and wine tasting at BOWA – and it was one of the highlights of our trip!
Check availability & book the private Elaphiti Island boat trip here!
2. Mljet National Park
Mljet National Park is one of the best places to visit from Dubrovnik for nature lovers with lush turquoise lakes, a serene atmosphere, island scenery and walking trails, it’s a really special area and the only place like it in Croatia!
I love this day trip from Dubrovnik, Mljet is just a totally different vibe altogether, the island is 75% parkland and sort of flies under the tourist radar in Dalmatia, but it’s full of surprises, you can visit the Monastery in the middle of the lake, hire bikes, kayak around the bays or visit beaches!
At nearly 5,400 hectares of land, you can’t hope to see it all, but with a guided boat trip, you’ll certainly be able visit the main highlights and a few gems! It allows you to easily zip around the bays to the must-see Saplunara Beach and the Odysseus Cave, set amongst a stunning rocky landscape, explore the turquoise lakes and even stop by smaller uninhabited islands along the way!
I recommend Mljet if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience; even the lovely walks along the chalky turquoise shoreline are worth it alone in my opinion – just see the image above!
How To Get There
For a stress-free day, I recommend booking a guided full-day boat tour from Dubrovnik, which includes return transport, entrance to Mljet National Park and time to explore the beaches, salt lakes and St. Mary’s Island. It’s the easiest way to see the highlights in one day – and ideal if you’re short on time.
Check availability & book the best Mljet Island day tour here!
3. Cavtat Bay
Cavtat is one of the loveliest nearby destinations from Dubrovnik, a coastal village just 35 minutes from the old town harbour, it truly captivates with its Adriatic heritage charm, beautiful waterfront and relaxed vibe!
I’ve taken a Cavtat day trip many times, it’s one of my favourite places to escape to, I love the mini Riva – similar to Split and Trogir, with a scenic palm-tree lined promenade, yachts and classy restaurant terraces to enjoy a wonderful lunch – La Boheme is a great spot!
A coastal walk from the Riva takes you around the bay to small rock and pebble beaches for clear water swimming and relaxing, along the way, you can head up to the Mausoleum for a cracking view over the whole of Cavtat (see the above picture)!
Cavtat is perfect if you want something relaxed, easy to get to and half-day friendly, especially if you have morning plans in Dubrovnik Old Town!
How To Get There
• Boat taxi from Dubrovnik Old Town Harbour (most scenic & convenient)
• Local bus from Pile Gate (budget-friendly)
• Taxi or Uber (fastest door-to-door option)
Take the boat taxi from the Old Town harbour – it’s the most special way to arrive, cruising along the coastline with views of the city walls fading into the distance. The journey takes around 45 minutes and drops you right in Cavtat’s pretty harbour, just steps from the waterfront terraces.
I have detailed all my Cavtat tips in this full Dubrovnik to Cavtat day trip guide!
4. Korčula Island
Korcula is a beautiful Island and one of my top three Croatian Islands, that I visit on rotation, the vineyards, mountains, heritage town and little offshore islands are an irresistible combination, this island is very ‘grown up’ and sophisticated!
While I always recommend three or four days in Korcula, if you’re really pushed for time and want to explore the top things to do in Korcula, including wine-tasing in Vitis Vineyard, day trips from Dubrovnik to Korcula can be organised and you’ll see more coastal scenery along the way!
The journey is around two hours each way, so it is one of the furthest day trips from Dubrovnik, but it will be worth it when you see the charming cobbled town and stop for lunch along the gorgeous water’s edge, surrounded by Venetian buildings and mountain scenery – I was blown away when I first saw this scene!
How To Get There
For a seamless day trip, I recommend booking a full-day guided tour to Korčula from Dubrovnik, which includes transport, a walking tour of the Old Town and free time to explore or enjoy lunch by the harbour. It’s the easiest way to experience the island in one day – without worrying about ferry schedules or logistics.
Check availability and book the best Korčula day tour here!
5. LOKRUM ISLAND
Lokrum is one of the easiest places to visit from Dubrovnik, it’s the dazzling green island you can see from the old town’s ancient walls – and almost every sea-facing terrace, you can’t miss it!
At the island, there are some rocky areas to sunbathe and swim, walking trails, a cactus garden to wander, links to the Game of Thrones – if you’re into it, and the ancient ruins of Benedictine Monastery to explore and as Lokrum is tiny, it will take you only a couple of hours to see it all!
I’ve stopped for lunch at the Eden Garden restaurant on two occasions and recommend it for a light bite or glass of wine on the oasis-like terrace in the middle of the island – with roaming peacocks by your feet and the occasional rabbit!
It’s a brilliant option to add to your Dubrovnik itinerary, if you’re short on time, want something flexible, or are travelling with people who have different interests!
How To Get There
Take the regular shuttle ferry from the Old Town harbour, which runs frequently in season and reaches Lokrum in just 10–15 minutes. It’s quick, affordable and drops you right at the island’s main entrance – perfect for a relaxed half-day escape.
Tip! If you only have a half-day spare, check out my complete list of fantastic boat trips from Dubrovnik, which includes island-hopping, beautiful sunset tours and more!
6. Montenegro (Kotor, Perast & Bay of Kotor)
Kotor is the best thing to see in Montenegro and on this day trip from Dubrovnik you get the chance to visit and be amongst jaw-dropping scenery – I can’t recommend it enough, the coastal drive from Dubrovnik old town is spectacular!
When I first set foot into Montenegro, I couldn’t believe my eyes, the mountains and lakes are incredible (see above image!) and while I stopped for three nights and recommend a longer stay, if you really want to visit Kotor and the surrounds in a day, it’s possible – with a private Montenegro tour!
A tour will typically take you to the best spots, including Kotor Bay, where you can walk up to the viewpoint – a real highlight, stroll through the ancient town, visit the picturesque village of Perast and take a short boat ride to the Lady of the Rocks!
Even though this day trip from Dubrovnik is one of the longest, I think it’s worth it for the scenic landscapes alone. If you liked Dubrovnik – you will love Kotor!
How To Get There
For the best experience, I suggest booking a full-day guided tour to Montenegro from Dubrovnik. If you’re travelling as a group of three or more, a private tour offers the best value and flexibility, with a custom pace and hotel pickup. Otherwise, a small group tour is a great option for solo travellers or couples who want a stress-free way to see Kotor and Perast in one day.
Check availability for Montenegro day tours from Dubrovnik here!
7. Bosnia & Herzegovina (Mostar + Kravice Waterfalls)
Historic Mostar Bridge in Bosnia is one of the best excursions from Dubrovnik for history lovers, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture, heritage, food, and natural beauty this country is known for – including waterfalls!
Visiting Mostar Bridge takes you two hours inland from Dubrovnik, it’s Bosnia’s most famous historic landmark and one of the most popular places to visit from Dubrovnik by tour, which often includes a stop by Kravice waterfalls, consisting of 20 separate falls – and you can swim there too!
It’s one of those spots where a guided tour comes in incredibly useful for accessing bustling Mostar, navigating the border crossing and pointing out the best places to eat, drink potent coffee, take photos and learn a bit about the turbulent past of the area!
If you love history and want to tick off a must-see in another country, then a day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar Bridge is well worth looking into – if you can spare the 10+ hours!
How To Get There
The easiest and most rewarding way to visit is by booking a full-day guided tour to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls from Dubrovnik, which includes transport, border assistance and time to explore both the iconic Old Bridge and the waterfalls in one seamless day. It’s perfect if you want to experience Bosnia & Herzegovina’s highlights without the hassle of planning logistics!
Check availability & book the Mostar & Kravice Falls day tour here!
TIPS FOR PLANNING DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK
When To Visit
For the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, May to June or September to October are the best months to visit Dubrovnik, which skips July and August – the hottest and busiest months.
Best Time To Book
Popular trips like Mostar Bridge and island-hopping tours sell out quickly in summer. Pre-booking saves hassle – at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Book your day trip today!
Booking Tours VS DIY
Organised tours are the easiest for longer distances and multi-faceted trips (no parking, no stress, guides included) and are essential for the islands. A rental car gives you flexibility and a sense of freedom, if you’re brave enough, while some destinations like Cavtat and Lokrum are best reached by boat taxi!
Hiring A Car In Dubrovnik
If you need car hire in Dubrovnik, I recommend Discover Cars; they are reliable and compare rates for the best price! Car hire is economical in Croatia; however, parking near heritage towns needs some advance planning!
Check Tour Timings
Most of these trips are 8 -12 hours, especially cross-border ones. If you’re short on time, Cavtat, Lokrum or the Elafiti Islands are the easiest half-day options.
Pack The Essentials!
- Swimsuit, towel, water shoes (for rocky beaches),
- Sunscreen and water bottles.
- Passport – for Bosnia and Montenegro
- Cash & local currency (euros/marks)
- Phone charger for the longer days!
- Trainers for National Parks
DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK CROATIA: FAQ
Can you do day trips from Dubrovnik?
Yes! There’s plenty of places to visit from Dubrovnik. It’s an amazing base, surrounded by islands and history, including those of neighbouring countries! I recommend doing a day trip from Dubrovnik if you’re staying for 3-5 days, especially if it’s your first visit to Dubrovnik!
What are the best places to visit from Dubrovnik?
The best places to visit from Dubrovnik, Croatia, include the Elaphiti Islands, Mljet National Park and Cavtat. If you are looking for a mix of adventure, scenery and things to see, these destinations are ideal!
Can you do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?
Absolutely! Day trips from Dubrovnik to Montenegro are popular if you are short on time and really want to see Kotor, the village of Perast and scenery- that’s all you’ll really have time for! I normally recommend three days to explore Kotor Bay and the surrounding area!
Can you do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Korcula?
Yes, day trips from Dubrovnik to Korcula are very popular with the best locations being the walled old town and vineyards; they are a must-visit on this beautiful island. If you can, I recommend staying for a few nights, there’s lots of things to do in Korcula!
Can you do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Hvar?
No, a day trip from Dubrovnik to Hvar would not be worthwhile, as the journey takes around four hours one way, you will not see much at all given the timings. Hvar is a stunning island and is best explored over a few days!
Still planning your Dubrovnik itinerary?
Planning your trip to Dubrovnik? I’ve also shared a complete what to do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite restaurants, that pairs perfectly with my favourite day trips from Dubrovnik!
- Complete Guide To Dubrovnik – top tips & need to know for first time visitors!
- Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town – heritage sites, attractions & experiences!
- How To Spend 3 Days In Dubrovnik – top itinerary planning tips for Dubrovnik!
- Where To Stay In Dubrovnik – the best areas, boutique hotels & luxury stays!
- Boat Trips From Dubrovnik – islands, bays & coastal towns worth visiting!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!