Day Trips from Dubrovnik

Lokrum Island is just a short distance from Dubrovnik and can be viewed from the city’s famous walls. If you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure you can visit by joining a kayak tour that paddles the .35 nautical miles to the uninhabited island, or for a more relaxed excursion, hop on the ferry for the short, 10-minute ride. There are lots of things to do once you get there, including idyllic beaches for sunbathing and swimming; you can also swim in the iconic ‘Dead Sea’, a natural saltwater lake. You might relax while watching the cliff jumpers leap into the clear blue waters, visit the Benedictine abbey and monastery, or explore the exotic gardens with over 500 different plants from around the world. Keep an eye out for the free-roaming rabbits and peacocks in the large national reserve too.

Located just southeast of Croatia, the country of Montenegro is easy to visit from Dubrovnik with two of the top spots less than a two-hour drive away. Kotor, nestled in a secluded part of the fjord-like Bay is encircled by medieval walls and backed by soaring mountains, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town full of interesting sights. Wander the polished cobblestone streets to see its historic churches, palaces, and stone homes. Highlights include the Clock Tower, Pima Palace, and St. John’s Fortress. The nearby town of Perast is one of the most picturesque along the bay. The top attraction is the man-made islet, Our Lady of the Rocks. Accessed via a short boat ride, topped by a museum and a lovely church.

Less than 40 miles from Dubrovnik lies the small village of Ston on the Peljesac Peninsula. It’s famous for its walls, Europe’s longest and the second longest in the world, spanning nearly 3.5 miles. Dating back to the 14th century, visitors can walk atop them just like Dubrovnik’s walls, for a panoramic view of the spectacular landscape below, including what’s believed to be the Mediterranean’s oldest salt pans, used for 4,000 years. Ston is also renowned for its oysters. Grown in the bay of Mali Ston with its unique mix of saltwater and freshwater, they’re said to be some of the world’s most mouthwatering. Tours are available that reveal more about them and how they are harvested, with samples included.

A visit to Mostar brings the chance to explore another country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, roughly 2.5 hours north of Dubrovnik. The historic village was developed as an Ottoman frontier town in the 15th and 16th centuries and sits in a deep valley with the Neretva River running through. The Stari Most Bridge has become one of the city’s most iconic symbols, made with shiny white stone and refined minarets, crossing the stunning turquoise water. Visitors can watch daring locals joyfully leap off the old bridge, one of the many remnants of the Ottoman’s long control of the region. It’s also possible to see reminders of the town’s brutal past, including the 1990s conflict with bullet hole-laden walls.

Located just off the Dalmatian coast about an hour by ferry from Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands include three inhabited islands: Sipan, Lopud, and Kolocep. All but Sipan are car-free, with lots of unspoiled nature, including pebble and sandy beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and kayaking. If you visit Lopud, you can hike to the top of its highest hill where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view over the archipelago and the chance to explore the ruins of a 16th-century Spanish fort. Sipan is incredibly atmospheric, home to a 16th-century Renaissance castle. Kolocep offers pristine sandy beaches, scenic trails that wind through pine forests, and eateries serving world-class seafood.

The coastal town of Cavtat is less than a half-hour’s drive from Dubrovnik. It’s an ideal place to escape the crowds in the city and enjoy a relaxed vibe, which includes a picturesque seafront promenade ideal for tranquil strolls. There are several cultural and historical attractions, including the Vlaho Bukovac House. The childhood home of the Croatian painter, it now serves as a museum. Near the picturesque harbor is the Renaissance Rector’s Palace which displays 19th-century scientist Baltazar Bogisic’s manuscript collection. Nearby is the Baroque-style St. Nicholas Church where you can marble at impressive artwork and wooden altars. The 15th-century Franciscan monastery and church also hosts notable early Renaissance paintings with concerts regularly held in its cloister.

Mljet Island is one of the most popular stops on an island-hopping Croatia cruise, but it’s also easily visited from Dubrovnik on any type of Croatia vacation. Known as the country’s greenest island, much of it is covered in dense forest, while Mljet National Park makes up nearly a third. Its star attractions are two saltwater lakes in vibrant shades of blues and greens. Great Lake (Veliko) has an islet in the middle with a 12th-century Benedictine abbey and church, accessed via a short boat ride. With small, idyllic beaches along the lake shores, one can enjoy sunbathing and swimming. Kayak rentals are available for paddling around or you might rent a bike to explore the park’s scenic paths.

Kravice waterfalls are a great stop on the way to Mostar, just south, providing one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik allowing visitors to explore two of the most popular destinations in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Some say the cascades are even more breathtaking than the famous falls in Plitvice Lakes National Park yet they’re much less visited as a mostly locals spot, providing a more serene experience without the grounds. This region along the Trebizat River abounds with waterfalls, streams, rapids, and even underground water. It’s a great place for a refreshing swim after a hike on the scenic trails. Afterward you’ll find cafes for alfresco dining with a view of the 82-foot-high falls.