During our trip to Croatia, we spent a few days taking some Dubrovnik day trips to discover this beautiful area a little further. If you have a few extra days in Dubrovnik, I highly recommend sticking around and exploring.
There were lots of things that surprised me about Croatia, and one happy surprise was that there is so much more to do than just the regular tourist destinations like Dubrovnik, Split, and Plitvice.
You should definitely spend time in Dubrovnik, it is incredible. It’s is a gorgeous medieval walled port city full of so many ancient architecture and walls, historical sites, and gorgeous ocean views. It’s known as a filming location for Game of Thrones, Star Wars, James Bond, and more.
The entire old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s absolutely worth spending some time here. But if you’re using it as your home base and want to see a little more of Croatia, here are some of my top suggestions for day trips from Dubrovnik.
Here's a Short Cut
1. Blue Cave on Koločep Island
The Blue Cave on Koločep Island is a beautiful spot near Dubrovnik. It’s way closer than the other, more famous, Blue Cave on the island of Biševo, making it a quick and easy day trip. You can take a short boat ride from Dubrovnik to Koločep and then swim or kayak into the cave. You can’t swim in the other Blue Cave. The water inside looks all glowy and blue, especially when the sun shines in. I recommend taking a half day private tour to the cave. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Dubrovnik.
- Distance from Dubrovnik:
- Guided Day Tour Option: Private Boat Half Day Tour
2. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Fancy a trip to another country? Mostar is one of the most popular Dubrovnik day trips. Just a few hours’ drive from Dubrovnik lies the picturesque town of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina. A blend of Ottoman, Western European, and Mediterranean styles. Mostar provides a unique cultural experience in the diverse Balkan region.
You can check out the Old Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Bazaar Kujundžiluk, a buzzing ancient marketplace where you can shop and eat, the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque for incredible views of the city, Biscevic House to experience a real 17th century Ottoman home, and see the War Photo Exhibition where you can see a somber exhibit offers insights into the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s.
You can take a guided day trip to Mostar if you’re not renting a car in Croatia. It’s an easy way to explore the city.
- Distance from Dubrovnik: 2.5-3 hour drive
- Guided Day Tour Option: Mostar & Kravica Waterfall Tour
- Currency used: Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM). Bring some cash, a lot of places don’t accept cards here.
- Border Crossing: There is a border crossing station to enter and exit Bosnia & Herzegovina. During peak season, plan extra time to get through the border.
3. Kotor, Montenegro
Want to visit even another country while you’re in Dubrovnik? Kotor, Montenegro is just a few hours drive south and worth visiting. This walled city is a another UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Venetian times. You can visit the Old Town in the heart of Kotor, climb the steps of the Fortifications and San Giovanni Fortress for great views of Kotor Bay, check out the Maritime Museum to learn about Kotor’s long naval history, visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral that dates back to the 12th century, visit Kotor Bay for a swim or a boat tour.
- Distance from Dubrovnik: 2.5-3 hour drive
- Guided Day Tour Option: Montenegro Day Trip
- Currency used: Montenegro uses the Euro, just like Croatia
- Border Crossing: You will need to go through a border crossing, so be sure to bring your passport and some patience if you’re visiting during peak season. Montenegro is not part of the European Union.
4. Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is a beautiful and fun tiny island just a short boat ride away from Dubrovnik. When there, you can see friendly peacocks and rabbits, swim in a small salt lake called the Dead Sea in the summer season, walk in a global garden, and enjoy views from an old fort. Remember to check boat times and maybe bring some snacks!
- Distance from Dubrovnik: About 15 minutes by boat.
5. Cavtat
One of the quickest day trips from Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a peaceful coastal town. It’s great for a day trip if you want to experience calm beaches, a scenic waterfront, charming streets, and historical sights, all without the big crowds of Dubrovnik.
- Distance from Dubrovnik: About 30 minutes by car
- Guided Day Tour Options:
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- Wine Tasting Catvat Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/dubrovnik-l513/from-dubrovnik-half-day-wine-tasting-and-cavtat-city-tour-t426023/?partner_id=67O18VU&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=DubrovnikDayTrips
- Catvat Jeep Safari: https://www.getyourguide.com/dubrovnik-l513/konavle-off-road-jeep-safari-tour-t104222/?partner_id=67O18VU&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=DubrovnikDayTrips
6. Ston
Ston is a unique little town not too far from Dubrovnik. Famous for its super long stone walls (like a mini Great Wall of China), it’s a cool place to visit. Besides the walls, Ston is known for delicious oysters and mussels, so it’s a treat for seafood lovers!
- Distance from Dubrovnik: About 1 hour by car
- Guided Day Tour Options: https://www.getyourguide.com/dubrovnik-l513/dubrovnik-county-city-walls-in-old-town-ston-sokol-fort-t496234/?partner_id=67O18VU&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=DubrovnikDayTrips
7. Elafiti Islands
The Elafiti Islands are a group of islands near Dubrovnik, Croatia. Perfect for a day trip, these islands offer beautiful beaches, clear waters, and peaceful nature spots. You can hop between the main islands – Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan – and enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and exploring little villages. You can check ferry times here.
- Distance from Dubrovnik: About a 30 minute boat ride
- Guided Day Tour Option: Elafiti Islands trip with lunch
8. Korkula Island
Korčula Island, near Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a gem with its charming old town, sandy beaches, and thick forests. Many people believe it’s the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. When visiting for a day, you can stroll through the historic streets, relax on the beaches, and try some tasty local food. Be sure to check out Korčula town.
- Distance from Dubrovnik: 2-3 hours by boat
- Guided Day Tour Option: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11018&awinaffid=631121&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.viator.com%2Ftours%2FDubrovnik%2FFull-Day-Trip-to-Korcula-Island-from-Dubrovnik%2Fd904-276759P11
Konavle is a beautiful region just a short drive from Dubrovnik. Nestled between mountains and the sea, it’s a place where you can experience traditional Croatian countryside life. With green fields, old mills, and cozy restaurants, it’s a refreshing break from busy city vibes.
- Distance from Dubrovnik: About 30 minutes by car
- Guided Day Tour Option: https://www.getyourguide.com/dubrovnik-l513/konavle-valley-private-half-day-tour-with-wine-tasting-t65900/?partner_id=67O18VU&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=DubrovnikDayTrips
10. Kravica Waterfalls
Kravica Waterfalls are a stunning natural wonder, a bit of a drive from Dubrovnik, Croatia. Discover this big, natural water park where water splashes down from tall rocks into a cool, refreshing pool. It’s a fantastic spot to swim, relax, and take awesome photos, especially during hot summer days. It’s a good alternative to Plitvice Lakes National Park if you actually want to swim (no swimming allowed in Plitvice).
- Distance from Dubrovnik: About 3 hours by car
- Guided Day Tour Option: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=11018&awinaffid=631121&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.viator.com%2Ftours%2FDubrovnik%2FKravice-Waterfalls-Mostar-and-Pocitelj-Day-Tour-from-Dubrovnik-With-All-Entrance-Fees-Included%2Fd904-5562P163
Bonus: Trsteno Arboretum
Trsteno Arboretum is like a big, beautiful outdoor plant museum near Dubrovnik. It’s full of trees and plants from all over the world, set in gardens that look out over the sea. If you’re a “Game of Thrones” fan, you might recognize some spots because parts of the show were filmed here!
- Distance from Dubrovnik: About 30 minutes by car
You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to day trips from Dubrovnik. The hard part will be narrowing them down and choosing just a few.
