Top 15 Dubrovnik Day Trips

Dubrovnik in Croatia is a beautiful destination and especially popular thanks to Game of Thrones. However, because it is so small and terribly crowded all year round, you might be tempted to flee the city pretty quickly. Don’t!

There are plenty of things to do outside of Dubrovnik Old Town, near and far. So to give you some ideas, here are Dubrovnik day trips you should mark in your Croatia itinerary.

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1. Split Day Trip

Split isn’t far from Dubrovnik and you can easily see it in a day. There are plenty of things to do in Split, such as bathing at Bacvice Beach in Split (get there early, it’s crowded), marvel at Croatian art in the Ivan Meštrović Gallery or viewing the Adriatic sunset from Marjan Hill.

Split is a popular beach destination in Croatia and you can see why once you head down to the Riva waterfront. It is super chill, there is great food and wine abound. And the sunsets are breathtaking!

Take a walk around the wonderfully preserved cobblestone streets and ancient Roman architecture to really soak in the atmosphere of this historic Croatian city.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Split

If you take the car, driving time is a little more than three hours. With such a relatively long driving time, it is recommended to start very early to make the most out of your Dubrovnik day trip.

Split isn’t big but there are a lot of things to see, museums to visit and beaches to relax at, staying overnight is your best bet.

Local buses operate between Split and Dubrovnik (and vice versa) multiple times throughout the day. Prices for this are around 123 HRK ($19) and the ride takes four hours. You can book it at the bus station or online.

There are no trains between the two Croatian destinations, but if you rather not be on a bus nor car, there’s the option for a ferry ride. This costs between $30 to $45 and roughly takes four and a half hours.



2. Kotor Day Trip

Why not cross country borders for your day trips from Dubrovnik? With the city being so strategically placed between Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, there are plenty of options. Start your Dubvronik trip with Kotor.

Like Dubvronik, Montenegro’s Kotor is a coastal town and has been a Mediterranean trade and harbor town. Thanks to the town’s outstanding architecture, it has been accepted into the UNESCO World Heritage register. Moreover, the bay is particularly scenic due to the surrounding mountains Orjen and Lovćen.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor

In case you are taking the rental car, the drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro’s Kotor takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Don’t forget your passport to be able to cross the border.

With the bus from Dubrovnik to Kotor, you should schedule in a little less than two hours. Prices can vary quite dramatically from $6 to $22. So you better book your ticket online in advance to secure the best option.



3. Medjugorje Day Trip

Medjugorje belongs to Bosnia and Herzegovina and has become world famous thanks to its Maria sightings. On the hill Podbrdo six local kids reported to have seen an apparaition of Holy Mary herself in June 1981.

As a result, up to one million Catholic pilgrims are visiting Medjugorje. Walking the streets of Medjugorje, you will be inundated with religious trinkets, as souvenirs or to strengthen your belief.

Follow the stalls and you will get to Saint James church, which offers religious programs and services. If you want to hike the “city between mountains” (literal translation of Medjugorje), you can see the two crosses on Križevac hill as well.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Medjugorje

If you rent a car, the driving time from Dubrovnik to Medjugorje is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You will easily be guided by road signs. Use google maps or the offline map app maps.me to get clear instructions so you won’t get lost anyway.

There are also public buses operating between Medjugorje and Dubvronik. You can book them online or at the bus station. The drive takes between three and four hours.



4. Mostar Day Trip

Another day trip from Dubrovnik to Bosnia and Herzegovina can take you to Mostar. Again, the driving time is two and a half hours. Mostar is an absolutely fascinating city.

It has mostly recovered from its brutal war torn past but the wounds are still wide and open and very much visible. Houses are left to fall apart, graffiti is covering apartment blocks with bullet holes. The Bosnian genocide during the Bosnian War (1992-1995) was the biggest war crime after WWII.

It is highly recommended to go on a day trip with a local guide to really get a sense of all of this. You’ll learn about the impact the fall of Communism in general and Jugoslavia in particular had on this small European country.

Locals seem still very much hopeless and resigned to a bleak future even though the country seems to be slowly recovering. Despite this, there is so much beauty and kindness to be found. A trip to Mostar is a history lesson everyone should experience.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Mostar

Driving time between Mostar and Dubrovnik takes over two hours in low traffic. With the bus, that can be over three hours. There are no direct trains operating.

If you are solo travelling like I was and want to see the best of Mostar on a tight schedule (and budget), I recommend booking a guided tour. You can choose a tour that includes all the best stops along the way, such as Pocitelj and Medjugorje. Check tour rates here.



5. Kravice Waterfalls Day Trip

Close to Medjugorje, you can find the wonderful Kravice Waterfalls. They aren’t even close in popularity to Plitvice Waterfalls or Krka National Park. That doesn’t mean anything though; if at all, it means you have more freedom to really enjoy them.

Hop on the small transfer boat to cross the lake and really stand underneath the Kravice Waterfalls. Sip a cool drink at the restaurant overlooking the falls (the food is very basic) or go on a short hike along the river.

The area isn’t all that big so you can easily include Kravice in Bosnia on your day trip and explore other stations on a Dubrovnik to Bosnia day trip.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Kravice

With a rental car, the journey between Dubrovnik and Kravice Watefalls takes around two hours. Sadly, there are no direct buses going; you would have to take a taxi from the Bosnian town Medkovic.

Your best bet here really is to jump on a tour and this way you can combine multiple stations as well, such as a tour to Mostar, Počitelj and Kravice all in one day from Dubrovnik. Check availability here.



6. Hvar Day Trip

Hvar is THE party island of Croatia. But if you can’t be bothered with that and want to see its stunning beauty during the day (such as during the wonderful lavender bloom in Croatia), come visit! Wandering the quaint villages and olive tree fields, you will feel transported back in time.

Just be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of sun protection, water and a map with you. When I was hiking the island, local farmers seemed very concerned that I would be losing my way as trails can be all over the place. I used my maps.me app and got by fine.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar

For a trip to Hvar from Dubrovnik, it’s best to park your wheels and instead hop on a ferry. The journey takes over three hours and costs between $14 and $35 and you’ll pass by other amazing Croatian islands.

On Hvar, there are local buses operating but their stops and schedules can be a tad confusing and vary depending on the season. So better have a local taxi number ready in case you want to be picked up again.



7. Lokrum Day Trip

The easiest day trip from Dubrovnik is to Lokrum island. Walk down to the old port and take a ferry over to Lokrum Island. From Dubrovnik’s Old Town you would have already seen the small island and its pine and cypress trees. During hot summer days, it’s ideal for seeking shade in the botanical garden.

Another attraction on Lokrum is the Benedictine Monastery, which is now a ruin but a very pretty one. Fun fact: The island used to be the chosen shelter of King Richard the Lionheart after his crusade in the 12th century.

With the island having become so popular, you can find local sandwich bars and restaurants as well as public beaches for volleyball, snorkeling and even nudist bathing there.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Hvar

Ferries to Lokrum island leave Porporela (the old port) ever half hour during the summer. A trip takes only 15 minutes and costs around 40 kuna ($5). Check the ferry timetable online. If you’re adventurous, rent a kayak and paddle all the way over.



8. Korčula Day Trip

Islands can be found in abundance along the Adriatic coast. Korčula is such a one and can be reached after a 2 hour ferry ride from Dubrovnik. The island of Korčula features three larger towns, namely those of Korčula, Vela Luka and Blato as well as a few villages.

Legend goes that Korčula was founded by the hero Artenor, who was counselor to King Priam of Troy during the Trojan War. But long before that, the island was already a settlement for Mesolithic and Neolithic peoples. To really experience something special, visit Korčula during Korkyra Baroque Festival in September.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Korčula

Check online timetables for ferries between Dubrovnik and Korčula here. There are only three companies offering their services, meaning ferries run only up to four times per day.

There are none during off season. Journey time takes up to 2 and a half hours. Make sure to stick to the return schedule to not be stranded.



9. Počitelj Day Trip

Also close to Medugorje, Počitelj is a very picturesque village in Bosnia and Herzegovina featuring remains of medieval walls, towers and a stunning white mosque towering over a river in the valley.

The village used to hold great importance during various stages of history. Being a major strategic point for Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus and later further developing under Ottoman Rule.

However, nowadays it is in heavy decline and its residents have to be mostly self sufficient and profit somewhat from tours to Počitelj. If you are stopping by, don’t hesitate to buy homegrown fresh fruit and vegetables here. They are super affordable, delicious and support the local community.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Počitelj

With a car you can easily take route towards Medugorje and then branch off earlier. With a bus, tickets cost around $5 and take between one and two hours. Check availability online as they don’t leave often.



10. Peljesac Peninsula Day Trip

Peljesac Peninsula makes for a great Dubrovnik day trip as it’s really not far away and you don’t need a ferry to get that Mediterranean island feel. What you can see on this peninsula are a few beaches, such as Trstenica, camping spots, like in Perna, wineries with wine tastings and wonderfully rugged coastlines.

Fun fact: The old walls of the town Ston are the longest fortification walls in Europe. You can walk them for a small fee (40 kuna/$6) but know that the wall walk can be really steep and exposed to the sun.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Peljesac Peninsula

The drive to Peljesac Peninsula takes around 80 minutes. Buses from Dubrovnik’s bus terminal in Gruz take you to Orebic. There might not be a lot of buses leaving daily but at least they operate year round. Check the timetable here.



11. Blagaj Day Trip

Blagaj is a village-town near Mostar.It has a very charming look and sits right at the Buna river. The actual source of the river lies so deep in the mountain that no one has ever seen it – while coming out alive. Researchers have tried but failed again and again.

This gory fact aside, Blagaj is absolutely charming. The special gem is the historic Old Blagaj Fort (Stjepan grad) on top of Blagaj. To experience traditional Bosnian architecture and interior design, visit Blagaj Tekija, which is a national monument. It features a unique mix of Ottoman and Mediterranean architecture.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Blagaj

Blagaj is on the way to Mostar, however, there are no buses and trains going there. So you have to rent a car or join a guided tour.



12. The Elafiti Islands Day Trip

The Elafiti / Elaphiti Islands are actually an archipelago and cover 30 square kilometres (12 square miles). Islands that most visitors stop by are the inhabited islands Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. You have ample opportunities to swim, snorkel and sunbathe on Elafiti.

The vegetation on the Elaphiti Islands is evergreen and therefore stunning throughout the year. If you love church architecture, you gotta check out Koločep for its seven pre-Romanesque churches, dating between the 9th and 11th century.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands

From Dubrovnik’s Gruž port, you can catch a ferry for two hours to Suđurađ (Šipan). Along the way, the ferry stops at Lopud as well, in case you want to see two islands in one day. Ferries leave daily except on Sundays and holiday. It’s advised to check the ferry timetable.

To easily get around Elaphite Islands without a car, book yourself into a day trip tour. This also includes lunch, a beach stop and a tour around the medieval town of Koločep. Check availability now.



13. The Mljet National Park Day Trip

To see one of Croatia’s greenest islands, visit Mljet. It really is super close to and can easily be integrated in a day trip to Peljesac peninsula.

Its northern part is what stands out the most as it is protected area. The Mljet National Park boasts seawater lakes and thick pine forest. Admission fee is 70 kuna ($11).

To its south, you can visit the Saplundara beach along its sandy shoreline as well as snug little villages. Besides the untouched nature, Mljet is very proud of its white and red wine, olives and goat’s cheese. A paradise for foodies!

How to get from Dubrovnik to Peljesac Peninsula

You can drive up to Peljesac peninsula and take the ferry for 45 minutes between Prapratno on Peljesac and Sobra on Mljet. Keep your car as you need it to get around the island. While hiking is a great idea, getting from the harbor town Soba to the Mljet National Park takes 6 hours.

It’s much better to book a tour that includes both Korčula and Ston, so you get the best of both worlds and don’t have to stress about getting a car or hitchhiking. Check current tour deals here.



14. Kolocep Island Day Trip

Maybe you’re had quite enough for a while of sightseeing and just want to enjoy your holiday by not doing all that much. That’s totally understandable. A Kolocep day trip from Dubrovnik might be the perfect fix!

The southernmost inhabited Croatian island has plenty of hiking trails along the Mediterranean coastline. Or, you could just chill out and do some cliff diving and ocean swimming. It’s the best way to escape the crowds in busy Dubrovnik city.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Kolocep

To really relax and have everything sorted out for you, jump on a hiking and swimming tour. No need to prep anything (other than packing your hiking boats and swimwear!). After all, local guides know the best places for cliff diving. Check dates for the 8km walking tour here.



15. Majkovi Day Trip

Are you a true foodie? Croatia’s Dalmatian cuisine is outstanding for a good reason. Fresh seafood, daily catches and, oh, the best carbs. To really dig in, get yourself on a local food tour. This way you can sample a variety of different Croatian food staples AND learn more about the making of the dishes and the history.

A great place to do this is the small village Majkovi, which is off the beaten path. If you join a small group tour, you can be greeted by a lovely family in their olive oil mill and eat for a few hours to your heart’s content. Check availability for the Majkovi Gastro Tour now.

How to get from Dubrovnik to Majkovi

From Dubrovnik to Majkovi it takes you only half an hour. Still, don’t take a taxi as that can be rather expensive. An alternative to a car rental is an uber or a guided tour. Check tour dates here.



What You Should Know Before your Dubrovnik Day Trip

Are you travelling Croatia by bus? You can book your ticket online or at the bus station. It doesn’t matter if you book in advance or get your ticket on the day; prices don’t vary. However, buses might be at full capacity, in particular when you are travelling in high season.

For bus travel from Bosnia & Herzegovina, I’ve put together a quick guide. The most important thing to keep in mind is to have 2 Bosnian Marks ready for each of your luggage items. Note that you need your passport to cross country borders.



Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Budget Options for Dubrovnik Stays

Dubrovnik hostels come in nice styles. Hostel Free bird for instance is very sleek and minimalist and has great ratings thanks to it being so clean and its staff so welcoming.

Located between the bus station and Dubrovnik Old Town you can find the uber stylish Hostel 365 For U. The hostel is and looks super new, with good wifi throughout the building and parking facilities. Check current room rates here.

In case you want to stay right in the Old Town, Hostel Angelina might e your choice. It is painted all in white and the main attractions in Dubrovnik are only a few minutes away. You can walk everywhere. As it’s so central, you have to secure your room in advance.

Affordable Hotels in Dubrovnik

Who doesn’t love a good harbor view? Hotel Adria offers exactly that. It lies halfway between the bus station and Old Town and is far away from the crowded streets of the centre. This way, you can actually enjoy the Adriatic sunset views fully. Book here.

Modern suites with pool access can be enjoyed at Berkeley Hotel & Day Spa. From here, it is only a ten minute walk to the port with its ferries towards the various Dubrovnik day trip options. Breakfast is included. Book here.

Super sleek and comfortable, Hotel Lero ticks all the right boxes. Dubrovnik’s port is only a little over a kilometer away and there are two restaurants onsite to dine on Dalmatian and international cuisine. Check room rates here.



Luxury Hotels in Dubrovnik

For the absolute best sunset views without even having to go outside, book into the wonderful Hotel Neptun Dubrovnik. It sits right by the ocean, you can see Dubrovnik’s Old Town and Lokrum island. The beach is only three minutes by foot. Or, you could just get a massage in the spa facilities.

Once you book your stay at Royal Blue Hotel, you don’t want to leave. It just looks and feels like a proper home.

Super chic with Mediterranean white and blue caeentuation and that ocean view! Chill out by the pool with oceanview or sip a cocktail in the onsite restaurant.

A third amazing option for a luxury Dubrovnik hotel is Hotel Dubrovnik Palace. By the hotel you can find the local bus station towards the town centre as well as jogging trails.

After a long day, take care of your exhausted body in the indoor pool, whirlpool or the steam bath. Or head into the gym if you can’t get enough dopamine. Check rates here.

Tell me: Which Dubrovnik Day Trip would be on your list?

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