Dubrovnik, Croatia is a top destination for travelers from around the world. The UNESCO World Heritage city is balanced on the edge of the Adriatic Sea and confined within imposing stone walls.
With its ideal location, fun day trips from Dubrovnik take you across borders, out to sea and to other Croatian coastal spots!
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Our Best Dubrovnik Day Trips
Dubrovnik is a charming and enjoyable city to navigate. Once visitors have checked off their list of what to do, day trips from Dubrovnik are a fantastic way to see more of the region.
The city is situated near Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina and islands on the Adriatic, which provides you the opportunity to take great Dubrovnik day trips.
Dubrovnik, Croatia Tours
While we often prefer traveling on our own, planning trips from Dubrovnik can be cumbersome and somewhat restricted without a rental car.
For instance, you can use public transportation for a Dubrovnik-Montenegro trip, but you will be limited to just one destination, likely Kotor.
Meanwhile, a popular organized Montenegro trip from Dubrovnik makes stops in three cities: Kotor, Budva and Perast.
When joining organized tours from Dubrovnik, we recommend reviewing the agenda prior to booking. It’s equally important to read online reviews to help get a better idea of what to expect.
There are hundreds of options to choose from – from bus trips to small-group adventures to Dubrovnik private tours – so let’s get started by picking a destination!
12 Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Croatia
For each of our featured Dubrovnik day trips, we detail the highlights along with information about how and when to go.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Dubrovnik Trips for your vacation to Croatia!
#1 Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro
The most popular day tours from Dubrovnik are trips to Montenegro. The top destinations in Montenegro are the towns of Kotor, Budva, Herceg Novi and Perast.
The highlight of day trips to Montenegro is the historic city of Kotor, which is tucked into the corner of the beautiful Boka Bay where mountains plunge into the sea.
Perast, also on the Bay of Kotor, is breathtaking – especially with the picture-perfect islands that sit just off the shoreline.
The city of Budva faces the Adriatic Sea and boasts sandy beaches as well as a historic Old Town. Herceg Novi is just a short distance from the Croatian Border and is perched steeply above some wonderful beaches.
How Far is Montenegro from Dubrovnik?
The distance from Dubrovnik to the Montenegro border is about 30 miles; the border is about halfway between Dubrovnik and Kotor.
Because of the crossing, it takes about 3 hours to get to Kotor or Budva. Remember to bring your passport!
Montenegro Travel Guides: Things To Do in Kotor, Perast in a Day, and Tips for Visiting Budva and Herceg Novi.
Planning a DIY Montenegro Tour from Dubrovnik
Devising a DIY Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip is fairly simple – especially for travelers driving from Dubrovnik to Montenegro.
Those planning Kotor day trips without a car can take a direct and inexpensive Dubrovnik-Kotor bus. Likewise, there is a direct Dubrovnik to Budva bus that likely makes a stop in Kotor.
It is possible to sort out public transport between Kotor, Perast and Budva, but it would be challenging to try to figure it all out on a one-day trip to Montenegro.
Organized Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Visitors who want to see three Montenegro destinations – Kotor, Perast and Budva – in one day can join an organized tour.
This fast-paced excursion is a full-day adventure that includes guided tours of Kotor and Budva, a boat ride to the islands off Perast and a little free time, too.
Dubrovnik to Bay of Kotor and Boat Trip
Rather than squeeze in all three destinations, visitors who don’t mind eliminating Budva can embark on this tour into the Bay of Kotor by boat.
First travel by bus to the Montenegro border, then hop on a boat to sail into the Kotor Bay, visiting the towns of Perast and Kotor.
#2 Dubrovnik to Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina
Also incredibly popular, the Dubrovnik to Mostar day trip is a fabulous way to see the fascinating country of Bosnia Herzegovina.
A multicultural city with a complicated past, Mostar features a dazzling bazaar, centerpiece Old Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and incredible cuisine.
Nearby are the picturesque Kravica Waterfalls and the peaceful Blagaj Tekija, which are both absolutely must see places when visiting Mostar.
Read more about the Best Things To Do in Mostar!
Planning a DIY Mostar Tour from Dubrovnik
It is not especially difficult to plan a day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar. However, it is essential to get an early start in order to make the most of it.
There are public buses that transport passengers from Dubrovnik to Mostar. Ride takes about 3 hours, depending on the route and wait time at the border crossing(s).
Organized Dubrovnik to Bosnia Day Trip
Visitors who want to see both Mostar and the Kravica Waterfalls from Dubrovnik should join an organized group tour.
This excursion from Dubrovnik includes city exploration in Mostar and visiting the waterfalls – all with a knowledgeable guide.
Day Trip to Medjugorje from Dubrovnik
In 1981, six kids in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina claimed to have witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary.
Since then, the town has become a pilgrimage destination for Catholics and the curious. To get to Medjugorje, it is best to join an organized tour.
#3 Day Trips From Dubrovnik to Split or Makarska
The distance between Dubrovnik and Split is about 140 miles and it takes at least 3 hours driving each way.
We love Split, and you’ll have just enough time to experience the essentials on a day trip. Ideally, we really recommend at least 3 Days in Split.
Check out all the Top Things To Do in Split.
Makarska, a lovely riviera town between Dubrovnik and Split, is another possible day trip from Dubrovnik.
Using the scheduled bus to take a day trip to Makarska from Dubrovnik will take about 3 hours each way.
More information about What To Do in Makarska.
#4 Dubrovnik to Korcula Day Trip
Korcula Island is a top destination in Dalmatia – and one of the best islands near Dubrovnik. The historic walled city (which is often referred to as a miniature Dubrovnik) is said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo.
Read our article: Korcula Things To Do.
Korcula Island sits close to the Croatian mainland and the Peljesac Peninsula, which is one of the most prominent wine regions on the Dalmatian Coast.
The peninsula is covered with vineyards and is home to the town of Ston, which is famous for its impressive city walls, salt flats and oysters.
Full Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Peljesac and Korcula
On this well-organized day trip from Dubrovnik, you can see all of the highlights of the region.
The first stop is Ston, then travel by ferry to see the beautiful Korcula Old Town. Once back on the mainland, you are treated to a Croatian wine tasting in a cellar.
If you just want to go to Korcula Town from Dubrovnik, the TP Line fast ferry will get you there and back with about 8 hours to explore in between.
#5 Dubrovnik to Hvar Day Trip
Hvar is the most famous Croatian Island and visitors have long been attracted to the sunny shoreline.
While the nightlife on Hvar is notorious, day trippers can seek out beaches along the coastline and trek up to the hill topping fortresses.
Check out all the Things To Do in Hvar Town.
Ferry Ride to Hvar from Dubrovnik
There are not organized Dubrovnik boat tours to Hvar Island. Still, you can get to Hvar during the summertime by using the TP Line Catamaran.
The ride takes about 3.5 hours each way (passing Korcula enroute), leaving about 5 hours to explore Hvar Town.
Pro Tip: If you have more time, be sure to visit Stari Grad. It’s one of our favorite Croatian towns!
#6 Dubrovnik to Mljet Day Trip
Mljet is an enchanting island with lakes and hiking trails. In fact, most of it is under protection as the Mljet National Park.
On Veliko Jezero (Big Lake), there is an island that is home to a 12th century monastery, which can only be reached by a small boat. Other top activities on Mljet are biking and swimming.
Pro Tip: We visited Mljet as part of our week-long Croatia Island Hopping Cruise to Split from Dubrovnik.
Mljet Island Day Tour from Dubrovnik
Summertime travelers who want to visit Mljet Island from Dubrovnik on a day tour without a guide can do so using the TP Line.
Guided Tours to Mljet Island eliminate all the hassle of planning a trip on your own. Guests travel by speedboat from the Gruz Port in Dubrovnik to Mljet.
Once there, tickets to the park are provided and you are given time to bike, hike and swim on your own.
#7 Elafiti 3 Island Tour Dubrovnik
The Elafiti Islands are some of the best islands to visit from Dubrovnik on a day trip. The three main islands of archipelago are Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud.
They are accessible via public ferries, but island hopping is best done by tour boat.
While there are several companies that offer excursions from Dubrovnik to Elafiti, the wooden Karaka ship offers a unique experience.
The full day cruise from Dubrovnik includes visiting the three most popular islands, swimming, snorkeling and an included buffet lunch.
#8 Dubrovnik Cave & Island Tour by Speedboat
Set off on a full day of discovery on this popular Dubrovnik cruise. Stop at the Odysseus Cave on Mljet and the Blue Cave on Kolocep Island. At the Elafiti Islands, go snorkeling and eat lunch by the sea.
#9 Dubrovnik Sailing Tours
Hop aboard a private sailboat for a day of sailing on the Adriatic. Limited to eight people, participants can help crew the boat to the Elafiti Islands.
The skipper will navigate into hidden coves, where you can go swimming and snorkeling (equipment included).
#10 Dubrovnik Kayak Tour
Experience the Adriatic Sea by kayak on a guided tour. Take in the scenic views as you paddle your way to a secluded beach – only accessible by water. Book it!
#11 Dalmatian Cooking Class
Travel from Dubrovnik to a rural country estate where you will learn about the flavors, spices and ingredients used in Dalmatian cooking.
Prepare traditional, time honored recipes made with fresh-from-the-garden ingredients. When the meal is complete, sit down to the feast with regional wine. Reserve your seat!
#12 Konavle Valley Wine Tour
Discover the Konavle Valley and all of its charms on a half-day Dubrovnik tour. Learn about the history of the area and take a train ride through the picturesque vineyards before tasting from 3 different wineries.
Dubrovnik Sightseeing Tours
Looking for tours in Dubrovnik? Check out our easy-to-follow Self-Guided Walking Tour.
Also consider popular guided Dubrovnik city tours – including this one for foodies, this one for Game of Thrones fans as well as a Old City Walls tour.
What You Need for Dubrovnik Day Trips
Whether you are planning to organize your own exploration or joining a guide for a Dubrovnik excursion, there are a few things you will want to make sure you take in your day bag!
Travel Camera
We believe Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world! Make sure you have a real travel camera to properly capture it.
We shoot with a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens, which takes fantastic photos and is ideal budget camera.
Of course, on trips out to sea, you may want to invest in a GoPro or a less expensive underwater camera.
Sun Protection
Whether touring Croatian cities by foot or seeing the sea by boat, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen on your Dubrovnik day trip. A wide-brimmed travel hat and a umbrella can provide shade are good ideas, too!
Croatia Travel Insurance
Trip insurance may help with costs in unfortunate situations, like lost luggage or delayed flights, but it could also be crucial for travelers who get sick or hurt abroad. Check rates and coverage at World Nomads.
More Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik
We have visited Dubrovnik multiple times and spent months touring Croatia. Read our advice for the Best Dubrovnik Beaches, how to get up Mt. Srd and finding Beautiful Dubrovnik Viewpoints!
Visiting other Top Croatian Cities like Zagreb, Rovinj, Sibenik or Zadar? Discover them all on our Croatia Travel Guides Page.
Final Tip: Get (and stay) organized for your Vacation to Croatia by using our Trip Planning Printables!
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Begin searching for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
