DUBROVNIK TO KOTOR DAY TRIP: MY FUN 1-DAY ITINERARY

If you’re thinking of doing a Dubrovnik to Kotor day trip, my 1-day itinerary has all you need!

When you’re based in Dubrovnik, you’re in the perfect spot for some incredible day trips, whether that’s around Croatia or across the border. One of the most popular options is visiting Kotor in Montenegro. It’s a beautiful little town that’s absolutely worth the trip. I spend a lot of time in Dubrovnik, and this is one of my favourite day trips, so here’s my 1-day itinerary for the perfect Dubrovnik to Kotor day trip!

WHERE IS KOTOR

Kotor is a small coastal town in Montenegro, set in the Bay of Kotor. It’s full of old stone buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and ancient city walls that climb up the hillside. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved medieval architecture. While it has some similarities to Dubrovnik, Kotor has its own charm, so it won’t feel like the same experience. It’s truly one of the most scenic places you’ll ever see!

IS KOTOR WORTH VISITING

Yes, Kotor is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a small but very scenic town with plenty of history and charm. The Old Town is beautiful, with narrow streets, great little restaurants, and amazing views from the fortress. I’ve visited twice, once in March and once in September, and September was by far the better experience. I’d recommend coming in May or September when it’s less crowded, but if you visit in summer, try to pick a day without cruise ships. Otherwise, it can get very crowded and take away from the experience.

HOW TO GET FROM DUBROVNIK TO KOTOR

Getting from Dubrovnik to Kotor is pretty easy. Most people go by car or join a guided tour, but you can also take a bus, and there’s even a ferry option.

BY CAR

If you choose to drive, it usually takes around 2–2.5 hours to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor, depending on traffic and the crowds at the border. There are three border crossings you can use. The busiest one is Karasovići/Debeli Brijeg, while Vitaljina/Kobila is a little better but can still get backed up in summer.

The third option, and the one we used, goes through Bosnia. We crossed at Gornji Brgat–Ivanica (Croatia–Bosnia) and then at Zupci–Sitnica (Bosnia–Montenegro). Even though the route is a bit longer, there were no crowds, so we actually got there faster than we would have by waiting at the other crossings.

Along the way, you can also take the car ferry at Kamenari (€5), which saves time and shortens the drive to Kotor. Once you arrive, parking is available around town. In summer, the spots closest to the Old Town fill up quickly, but you’ll still be able to find a place a little further away.

BY GUIDED TOUR

One of the most popular ways to visit Kotor from Dubrovnik is by guided tour. There are plenty of options available, and it’s one of the easiest ways to go since you don’t have to worry about planning or logistics. Most tours aren’t too expensive and usually include a stop in Perast and a visit to the nearby islands. Here are a few well-rated tours you can check out:

BY BUS

There are daily buses running between Dubrovnik and Kotor, which makes this day trip really easy. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, and you can buy tickets online via Flixbus or at the Dubrovnik bus station. A return ticket costs about 60 euros. Just remember to bring your passport for the border crossings.

BY FERRY

You can also take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Kotor, which is a great way to skip the long border waits, even in the busy summer months. Adriatic Lines operates the route, and you can buy tickets on their website. Tickets cost around 60 euros, the same as the bus, but it can be a much more comfortable option. Keep in mind that the ferry doesn’t run every day and only operates during the season, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to use it.

IS ONE DAY ENOUGH TO EXPLORE KOTOR

You can easily explore Kotor in one day. The town is small, so it only takes a few hours to see the highlights. The historic Old Town is easy to walk around, with narrow stone streets, old squares, and centuries-old churches to explore. You’ll probably spend around 2 hours wandering the streets. A hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress will take another 2 hours (there and back). After that, you can relax at a café or enjoy a nice lunch in one of the local restaurants. If you have extra time, you might even fit in a quick visit to nearby Perast, Budva, Tivat, or Porto Montenegro.

IS KOTOR EXPENSIVE?

It really depends on when you go. Kotor isn’t very expensive compared to many other European tourist spots, and Montenegro in general is still cheaper than most European countries. Food and accommodation are especially more affordable than in Croatia or Italy. Keep in mind that prices do go up during the summer high season because of all the tourists, especially cruise ship visitors. If you visit in spring or autumn, you’ll find better deals and enjoy the town with fewer crowds.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN KOTOR IN ONE DAY:

Morning

Try to arrive by 10. This way, the Old Town will be fully open with most shops, restaurants, and cafés ready for visitors. You can come even earlier, but keep in mind the town will still be waking up and preparing for the day.

Start by exploring the Old Town. Wander through the maze of narrow stone streets, small squares, and medieval buildings. Definitely walk the walls, which give you beautiful views of the Old Town. Be sure to see the Sea Gate (Vrata od Mora), the main entrance to the Old Town, and the Clock Tower in the main square. Don’t miss the stunning Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and if you have time, check out the Maritime Museum of Montenegro to learn more about the town’s history.

Take a break for coffee and a snack at one of the charming restaurants or bistros in the Old Town. Enjoy the views, do some people-watching, and get ready for the most challenging part of your day trip!

Midday

Use the midday to climb the San Giovanni Fortress. It’s a moderately challenging hike, so only do it if you feel up for it. For me personally, it was quite challenging since I’m not that sporty, but that was to be expected. If you’re visiting in summer, I’d recommend waiting until at least 2–3 p.m. to start the walk to avoid the hottest part of the day. Make sure to bring a hat and plenty of water. You’ll walk up along the old city walls, about 1,350 steps, to reach panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains.

The trail has lots of steps and steep slopes, so it requires focus. It usually takes around an hour to reach the top if you’ve got good stamina, but take your time if needed. You can also stop halfway at Our Lady of Remedy Church, which gives a beautiful view of Kotor Old Town without the extra climb.

After you come back down, grab lunch at one of Kotor’s restaurants. I’d highly recommend Konoba Scala Santa, they serve amazing seafood!

Afternoon and evening

There’s not much else to see in Kotor after the fortress and Old Town, so I’d suggest visiting Perast on your way back to Dubrovnik. It’s a charming little village, famous for its two islands. The most popular is Our Lady of the Rocks, a small church built on a man-made island that you can reach by a quick 5-minute boat ride. It’s definitely worth a visit and won’t take up much time. After exploring Perast, you can continue your journey back to Dubrovnik!

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON THE POPULAR DUBROVNIK TO KOTOR DAY TRIP

I love Kotor and truly think it’s a great day trip from Dubrovnik, but you need to plan it carefully, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. Border crossings can be extremely crowded, and sometimes the waiting time is so long that it doesn’t even feel worth the trip.

If you’re traveling in summer, I’d recommend either booking a tour or transfer with an experienced provider, or staying overnight. That way, even if you get stuck at the border, you’ll still have enough time to enjoy the town.

Personally, I love visiting Kotor in the shoulder season, and that’s what I’d recommend to you as well for the best experience.

CONCLUSION: DUBROVNIK TO KOTOR DAY TRIP

Kotor is one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik, so it’s definitely worth a visit. The town isn’t very big and you can see the highlights in just a few hours, but its charm and unique setting make it a stop you won’t want to miss while you’re so close!