AMAZING DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK YOU MUST TAKE (2026)

You’re visiting Dubrovnik and wondering what are the best day trips from Dubrovnik? Let me tell you!

Dubrovnik is absolutely stunning, and you’ll love your time in this charming city. But beyond Dubrovnik, there are so many amazing places nearby that are worth visiting! I’ve spent many summers in Dubrovnik, and over the years I’ve taken some incredible day trips that everyone should know about. You can explore Peljesac or Korcula in Croatia, or even venture to Kotor or Mostar in neighbouring countries. If you’re looking for some truly great day trips, keep reading!

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK

Even though there is a lot to see in Dubrovnik, the town is charming but still small, which means if you’re staying for longer than 3-4 days you might feel the need to get out of the city.

Here is my list of the best possible day trips from Dubrovnik which offer both tranquility away from the crowds of Dubrovnik and also active and exciting ways to spend your vacation in a new location for a day.

ELAPHITI ISLANDS

Just off the coast of Dubrovnik there’s a group of beautiful islands known as the Elaphites, which are perfect for a relaxing day trip. The three main islands are Sipan, Lopud, and Kolocep and they each offer something special, whether you’re after nature, history, beaches, or just a peaceful escape from the city crowds.

Sipan is the largest and farthest of the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik, making it perfect for a more active day trip. You can explore historic sites like Stjepovic-Skocibuha Castle and the Benedictine Monastery, or enjoy the many walking and biking trails. The island also has plenty of great swimming spots and is famous for its fresh seafood. One of the top dining experiences on Sipan is Bowa, a high-end beach restaurant with private boat transfers from Dubrovnik. It’s perfect if it fits your budget!

Kolocep, the closest island and the smallest of the three, is completely car-free, making it perfect for a peaceful day. Many visitors love it so much they choose to stay there, using it as a quiet base with easy ferry access to Dubrovnik. One of the main attractions is the Blue Cave (a magical natural sea cave you can swim into!)

Lopud is the most popular of the three and my favorite. It’s mostly known for its stunning sandy beach Sunj, which is the perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. Lopud is also car-free and has a beautifully preserved natural environment.The island’s only village offers charming restaurants like Obala, and it’s not uncommon to spot yachts anchored nearby, celebrities love it for the peace and proximity to Dubrovnik.

Each island has its own charm, and whichever you choose, you’re in for a fantastic day surrounded by nature, crystal-clear waters, and Dalmatian charm. You can also do all three on a tour, so you don’t miss out on anything.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you want to come to any of the three islands use a local ferry called “Anastazija”. It departs from Gruz port and it stops at all three locations so you only have to pick the one you prefer. It’s around 10 euros for a round trip!

You can also book a tour of the Elaphiti Islands and see all three for around 50 euros, or access them with private boat tours which are definitely the most comfortable option, if it’s in your budget!

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

When you’re already SO CLOSE, it would be a shame to miss out on Kotor. Kotor is a coastal town in Montenegro and it’s one of the best day trips you could take from Dubrovnik. The town is located in the Bay of Kotor and offers almost indescribable views of both the town and the surrounding nature.

Same as Dubrovnik, Kotor is also included in UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites list for its beautiful well-preserved city walls. In Kotor, thoroughly explore the Old Town, and afterward hike up to the Fortress of Kotor. The Fortress offers incredible views of the whole Bay which will leave you speechless. The hike is around 45 minutes uphill but trust me it is worth it. It’s one of the most beautiful views I’ve seen.

HOW TO GET THERE

The easiest and most beautiful way would be by car. It’s not a long drive, just over 2 hours, and the roads go along the coast so your drive would be around 2 hours of amazing views. However, keep in mind that this is a very popular day trip so there’s a big possibility you’ll have to spend some time on the border crossing due to queues.

If you want to go by bus, that’s also an easy option. Buses run daily and it will take you anywhere between 2-2.5 hours to reach Kotor from Dubrovnik. The tickets are usually around 50-60 euros for a return trip. Check Flixbus for more info!

Finally, you can also visit Kotor from Dubrovnik by ferry. They don’t go too often, but you can avoid border crossing wait lines this way! Company Adriatic Lines has this line and it’s 60 euros per person for a return trip. Check here for schedules and tickets!

KORCULA

Korcula is, in my opinion, Croatia’s most beautiful island and an absolutely perfect day trip from Dubrovnik (even more perfect if you’ve got time to stay a few days!)

The town of Korcula is located on the Croatian island of the same name, about a two-hour drive from Dubrovnik. It’s absolutely stunning and one of my favourite day trips in the area. Korcula is best known for its beautiful Old Town, which you simply must visit. Its medieval streets look quite similar to Dubrovnik’s and Kotor’s, but the big advantage is that Korcula is much less crowded.

The most important building in the Old Town is St. Mark’s Cathedral. You can also visit the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo, which offers incredible views of the island and the clear blue sea. Korcula is perfect if you want history, charm, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

The island also offers many sports activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and cycling. For those who prefer relaxing, the most beautiful beaches like Bilin Zal Beach and Vaja Beach await you.

HOW TO GET THERE

One of the options is to take a ferry from Dubrovnik to Korcula. This is a very pleasant and easy way of reaching Korcula. You get on the ferry at Port Gruz and leave the ferry 2 hours later in Korcula Town. The ferry is usually between 15-25 euros one way. Unfortunately, you can’t find them all year round as they are operating from April to October only.

You can always go by car. Drive to Orebic and then take a car ferry to Korcula. The ride is pleasant, about 1 hour 45 minutes and the ferry to Korcula is only a few additional minutes, since the island is quite close. If you don’t want to explore the island by car, you can leave the car in Orebic and take the passenger ferry to Korcula Town.

Another way is to take a bus that goes from Dubrovnik to Orebic, and then go to Korcula by ferry. However, this line isn’t that frequent so it might not be a great option. You can also take a private tour to Peljesac and Korcula for only 70 euros!

PELJESAC

One of the most beautiful yet underrated parts of southern Croatia is the Peljesac Peninsula, located just about 60 kilometers from Dubrovnik. It’s a great escape from the crowds, with a more laid-back, authentic Croatian experience in stunning nature.

Peljesac is full of charming villages, quiet beaches, great food, and world-class wine. You must visit the historic town of Ston, which houses the medieval walls and the famous salt pans. Just nearby is Mali Ston, where you absolutely need to try the local oysters. They’re considered some of the best in the world! We love eating at Villa Koruna, but you can also check out restaurant Bota Sare.

If you love beaches, you will really enjoy Zuljana. This is a peaceful village with crystal-clear beaches (Zuljana beach and Vucine beach), perfect for snorkeling or simply relaxing. Don’t miss Prapratno Beach, a rare sandy beach surrounded by pine trees and unbelievably blue water.

If you’re a wine lover, you’re in for a treat too. Peljesac is known for its excellent Plavac Mali reds, especially Dingac and Postup, and there are several great wineries where you can enjoy tastings in scenic settings.

HOW TO GET THERE

The best way to explore Peljesac is by car. Most of these villages and attractions are near each other, but the public transport on Peljesac is not the best, especially if you want to see many things in one day. By car, it will take you around an hour to reach Ston, and additional 15-30 minutes to reach other attractions and locations mentioned.

If you don’t have a car, I’d suggest booking a tour. They’re not too expensive and you’ll see Peljesac in great detail. These are some of the best tours of Peljesac (and often Korcula) from Dubrovnik!

HVAR

Hvar is Croatia’s most popular and most expensive island but it’s still a must-see if you are visiting Croatia. The island is located in southern Croatia and it’s approximately 3 hours away from Dubrovnik.

Hvar really offers a lot of different things to see. Some of the most popular sights are St. Stephen’s Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Fortica fortress, beach clubs, and cobbled streets full of local restaurants. You also need to explore some beaches, with Pokonji Dol being the closest one to Hvar Town.

No matter what you choose to do during the day, make sure you end your day by catching the sunset on Fortica. You’ll get an incredible view of Hvar Town and Pakleni islands.

HOW TO GET THERE

The best way to do a day trip from Dubrovnik to Hvar is by ferry. It’s 3 hours, but it’s much quicker than any other way of transportation. The tickets are 50 euros one way, and you can book them on Jadrolinija / TP Line / Krilo.

If you want to go by car, your best option is to drive to Drvenik, which is two hours, and then take a short ferry to Hvar. However, you’ll have an additional hour of driving to reach Hvar Town, so for a day trip I’d suggest taking the ferry.

CAVTAT

If you want a place you can reach quickly yet still be away from Dubrovnik crowds, Cavtat is a perfect day trip for you.

Cavtat is a charming small town with a beautiful waterfront promenade lined with cafés, art galleries, and historic architecture. There, you can wander through the old town or relax at the beaches along the waterfront walking path.

Compared to Dubrovnik, Cavtat is far less crowded, so it’s an ideal trip on days when there are many cruise ships in Dubrovnik and you need to escape the huge crowds gathered there. Here’s a guide to best things to do in Cavtat!

HOW TO GET THERE

If you have a car, you can reach Cavtat easily in 25-30 minutes. There’s a big parking lot in Cavtat so you won’t have any problems parking your car. If you don’t want to move your car, you can just grab an Uber to Cavtat, it’s around 30 euros.

There’s also a bus that can get you from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. It’s a Libertas bus No. 10 and it’s 4 euros. Finally, during the peak summer season there’s also a ferry option from Old Port Dubrovnik to Cavtat, it’s around 15 euros and it’s the most scenic option of getting to Cavtat!

MOSTAR

If you want to experience a completely different culture and atmosphere take a day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar.

This charming town in Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous for its 16th-century Stari Most (Old Bridge), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Strolling through Mostar’s old town feels like stepping into another world, with its Ottoman-style architecture, cobblestone streets, traditional bazaars, and riverside cafés. Here’s a guide for the perfect day trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik!

The food is amazing and affordable, so you should definitely try delicious local dishes like cevapi and baklava. You can also visit Kravica Waterfall nearby!

HOW TO GET THERE

The easiest way to get to Mostar from Dubrovnik is by car. It’s only about a 2-hour drive, and the route takes you through some truly beautiful landscapes along the way. Parking in Mostar is generally easy, with quite a few public lots available near the old town.

If you don’t have a car, you can also take a bus but just keep in mind the journey takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the route and border wait times. Another great option is a guided day tour. There are plenty of affordable tours from Dubrovnik that include Mostar and often a few other stops!

ARBORETUM TRSTENO

If you’re looking for a nature escape, Arboretum Trsteno could be the perfect half-day trip for you! It’s located just 30 minutes away along the coast, so you can get there easily.

It’s one of the oldest arboretums in this part of Europe, and it offers a mix of history, nature, and architecture. The Arboretum is home to centuries-old plane trees, beautiful Renaissance gardens, stone aqueducts, and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants a stroll among Mediterranean and exotic plants, anda must-visit for fans of Game of Thrones, as the arboretum served as the setting for the Red Keep gardens. It’s far less crowded than Dubrovnik’s Old Town, so it’s a place where you can truly relax. Here’s a guide to Arboretum Trsteno!

HOW TO GET THERE

You can get to Arboretum Trsteno by car in less than 30 minutes. There’s not much parking space there so I’d consider going by Uber if you want the comfort of a car but don’t want to bother with parking. If you’re on a budget you can go by bus. From Gruz Port grab buses no.12, 15, or 35 towards Slano or Orašac. It’s a 30-minute ride and the bus ticket costs 4 euros.

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MY PERSONAL TAKE ON BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK

Dubrovnik is one of the best bases in Croatia for taking some truly amazing day trips. I’d highly recommend visiting Cavtat and the Trsteno Arboretum if you’re looking for something close by that can easily be done as a half-day trip.

For a full-day trip within Croatia, Peljesac and Korcula are both excellent choices and definitely worth the time. And if you’d like to visit another country, Mostar and Kotor are fantastic options that will give you a completely different experience. My personal favourites are Peljesac, Korcula, and Kotor, and I truly think all three deserve a place in your Dubrovnik itinerary.

CONCLUSION: BEST DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK

These are my favorite day trips from Dubrovnik when you need a break from the crowds! I’m sure you will absolutely love Dubrovnik but make sure you don’t miss out on some amazing and even under-rated destinations nearby.