Dubrovnik’s position in the far south of Croatian coast gives visitor freedom to explore surrounding countries, Croatian islands and countryside. With Montenegrin and Bosnia and Herzegovina border being less than an hour away from Dubrovnik Old Town it is a unique opportunity to cross several countries off your bucket list in one stay.
While visiting Dubrovnik is one of the top things to do on your trip to Croatia, we are all aware that this charming city stopped being a hidden gem long time ago. If you are looking to escape crowds in Dubrovnik day trips to some of amazing locations in Dubrovnik surroundings are the ideal solution.
Day trips from Dubrovnik can be done by public transport, private tours or by renting a car.
Even though there are quite a lot public bus connections from Dubrovnik this is my least favourite option especially if your destination includes crossing the border.
It is possible to find very affordable group excursions from Dubrovnik which usually include pick up at your accommodation and a little insight from the guide along the way.
However, in case there are more of you in the group the best option would be to book a private tour from Dubrovnik. This way you will have your private driver and a guide with the flexibility to make your own custom itinerary and just lay back and enjoy.
Renting a car for exploring attractions around Dubrovnik will give you a complete freedom to do things your own way (and probably get lost several times but hey, you might end up discovering some interesting sights). The only problem could be a parking in Dubrovnik so make sure your accommodation provides one.
Here is the list of best things to see around Dubrovnik.
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Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor
If you liked Dubrovnik you will definitely enjoy day trip to Kotor. Situated in the Bay of Kotor beneath the brooding mountains this charming town is a pearl of Montenegro.
Magnificent city walls hide a well preserved medieval urbanization consisted of small narrow streets, historic squares and romanesque churches.
Drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro takes around 45 minutes with possible delay at the border which will be rewarded with the most amazing views of Bay of Kotor as you make your way to Kotor.
Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Budva
Tours from Dubrovnik to Montenegro are one of the most popular day trips from Dubrovnik.
Around 30 minutes drive south from Kotor you will find Budva – the metropolis of Montenegrin tourism. Even though Budva is rich with historic monuments it is better known as a beach and party destination with a vibrant nightlife.
If you decide to visit both Kotor and Budva on your Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik I suggest you spend time in Kotor sightseeing and save Budva for lunch, beach and afternoon walk.
Dubrovnik to Korčula Day Trip
Korčula is one of the most beautiful Croatian islands famous for medieval walled Old Town, great Croatian wine and crystal clear sea.
From Dubrovnik to Korčula you will enjoy a scenic drive through vineyards of Pelješac peninsula. When you get to the tip of the peninsula you are a short boat ride to Korčula Old Town.
Once there you can roam the paved medieval streets, visit St. Mark Cathedral, taste amazing local food and wine and enjoy on the beach.
Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Pelješac Peninsula
If you are looking to escape crowds of Dubrovnik beaches a day trip to Pelješac peninsula might be just the right option for you. Located one hour drive north of Dubrovnik Pelješac offers a long coast full of beaches and bays.
This most famous wine region in Croatia has numerous vineyards and small family owned wineries. Besides wine tasting you will have the opportunity to taste fresh oysters found only in the bay of Mali Ston.
Another thing that makes Pelješac peninsula unique destination is „European wall of China“ – series of defensive walls in the medieval city of Ston.
Dubrovnik to Mostar Day Trip
Mostar is a city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina best known for iconic Ottoman-style Old Bridge (Stari Most). In Mostar you can witness a unique blend of diverse cultural, ethnic and religious communities.
Walking through the cobbled streets of Mostar you will discover pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, Mediterranean and western European architectural features.
Best things to do in Mostar include visit to colorful bazzar, drinking Turkish coffee in riverside cafes and tasting local specialty called ćevapi.
Day trip from Dubrovnik to Mostar will unravel you a completely different world and definitely is a “must do” when visiting Dubrovnik. Keep in mind that Mostar is probably the hottest place on this list so if travelling during summer months dress appropriately.
Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Kravice Waterfalls
Distance from Dubrovnik to Plitvice lakes crosses this famous Croatian national park off the list of day trip destinations from Dubrovnik but luckily there is one alternative – Kravice Waterfalls.
Situated on the way from Dubrovnik to Mostar in the karstic landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina this 25 meter high waterfalls are ideal setting for those looking for refreshment in summer heat.
Dubrovnik Boat Trips: Elaphiti Islands
Elaphiti islands or Elaphites is the southernmost Croatian archipelago situated northwest of Dubrovnik. Archipelago consists of several small islands, three main being Lopud, Koločep and Šipan.
Picturesque settlements on this islands offer a fairy tale setting of beautiful beaches, old churches, citrus gardens and pine forests.
Lopud, entirely car-free island, is the most visited one. Here you can enjoy on one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Croatia – Beach Šunj.
For day trip to Elaphiti Islands you can book one of the group or private boat tours in Dubrovnik or use the regular boat service from Dubrovnik port Gruž.
Dubrovnik to Mljet Day Trip
Mljet is the most forested Croatian island lying off the coast of Pelješac peninsula. Untouched nature of dense pine forest, beautiful beaches, bays, caves and cliffs is the ideal surrounding for relaxation.
Almost third of the island is Mljet National Park with extremely rich nature and numerous endemic and endangered species.
The most famous features of Mljet National Park are two deep bays filled with salty water called Small Lake and Great Lake. In the middle of the Great Lake there is a small inlet of St. Mary with 12th Century Benedictine monastery which you can visit by boat. The rest of the park you can explore walking or by bike or kayak.
Trip from Dubrovnik to Cavtat
Many say Cavtat is a refreshing alternative to Dubrovnik. Located just 30 minutes from Dubrovnik Old Town, this charming coastal city is a perfect place to relax and get away from all the fuzz in Dubrovnik.
Cavtat is easy reachable from Dubrovnik by public bus which operates every half an hour. If you decide to book a private tour or have your own car make sure not to miss Konavle, the southernmost region of Croatia.
Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Split
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and largest city of Dalmatian region.
Split offers a mixture of modern life and ancient architecture. City of Split developed around ancient Diocletian’s Palace from 4th Century which is now UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best things to do in Split are roaming the labirint of streets of Split old town and enjoying successive layers of historical architecture.
Keep in mind how there are more than three hours of drive from Dubrovnik to Split what makes this day trip a long yet worth experience.
PHOTO: Flickr, http://np-mljet.hr/en/