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17 Fun Day Trips From Dubrovnik, Croatia

If you are looking for the perfect list of day trips from Dubrovnik, then you are in the right place!

The beautifully preserved historic walled town of Dubrovnik can be found on the southern tip of Croatia and is a must-see at some point in your life.

With its incredible medieval old town, commanding forts, and ideal location on the Adriatic coast, it is easy to see why people flock to Dubrovnik.

When planning your trip to Dubrovnik, schedule a few extra days, as this town makes for the perfect jumping-off point for several day trips.

Day trips from Dubrovnik range from exploring beautiful islands on the Dalmatian coast to exploring historical buildings and sites in neighboring countries like Bosnia and Montenegro.

I’m here to tell you, though, Dubrovnik day trips are extensive, so let’s dive into our list!

And no matter what, be sure that Dubrovnik and this area of Croatia are on your couple’s bucket list!

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    1. Lokrum Island

    Croatia

    Lokrum Island is located about 600 meters and is one of the popular day trips from Dubrovnik.

    This lush forest that covers the island is home to an old monastery, trails, and a garden and is easily accessible by ferry from Dubrovnik’s old town port.

    Visitors love to head to the French Fort Royal Castle for some incredible views of Dubrovnik’s old town and the surrounding coastline.

    After exploring the Lokrum Botanical Garden, dip in the refreshing waters of the small lake Mrtvo More, which translates to the “Dead Sea.”

    If you don’t want to take the ferry, several boat and kayak trips visit Lokrum.

    2. Mostar

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

    The UNESCO World Heritage town of Mostar, Bosnia, is one of the Dubrovnik day trips that allow you to visit another country during your time in Croatia easily.

    Most famous for the “old bridge” that crosses over the Neretva River, Mostar is a culturally diverse city that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the hospitality of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    Despite still being able to see the scars around town from the Bosnian War, it is apparent that the people of Mostar have dedicated themselves to rebuilding their city and preserving its rich history.

    While visiting Mostar, be sure to notice all of the Turkish influences around you. In addition to the architecture, you can also shop in the open-air shopping area that feels like a Turkish bazaar.

    You definitely don’t want to miss a visit to see the famous “old bridge” and have a chance to watch the local men jump from it’s peak into the Neretva River below.

    I couldn’t believe the beautiful color of the Neretva River; it was gorgeous.

    During your time here, you might also consider taking a guided walking tour to learn about this charming old town and its interesting past.

    3. Peljesac Peninsula

    Croatia

    If you are a foodie, then the Peljesac Peninsula should definitely be on your list of day trips from Dubrovnik.

    As the largest peninsula on the Dalmatian coast, the Peljesac Peninsula is dotted with farms growing everything from figs to lemons.

    There are several picturesque towns to visit on the peninsula, each with its own personality and many with great swimming areas.

    The main town on the Peljesac Peninsula is Orebić, and it is the perfect place to do a wine tasting or enjoy some freshly caught seafood!

    You can easily get to Pelješac Peninsula by taking a boat from Dubrovnik. As several boats leave from Orebić heading to Korcula town, it is easy to combine Pelješac Peninsula with Korcula when planning your day trips from Dubrovnik.

    4. Korcula

    Croatia

    Another Croatian town that is contained inside of medieval city walls is Korcula town located on the island of Korcula.

    You can make Korcula one of your Dubrovnik day trips by taking a catamaran about 2.5 hours from Dubrovnik to this fun island.

    The birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula, is a fun city to explore. You can enjoy exploring the lovely town with its cobbled streets and picturesque harbor before swimming at one of the rocky beaches.

    Be sure to check out St. Mark’s Cathedral and its bell tower and the house where Marco Polo was said to have lived before you explore the local crafts and gelato shops!

    The nearby picturesque countryside and nearby village boast olive trees and vineyards perfect for wine tasting if you want to add them to your day trip itinerary.

    5. Kotor

    Montenegro

    Kotor, Montenegro, part of Kotor Bay, is an easy day trip from Dubrovnik thanks to Dubrovnik’s location in southern Croatia.

    If you are a lover of UNESCO World Heritage sites like we are, then you definitely want to add Kotor to your day trip list.

    As you visit Kotor, be sure to notice the incredible architecture around the city, especially the old town. The evidence of countries that have ruled Kotor reflects all around you as you walk through the town center.

    The narrow streets of the historic center display Russian, French, Venetian, and Austrian influences throughout town.

    For a fabulous view of the historic town and Kotor Bay, climb to St. John Fortress. Just be prepared for a climb. You will have to tackle 1,300 steps to get to the top.

    Of course, you will also want to tour Kotor Bay. There are day tours that will take you around the bay, allowing you to see the surrounding seaside towns, including the town of Perast, where you will find Our Lady of the Rocks Church and museum.

    6. Kravice Waterfalls

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an incredible day trip from Dubrovnik, especially if you are a nature lover.

    Located about 2 hours from Dubrovnik, just over the Bosnian border, getting to Kravice Falls is easy. You can rent a car for the day or leave all the arrangements to someone else when you take a private tour!

    Kravice Waterfalls is one of the best hidden gems in the area.

    After arriving at Kravice Waterfalls, you are greeted with an incredible sight, waterfalls everywhere!

    The falls are formed where the Trebižat River descends about 25 meters into the amazing pool below.

    The cool thing about Kravice Falls is that you can even swim here!

    If you visit during the summer, you can also enjoy a meal, snack, or glass of wine at one of the small restaurants around the falls.

    7. Split

    Croatia

    The incredible town of Split sits on Croatia’s coast and is one of the great day trips from Dubrovnik.

    Home to a gorgeous marina area and the historical Diocletian’s Palace means plenty to do and see during this day trip.

    Inside the old town walls, Diocletian’s Palace is less like a palace these days and more like a historic city. Take time to wander through the narrow alleyways to discover all of the charm this Game of Thrones filming location offers.

    You will also find the historic Cathedral of Saint Dominus in Split. The church dates back to the 4th century and is a great addition to your day trip.

    Of course, you will definitely want to spend some time on Split’s waterfront promenade. This promenade is lined with cafes and restaurants is the perfect place to grab a traditional Croatian meal.

    8. Mljet National Park

    Croatia

    Nature lovers will definitely want to make Mljet National Park one of their day trips from Dubrovnik.

    Take a 2-hour catamaran trip from Dubrovnik to Mljet Island, where you will find Mljet National Park.

    The national park boasts two incredible saltwater lakes, gorgeous views, and an 800-year-old Benedictine monastery.

    The two lakes on the island, Veliko Jezero and Malo Jezero (“Big Lake” and “Small Lake”) are the focal points and make for some gorgeous photos during your day trip.

    Of course, you can also participate in kayaking, mountain biking, or hiking in the national park.

    No matter what, Mljet National Park should definitely be on your list of day trips from Dubrovnik.

    9. Budva

    Montenegro

    Another of the cities that you should consider visiting in Montenegro is Budva as this city in Eastern Europe is a delight!

    One visit to Budva and you can easily see why it is a tourist hot spot.

    The terra cotta roofs of the old town buildings contrast sharply against the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, making for a gorgeous photograph.

    One of the things to love about Budva is its nice stretches of sandy beaches to enjoy. These sandy beaches are a sharp contrast to the rock beaches found in most of Croatia.

    10. Elafiti Islands

    Croatia

    If a day of island hopping sounds like the perfect day trip, head out to the Croatian coast to the popular string of islands known as the Elafiti Islands.

    This strig of archipelago islands contains 13 islands just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s port of Gruz.

    A tour of the Elafiti Islands will have you exploring one of the most popular islands of Koločep, where you can lounge in the Croatian sun, enjoy some peaceful beaches, or explore a sea cave.

    Another of the stops is the tiny island of Lopud. Lopud is a car-free island with a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, amongst other medieval churches.

    Visitors especially love to visit Sunj Beach on Lopud Island. This beach is popular due to the soft white sand you will find here, instead of the rock beaches that you will find in other places in Croatia.

    Another of the islands is Šipan, the largest of the islands, and is the perfect place to grab a meal and relax for the day.

    A day of island hopping across the Elafiti Islands makes for an incredible day in Croatia!

    11. Trogir

    Croatia

    The gorgeous town of Trogir is a top vacation destination on the Adriatic Sea and should definitely be visited during your time in Croatia.

    Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, Trogir has an immaculate food scene, architectural highlights, and a palace!

    Like other towns in this area of Croatia, you can see the town’s heritage all around you. The Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings are everywhere so architecture lovers will be in paradise.

    Be sure to visit Trogir Cathedral and Cipiko Palace during your time in Trogir.

    If you happen to be visiting during the summer months, enjoy the cute cafes that line the beachfront promenade.

    12. Medjugorje

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Medjugorje has long been regarded as the second largest Catholic pilgrimage site, as Mother Mary is said to have visited a group of teenagers here in 1981.

    When more and more people reported seeing Mother Mary at Medjugorje, skepticism started to dissipate, and the pilgrimage site was born.

    This is one of the day trips from Dubrovnik that provides peace and serenity to both believers and non-believers.

    13. Sarajevo

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

    As the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a city full of culture and history.

    Like Mostar, Sarajevo also shows scars from past wars, but don’t let that prevent you from adding Sarajevo to your list of day tours.

    Visit the Sebilj Fountain if you want to guarantee yourself a return trip to Sarajevo. Legend says that you are guaranteed to return to the city if you drink from the fountain.

    You will also want to take time to tour the Sarajevo Tunnel. The tunnel, which was originally built to support the transfer of goods and people during the city’s siege, is now a museum.

    The city’s old town center is packed with restaurants and shops and can easily be toured on foot. Pop into one of the local cafes and try some Bosnian baklava. Trust us; you will be glad you did!

    14. Ston

    Croatia

    The easternmost town on the Pelješac Peninsula is the town of Ston, Croatia. Like many other towns in Croatia, Ston is a medieval walled town. What makes Ston unique, though, is that this walled town has been nicknamed the “European Great Wall.”

    Now don’t get too excited about that, though; there really isn’t any comparison here. Granted, the 4.3 miles of walls in Ston are the largest in Europe; they really don’t compare to the 5,500 miles of walls that make up the Great Wall of China.

    Despite that, Ston is still worth visiting. The incredible views of the Croatian landscape seem to go on forever and are absolutely picturesque.

    While in Ston, taste some of the locally made wines and freshly caught seafood.

    You can also walk along the walls to the neighboring town of Mali Ston.

    This laid-back town is known for its olive groves and locally caught oysters, so be sure to enjoy some during your time here.

    15. Cavtat

    Croatia

    Another fascinating Croatian town that sits near the border of Montenegro is Cavtat.

    The charming town has a gorgeous historic area and is the perfect day to explore Croatian culture and charm.

    Take some time to enjoy a drink and snack in a local cafe or spend the day lounging on Cavtat’s beaches.

    There is also a small museum in town that honors the famous Croatian artist Vlaho Bukovac.

    Cavtat is one of the relaxing day trips from Dubrovnik and can be easily reached by local buses or water taxis. Local bus number 10 will take you from the main bus station in Dubrovnik to Cavtat.

    Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the St. Nicholas church and Rector’s Palace during your time in Croatia!

    16. Mlini

    Croatia

    If you want an easy day trip from Dubrovnik to a beach, then Mlini is for you.

    This quiet fishing village is a quiet little fishing village that boasts lots of beaches to choose from. Combining that with the fact that Mlini is only about 20 minutes from Dubrovnik, you can be lounging on the beach in no time!

    There is even a sandy beach in Mlini (rare in Croatia) that is perfect for lounging on!

    If you want to do more than just lounge on the beach, you can also check out the old flour mills in the area.

    17. Trsteno

    Croatia

    If you want to check out the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming locations, you should definitely add Trsteno to your list of day trips.

    Most people visit Trsteno to visit the arboretum and botanical garden found here. The garden, the only one of its kind in Croatia, is home to over 300 different species of plants.

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    Michelle Snell-Founder That Texas Couple

    About the Author

    Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through creative content creation and her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel and accompanying social media accounts.  She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.

    Kelly

    Monday 14th of November 2022

    Croatia is an amazing place! We loved it. Love your list. We have been to 6 of the 17. Seven, including Dubrovnik :) - Mostar, Mljet, Korcula, Trogir, Split & Ston. Everyone should go to Croatia!

    thattexascouple

    Thursday 17th of November 2022

    Wow, Kelly, that is awesome. Croatia is incredible for sure. I can't wait to visit again!

    Danielle

    Monday 14th of November 2022

    Croatia has always been a place I've wanted to visit but never gotten around to it! Your pictures are stunning, I especially love the waterfall and the old bridge!

    thattexascouple

    Thursday 17th of November 2022

    Thank you, Danielle. We highly recommend it. I hope you get to visit soon!

    Jennifer Record

    Sunday 13th of November 2022

    This is the third post I have read about Croatia this week! I'll take it as a sign I NEED to go...and check out some of these recs for day trips :)

    thattexascouple

    Thursday 17th of November 2022

    I think you should definitely take it as a sign and book the trip!!

    Lisa | Waves and Cobblestones

    Sunday 13th of November 2022

    What gorgeous locations. I've had Kotor on my list for a while, but this definitely shows me I have a lot more to check out in this region!

    thattexascouple

    Thursday 17th of November 2022

    Yes, Lisa. Croatia is such a beautiful and friendly country. We highly recommend visiting!

    Olivia Grace

    Sunday 13th of November 2022

    I keep seeing itineraries for Croatia which I think means I definitely need to go now! Mostar Sounds amazing! I didn’t realize how close Croatia was to Bosnia. That would definitely be at the top of my list! Thanks for sharing!

    thattexascouple

    Thursday 17th of November 2022

    You need to go for sure, Olivia. Thank you so much for checking out the post!