Best Dubrovnik Day Trips for 2026: The Ultimate Guide

Your Guide to the Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', is a stunning destination in its own right, but its strategic location makes it the perfect base for exploring the wider Dalmatian coast and even neighboring countries. From historic cities scarred by war and reborn in beauty, to serene islands and culinary havens, a day trip from Dubrovnik can elevate your Croatian holiday from great to unforgettable.

This guide breaks down the top day trip options, providing all the practical details you need for planning, including travel times, costs, and insider tips to make the most of your adventure.

Best International Day Trip: Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Mostar is a journey into a different culture, a place where East meets West. The city, tragically famous for its destruction in the 1990s, has been painstakingly rebuilt and is now a symbol of peace and resilience.

Why Visit Mostar?

The main draw is the UNESCO-listed Stari Most (Old Bridge), a 16th-century Ottoman masterpiece. The city's cobbled streets, bustling bazaar, and skyline dotted with minarets offer a stark and beautiful contrast to coastal Croatia. It provides a poignant history lesson and a glimpse into the complex heritage of the Balkans.

Top Things to Do in Mostar

• Watch the Stari Most Divers: Members of the Mostar Diving Club plunge 24 meters from the bridge into the chilly Neretva River. It's a tradition dating back centuries. They typically collect donations from the crowd before diving (around €50-€100 total).
• Explore the Old Bazaar (Kujundžiluk): Wander the cobbled lanes filled with shops selling copper goods, Turkish-style lamps, and traditional crafts.
• Visit Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: For a small fee (around €6), you can enter this beautiful mosque and climb its narrow minaret for the absolute best photo of the Stari Most.

How to Get to Mostar from Dubrovnik

• Organized Tour: The easiest and most popular option. A full-day tour typically costs €60-€80 per person and often includes a stop at Kravice Waterfalls or Počitelj. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours each way, plus time at the border.
• By Car: Driving gives you flexibility. The 130 km journey takes about 2.5 hours without stops. Remember to bring your passport, vehicle registration, and Green Card insurance. You will cross the border twice.

Insider Tip for Mostar

Many tours only focus on the main tourist area. For a more authentic experience, seek out a traditional Bosnian coffee, which is served in a džezva (a small copper pot), and try local delicacies like ćevapi or burek in a restaurant away from the bridge for better quality and prices.

Best Day Trip for Scenery: Kotor, Montenegro

Nestled in Europe's southernmost fjord, the Bay of Kotor is a breathtaking landscape of dramatic black mountains plunging into turquoise waters. The fortified town of Kotor itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a labyrinth of medieval streets, churches, and squares.

Why Visit Kotor?

Kotor offers a unique blend of jaw-dropping natural beauty and rich Venetian history. It feels less polished than Dubrovnik, with a slightly more rugged and dramatic atmosphere. The drive around the bay is an experience in itself.

Top Things to Do in Kotor

• Climb the Fortress of San Giovanni: This is a must-do for the fit and adventurous. The 1,355-step climb to the fortress is rewarded with one of Europe's most spectacular views. The entrance fee is €8. Start early to avoid the midday sun.
• Get Lost in the Old Town: Wander aimlessly through the maze-like streets, discovering hidden piazzas and ancient churches like the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.
• Visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks: Most tours include a stop at the picturesque town of Perast. From there, take a small boat (€5 round trip) to the man-made islet of Our Lady of the Rocks to visit its charming church and museum.

How to Get to Kotor from Dubrovnik

• Organized Tour: A highly recommended, stress-free option. Tours cost around €50-€70 and last a full day. The 95 km journey takes about 2-2.5 hours, but be prepared for potential delays at the Croatia-Montenegro border, especially in summer.
• By Car: Driving is straightforward. Ensure your rental car has the necessary cross-border documentation. This allows you to stop at scenic points along the bay.

Insider Tip for Kotor

Instead of eating in the main squares of Kotor's Old Town, look for a konoba (traditional tavern) tucked away in a side alley. You'll often find more authentic food, such as black risotto, at a lower price.

Best Day Trip for Beaches & Relaxation: The Elaphiti Islands

If you need a break from the city crowds, a boat trip to the Elaphiti Islands is the perfect antidote. This small archipelago just northwest of Dubrovnik offers a tranquil escape with lush greenery, sandy beaches, and car-free villages.

Which Elaphiti Island Should You Visit?

• Koločep (Kalamota): The closest island, known for its sandy beaches and walking trails through pine forests.
• Lopud: Famous for Šunj Beach, one of the few large sandy beaches in the region. The main village is charming and car-free.
• Šipan: The largest island, with a more agricultural feel, olive groves, and two main villages. It's the quietest of the main three.

How to Get to the Elaphiti Islands

• Organized Tour: The popular "3-Island Tour" is an all-day excursion that visits all three main islands. Prices range from €40 to €60 and usually include a simple lunch and drinks on the boat. It's a great value but can feel rushed.
• Public Ferry: For a more independent experience, take the Jadrolinija ferry from Dubrovnik's Gruž Port. A one-way ticket costs between €4 and €6. This allows you to spend a full day exploring just one island at your own pace.

Insider Tip for the Elaphiti Islands

On Lopud, instead of walking the 2km path to Šunj Beach in the summer heat, hire one of the golf cart taxis waiting at the ferry port. The ride costs about €2-€3 per person and saves you time and energy for swimming.

Best Day Trip for Foodies: Ston and the Pelješac Peninsula

Just an hour's drive from Dubrovnik lies the Pelješac Peninsula, a paradise for food and wine lovers. Its gateway is the historic town of Ston, renowned for three things: its formidable defensive walls, its ancient salt pans, and some of the world's most prized oysters.

Why Visit Ston?

This trip is a feast for the senses. You can walk along the second-longest preserved fortification system in the world, learn about centuries-old salt production, and indulge in incredibly fresh seafood, particularly the native European flat oyster.

Top Things to Do in Ston

• Walk the Walls of Ston: Built in the 14th century, these impressive walls connect Ston and its smaller sister town, Mali Ston. Walking the full circuit takes about 45 minutes. The entrance fee is approximately €10.
• Oyster Tasting: Visit an oyster farm in Mali Ston Bay. Many local families offer boat trips to their farms with tastings right on the water. Fresh oysters often cost as little as €2-€3 each.
• Wine Tasting: The Pelješac Peninsula is Croatia's premier red wine region, famous for the powerful Plavac Mali grape. Many wineries, like the renowned Grgić or Miloš, offer tastings.

How to Get to Ston from Dubrovnik

• By Car: This is the best option for flexibility, especially if you want to visit wineries. The 55 km drive is scenic and easy, taking about 1 hour.
• Organized Tour: Many companies offer combined "Ston & Pelješac Wine Tours." These typically cost €70-€120 and include wall entrance, an oyster tasting, and a winery visit.

Insider Tip for Ston

Visit Ston during the Festival of Oysters on St. Joseph's Day (mid-March) for the ultimate culinary experience. The oysters are at their prime, and the towns celebrate with music, folklore, and delicious food and wine at promotional prices.

Best Day Trip for Nature Lovers: Mljet National Park

Often called Croatia's greenest island, Mljet is a haven of unspoiled nature. A third of the island is a protected National Park, centered around two stunning saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero (Large and Small Lake).

Why Visit Mljet?

Mljet is an escape into pristine wilderness. The vibrant turquoise lakes are surrounded by dense pine forests, perfect for hiking, cycling, and kayaking. It's a place of immense tranquility and natural beauty, rumored to be the island of Ogygia from Homer's Odyssey.

Top Things to Do in Mljet

• Cycle or Kayak the Lakes: Rent a bike (€15-€20 for a day) or a kayak (€10-€15 per hour) at the entrance to explore the 12 km path around the lakes.
• Visit St. Mary's Island: In the middle of Veliko Jezero lies a tiny island with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery. A small solar-powered boat (included in your park ticket) will take you there.
• Swim in the Lakes: The water in the lakes is warmer and calmer than the open sea, making it perfect for swimming.

How to Get to Mljet from Dubrovnik

• Catamaran: A fast passenger ferry runs from Dubrovnik's Gruž Port to Pomena or Sobra on Mljet. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs around €20 one way. Book tickets in advance, especially in summer. The National Park entrance fee is separate (approx. €25 in peak season).
• Organized Tour: For convenience, a guided tour will handle all transport and tickets. Expect to pay €80-€100 for a full-day trip.

Insider Tip for Mljet

While the main villages have restaurants, it's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking or cycling away from the main entry points. Also, bring cash, as card payments are not universally accepted in smaller establishments.