The Best Day Trips From Dubrovnik

Once you visited the most famous sights of Dubrovnik, it' time to explore the surroundings. From Dubrovnik, there is plenty to explore, from nearby islands (amazing beaches), national parks (beautiful pristine nature) or even countryside (for enjoying local food and wine tasting).

Those who want to explore the region on their own, renting a car would be a good option (find great car hire deals at Discover Cars).

👍 Our top recommendations for what to do in Dubrovnik!

1. Boat trips to the beautiful Elaphite islands

A beautiful sandy Sunj beach on Lopud near Dubrovnik

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One of the most popular destination for escape from Dubrovnik's tourist crowds are the Elaphites, sunny islands situated northwest of the city.

The archipelago consists of a group of islands, of which only three are inhabited: Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan.

Consider visiting them if you're looking for pristine nature and beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters. They are ideal for sunbathing, swimming on a hot summer days.

The Elaphite islands can be reached by boat from Gruz port, running in both directions several times a day. Many tour operators offer organised trips to these islands.

Travellers love this boat tour from Dubrovnik to the Elaphites (tasty lunch included), especially those with kids.

There is no better way to see the islands then by kayak. You can do this by joining one of many sea-kayaking tours available. Explore hidden beaches, caves and other secret island spots. Main activity kayaking is combined with island walking, swimming and snorkeling. Note that no previous paddling experience is necessary.

This small group guided kayaking tour to Lopud and Sipan and this kayak and bike tour on the Sipan island are among the most popular ones.

Elaphite Island Trips
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2. Quad bike (or buggy) tour & Horseriding in Konavle countryside

Kojan Koral adventure tours will be the highlight of your Dubrovnik holiday. You can choose from quad bike tour or Buggy tour both starting from a ranch situated in Konavle (some 30 minutes ride south of Dubrovnik, the pick-up and drop-off from/to Dubrovnik is included in the price). 

Once you arrive to the ranch, you'll get your googles and helmets and some instructions from the guide and you are set to go. You'll drive mostly off-road in beautiful nature, through green fields and also a river which is trully fun.

There is a break in the Cilipi, where you can explore the place, have a drink at a café or have an ice-cream from the local store. On the way back you'll stop on the beautiful spot to enjoy amazing scenery of the sea (this is a great place for capturing amazing photos).

This is a really great adventure for anyone - solo travellers, couples or even families with children! You can choose to drive ATV Quads or Buggies (ideal for families).

In the end, you'll have some fruit and drinks on the ranch!

If you opt for Horseriding, you'll ride through unexplored forest paths, explore the rocky Konavle coastline and take a stunning views of the Adriatic Sea at sunset. The horses are great and you feel safe even if you don’t have any experience.

👉 Book here quad bike safari

👉 Book here horseriding

👍 More fun day trips to Konavle:

3. Hiking and swimming on Mljet island

The Great Lake on the island of Mljet

The island of Mljet with its National Park is among the most popular spots among Dubrovnik visitors. The Mljet National Park is covered in deep forests and is home to several natural attractions, from the nymph Calypso's cave holding Odysseus captive to two salt lakes. In the middle of the Great Lake, the Islet of Saint Mary is home to a 12th-century Benedictine Monastery. 

The National Park with a network of cycling and hiking trails is a great for exploring on your own. A day trip to Mljet is a great option for those who like spending time in nature. 

Reaching Mljet from Dubrovnik is easy, just take high-speed catamaran departing in the morning from Gruz port (1 hour 40 minutes). Just be sure to get off at Polace, not Sobra which is on the other side of the islands.

Consider taking a private boat tour to the island of Mljet if you want to spend a full day on the sea, go for a swim and snorkel on secluded beaches and relax in private bays.

For a truly memorable experience join this speed-boat tour to Mljet (and the Elaphites), and visit legendary Odysseus cave and secluded Saplunara beach and have amazing day at sea.

👍 Best ways to visit Mljet island:

4. Korcula & Peljesac private tour from Dubrovnik

If you want to explore Korcula on a day trip, then join this private tour from Dubrovnik.

We are sure you'll love everything this trip includes, your ride in a comfortable vehicle from Dubrovnik to Ston where you'll have a break for having a coffee and sightseeing of Ston. Next, your drive continues to Orebic to catch ferry to Korcula island.

Once there, you'll have private walking tour of Korcula Old Town (you'll see birth-house of Marco Polo, the Cathedral of San Marco). After the tour, you'll have free time for lunch before catching ferry back to the mainland.

Once on Peljesac, you'll visit one of the most famous Peljesac wineries, where you'll try various wines and liqueurs then have a photo stop in Dingac wine-growing zone (with a views of Mljet, Lastovo and Peljesac).

In total, this is a great day trip from Dubrovnik to the beautiful countryside that includes sightseeing and wine tasting).

👍 More great day trips for foodies & wine lovers:

5. Visiting Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls

Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

A visit to Bosnia, especially Mostar is very popular among tourist visiting Dubrovnik. It's famous for its Old Bridge (Stari Most) and the town itself is interesting with cobblestone streets, Turkish-style bazzars, mosques and numerous coffee houses.

The drive from Dubrovnik to Mostar takes less than three hours. If you are taking a rental car (find great deals at Discover Cars), make sure you're allowed to take it across the border, as Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a part of the European Union. 

Many travel agencies offer day trips to Mostar, which is a great option for visiting this unique city. We recommend this small group tour from Dubrovnik that combines a visit to Mostar with exploration of Kravica Waterfalls hidden in forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Or for something a bit different, learn to bake traditional bread, taste Bosnian coffee and enjoy lunch on this full-day excursion from Dubrovnik.

More info you may like:

Dubrovnik Hotel Guide

Dubrovnik Old Town Tour

Getting to Dubrovnik from Split

Croatia Island Hopping Ideas

Dining in Dubrovnik