If you are reading this text that probably means you plan to visit our beautiful city of Dubrovnik during your next vacation. If that is true, you are in the right place to find out all about the best day trips from Dubrovnik. Yes, I know you want to use your limited vacation time in the best possible way so just stay tuned and check below our guide with the best Dubrovnik tours and day trips from Dubrovnik which we have prepared for you with our first-hand experience!
Before we start, let’s just divide 3 types of visitors who come to visit Dubrovnik. The first type would be the visitors who arrive in Dubrovnik for only one day, and those guests are usually the cruise ship visitors or those who are just passing by. If you are in this group and you only have a few hours to see the best highlights of Dubrovnik, we prepared the list of Best Dubrovnik Short Tours you do want to check.
The second group are the visitors who are visiting several European destinations during their vacation. If Dubrovnik is one of your top selections which you plan to visit, probably you plan to stay in Dubrovnik for a few days. Maybe Dubrovnik could be your ideal base for exploring other Croatian cities and surrounding countries?! You are probably wondering how many days would be the best to spend in Dubrovnik, but no worries, we have the answer for you! In any way, in this ultimate guide with the best day tours from Dubrovnik, you will definitely find one or two amazing day trips which will make you come back to Dubrovnik next year as well!
The third group would be the visitors who dedicated their entire vacation to one destination, and if you have chosen Dubrovnik for this year, you will definitely not be disappointed! For you, we have prepared this ultimate guide with the best day trips from Dubrovnik to enhance your vacation experience even more!
Well, the answer is not very simple as there is an amazing list of things and activities that you can do in Dubrovnik. Still, should there be a specific reason to visit Dubrovnik? Well, definitely yes! Only the look at the magnificent Old Town City Walls is almost a reason alone! The Pearl of the Adriatic, a historical jewel full of medieval treasures, contemporary art, wine bars, amazing panoramic restaurants, beautiful numerous pristine beaches and crystal clear sea!
Visitors usually spend around 3 to 4 full days which is perhaps some ideal period to see and explore Dubrovnik. That is fair enough time to explore the beautiful Old Town from inside and outside. It is enough time to do explore some highlights as well like walking around the city walls or taking the cable car and checking the Srdj hill above the Old Town where the war museum is located. Checking on an idyllic place like Lokrum Island is a must and spending some time on some of the Best Dubrovnik Beaches would suit just enough for a few days in Dubrovnik.
Still, if you dedicated your whole vacation and you plan to stay in Dubrovnik for a week or more you might consider doing some full-day trips in Dubrovnik and its surroundings. There are plenty of places to explore and discover, many things to see, from beaches to charming coastlines, beautiful coastal picturesque towns, and national parks; all located right here in the middle of the Adriatic coast, all waiting for your visit!
Old Town is not very large but you can still get lost in the network of small alleys each telling its own story, but you can definitely explore it at your own pace. You can also wander around and discover other top highlights, but to completely experience Dubrovnik Old Town and to learn about its amazing history, we strongly suggest taking a tour guide or joining a very popular walking tour in Dubrovnik.
The waters around the shoreline are lined with wooded islands, peaceful village towns, with quiet pebbled beaches and timeworn temples. Private Boat Adventures or Boat Tours are some of the most popular and best tours in Dubrovnik for exploring these stunning archipelago and Dubrovnik islands. Along the coast, red-painted houses descend into hillsides in picturesque villages such as Cavtat. Food and wine lovers will love the Konavle countryside and Pelješac.
Just south of Dubrovnik, around 25 minutes drive, Cavtat old town Is located between mountainous ranges and the scenic seafront. Founded in ancient times it was the first settlement of Ragusean people who came to this area and made the first settlements before moving to today’s Dubrovnik. Konavle region is just another 15 minutes away and on your day trip from Dubrovnik, you should definitely include Konavle as well.
Cavtat is a charming little town by the sea that tends to be less crowded by tourists particularly in the summer when compared to Dubrovnik. Getting here from Dubrovnik is very easy. You can take bus number 10 from the main bus station in Gruz or alternatively you can hop on the same bus at the Cable car station just outside the Old Town. The bus ride is excellent for some panoramic photos of the Old Town as well. Alternatively, you can reach Cavtat by boat, by a regular line that leaves from Old Town harbour every full hour.
Once you are there you can relax and enjoy the charming old town and narrow streets, walk along the promenade and explore some historical monuments. A most famous resident was artist Vlaho Bukovac (1855 – 1925), whose house you can visit in Cavtat where the museum is located displaying his artworks. In Cavtat, you can also visit the Rector’s Palace, Franciscan monastery and family Racic Mausoleum in the town’s cemetery, designed by a famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović.
Since a couple of bays do feature the town setting, outdoor adventures are also very popular like kayaking or swimming and sunbathing at several beautiful pristine beaches right in the middle of the town. It’s also an ideal location for biking as the walkways through the forest and parks around Cavtat are more than beautiful.
Konavle are situated just south of Dubrovnik airport something around 15 drive from Cavtat. Known as Dubrovnik’s countryside the area has become an important tourist destination thanks to the several local attractions, many vineyards, authentic food and the mountain of Snijeznica. The region occupies Croatia’s southernmost point and is characterised by vineyards, orchards, and scenic villages with traditional architecture.
One of the gems of the surrounding area is the river Ljuta flowing through the Konavle valley hiding the remains of old mills lost in the time of history. It’s the perfect place to stroll through the shades of pine trees and lush vegetation and take in the natural beauty of southern Croatia. Once you get hungry you can take a lunch break at one of the local family-owned restaurants offering traditional Croatian dishes. Restaurants are located right there on the riverbank where you can relax and enjoy the gentle breeze of the Ljuta River.
I have to admit that I didn’t really know what to expect from Sokol Kula when I was going there for the first time. In the end, I was so thrilled that I talked about it days later. The green Konavle valley stretches between two grey hills, and you can see most of it from the top of Sokol. With the wind in your hair under the Croatian flag, standing on one of the highest terraces of the fort, you can easily imagine flying over the valley. In the distance, you can see the Adriatic sea is shining. Somewhere behind the hill is the famous Pasjača beach mostly visited by the locals.
The defensive role of the fort on this rock was important because it was the main road that connected Konavle with the hinterland. Archaeological finds have revealed that the Illyrians had their own fortress here. It is followed by a Roman and then a Byzantine fortress while the first mention of Sokol reaches back to 1373. In 1423, the Dubrovnik Republic bought the entire Konavle, including Sokol grad and in the 15th century, the fortress got its present appearance.
Dubrovnik, a world pearl of cultural heritage and member of the UNESCO World Heritage list, is perhaps best experienced – from the sea. Avoid the crowds within the walled city and experience it from a completely different perspective. Post some photos and videos on your social media straight from the sea surface and everyone will envy you. There is always something that remains hidden to many visitors, so make sure not to miss the Elafiti Islands!
If you enjoy sailing or island hopping then the beautiful Elafiti Islands is located only a short distance from Dubrovnik Gruž port. Elaphite (Greek Elafos – deer) or Deer Islands form an archipelago of thirteen islands. Although only Lopud, Koločep and Šipan are inhabited, the whole archipelago is a very important part of Dubrovnik’s tourist offer. The islands were first mentioned in the 1st century in the work Naturalis Historia by Pliny the Elder, which is proof that its beautiful landscapes have long attracted many visitors. If you dream of sandy beaches, olive groves, vast pine forests and complete peace, these islands are perfect for you!
You can reach the Elaphite Islands by local ferry boat from the Port of Gruž, which departs up to several times a day and stops on all the islands. In summer, discover all the treasures of the residential and fortification buildings of these islands that are unique examples of local architecture. The diverse islands offer something unique and different.
On Koločep you will see lush Mediterranean diversity of vegetation, mandarin gardens and historical buildings such as St. Anthony chapel. Lopud will surprise you with its beautiful sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear water and an easy way of island life. Sipan is home to 42 historic villas from the 15th century and 32 beautiful churches, as well as the picturesque harbor of Sudjuradj and Sipan.
The best way to see Elafiti Islands is by private boat tour from Dubrovnik which takes you to three of the largest islands of the Elaphite mini-archipelago. Since they are located relatively close to Dubrovnik, this private tour is extremely popular and can be done as a half-day tour or full-day tour which is definitely our recommendation. Dubrovnik Boat Rent offers a couple of unique Private Boat Adventures to untouched nature and indigenous island serenity for your genuine moments of relaxation.
Just 500 meters from Dubrovnik lies Lokrum Island, an idyllic little tiny island surrounded by lush pine forest. The island has an old Benedictine monastery, walking trails and many gardens as well as a botanical garden. The French Fort Royal is located 96 m above sea level on the highest peak. It is a true delight for exploration which offers a spectacular view of the Adriatic and Dubrovnik old town and city walls. The name of this island was first mentioned a thousand years ago, and over the centuries it has been inhabited mainly by Benedictines.
Legend says that the English King Richard the Lionheart shipwrecked on Lokrum island during his return from the Crusades when a great storm struck and he found salvation on this tiny island in front of Dubrovnik. As a sign of gratitude to fate and the people of Dubrovnik, he wanted to build the church on Lokrum island. The citizens convinced him that it was a better idea to build a church in Dubrovnik where you can find the main Cathedral funded by King Richard. The greatest trace in the island’s landscape was made by the Habsburgs Maximilian Ferdinand, Rudolf and queen Sissi, who were the owners of the whole island during some period in history.
To reach the island from Dubrovnik, a local ferry ship departs from the Old Town Port and departs every half hour. The price is 200 kuna and includes a boat and entrance ticket to the island. It may seem like a lot to you, but trust me, it really pays to set aside this amount. You can’t stay on the island overnight, so you have to get on the last boat to Dubrovnik which departs at 7 pm. If you don’t feel like being on the boat with many other people, you might want to check our private tour which combines Lokrum island and Elafiti islands together in a single day trip.
When you arrive on the island you have several paths each leading in its own direction. You can decide for yourself where you will go first, but in any way, you will stumble upon the Benedictine monastery complex where you will find a beautiful garden and a museum. The atmosphere is beautiful, it is peaceful, relaxing and is an ideal place to relax from sightseeing.
Passing through the monastery you will find an open museum where the famous Iron Throne from the series “Game of Thrones” is located. This will be a special experience for all the fans of the series. Feel free to sit on the throne, take pictures and create a souvenir from this trip. There are also various videos displayed in the room from the filming locations which were shot during the filming of the series in Dubrovnik, where the cast recounts their experiences.
The Mljet island is the largest island in the Dubrovnik archipelago. It is known for its many legends, deep bays, Great and Small Lakes, lush and diverse Mediterranean vegetation and rich cultural heritage. In the past, the island was inhabited by Illyrians, Greeks and Romans. Today, the island is known in the world for its top-quality goat cheese, Mljet National Park, the legend of Odysseus and its nymph Calypso, and southern varieties of white and red wine.
Overlooking the shimmering Adriatic Sea, surrounded by the untouched nature of lush pine trees and the oak forest, Mljet National Park is hidden as an idyllic place for a holiday in nature. Island can be reached by passenger boat or car ferry from Dubrovnik while the journey takes about two hours. The boat will take you to Pomena at the northwestern end of this green Dalmatian island. Away from the Dubrovnik city crowds, you will find a dense network of hiking trails for walking and cycling, beautiful diving coves and Roman remains.
Feel free to wander towards the beautiful salt lakes of Mljet island- the Small and Big Lakes – which are a magnet for nature lovers and couples looking for a long-awaited dream vacation on the island. There are countless historical, cultural and geological values in this lush paradise that have yet to be discovered.
Still, the biggest attraction of National Park is the Benedictine Monastery with the church of St. Mary located on the small islet of the same name in the Great Lake. Built in the period from 1177 to 1198 the church has changed its appearance over the centuries under the influence of styles of Renaissance and Baroque. There are a few trail suggestions suggesting the best ways to experience the park but all of them will eventually bring you the Mali Most from where you can take a short solar-powered boat ride to the St Mary islet. This is one of the best Dubrovnik island trips for nature lovers and national park enthusiasts.
On the island of picturesque bays, warm sea and seductive scent of pine trees lived the nymph Calypso who kept Odysseus captive as a lover for seven years. Although he mourned his beloved wife Penelope during the day, every night Calypso enchanted him and promised him immortality if he stayed with her. He was released only on the orders of Zeus. Calypso reluctantly obeyed the word of Olympus Lord but ordered Odysseus to build a raft and supply him with sufficient food and wine to arrive in his native Ithaca. When her lover left, Calypso reportedly died of grief.
The legend ends there, but an unusual creature “moved” into Odysseus cave. For many years it was the natural habitat of one of the rarest mammals in the world – the Mediterranean seal. The cave is only accessible by boat and Dubrovnik Boat Rent offers a unique opportunity to visit all the best places on a private Mljet Island boat tour from Dubrovnik.
One of the most popular Dubrovnik day trips is definitely the Peljesac peninsula region located just north of Dubrovnik about an hour of easy drive from Dubrovnik. Peljesac is a well-known area for fine grapes, and some of the most renowned sorts of wines in Croatia and Europe do come from this region. Wine lovers will be delighted with several options for day tours to this region as they can do wine tastings of the renowned wine sorts like Plavac and Plavac Mali, Dingač or Postup right from the source.
Peljesac Peninsula is Dalmatia’s largest peninsula and a fun place to visit on a day trip – especially for gastronomes. Peljesac is also home to numerous farms of figs, almonds, and lemon trees, and the little town of Ston is famous for its seafood. Pine and cypress trees surround the sleepy villages, while several magnificent Blue Flag beaches and coves are scattered along the peninsula coast, some of which are only, accessible by boat. Pelješac is indeed a true gem waiting for your discovery and if you decide to dedicate your whole vacation to this region you will definitely not be disappointed. True peace and quiet do extend over the whole region and if you are looking for an easy vacation without any stress you might consider Peljesac as your vacation destination for next year!
Along the way to Peljesac, Trsteno Arboretum is waiting for your visit. Trsteno is a small beachside town where you can find one of very few botanical gardens of the same scale in this part of Europe. Established by Gucetic – Gozze family in the late 15th century, Renaissance Summer Residence is surrounded by a unique botanical garden. Besides the park and lush vegetation, you can also find the Baroque fountain with the sculpture of Neptune. If you are a fan of “Game of Thrones” you probably already know that arboretum was one of the filming locations where numerous scenes were filmed.
The pride of the arboretum and something that you can’t miss even if you don’t visit the arboretum, are two Oriental Planes located on the central place of Trsteno. They are over 500 years old and are unique specimens of their kind in Europe. The ancient trees are both about 45/60 m tall while the arboretum counts numerous exotic plants from all over the world. How all those plants got to Trsteno is another story which we leave to you to discover…
A bit further down the road, and once in Ston, the first thing you will see is the famous city walls, often called Europe’s wall of China, which border Ston from all sides. This is a fortified perimeter of about 5.5 kilometres that contains forty towers and five bastions. It’s possible to walk all the way up to the top and highest point, from where you will have an incredible view of the town. If you feel full of energy you can walk the wall, but my suggestion is to save the energy for the Dubrovnik walls.
Instead, you should definitely check the Ston Salt Pans, where salt is still harvested in an old-fashioned way. In the middle ages, salt was valued as gold and was one of the most important assets for food preservation. For this reason, the Dubrovnik Republic decided to build the Ston walls to protect the salt plans from invaders and keep the plans secured.
Ston is also very well-known for its mussels and oysters farms, so if you are a lover of these delicious meals don’t forget to try the best and freshest delicates in Ston! There are many restaurants in the old town centre offering the freshest mussels, but you might want to check on the restaurants next to the actual farms where you will have the chance to discover the ways the oysters and mussels are grown and harvested.
It’s easy to get to Ston from Dubrovnik on a day trip, and you can choose between guided tours, local buses or car rentals. If you are more into your own exploration probably renting a car would be the best option for you. Still, our recommendation is to choose one of many local tour companies offering day trips from Dubrovnik to Ston.
Pelješac peninsula is one of the few destinations in Croatia that boasts spacious sandy and fine pebble beaches. In addition, the sea around Peljesac is extremely clean.
Prapratno is a popular sandy beach on Peljesac. The beach is shallow, clean and clear which makes it perfect for small children. There is no shade on the beach, so don’t forget to protect yourself with a cream with a high protection factor.
Jezero is a beautiful pebble beach, quiet and secluded even in the high season. If you want to escape from the unbearable crowds and even more unbearable heat, take a bath on Jezero beach. Its isolation can be attributed to the fact that it can only be reached by sea. Ask a local to take you to the beach or perhaps you can Rent a Boat in Dubrovnik.
Pebble and sandy beach Mokalo offers a magnificent view of the island of Korčula, and the shade is provided by a dense pine forest. There is a possibility to rent parasols and deck chairs, toilets are available to visitors, and they can refresh and relax in a nearby cafe and restaurant.
Trstenica is one of the most popular beaches on the Peljesac peninsula which is located near Orebić. Beach is ideal for families with younger children. There is a restaurant and a cafe bar, and if you haven’t brought the necessary equipment, you can rent parasols and deck chairs on the beach.
If you are a wine lover, Croatia is the perfect place for you. Small country but huge wine production, nevertheless the quality is truly amazing. Your first stop should be a family-run winery Miloš offering quick tours of the premises, showing you their cellars and winemaking process and wine tastings of all their labels.
Just a bit further into the peninsula, the bay of Trstenik is located where you’ll find a beautiful estate and winery of the Grgić family. This name became famous in the wine world for Chateau Montelena, the first New World Chardonnay to win a Paris Tasting.
If you feel like you would like to discover more, you can visit the Edivo wine bar in Draće. This is the most special wine you’ve ever seen called Navis Mysterium and is a unique product in Croatia. This is a limited-edition boutique wine made of native grapes Plavac Mali and aged at the bottom of the sea in glass bottles and amphoras.
The whole Adriatic coast is known for the beauty of its islands, but the Dalmatian coast in particular! Among the many beautiful islands, like Elafiti Islands or Mljet Island, Korčula Island stands out for its rich history and architecture. If you are already on Peljesac you might want to consider visiting Korcula by car, but doing Peljesac peninsula discovery and including Korcula might be too much for one day tour. If you are more like your own discoverer you might want to rent an apartment overnight and do a 2-day tour of Peljesac and Korcula together. Still, there are numerous boat tour options from Dubrovnik offering day trips by boat to this amazing Island.
A day trip to Korčula from Dubrovnik is amazing and is truly the finest Dalmatian experience. The drive to Korcula takes you over the entire Peljesac peninsula while the scenery is breathtaking. Once you arrive in Orebic you will need to take the ferry trip to take you over to Korcula island. It is a short boat ride and you should reach Korcula in about 20 minutes.
Famous as the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo, Korcula is an ancient walled city in the heart of an impressive island of the same name. It’s often called a mini Dubrovnik because of the beautiful and compact city centre. The narrow, car-free cobbled streets are the joy for strollers where you will find the house of Marco Polo where he was supposedly born. It’s definitely worth seeing St. Mark’s Cathedral, designed by Italian architects in the gothic renaissance style but built by the local community throughout the 15th century.
A local museum located in the Gabrijelis palace dating from the 16th century holds some valuable items like the piano from 1819 which was used by Beethoven’s friend – Edith Streich or local handcrafting items used in carving and shipbuilding. Once you get tired try some local cuisine at one of many restaurants located just on the city walls of Korčula which offer beautiful views of Peljesac and Orebic.
Large pine forests on the coast provide sheltered places from hot summer sunshine while the bays provide safe swimming and total privacy. There are numerous sandy beaches all around the island while the most popular one is the one close to Korcula town and is called Pržina beach in Lumbarda. If you have the spirit of explorer you can check Pupnat or Bačva beach all located on the southern side of the island. For this exploration, you will need a car but if you are a sports person all this can be discovered with the bicycle.
Split is Croatia’s 2nd biggest city situated in the middle of the Dalmatia region and about 230 kilometres north of Dubrovnik. Split dates back to the Roman time and contains the amazing ancient structure of Europe, with a long and turbulent history. Initially established as a Greek settlement and used to call Aspalathos, over the centuries it belonged to many empires like the Roman Empire, Byzantium, Hungary, Venice, Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia and most recently it is part of the independent Croatia Republic.
It takes a few hours by car to reach Split while you can take 2 roads to get there. The first option is taking the highway which is much faster but less interesting. Alternatively, you can take the old ‘Magistrala’ road which is passing all the smaller villages and places along the Dalmatian coast. The beautiful journey along the sparkling Adriatic coast is indeed full of colours. Alternatively, there is a regular bus line from Dubrovnik to Split several times per day going from the main bus station in Gruz, but there is also a fast catamaran line stoping in Korčula, Hvar and Split twice per day.
In the heart of the historical Split, the gigantic complex called Diocletian Palace is located and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace was built between the 3rd and 4th century AD and has gone through a substantial transformation over the centuries. Built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian and planned as the military base, it was situated just by the waterfront. During the life of Diocletian, it was demilitarised and used as the retirement home for the emperor, while the big part of the palace still stands today as a preserved monument to the past era.
The palace was surrounded by the city walls reaching up to 26 meters and had four gates or entrances from north, south, east and west. As mentioned earlier, the modern city of Split has evolved inside the walls of the palace and is currently packed with many buildings, which have been built through time. Highlights of Split’s Old Town area includes Peristyle, the Palace’s central square, Cathedral of St. Domnius, Temple of Jupiter, and the impressive palace gates. Of course, there is an unavoidable promenade along the waterline lined with palm trees, locally called Riva.
Walking to the end of Riva you will find the steps called Marjan stairways taking you to an amazing Marjan Hill. This famous hill is a special place in the life of the local people and is actually a symbol of Split. It is an integral part of the city centre and an amazing forest park which is overlooking Split and offers the best view of the town and whole surrounding area. Ideal place for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Another popular small town that you can include in your Split day tour is the small but beautiful town of Trogir. It is actually an island connected with the mainland with a small moving bridge. This gorgeous town is located just a short drive from Split towards the north. Trogir is a European historic city with an impressive medieval coastline and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site site.
Its historic city centre contains palaces, churches and other architectural landmarks and an impressive fortified wall while being one of the best-preserved medieval coastal towns. The Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets and is hiding one of the most valuable monuments; the Cathedral of St. Lawrence dating from the 13th century and Castel Kamerlengo, towered fortress from the 15th century.
The island is surrounded by the promenade also called Riva which is ideal for afternoon walking when the sun is low, offering beautiful views of the sea and island Čiovo.
Just a bit further from Ston, and a short drive after passing the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina stands a proud city Mostar. Full of fascinating history, cultural crossroads and its turbulent past it’s one of the most beautiful inland cities located just 120 kilometres from Dubrovnik. If you have time leave the stunning Dalmatian coast behind for a day and discover the untouched nature where the beautiful Neretva river passes by the frontiers of the Ottoman town.
Mostar is most famous for its beautiful Stari Most; an Ottoman bridge listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, leaning over the crystal clear waters of the Neretva river passing underneath. The bridge was built in the 16th century and represented the connection between the cultures of East and West. It stood for centuries as a symbol of the multicultural country bonding Muslim Bosniaks and Christian Croats. Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Balkan War but for the joy of local people it was rebuilt with the original stone, and today it stands just as impressive as before.
The Old Bridge Museum is located next to the bridge, on the east side. Includes exhibitions on the history of the bridge including wartime photographs. The museum also has an entrance to the underground excavations. The charming old town is intersected by cobbled streets full of rich history leading your way to Old Bazar where you can find many local shops offering eastern and western cultural items. While in the Old Town you will not miss the Mosque of Mostar!
Balkan cuisine is an interesting and delicious combination of Western and Eastern Europe traditions. Bosnian cuisine has a rich tradition influenced by Turkish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Central European cuisine. While in Mostar you should not miss some local specialities like Chevapi and Burek!
Locally known as ‘Chevapi‘, it is a local dish that you can find all over the Balkan, and it is a grilled dish made of minced meat. It is similar to kebab and can be made from different types of meat; from chicken, lamb, pork to beef. It is most often served with chopped onion, kajmak, ajvar or sour sauce. Burek is a puff pastry stuffed with cheese, meat, spinach or potatoes. This is one of the most popular breakfasts in the entire Balkans.
While visiting Mostar, there is an excellent stop along the way where you can get refuge from the heat during the hot summer months! Kravica waterfalls are a refreshing escape hidden in lush forest and surrounded by cool flowing water. The Kravica waterfalls are really impressive and sometimes compared with Plitvice falls in Croatia. Even if you don’t plan to feel the water temperature on your skin it is really worth visiting the falls and discovering their incredible beauty.
Kravica waterfalls are usually not included as a stop but you can inquire beforehand if the day tour will include the stop on this beautiful place. If you plan to visit Mostar on your own by renting a car or similar, you should definitely include Kravica waterfalls in your itinerary. Another two optional stops could be a small town Počitelj and Blagaj.
In close vicinity of Mostar small town of Počitelj is hidden in the hills above the Neretva river. Founded already in Roman times it is hiding impressive remnants of the old times. There, you can discover the ruins of the 16th-century Ottoman fortress and have some impressive views of the calm area which is almost living in the past.
Blagaj is another small town along the way where you can find the attraction called Tekija. It is a Derwish house which is an important monument of the Ottoman culture in Bosna and Hercegovina. Very famous legend connects Blagaj and Teija but we leave it to you to discover it! The first monastery was built here at the beginning of the 16th century but the current look of the place comes from the end of the 19th century. Very close by, you will find the spring of the Buna river. The river flows through the caves and mountains and only emerges next to the Tekija. Yet another beautiful and interesting place you should not miss if you decide to visit Mostar on a day trip from Dubrovnik.
The Vjetrenica Caves are an hour away from Dubrovnik, and another fantastic excursion or day trip which takes you to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Vjetrenica is a hydrologically active flowing speleological object with as many as 4 watercourses and dozens of smaller periodic streams with underground lakes. First mentioned in the middle of the 1st century AD in the work “History of Nature” (Historia Naturalis) published in 77 by Pliny the Elder.
Its importance lies in its exceptional subterranean biodiversity. No other cave on earth has such a wealth of species living in it – more than 200 different ones have been documented! Vjetrenica is home to a rich cave world, in which almost 200 different animal species have been recorded, of which 92 are troglobites. This makes it the first in the world in terms of biodiversity while 37 of them were first found and described here. In the fauna of Vjetrenica, there is a large number of endemics and there’s nowhere else in the world where you can find so many different species.
Another day trip from Dubrovnik crosses the border and leads you south to Montenegro, a small country full of natural attractions and beauty. Since 2006, the country is independent and offers breathtaking views and charming villages. It’s a place where mountain peaks plunge to Adriatic sea rimmed with sapphire seas while red and white-coloured villages rest upon steep hillsides. It’s another stunning day trip from Dubrovnik where you can discover many beautiful sights like Kotor Bay, Perast, walled medieval beach town Budva, Tara River Canyon, Skadar Lake or Durmitor national park where outdoor adventures include hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, and rafting.
The Old town Kotor is also listed as a World Heritage site while the charming coastal town at the end of the fjord-like bay is surrounded by mountains from all sides. Its narrow streets, numerous churches and old palaces offer pure pleasure for wanderers and explorers. The town is fortified with walls which you can explore and from where the view of the Old Town and surrounding mountains is amazing.
You can get there by bus but we recommend taking one of the organized day tours / private car tours. If you prefer to do things on your own rent a car would be a great option. In any way, we guarantee you will be amazed.
Along the way to Kotor, you will first pass by Perast. A small but beautiful town on the coast of Kotor Bay. If you are going on a private tour and if you really want to visit Perast, do make sure that driver goes all around Kotor Bay and does not take the ferry which transfers you closer to Kotor at the narrow entrance and bottleneck of Kotor Bay. Not only for its own beauty but Perast is also known for the two islands Gospa od Skrpjela and Sveti Đorđe located directly in front of Perast.
The church of Our Lady of the Rocks you will find on Gospa od Skrpjela island with the museum. According to legend, two seamen brothers found the icon of Madonna and Child on the rock in the sea in July 1452. The local community decided to build the church and artificial island which slowly emerged from the sea and was built by generations of local seamen families. If you have time, don’t miss visiting the island. It offers really unique views of the entire Kotor bay.
Budva lies in a peninsula that extends over the azure sea of the Montenegro Adriatic part and is considered a historic and significant coastal region. The coast of Budva spans about 21 kilometres and has 17 lovely beaches. In addition, Budva’s millennium of history can be seen at its walls, towers and ramparts. Enter through five gates and enter a labyrinth of narrow passageways that lead through beautiful cobbled streets adorned by bars, restaurants, and stores.
Keep up the good work.