Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik, The Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik is a sight to behold. Dubrovnik, formerly a little-known gem in Eastern Europe, has seen a boom in popularity in recent years as a result of television shows and movies exploiting the city’s magnificent cityscape, most notably for the filming of the HBO series Game of Thrones.
Although it would be difficult to grow tired of Dubrovnik’s allure, you may eventually want to explore other parts of Croatia in search of the country’s next best-kept secret.
Without further ado, I present to you the top day trips you can do from Dubrovnik.
Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik
Ston
Nestled away on the Peljeac peninsula is the picturesque town of Ston, a truly hidden gem.
If you want to see Croatia at its purest, a trip to Ston is your best bet.
The entrance at Ston Walls and Fort Kastio are both must-sees.
Combining a trip to Ston with that of the neighboring village of Olipa is a great idea.
Ston is well-known for its oysters, so a leisurely lunch of local oysters and Ston village wine is highly recommended.
From Ston, you can travel to the nearby wineries of Dingac and Postup.
Kotor
In the country of Montenegro, you’ll find the coastal town of Kotor.
This old fortified village is yet another undiscovered gem of Eastern Europe.
Kotor’s mazelike stone alleyways and plazas add a touch of charm to the city.
Located between the placid waters of the Bay of Kotor and the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding mountains, the town itself is a photographer’s dream.
In addition to the unique Cats Museum, you can spend the morning exploring the Kotor Cathedral and the Maritime Museum.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets and take in the medieval marvel’s old-world allure.
Medjugorje
Medjugorje is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most important religious and spiritual centers.
Mother Mary allegedly visited this spot in 1981, making it the second most popular Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and spoke to a group of six youngsters.
Medjugorje’s status as a pilgrimage destination was established after locals returned to the area repeatedly to chat with curious tourists, whose initial skepticism gradually faded.
You don’t have to be religious to feel the awe and wonder that permeate the air at this sacred spot.
Visit the nearby towns of Medjugorje and Bijakovici to learn more about the everyday lives of the residents and the significance of the site.
Located at the very end of Croatia, in the Konavle Valley, is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural sights.
The Sokol Kula, often known as the “Falcon Fort,” should be your first stop in the valley. Once you reach the top of the fort’s stairs, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding cliffs and mountains.
Along the way, you’ll see dozens of picturesque farms and homesteads as you follow the course of the River Ljuta through the Konavle Valley.
If you choose, you can combine a trip to the Konavle Valley with some time in Cavat.
Sarajevo
In addition to being the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is also a very convenient day trip destination from Dubrovnik.
There is a wealth of history and culture to explore in this relatively unknown city.
To get a sense of how the Muslim community has influenced modern Sarajevo, it’s best to begin the day at the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.
Discover the beautiful Sarajevo Tunnel in the afternoon.
There is a small but quite instructive military war museum on the ground floor of this tunnel network, which was used during the Bosnian conflict.
Don’t leave Sarajevo without spending some time at the historic bazaar, Baar’ija.
Mljet Island
One of the most stunning and idealistic vacation spots is Mljet Island, which is the most eastern and southern of the bigger Adriatic Islands.
Mljet Island is so charming, alluring, and romantic that you might not want to leave.
The only road on the island runs from the monastery to the docks.
The unspoiled natural forest, olive groves, and vineyards of Mljet Island are some of its most attractive aspects.
There is nothing quite like snorkeling or scuba diving off the coast of Mljet Island.
The marine life is teeming, and the water is crystal clear.
Mostar
Mostar is a real cultural melting pot that has a rich and varied history to discover.
In order to reach Mostar, you must travel across the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina.
The Stari Most, a 1566 arched bridge with a fairytale vibe, is Mostar’s most recognizable monument. Amazing in design and history, the Mosque of Mostar is worth exploring.
The Muzej Hercegovine is an excellent resource for learning about the history of Mostar and the surrounding region, as it houses several artifacts and images.
You can squeeze in a quick trip to Pocitelj and Medjugorje if time is of the essence.
Though any one of the three might stand on its own as a day trip destination.
Budva
A journey to Budva would see you cross international borders into the sovereign state of Montenegro.
In fact, this city is one of the most valuable secrets in all of Europe.
It’s easy to see why Budva, the capital of Montenegro, is such a popular destination for vacationers.
One of the most attractive cities in the world, its terracotta roofs reflect the azure blue of the Adriatic Sea.
Enjoy the lively nightlife for as long as you can in this charming town before making the journey back to Dubrovnik.
The beaches and bays of Budva are the stuff of fantasies so bring your sun hat and your beach towel and make the most of every minute.
Cavtat
Cavtat, which sits to the southeast of Dubrovnik, is a stunning little village.
Cavtat, located on the Adriatic Sea, is well-known for its beautiful beaches and numerous well-preserved Illyrian necropolises.
It’s possible to walk the length of both beaches in a single day, and you have the luxury of not having to decide between them.
You may watch the sunrise while strolling along Mlini Beach, taking in the sights of the bay.
Visit Srebreno Beach and Cavtat harbor after a substantial lunch in Cavtat town.
Before you go, take sure to check out Rector’s Palace and St. Nicholas Church.
Elaphite Islands
Croatia provides the wonderful experience of island hopping, a popular tourist activity more commonly associated with Southeast Asia or the Caribbean.
From Dubrovnik, you can take a day excursion to this small archipelago, and there are many of local tour operators and independent boat owners who will shuttle you around.
Koloep, Lopud, and ipan, the three largest islands, are breathtaking.
During the summer, the seas near the Elaphite Islands are calm and warm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving for those with the proper certification.
Kravice Waterfalls
Tucked away in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina are the Kravice Waterfalls.
The tufa cascades along the Trebiat River are one of the most spectacular sights you will ever see.
When the sun is shining on water, the spray creates tiny rainbows that give the illusion that the water is dancing.
Even if you haven’t heard of the Kravice Waterfalls by name, you’ve probably seen a photo or two of this beautiful natural landmark in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The ponds that encircle the waterfalls and woodland provide welcome relief from the heat of a summer day.
Korcula
Have you heard that Croatia has a fantastic wine industry? The island of Korcula is home to some of the best examples of this unusual wine, so don’t discount the possibility.
A day without wine is like a day without sunshine, as the ancient Croat saying goes, and who are we to argue?
Korcula looks and feels like it was plucked straight from a fairytale.
That fortified settlement was actually where Marco Polo was born.
Korcula Island is steeped in history and is now home to a flourishing wine industry, both of which make for a rich and rewarding vacation experience.
Pelješac
A trip to Peljeac will set you straight if you’re looking for the best of the Mediterranean coast.
Hidden coves, secret beaches, abundant oyster bays, and outstanding wineries are just some of the attractions of this gorgeous peninsula.
Peljeac is yet another hidden wine region in Croatia that produces high-quality drinks.
Matusko Winery, Peljeac’s most renowned vineyard, is open seven days a week for wine tasting and sales.
Just making the trip from Dubrovnik to Peljeac will make you want to pack your bags and see the world.
Those who enjoy exploring new territory on foot can put on their hiking boots and head to Sveti Ilija.
Split
Located on the Dalmatian Coast, Split is a large city in Croatia.
Enjoyable sightseeing can be had in a day or less in this fascinating metropolis.
Visit the Diocletian’s Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Dominus for a taste of the city’s history.
The Cathedral of Saint Dominus, which has been standing since the 4th century, may be the oldest structure you visit.
There are several restaurants, bars, and gift shops for visitors to peruse.
What makes this city even more picture-perfect is that after you’ve seen all the must-see attractions, you can unwind on the beach.
Best Day Trips from Cincinnati
Trogir
Trogir is a fascinating blend of architectural styles, with examples of Renaissance, baroque, and Romanesque all in close proximity to one another.
The last quarter of the city, known as iovo, is located on an island apart from the rest of the city.
Though, there are bridges that link iovo to the mainland.
Trogir Cathedral and Cipiko Palace are two of the city’s most impressive buildings.
The promenade along the shore is always a hive of activity during the warmer summer months.
Coffee shops extend their seating out onto the sidewalks, where patrons can relax at tables and chairs cooled by water mist fans.
You may have a hard time leaving Trogir to go back to charming Dubrovnik at the end of the day.