Places near Dubrovnik

If you’ve got a few extra days in Dubrovnik, don’t just stick to the Old Town. Dubrovnik is amazing on its own, but the area around it is surprisingly compact, easy to get around, and full of spots that feel completely different from the city walls. There are plenty of places near Dubrovnik that are easy to reach and perfect for a quick escape from the city.

You don’t need to plan long travel days or complicated trips. Islands, coastal towns, vineyards and even another country are all close enough for a half-day adventure or a relaxed overnight. Some trips are perfect if you just want to slow down, while others are great if you’re in the mood for a change of scenery.

Places near Dubrovnik worth visiting during your stay

The places listed below are all close enough to visit without turning your day into a long transfer. Some work best for a relaxed half-day trip, others deserve a full day or an overnight stay. You can reach most of them by local bus, ferry, or a short drive, and several are also available as organized tours if you prefer not to plan transport yourself.

Each place offers something different, so it helps to choose based on how much time you have and what you feel like doing. Some are ideal for swimming and slow walks, others for food, history, or a complete change of scenery. The sections below explain what you will actually experience in each place and how to fit it into your stay near Dubrovnik.

Cavtat

If you want something simple and relaxed, Cavtat is an easy win. It’s close, calm, and immediately feels
slower than Dubrovnik. You’ll notice it as soon as you arrive.

The town is set around a small peninsula, so everything is walkable. You can wander through the old
town, sit by the harbor with a coffee or walk the full loop around the Rat peninsula. That walk takes
about an hour at a relaxed pace, with plenty of spots where you can stop and swim straight from the
rocks.

Cavtat is also ideal if you don’t want to commit to a full day away. Buses run often, taxis are easy and
the boat from the Old Town is part of the experience – about 45 minutes along the coast. It’s also a
good choice on arrival or departure day since it’s closer to the airport than Dubrovnik itself.

Elafiti Islands

When you feel like getting out on the water, the Elafiti Islands are the easiest island trip from Dubrovnik. You can go on a tour, but if you prefer moving at your own pace, the regular ferries from Gruž are the better option.

Each island is different. Lopud is the busiest, mainly because of Šunj Beach, one of the few sandy beaches in the area. It’s great if you want an easy beach day, but it does get crowded late morning through mid-afternoon. Earlier or later in the day is much quieter.

Šipan is greener and more spread out. It’s a good choice if you want long walks, a slow lunch by the water, and fewer people. Koločep is the calmest of all, closest to Dubrovnik and ideal if you just want to swim, walk shaded paths and do very little else.

Ston and Mali Ston

Ston is a great day trip if you like history and good food without too much effort. It’s small, easy to get around, and focused on a few highlights, so you won’t feel overwhelmed.

The main reason people come is the wall walk between Ston and Mali Ston. It takes about an hour and includes a steady uphill section, so wear proper shoes and bring water. The views over the salt pans and bay are worth it.

Afterwards, head to Mali Ston for lunch. This is oyster country. If you’re visiting outside summer, try them raw. In warmer months, grilled fish and mussels are the safer bet. Sitting by the water with a long lunch is often the best part of the day.

You can reach Ston by car or bus. Parking is available near the old town, and everything is close enough to explore on foot.

Pelješac Peninsula

Pelješac gives you a very different feel from the city. The peninsula is known for vineyards, small villages, and long coastal roads with wide views. If you enjoy food, wine, and quieter surroundings, this area is worth your time.

The village of Potomje sits above steep vineyards and produces some of Croatia’s best-known red wines. Many family-run wineries welcome visitors for tastings, especially outside peak summer months. Orebić, on the coast, works well as a base, with beaches, cafés, and ferries to Korčula.

Driving is the easiest way to explore Pelješac. Roads are winding but well maintained, and traffic is lighter than around Dubrovnik. Summer temperatures can be high, so plan breaks, bring water, and avoid the hottest part of the day if possible.

Pelješac suits a full-day trip or an overnight stay if you want to slow down and enjoy the area properly.

Korčula

Korčula takes more time to reach, but many visitors find it worth the effort. You can get there by ferry from Dubrovnik or by driving to Orebić and crossing by boat. The old town sits on a small peninsula, with stone streets arranged in a fishbone pattern that helps with shade and airflow.

Walking through the old town takes little time, but it rewards slow exploration. You will find small museums, churches, wine bars, and swimming spots just outside the walls. Summer evenings feel lively without being overwhelming.

If you stay longer, you can explore inland villages, beaches, and vineyards. Renting a scooter or car helps if you want to move beyond the town. Late spring and early autumn offer warm weather with fewer crowds than July and August.

Mostar

Mostar is one of the most visited day trips from the region and sits across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The old town centers around the Stari Most, the stone bridge that spans the Neretva River.

You can walk through the old bazaar streets, visit mosques, and watch local divers jump from the bridge during warmer months. Small museums near the bridge explain the city’s recent past and give context to what you see around you.

Travel time from Dubrovnik is around 2.5 hours each way, depending on border traffic. Organized tours handle transport and border formalities, while independent travel requires a passport and patience during summer. Temperatures in Mostar are often higher than on the coast, so light clothing and water are essential. Be sure to stop at Kravica Waterfalls, where you can swim and cool off.

Lokrum Island

Lokrum is the quickest island trip you can take. Boats leave from the Old Town and reach the island in about 15 minutes. Once you arrive, the atmosphere changes immediately.

You can walk shaded paths, swim from rocky coves, or float in the small saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea. The island also has botanical gardens and open green areas. Peacocks roam freely, so keep an eye on your belongings.

Boat tickets include the return trip, and departures run frequently in season. Cafés are available, but bringing water and snacks makes the visit easier. Lokrum closes overnight and usually does not operate in winter.

Practical tips before heading out

Distances around Dubrovnik look short on the map, but summer traffic and border crossings can slow things down. Starting early makes your day far easier. Ferry schedules change by season, so always double-check times.

Weather affects plans more than many expect. During summer you should prepare for heat and crowds, while spring and autumn are more comfortable for walking and driving. Some ferry routes run less often outside peak season.

Carry some cash for buses, ferries, and smaller restaurants. Comfortable shoes matter more than you might expect, especially in towns with stone streets and wall walks.

Places near Dubrovnik that fit your plans

The area around Dubrovnik gives you plenty of ways to shape your trip. You can spend your days swimming on nearby islands, walking through small historic towns, tasting local wine or crossing the border for a change of scenery. You do not need to see everything to enjoy it.

If your stay is short, nearby places like Cavtat, Lokru, or the Elafiti Islands fit easily into your schedule. With more time, you can also add Pelješac, Korčula or Mostar to your itinerary. Each place shows a different side of the region and helps balance busy days in the city.

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