Beyond Dubrovnik's Old Town, the surrounding region offers days out that combine natural beauty, island tranquillity, and centuries of history.

Lokrum Island

A 15-minute ferry ride from the Old Port. Botanical garden, Benedictine monastery ruins, a Game of Thrones museum, and rocky swimming areas. Day-trip ferries run regularly in summer. A national reserve — camping is not permitted.

The Elafiti Islands

Three car-free islands accessible by regular ferry from Gruz harbour: Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. Lopud has the most developed infrastructure; Sipan is the largest and quietest. Full-day ferry trips are available.

Konavle valley

South of Dubrovnik, accessible by road. Known for traditional embroidery, the Rukatac white wine, and the coastal resort of Cavtat (ancient Epidaurum).

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Approximately 1.5 hours from Dubrovnik by road. The walled city of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day trips are popular in summer.

The Libertas Guide does not handle bookings. Check the Jadrolinija ferry service for current island timetables.

Planning a Day Out from Dubrovnik

A good day trip from Dubrovnik usually comes down to timing. In the height of summer the Old Town fills quickly once cruise passengers arrive, so many visitors use the busiest hours to escape to the islands or the countryside, then return in the evening for a concert or performance. If you are planning around the events calendar, check what time a show starts and work backwards. That way you have a comfortable margin for the last ferry or the drive home.

Getting around

Island ferries leave from two different places, so check which one you need. Boats to Lokrum go from the Old Port beside the city walls. The Elafiti services run from Gruž harbour, a short bus or taxi ride west of the centre. Timetables change between seasons, and some sailings are much less frequent outside summer, so confirm departure and return times on the day you travel.

For Konavle and Cavtat you can go by road. In summer some visitors also take a boat along the coast to Cavtat. For Montenegro, bring your passport or ID card. Allow extra time for the border crossing, as queues at peak times can add a lot to the journey.

What to bring

  • Water and sun protection. Shade can be limited on rocky beaches and island paths.
  • Sturdy footwear. Lokrum's trails, Lopud's hill paths and Kotor's fortress steps are uneven.
  • Swimming shoes. Much of the coastline is rock or pebble rather than sand.
  • Some cash. Smaller cafés, konobas and village stalls may not take cards.

Pairing culture with the outdoors

Many of these places have their own cultural interest.

  • Cavtat has a lively harbourfront and churches worth seeing.
  • Konavle is the place to learn about local folk costume and embroidery traditions.
  • The Elafiti Islands have small chapels and the remains of old summer residences, which show how Ragusan nobility once lived.

If you want to round off the day with a performance back in the city, our guide to where to watch explains the main open-air and indoor venues. That makes it easier to plan a full day that ends under the stars inside the walls.