The Croatian city of Dubrovnik is an amazing place to visit on it’s own, but one can soon get enough of the never-ending crowds that flock to its historic town centre. If you are looking for a daily escape to its spectacular surroundings, we have prepared a list of places to visit around Dubrovnik on a daily excursion or a half-day trip. As you can see below very close to the city there are many less touristy jewels that are well worth a few hours of your time.
CILIPI
Less than half an hour from Dubrovnik, just next to the airport lies Cilipi. In this small village you can discover the most traditional elements of the southern coast of Dalmatia. It belongs to the Konavle Region famous for taking great care of its folk elements and preserving them for future generations. Observe the great cultural heritage through its costumes or events that take place at different times of the year. If you like museums we recommend peeking into the Ethnographic museum – located in a typical Dalmatian house – to learn more about the culture of the region.
CAVTAT
Another Dubrovnik’s neighbouring town is Cavtat – a neat seaside tourist centre. Many visitors choose to stay in Cavtat because it is usually cheaper than Dubrovnik and closer to the airport. If you decide to visit Cavtat on a half-day excursion from Dubrovnik, first take some time to stroll through its alleys full of old mansions and churches. You will surly notice references to one of the most famous painters in the region Vlaho Bukovac. Later head to the its pebble beach and take a swim in its crystal clear waters. Be careful and look out for the crabs, so that your feet don’t suffer.
ELAFITI ISLANDS
Also nearby, although with the sea in between, you can visit an archipelago of very attractive islands. The simplest way to get to the Elafiti Islands is by takings a daily excursion with a local provider. The package includes visit of the three most popular islands Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep, as well as a guide and a meal. You don’t have to worry about a thing as we also provide a pick up at your hotel. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits as the turquoise waters around the islands provide some great swimming locations.
LOKRUM ISLAND
Another popular item on the list of places to visit around Dubrovnik is Lokrum Island. It can be reached in less than 20 minutes from the Old port. You will be surprised by its various beaches, the sandy and stone ones, as well as the magical salt lake that is found there. And if you are a Game of Thrones fan. you can see some of its filming locations in the Benedictine Monastery, the Botanical Garden and the Royal Fort.
Check out our list of places to visit around Dubrovnik
KORCULA ISLAND
The town of Korcula, located on the island of the same name, is another option for a daily excursion from Dubrovnik. The historic town, sometimes regarded as the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo, is perched on a peninsula, surrounded by strong 13-century walls. Its narrow streets branching off the main road are designed to lessen the impact of the bora wind. Among its most impressive attractions are the renaissance Gothic cathedral and the Palace of the Abbey of San Marcos,where you will find paintings of great heritage value. Our daily tours from Dubrovnik also include stops on the peninsula of Pelješac, particularly famous for red wine.
MLJET ISLAND
Hopping from island to island, another mandatory place to visit is Mljet Island – the greenest islands in the area – about an hour and a half away by ferry. Its beauty is remarkable also due to its lakes, caves and some historical places such as the Illyrian Ruins of the 1st and 4th century. Part of the island is protected as a Natural Park. It is practically uninhabited and therefore maintains the essence of the old times. It is also a paradise for divers who seek clear waters and natural treasures in the depths. Daily excursions from Dubrovnik run from spring to autumn, so get in touch to add Mljet to your Croatian experience.
KOTOR BAY IN MONTENEGRO
When you head to Dubrovnik, don’t forget to take your passport. From Dubrovnik you can easily cross the border to Montenegro, which is about 40 km south. There you can visit the beautiful Bay of Kotor, regarded as Europe’s most southern fjord. On a daily excursion you can visit the famous town of Kotor and a smaller but equally charming Perast where you’ll have the option to take a boat trip to the tiny church island. Don’t be surprised if this small country gets under you skin. Maybe you will want to do the whole week-long itinerary of Montenegro from Dubrovnik.
MEDJUGORJE
Finally, religious travellers can visit one of the most famous pilgrimage centres in this part of Europe – Medjugorje. It is widely believed that in 1981 Virgin Mary appeared to a group of kids on the outskirts of this small town. Since then, there are more and more pilgrims from all over the world coming to the sanctuary every year and climbing the hill of apparition. Medjugorje is located in Bosnia & Herzegovina, about three hours from Dubrovnik and can be easily reached in a guided daily excursion or on a private tour.
As you can see, the list of places to visit around Dubrovnik is pretty long. But there’s even more! Once you’re in Dubrovnik, why not do the whole tour of Croatia? We offer escorted group tours, as well as private trips from Dubrovnik to Zagreb and vice versa. Get in touch with our agents to learn more about our offer.
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