Dubrovnik is not only a great destination to explore and enjoy, but also a great base for many day trips to nearby locations such as Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mljet Island, and many more. In this article we are going to discuss a Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik – why you should visit Montenegro, what are some of its best places not so far from Dubrovnik, the best ways to reach it, and so on.
A day trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik is one of the most exciting excursions you can take while visiting this magical city in southern Croatia. Montenegro is a small but stunning country and it offers and within a short drive from Dubrovnik, you can enjoy a beautiful coast, charming medieval towns, and stunning mountain landscapes. Day trips such as this one are perfect add-ons to your vacation in the case that you’re staying in Dubrovnik for 3 days or more.
Hop on and let’s go to Montenegro.
Why Visit Montenegro from Dubrovnik? In the sea of day trips from Dubrovnik , why you should choose this one to Montenegro at all? It’s up to you, of course, and we can’t say that one place is better than the other. They are many day trips from Dubrovnik equally beautiful as this one. but here are a few things that you should know about Montenegro that might help you decide whether this trip is a good option for you:
Close Proximity – Montenegro is just a short drive from Dubrovnik, making it a perfect one-day getaway.UNESCO Heritage Sites – Just as Dubrovnik, the Bay of Kotor and Kotor Old Town are protected by UNESCO and filled with history and stunning views.Stunning Coastal Landscapes – Montenegro’s coastline is as beautiful as the Croatian coast, with stunning fjord-like bays (which you can’t find in Croatia) and turquoise waters.Rich History and Culture – Experience the medieval architecture of Montenegro, Venetian influences, and a blend of Balkan and Mediterranean cultures.Delicious Cuisine – Just like in Croatia, you can enjoy fresh seafood, Montenegrin wines, and local delicacies like Njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and cheese.
Montenegro Day Trip From Dubrovnik – How to Get There There are a few main ways you can reach Montenegro from Dubrovnik and this trip is usually done either by car, through a guided tour, or by public transport.
By Car Driving is the most convenient way to explore Montenegro and it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The journey from Dubrovnik to Kotor takes around 2 to 2:30 hours , depending on border crossing times (unfortunately queues on the border can be long in summer months). Make sure to carry your passport and check visa requirements.
By Organized Tour Many travel agencies from Dubrovnik offer guided day trips to Montenegro and these usually include transport, sightseeing, and historical insights from professional guides accompanying each tour. These tours often cover major highlights in Montenegro such as Kotor, Perast, and Budva. Booking a guided Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik is a great choice if you want to enjoy carefree exploration with not much to think about.
By Public Transport There are bus lines connecting Dubrovnik to Montenegro, but they can be slow and less flexible when it comes to exploring multiple locations in one day. If you prefer a tour with a structured itinerary, an organized day trip or a private car is the best option.
Top Places to Visit in Montenegro on a Day Trip Some of the most famous places in Montenegro are relatively close to Dubrovnik which is great. Here’s what you need to visit when traveling to Montenegro from Dubrovnik.
1. Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Perast is a charming baroque town located in the Bay of Kotor and famous for its Venetian-style architecture. A boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks , an artificial island with a picturesque church, is a must activity when visiting it.
2. Kotor Old Town A highlight of any Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik, Kotor’s Old Town is a well-preserved medieval town with narrow stone streets and ancient churches. If you want to enjoy some of the best views of the Kotor bay, we suggest you hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress .
3. Budva Riviera If you prefer sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, Budva is the place for you. Its old town is filled with historical charm, while the coastal area has many beautiful beaches and luxury resorts.
4. Sveti Stefan This iconic island hotel is one of the most famous landmarks of Montenegro. Unfortunately, access to the island is limited to hotel guests only, but you can still enjoy stunning views from the mainland. Or book a stay on Sveti Stefan.
5. Lovćen National Park and Njeguši Village If you have extra time, consider a detour to Lovćen National Park. Once there, you can visit the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš and enjoy incredible views over Montenegro. Stop by Njeguši Village to taste traditional Montenegrin ham and cheese.
Organized Day Trips from Dubrovnik to Montenegro Organized Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik is the perfect option for those who prefer a carefree experience with nothing to worry about. There are many travel agencies in Dubrovnik that offer fully organized day trips to Montenegro. These guided tours include transport, an accompanying guide, and a well-planned itinerary. They are packed with the places you visit so you can make the most out of your day trip.
1. Classic Montenegro Day Trip
Destinations Covered: Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor, and BudvaDuration: 10-12 hoursInclusions: Transport, guided walking tours, optional boat ride to Our Lady of the RocksBest For: Anyone who wants a well-rounded introduction to Montenegro’s highlights.
2. Bay of Kotor and Perast Tour
Destinations Covered: Perast, Kotor, and scenic spots along the Bay of KotorDuration: 8-10 hoursInclusions: Transport, professional guide, boat ride to Our Lady of the RocksBest For: History lovers and those who prefer a more relaxed and scenic experience.
3. Private Montenegro Day Trip
Destinations Covered: Customizable upon your preferences – typically includes Kotor, Budva, Lovćen National Park, and Sveti StefanDuration: Flexible (usually 8-12 hours)Inclusions: Private vehicle, personal guide, optional detoursBest For: Couples, families, and those looking for a personalized experience.
4. Adventure Tour to Montenegro
Destinations Covered: Kotor, Lovćen National Park, Njeguši VillageDuration: 10-12 hoursInclusions: Transport, guided hikes, local food tastingBest For: Adventurers and nature lovers looking to explore Montenegro beyond the usual tourist places.
Things to Know Before Your Trip Before you go on this adventure, let us share a few quick tips regarding your visit to Montenegro.
Border Crossings: Depending on the season, border crossings can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour or more . That’s the only downside of this day trip. Start as early as possible to maximize your time in Montenegro.Currency: Montenegro uses the Euro (€) , even though it is not part of the European Union. Bring some cash even though many places have card payment options.Language: Montenegrin is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Similar to Croatia.Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.Driving Tips: Roads in Montenegro can be winding and narrow, especially along the Bay of Kotor. Drive slowly and safely, and ensure your car rental includes the necessary Green Card insurance for Montenegro.
Is a Day Trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik Worth It? Most definitely! While Montenegro has enough attractions even for a longer stay, a well-planned Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik will allow you to experience some of the highlights of this country in just one day. Also, visit the places that you’re interested in. If you are an adventure lover, don’t miss the Lovćen National Park, for example.
Before You Venture on Montenegro Day trip from Dubrovnik A Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik is a great way to make your stay in Dubrovnik more substantial. In fact, any of the day trips from Dubrovnik are a great idea. It’s up to you to find the best one for you. The one to Montenegro takes you into completely another country so you can say that you’ve visited 2 countries during your vacation. Some of the best places in Montenegro are just 2 hours away from Dubrovnik. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Enjoy your Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik.
