UK
Site Editions

You are currently on the United Kingdom site edition.

Travelodeal offers a wide selection of the best travel deals from hundreds of travel companies across the globe.

0204 505 9777

Top Islands Near Dubrovnik You Can Visit in a Day

For most British travellers, their holidays to Dubrovnik are all about the medieval streets, the sunny coast and the crystal-clear Adriatic waters. The ease of getting out of the city and going out to explore other islands without the need to invest in a place to stay is what comes as a refreshing surprise most of the time. There are a series of small, lovely islands near Dubrovnik with beaches, peaceful villages and untouched scenery.

Due to frequent ferries and guided tours, day trips to islands from Dubrovnik are a perfect fit for short holidays that will fit a week of vacation. Dubrovnik island hopping is best activities you can add to your itinerary, whether you are into swimming or having a relaxing lunch by the sea.

The level of connectivity between the coastline and Dubrovnik is something that leaves many travellers in surprise. Old Town Port and Gruz Harbour have ferries, water taxis and small group boat tours that run daily to the islands. The majority of the services are easy to use and this is useful to travellers who are not used to the local transport network. Everything is already prepared to make day trips effortless to plan even during the hectic summer season with clear signage, counter selling tickets in English and the employees who are friendly.

The other positive aspect of the Dubrovnik Island Day trips is the diversity found within a relatively small distance. Today it can be a day at the beach of a calm cove, and the next at the old church, or in pleasant walks, or sea lunches. These escapes to the island are a welcome relief to the hectic streets of Dubrovnik particularly at this time of the season.

Lokrum Island: The Easiest Island Escape

The nearest and easiest islands near Dubrovnik are Lokrum, and this is a good choice in case you have limited time. Cruises leave regularly from the Old Town harbour and within a few minutes you reach to pine forests, botanical gardens and silent swimming areas.

Lokrum is often featured as one of the best islands near Dubrovnik and is known for relaxation with nature. Tourists can explore the ancient ruins of monasteries, sail in the saltwater lake of the Dead Sea or just relax on the rocky coast. Lokrum is often the first choice for travellers who want to spend stress-free day trips to islands from Dubrovnik.

Koločep (Kalamota): A Peaceful, Car-Free Island

Koločep, or Kalamota, is a totally different you will find no cars on the island, and all the places you can visit on foot, which is why it is a paradise for walkers and couples in search of a relaxing spot. The coast is served by shaded foot trails between small villages, beaches, and secret coves.

Kolocep is considered one of the most authentic Dubrovnik Island Day trips in the list of the most relaxing trips. The water is also fit to swim and snorkel in and cafes serve Dalmatian cuisine. It is one of the less noisy islands in the region surrounding Dubrovnik and makes it a perfect location to visit without driving far to ensure one does not hit the crowd.

Lopud: Sandy Beaches and Laid-Back Island Life

Lopud Island is best islands surrounding Dubrovnik and it is loved by beach lovers. Lopud does not consist a rocky coastline, however, there is Sunj Beach which is a sandy beach, where they could use to swim and sunbathe.

The island has a laid-back promenade that is covered with cafes and palm trees which is a major destination of Dubrovnik island hopping tours. The pace is easy, and the waters are shallow to enjoy by families and couples alike. Another perfect example of a day trip to the islands of Dubrovnik is Lopud, which can be easily included with the adjacent islands to make the day trips to the islands from Dubrovnik a variety of experiences.

Šipan: Rural Charm and Local Culture

The largest of the islands near Dubrovnik is Sipan and it is more rural and traditional. Olive groves, vineyards and old stone houses provide a visitor with an idea of the local life on the island, not in the crowded tourist spots.

Sipan is a good selection in case of travellers who want to spend quieter days on the Dubrovnik Island. Biking and walking are common ways of exploring the island, restaurants by the sea offer freshly caught seafood in a quiet ambience. Being one of the more spacious islands of the area close to Dubrovnik, it is perfect to visit when a person likes more of scenery and culture than the beaches.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Island for Your Day Trip

The islands surrounding Dubrovnik represent a traveller-friendly place, which seems to suit any travelling style because of art galleries, cultural sights, sandy beaches, and quiet villages. Lokrum is ideal when you have a short visit to make, Kolac is ideal for quiet escapes, Lopud is the ideal place that would attract beach goers, and Sipan is majorly rewarding when one wants an authentic trip to the best islands near Dubrovnik.

The best islands near Dubrovnik are a simple tour to design, and it is highly satisfying with the good ferry links and highly organised tours. You can add an island visit or two to your visit to add a balance to your trip as well as allow you to explore more of the coastline of Croatia than the city walls.

Should you have in mind your next vacation and you wish to plan your trip to the islands without having any hassles, consider booking packages with Travelodeal and make your trip to Dubrovnik Island truly memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

The majority of the ferry tickets and boat tours can be pre-booked one to two days prior to when they are not in full season. Nevertheless, in July and August, it is prudent to make prior requests since the commonly travelled routes may run out of seats in a short time because of the large number of visitors.

On the smaller islands like the Lokrum half a day will be enough, but a day would be perfect when you are visiting multiple islands or when you want to spend time swimming and having lunch and walking around. You should schedule your trip depending on the schedules of the ferries to ensure that you are not rushed in the process of visiting. 

Yes. The waters of the Adriatic are generally peaceful and thus a ride through a ferry is normally short and smooth. You need not be afraid of going in a boat, you can go to the nearest island, or ride in the morning, when it is not so choppy.