The best family friendly day trips from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a great destination to base yourself when travelling the Balkans in general; especially Croatia. It is bubbly, full of character, history and night life is wonderful if that is what you are into. However, there are a lot of nearby islands, villages, and towns to explore as well. If you are like me, this is what will charm you about Croatia. When we visited, we went on the best family friendly day trips from Dubrovnik. These day trips were a part of what made that trip so unforgettable.

We spent 7 days in Croatia, so it gave us enough time to tick as many places off my list. I will share them with you but first, have a look at my review of the charming town of Cavtat, where we stayed in Croatia.

READ THIS FIRST: 24 HOURS IS DUBROVNIK

5 of the best family friendly day trips from Dubrovnik

1.Dubrovnik to Cavtat

Oh Cavtat! The ancient town that stole my heart. We stayed in Cavtat when we visited Croatia as it felt like the perfect base for us. It was one of our first trips after I had the baby, and we were desperate for a chill location. It was also quite interesting that Cavtat is closer to Dubrovnik airport than Dubrovnik itself. I will be very honest and tell you that I very much preferred Cavtat to Dubrovnik. Cavtat is so laid back. It is like a typical old town with old churches and lovely restaurants. For kids, there are a few playgrounds, and the promenade is the perfect length for a serene and scenic walk.

It’s a 30 mins drive from Dubrovnik to Cavtat and by boat, in low season is about 45 mins. We always loved going by boat; the view pulling in and out of Dubrovnik’s old town harbour is just spectacular. Once we arrived to Cavtat at night when all the lights were sparkling on the sea and it was just so beautiful. The no 10 bus is another cheap alternative from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. 

Things to do in Cavtat, Croatia

• Racic Family mausoleum
• The Monastery of our Lady of Snow
• Trace the beach walk by the harbour, absolutely breathtaking
• Light a candle at the Church of St Nicholas built in the 15th century
• Ice cream from House of Ice-cream Rozata where the recipes have been in the family since 1959

I would pick Cavtat over Dubrovnik especially if travelling with kids. Cavtat feels more like a village with less crowds and has the most picturesque spots. 

READ MORE ON CAVTAT:

FAMILY FRIENDLY TRAVEL GUIDE TO CAVTAT, CROATIA

2.Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands

A trip to the Elaphiti Islands is one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik. It is also a lovely way to enjoy Dubrovnik during peak months as the islands are not as busy as mainland Dubrovnik. There are 13 islands on the archipelago but are mostly uninhabited. Only 3 of them are permanently inhabited so they are perfect for island-hopping. Sipan, Kolocep and Lopud make up the inhabited Elaphiti islands. We spent our day sailing from one island to the other, making stops for lunch and to explore. 

They are the 3 most beautiful and historic islands on the Adriatic coast. We hired a private boat because we wanted to tailor our experience and it was the best idea. It was also the most family friendly way to explore the Elaphiti islands with our daughter in tow. 

Elaphiti Private Boat tour – This was the tour we did and it was for 4 hours and tailored to accomodate our daughter. I love that it was a family owned business so it felt very authentic and wholesome.

The Elaphiti Islands we visited:
1. Kolocep 

This was our 1st stop on the tour and it gave us a glimpse of what to expect. There was such a calm and serene vibe to this island; maybe this is because we went off season. Once our boat docked, we set out to explore. We had our stroller with us and rolled from one end of the island to the other. Kolocep is the closest to Dubrovnik and it took us about 20 mins to get there from Port Dubrovnik. It is a very pretty island; there are souvenir stalls, restaurants and historic churches to explore.

2. Lopud

From Kolocep, we sailed to Lopud which might have been my favourite island of the 3. We spent the most time here since our baby had fallen asleep on the boat just as we docked. After carefully transferring her to the stroller, we set off to explore the island. Tiny alleyways looping around, and found what felt like a hidden treasure in plain sight. This was a stunning little 19th century park Dordic Mayneri that belonged to the family of Dubrovnik’s last rector.

We also went into the Dominican Monastery that has been in existence since 1482. It was quite fascinating to be in a building that was that old and we loved the simplicity.

3. Sipan

Sipan is the largest of the Elaphiti islands and the one everyone else seems to prefer. I think it is the most built up for tourism and it is the prettiest of the 3. We docked in Sudurad which is the harbour nearby and strolled through the beautiful stone houses. Sipan is the one that a lot of celebrities visit as it was linked with Croatian aristocracy. It also has the famous hotspot, BOWA where one can spend the day in one of its cliff cabanas. 

3. Dubrovnik to Konavoski Dvori

When we asked locals “Where is the one place to go in Croatia”? 3 of them recommended a meal at Konavoski Dvori. Mr E and I were very curious. “What is this place”? We wondered; and then decided to see for ourselves. 

About Croatia’s hidden gem, Konavoski Dvori

Konavoski Dvori is the charming eco-green, national restaurant in the countryside of Konavle. It is deep in the Konavle region and has been protected by the Croatian government since 1975. Once you step into the space, it feels like you have stepped back in time. The restaurant prides itself on traditional homemade, slow cooked meals and staff is lovely. It really was one of the best family friendly day trips from Dubrovnik.

The restaurant is usually quite busy and one would have to book a table well in advance. But since we were travelling off peak, we had it all to ourselves, I knew I had to order the lamb dish since it was their specialty. They also do a yummy octopus dish but everyone insisted I try the lamb. Let me tell you my lovelies, it was a revelation. I don’t think I have eaten lamb that succulent, that glides off the bone so easily. The best lamb I have ever had. In my whole life. Need I say more?!

As you seat, there is an old working water mill turning nearby and the Ljuta stream is the sound you hear. The waitresses are dressed in traditional Konavle clothes and the vibe is just very relaxed.

Konavoski Dvori is a hotspot for celebrities and has seen the likes of Didier Drogba, Eva Longoria, Gabourey Sidibe, Novak Djokovic, Pep Guardiola and so many more. This is unsurprising considering its intimate and secluded location.

Where is Konavoski Dvori?

Konavoski Dvori is located at Ljuta b.b. 20 217 Ljuta-Konavle, Croatia. Dubrovnik to Konavoski Dvori is about 40 mins from Dubrovnik and driving there is the best option. Taxis all know about this gorgeous place so anyone of them will know the route. Just remember to let the taxi know when to pick you or check with staff that you can get a taxi back.

We got a taxi to and fro which worked perfectly for us. The same taxi that dropped us, we asked to pick us in 4 hours and got his number just in case. We paid 50 euros for this service which we did not mind since we had our baby with us. The other option is to hire a car. A few people have suggested using the bus but Konavoski Dvori is not near the main road so it will still be a trek once the bus drops you. 

It is open Monday – Saturday, all year round except in January when they take a break to restructure. Make sure to double check open times as summer opening times differ from winter opening times.

Since we stayed in Cavtat, it was a quick trip for us. After eating at the restaurant, we explored the area and were taken aback by the epic views. It was countryside heaven and we made a mental note to come back and actually stay there. 

So if you are ever in Dubrovnik or Cavtat or even near the Montenegro-Croatia border, Konavoski Dvori is the perfect day trip for the perfect meal. 

4.Dubrovnik to Montenegro

A day trip to a new country is not the time to see and do everything. However, the plan is to maximise the day and see as much as possible. The day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is one of the best family friendly day trips from Dubrovnik. It is a popular one and there are organised tours that run daily. When I started my research, I was initially going to do the semi-private tour. The one where you share a car with another couple; that way, the trip is still somewhat personalised. 

However, our hotel, Hotel Croatia in Cavtat had a fantastic deal with a taxi company. Perks of travelling off peak I tell you. The initial cost to hire the driver and car for 7hrs was 365 euros. However, we got 40% off and paid 220 euros. I could not believe it tbh. They were closing the summer season that month so if you hired the taxi on a Monday, you got the discount.

We managed to visit a few places in the Bay of Kotor before driving back “home” and what a perfect day trip this was.

Kotor is like Dubrovnik, only that it is saner and not as busy. 

The places we visited on the day trip to Montenegro

1. Morinj

This is the first stop once you cross the Croatia-Montenegro border. It is a small seaside hamlet with the most stunning mountain views and its own beach. We had no idea this place existed and told our driver to surprise us. Soon, he parked the car and asked us to trust him. Then took us to the viewpoint and my goodness, stunning! I wish I had my drone to capture more of it but again, next time haha! There was a small restaurant nearby for food, but we were eager to keep going.

2. Perast 

We parked the car and hired a boat from the bay to our first stop in Perast, Our Lady on the Rocks. Since it was off peak travel, there were a lot of boats available and it was 5 euros per person. I had researched everything to know about visiting this artificial island in Perast so it was lovely to finally see it in real life.

The island also has a museum and a cute little pastel blue boat docked which I was obsessed with. We went into the Church, said some prayers and bought some gifts from the on-site giftshop. On our way back, we passed by the mysterious Island of Saint George and wished we could stop there. Our skipper reminded us that it was forbidden for tourists to step foot on the island.

3. Kotor 

Our final stop was Kotor. This is where we spent most of the afternoon. We went to the churches, had a lush seafood lunch, and danced in the town square. Kotor is the historic walled city that reminded me so much of Dubrovnik; yet not as busy.

As soon as we got back to the hotel, I told Mr E we had to go back to Montenegro and spend longer there. I suspect that Montenegro will become much more popular in the coming years as it is such a gem. Now, it is one of the most underrated European countries I have been to. It really is a charming country and we had the best day.

5.Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island

This might have been my favourite of all the day trips we did from Dubrovnik. Lokrum island is located only 15 mins from Dubrovnik’s Old Town Port. It is one of the best family friendly day trips from Dubrovnik. The only way to get there is by boat which leaves every 30 mins or so. You can also kayak there from Pile gate on one of the fun group tours. However, for a more family friendly experience especially with young kids, the boat is the better option. The island is open from April to November and outside these months, a visit to Lokrum is impossible.

Lokrum Island was first mentioned as a Benedictine Monastery in 1023. However it is thought to have been inhabited since 915. History has it that French landowners banished the Monks off the island. In retaliation, the Monks placed a curse on anyone who claimed the island for their personal pleasure. The landowners’ sons died one after the others in mysterious circumstances.

Lokrum Island – Game of Thrones location

We got there quite early and had it sparse for the first few hours. It was lovely to walk around and enjoy the grounds while reminiscing on the Game of Thrones locations. My main reason for visiting Lokrum island was because it was used in the popular TV show. The Monastery, Botanical gardens and Fort Royal were used in production. In fact, a replica of the iron throne sits there and you can enjoy pretending to be Cersei for a few minutes. 

Lokrum Island was the location for the fictional city of Qarth in season 2. Some of the garden scenes were filmed in the Benedictine Monastery and Botanical Gardens.

A few things to do on Lokrum Island:

• Benedictine Monastery – The oldest benedictine Abbey in Dubrovnik, founded in the 11^th century; check out its garden and sit on the iron throne 
• Explore the Botanical Gardens
• Take a dip in the Dead Sea, Mrtvo More. – It is actually Lokrum Island’s beach and on a sunny day, it is a lovely swim.
• Look out for the peacocks, Lokrum Island’s special attraction. They were brought from the Canary Islands and today, there are plenty of them strutting around
• Fort Royal – It is worth the trek/climb for the stunning view of Dubrovnik

Is it easy to go from Dubrovnik to Bosnia and Herzegovina?

This is one of the more popular day trips as well; however, I think a day is not enough to experience Bosnia and Herzegovina. Depending on the time of year, it is possible to spend a lot of time crossing the borders and very little time within the country itself. I’d recommend a 2 day stay instead to really explore Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, if you would just like to step foot in a different country, then Bosnia and Herzegovina is a possible day trip from Dubrovnik. There are so many day trips from Dubrovnik to Mostar.  From group trips to personalised private trips. 

The best family friendly day trips from Dubrovnik

We enjoyed our time in Croatia so much and I am so glad that we visited in October. Everywhere was calmer; yet the weather was still fantastic. Everyday, we had blue skies and sunshine; by evening, it cooled down perfectly for strolls in light sweaters. I always say that is the best weather for travelling with kids because the extreme summer heat can be dreadful. There are so many more wonderful family friendly day trips from Dubrovnik. However, we planned our time perfect and these 5 were perfect for us. 

Until our next adventure…

Bisous, Bugo x