Is a Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor Worth It? Pros and Cons
Dubrovnik is considered by many to be the crown jewel of Croatia, with its stunning coastline and evocative history. Yet, it’s a relatively small city, making it an uber popular destination for day trippers on budget airlines and cruise ships. But don’t write off Dubrovnik as a one day destination yet! Dubrovnik is the ideal locale to use as a launchpad for a day trip venturing beyond the city’s confines. And there are numerous day trip options nearby, from island hopping to national parks. One of the most popular destinations–and for good reason–is Kotor, an incredible UNESCO-listed town just across the border in Montenegro. If you’re considering a day trip to Kotor, use this guide to decide if it’s right for you.
Quick Facts about a Dubrovnik-Kotor Day Trip
A one-way trip to Kotor, Montenegro is approximately 58 miles (94 km). Travel time generally runs 1.5 to 2 hours each way, though much of that depends on the season, traffic, and delays at border crossings. More on that later.
There are a number of transportation options, from buses to private car rentals. There’s even a ferry available, depending on the season. Bus tickets through Globtour, one of the main providers, cost approximately €32 one way. A group tour is a surprisingly economical option; we paid €60 per person which included pick up and drop off.
Regardless of how you choose to travel, you must bring your passport with you since you are crossing a national border. US passport holders do not need a visa for any stay under 90 days. If you’re not a US passport holder, remember to check visa requirements.
Pros of a Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor
A Memorable Scenic Route
The Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala, or D8 in Croatia) is one of Europe’s most scenic coastal roads, stretching along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. It connects northern Croatia to Montenegro, passing through Bosnia and Herzegovina, and offers breathtaking views of the Dalmatian coast, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. If you arrived in Dubrovnik by any other means, this day trip is a perfect way to take in the amazing scenery.
For our part, even though we had road tripped through Croatia and driven along portions of the Adriatic Highway, it was a treat to leave the driving to the experts and fully turn our attention to the incredible view. As a bonus, our seasoned tour guide pointed out additional noteworthy items along the route that we may have otherwise missed, like the eerily magical valley covered in mist near Komaji.
Pro Tip: For those sensitive to heights like Lynn, driving through some of the narrow sections of the highway or blind corners can be a bit heart-thumping. But trust us when we tell you that when you see the Bay of Kotor open up, wide and scenic, it’s worth it.
Check Another Country Off the List
Kotor City Walls and North Gate
Pima Palace in Kotor
While racking up an impressive country count isn’t one of our travel goals, we never turn down the opportunity to experience a different culture, absorb the lessons of its history, or taste its cuisine. Kotor is a small, fortified town on the Adriatic coast, located within a winding bay and surrounded by the limestone and dolomite cliffs of Mount Lovćen. This eminently walkable town spans just a mere 135 square miles (335 square kilometers). Don’t let its size fool you, though. Kotor’s UNESCO World Heritage status is testament to its unique cultural importance and incredible historical significance as a strategic naval city and important trade port.
From its founding in 168 BC, Kotor (formerly Acruvium, later Dekaderon) has changed hands and affiliations numerous times throughout its history. The highlights include Romans, Byzantines, Serbs, Venetians, French, and Austrians. Its fortified walls fended off numerous Ottoman sieges in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. During Montenegro’s time as one of the six republics forming the country of Yugoslavia, an ally of the Soviet Union, Kotor was home to secret naval bases, including submarines.
St. Tryphon Cathedral in Kotor
Exploring the narrow, twisting, cobblestone streets of Kotor’s Old Town, or Stari Grad, you’ll find gorgeous examples of Venetian architecture, such as stone buildings with red-tiled roofs and ornate balconies. On the other hand, Kotor’s fortifications offer a glimpse into the military architecture from the Byzantine Empire. And, of course, there is St. Tryphon Cathedral, named for the city’s patron saint, which is a testament to the Romanesque architectural style. That’s just a few of the architectural treasures you’ll find in Kotor.
Additional Cultural and Historical Context
Church of St. Mary Collegiate in Kotor
Two of the most common day trips from Dubrovnik are to Mostar in Bosnia-Herzegovina and to Kotor in Montenegro. While both offer insight into Croatia’s history, we chose a day trip to Kotor because we felt it could enhance our understanding of the region’s recent fraught history. As you make your way through Croatia and engage with the locals, it’s not unusual for them to bring up the recent conflict and how it impacted them personally.
Croatia fought for its independence after the breakup of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. Montenegro aligned with Serbia under President Slobodan Milošević, who promoted the idea of a “Greater Serbia.” One of the most infamous events during this period was the Siege of Dubrovnik, which lasted from October 1991 to May 1992. The siege resulted in severe damage to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sparked international outrage. Croatia eventually repelled the JNA forces, but the attack left lasting scars on Croatian-Montenegrin relations. After Montenegro distanced itself from Milošević’s regime in the early 2000s, the government formally apologized for its role in the attack on Dubrovnik. Diplomatic relations improved significantly after Montenegro gained independence from Serbia in 2006, and the two countries have since strengthened their economic and political ties, particularly in tourism and trade.
Unique Nearby Attractions
Town of Perast on Kotor Bay
As mentioned earlier, we signed up for a group day trip through a local tour agency, which breaks up the journey to Kotor with a stop in Perast. The serene, picturesque village on the Bay of Kotor boasts magical views, baroque architecture, and numerous waterfront cafes for a snack, a quick meal, or a nice cup of coffee. In addition, the tiny islet of Our Lady of the Rocks is easily accessible by boat and offers fascinating history representing both religious significance and local lore. Legend has it the former was constructed of large stones dropped by sailors after a fisherman found an icon of the Holy Mother of God with the Christ on a sea rock. Another nearby islet, St. George, is home to Saint George Benedictine monastery and the graveyard of local nobility, but is not open to the public.
Another enticing Montenegro day trip option includes the town of Budva, a must-visit for history lovers. Its 2,500-year-old Old Town is a charming labyrinth of Venetian-style stone streets, medieval fortresses, and historic churches, all set against the backdrop of the sparkling Adriatic. Visit Citadel Fortress for panoramic views, or stop by Holy Trinity Church and St. John’s Church to admire their historic frescoes. Walk from the Old Town toward Mogren Beach, stopping at the Dancing Girl Statue, one of Budva’s most famous photo spots.
Cons of a Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor
Border Crossing Delays
During peak travel season, which runs from June to September, tourists and locals descend on the beaches and towns of Montenegro, especially those surrounding the Bay of Kotor. Unfortunately, this can lead to backups at border crossings, and delays have been known to exceed an hour and a half in worst-case scenarios. An experienced tour guide can help; our guide selected a border outpost which required a slight detour off the standard route, but his decision ended up saving us time because there were fewer cars using it. But crossing a border always includes some element of risk, and should be weighed appropriately.
Time Constraints
There’s a lot to see and do in Kotor, and it’s impossible to experience everything it has to offer in one day. One of Kotor’s main attractions is the San Giovanni Fortress, which involves a 1,355-step climb that culminates in a rewarding panoramic view of Kotor Bay. If you’re visiting on a day trip, the climb and return can take up to 2.5 hours – depending on your pace and the crowds – which may not leave much time to explore anything else.
The decision to make a day trip to Kotor will undoubtedly involve trade offs and difficult decisions to determine what to see and do with your limited amount of time. You may want to review all Kotor has to offer and come up with a must-see list for your visit, or you could opt to hone in on particular aspects of its natural beauty or history. Kotor is also known as the City of Cats, so you could take a cue from its feline inhabitants and just lounge around in the historic Old Town.
Crowds and Peak Season Traffic
Unfortunately, peak season draws crowds, and crowds mean traffic, both foot and vehicular. And let’s not forget those cruise ships lining up in the bay! Delays on roadways can bleed off valuable exploration time and popular sites can be overwhelming when crowded. Waiting to enter a site, get seated at a restaurant, or join a tour can consume a greater amount of the schedule. If you’re noticing crowds in Dubrovnik, odds are you’ll see more of the same in Kotor, and it may be wise to opt out. Off-peak travel alleviates much of the potential timing issues related to crowds and traffic that can crop up during a day trip. But even when we visited in late October, a mega-sized cruise ship was blocking much of the view of Kotor Bay from the Sea Gate entrance to the Old Town.
Limited Flexibility with Organized Tours
Our Lady of the Rocks Island near Perast
A group tour is undeniably one of the most economical ways to take a day trip. There’s no shortage of unknowns when it comes to travel, and while a group tour can offer camaraderie and the chance to socialize with like-minded travelers, it can present its own separate challenges. During our tour, one member went missing, which caused some ruckus with the tour operators and the participants. It turned out they had missed the scheduled return boat from Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast, but thankfully, one of the operators was able to ride out to the island to retrieve them. Since an organized day trip generally involves timed stops with little room for variables or deviations from the schedule, unforeseen delays can result in a longer day than originally planned and may impact evening plans.
Conclusion
A day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor delivers stunning coastal views, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences that make crossing the border into Montenegro well worth the effort. While the scenic route, historic charm, and opportunities for exploration are undeniable highlights, it’s important to consider potential delays, crowds, and time constraints, especially during peak season. With thoughtful planning, however, this adventure offers an unforgettable glimpse into the beauty and history of both destinations, making it an enriching addition to any Croatian itinerary.
