Best Islands Near Dubrovnik: Easy Day Trips + Islands Worth Staying Overnight

Dubrovnik is surrounded by islands, but choosing the best island near Dubrovnik is not as simple as picking the prettiest name on a map.

Some Dubrovnik islands are perfect for an easy half-day escape from the Old Town. Others are better for a full boat trip from Dubrovnik, a relaxed beach day, or a proper overnight island stay.

I’ve been travelling Croatia since before I was born, quite literally. My family spent full summers sailing along the Croatian coast, and I’ve returned almost every year since, from kiting in Pelješac and Neretva to spending a full month on Hvar and revisiting Dubrovnik several times, most recently on a spring trip.

So when I say not every island near Dubrovnik makes sense for every traveler, I mean it.

Some islands, like Lokrum, are perfect if you only want a quick escape from the Old Town. The Elafiti Islands are better if you want an easy boat trip from Dubrovnik with swimming, beaches, and island-hopping. Mljet is the nature pick. Korčula can work as a long day trip, but it’s better overnight. And Hvar? Gorgeous, but I would not treat it as a casual day trip from Dubrovnik.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best islands to visit from Dubrovnik, including which ones are best for beaches, nature, island-hopping, day trips, and overnight stays.

How to Choose Which Island to Visit from Dubrovnik

When choosing which island to visit from Dubrovnik, start with three things: time, logistics, and the kind of day you actually want.

If you only have half a day, stay close. If you have a full day, you can look at the Elafiti Islands, Mljet, or Korčula. And if the ferry schedule looks awkward, don’t force it. A “possible” island trip can still be a bad idea if you spend most of the day waiting around ports.

Also think about whether you want a DIY island day or an easy boat trip from Dubrovnik. Ferries are better if you want to focus on one island and explore at your own pace. Boat tours are better if you want swimming stops, caves, island-hopping, and no schedule-juggling.

Island	Best for	Day trip from Dubrovnik?	My take
Lokrum	Easiest island escape	Yes, half-day	Best if you only want a few hours away from Old Town
Lopud	Beach day	Yes	Best Elafiti island if you want beach time
Koločep	Caves, swimming, quiet coves	Yes	Best as part of an Elafiti boat trip
Šipan	Slow island feel	Yes	Best as part of an Elafiti boat trip
Mljet	National park nature	Yes	Best for lakes, cycling, walking, and swimming
Korčula	Old town, wine, culture	Long day / better overnight	Worth it, but better if you stay
Hvar	Nightlife, beaches, bigger island trip	No	Better as a next stop, not a day trip
Lastovo	Remote nature	No	Beautiful, but better from Korcula
Brač	Zlatni Rat, beach holiday	No	Better from Hvar, Split or Makarska
Pakleni Islands	Hvar island-hopping	No	Visit from Hvar, not Dubrovnik

Ferry vs Boat Tour: How to Visit the Islands from Dubrovnik

The ferry is usually the best option if you want to visit one specific island and explore at your own pace. It works well for Lokrum and sometimes Korčula, depending on the season and ferry schedule.

The downside is that ferries are not always designed around sightseeing. You need to check departure and return times carefully, especially outside peak summer. Getting to an island is one thing. Getting back at a useful time is the bit people forget.

A boat tour is usually better if you want an easy day with less planning. This is especially true for the Elafiti Islands, and Mljet where a tour can take you to swim stops, hidden baysand sometimes the Blue Cave. Trying to do all of that independently by ferry is more hassle than it’s worth.

Best islands near Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is beautiful for nearby island trips, but it’s not the best base for Croatia’s big-name island-hopping routes.

Most famous islands, like Hvar, Brač, Vis, and the Pakleni Islands, sit further north and are much easier to visit from Split or Makarska. From Dubrovnik, the islands that make the most sense are Lokrum, the Elafiti Islands, Mljet, and Korčula.

So in this guide, I’m focusing on the islands that are actually practical from Dubrovnik, plus a few popular names I’d save for a longer Croatia itinerary.

1. Lokrum Island

Travel time: 15min ferry
Known for: medieval monastery, botanical gardens, peacocks, rocky beaches, hiking
Best for: nature lovers, GOT fans
Getting there: There are regular ferries from Dubrovnik old port but kayaking is a better experience

Best tour: Lokrum island kayaking tour

Lokrum Island is a short ferry ride away from Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It is a nature reserve with lush greenery, peacocks, botanical gardens, and rocky beaches, as well as some GOT filming locations. Lokrum also has a medieval monastery, a small saltwater lake, and hiking trails.

You can explore it on your own accord, do this GOT tour which includes filming locations in town as well as on the island or join this kayaking tour and paddle around Dubrovnik and onto Lokrum island.

Book this Lokrum Island GOT tour

Book this Lokrum island kayaking tour

2. Elafiti islands (Lopud, Koločep and Šipan)

Travel time: 30 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes from Dubrovnik, depending on the island
Known for: relaxed villages, pine forests, swimming spots, Šunj Beach, sea caves, old churches, monasteries, and easy island-hopping
Best for: an easy boat trip from Dubrovnik, swimming, beach time, slow island villages, light hiking, and seeing several islands in one day
Getting there: ferry from Gruž port, private boat, or organized Elafiti Islands cruise

Best tour: Elafiti Islands cruise, especially if you want to visit all three islands and the Blue Cave on Koločep in one day

The Elafiti Islands are the easiest choice if you want a proper island-hopping day from Dubrovnik. The three main inhabited islands are Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, and each one has a different appeal.

You can visit one island independently by ferry from Gruž, but if you want to see all three in one day, I’d book this Elafiti Islands cruise. It’s simpler, usually includes swim stops, and often visits the Blue Cave on Koločep too.

Island	Travel Time	Known For	Best For	My Take
Koločep	30 min	Blue Cave, pine forests, hidden coves, car-free villages, pre-Romanesque churches	Caves, swimming, easy walks, nature	Best if you want clear water, sea caves, and a quieter island stop. I’d visit it as part of a boat tour rather than making it the whole day.
Lopud	1 hour	Šunj Beach, Franciscan monastery, sandy beach, old churches, Sutvrač Fortress ruins	Beach time, swimming, relaxed summer day	Best Elafiti island for a proper beach day, especially if you want sand rather than rocks.
Šipan	1.5 h	Šipanska Luka, Suđurađ, olive groves, vineyards, Stijepović-Skočibuha Castle, Benedictine monastery ruins	Walking, cycling, villages, slow travel	Best if you want the quietest, most local-feeling Elafiti island rather than a classic beach day.

Koločep, also called Kalamota by locals, is the smallest of the three inhabited Elafiti Islands. It’s car-free, green, and easy to explore on foot, with two villages, Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo, about 3 km apart. The main highlight is the Blue Cave, not to be confused with the famous one on Biševo, but the island also has hidden coves, rocky swimming spots, and old churches like St. Anthony and St. Nicholas.

Lopud is the best choice if you want beach time. Its main draw is Šunj Beach, one of the rare sandy beaches near Dubrovnik, but the island also has a fortified Franciscan monastery from 1483, old churches, hiking trails, and the ruins of Sutvrač Fortress. I’d choose Lopud if you want the easiest Elafiti island for swimming, lounging, and a classic summer day.

Šipan is the largest Elafiti island and the best one for slow exploring. It has two main villages, Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ, plus olive groves, vineyards, quiet swimming spots, and easy walking routes through Šipansko Polje. If you want views, hike toward Velji Vrh, where you can see across to Mljet and the Pelješac Peninsula. Its beaches are less famous than Lopud’s, but it has more of a lived-in island feel.

I highly recommend you book this Elafiti islands cruise which takes you to all three islands as well as the Blue Cave on Kolocep.

3. Mljet

Travel time: 1.5h ferry
Known for: saltwater lakes, lush forests, gorgeous beaches
Best for: hiking, cycling, beach time, snorkeling
Getting there: passenger ferry from Dubrovnik, best with tour

Best tour: Mljet island boat tour

Mljet is a larger island located a bit further from Dubrovnik, but it’s well worth the trip. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including two saltwater lakes—Maljevac and Veliko Jezero. And the best part? One of the lakes has its own little island… talk about inception!

On this fantastic boat tour you can hike or rent bikes to explore the National Park, the tiny island with the former Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, see the Odysseus Cave, stop at some beautiful beaches and visit Lopud and Kolocep Islands.

Book your Mljet island boat tour

4. Lastovo

Travel time: 3.5h ferry
Known for: coral reefs, gorgeous quiet beaches
Best for: diving, snorkeling, beach time

Getting there: passenger ferry from Dubrovnik

Lastovo is a stunning Croatian island designated as a nature park. It boasts lush forests, crystal-clear waters, colorful corals and secluded beaches. This is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and divers.

On Lastovo you can explore charming fishing villages, discover ancient architecture, explore the underworld or just slow down and breath in some fresh air.

5. Korcula

Travel time: 2h
Known for: Marco Polo, medieval architecture, gorgeous beaches, dalmatian cousine
Best for: a quieter summer escape with great food and beautiful nature
Getting there: ferry from Orebic (Peljesac)

Best tours:
Island hopping from Korcula – water taxi
Korcula town walking tour
Ston and Korcula tour

Korcula is great for an extended stay but is also close enough to be visited on a day trip. This Ston and Korcula tour is perfect as you get to explore the magical Ston walls en route to the ferry before hopping over to Korcula island.

From Korcula you can also do some island hopping and visit the beaches on nearby Badija, Vrnik and Stupe Islands with this Island hopping water taxi service.

Where to stay on Korcula

Korcula town is tiny so you don’t need to worry about location too much. However, if you’ll want to stay outside of the town you’ll need your own wheels.

6. Hvar

Travel time: 3.5h ferry
Known for: Spanjola Fort, Saint Stephen’s Square, gorgeous beaches, architecture, Stari Grad plains, parties
Best for: an exciting island holiday combining culture, nature and entertinment
Getting there: passenger ferry from Dubrovnik, car ferry from Drvenik

Best tours:
Pakleni Islands from Hvar town
Hvar town walking tour

If you’re looking for the ultimate summer destination, Hvar is the place to be. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant bar scene, rich history, and exquisite cuisine, Hvar is an absolute must-visit.

Hvar town, is the largest town on the island, where you can explore Venetian architecture, charming cobblestone streets, fantastic restaurants, and hidden corners. Although Hvar is known for its lively party scene, there is so much more to discover beyond its wild nightlife, from beautiful beaches, and rich history to delicious food.

Hvar can be reached by passenger ferry from Dubrovnik. Once there, make sure to join this walking tour of Hvar Town and hop over to Pakleni Islands.

If you have the time, I recommend you stay more than just the day. It’s such a stunning island!

Read next:
Hvar Island Itinerary
Where to stay on Hvar
Pakleni Islands guide

Where to stay on Hvar

 

7. Pakleni Islands

Travel time: 3.5h ferry + 10min boat ride
Known for: endless beaches and coves, healing mud, beach clubs
Best for: island hopping, snorkeling, party
Getting there: passenger ferry to Hvar town, then guided tour

Best tour: Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands from Hvar

The Pakleni Islands are a chain of rocky islets that dot the sea just off the coast of Hvar. This beautiful archipelago is only a short boat ride from Hvar town and you’ll need to catch a ferry to Hvar island and then a taxi or tour over to Pakleni Islands.

The Paklinski Islands are the perfect place to bask in the Mediterranean sun, swim in the clear Adriatic waters and just have a bloody good time! Here you’ll find picturesque coves, stunning beaches, hip bars, and beautiful nature.

8. Brac

Travel time: 4h
Known for: Golden Horn, Dragoon Cave, gorgeous beaches, dalmatian cousine, olive oil
Best for: a quieter summer escape with great food and beautiful nature
Getting there: Passenger ferry from Dubrovnik (Apr-Oct), car ferry from Makarska

The Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat) in Bol on Brac island is the poster child of the Croatia Tourism board. This iconic spit changes shape with the tide and it’s a sight not to be missed!

Many believe that Zlatni Rat is a sandy beach, it certainly looks like one on the photos! But in reality, the beach is made of (smaller than usual) pebbles.

One would be forgiven to spend days on end busking in the Mediterranean sun on this beautiful beach, but Brach has so much to offer it would be a shame not to explore further.

Consider checking out Blaca Monastery, Zmajeva Spilja (Dragoon Cave), hike up Vidova Gora, try the local wines at Stina winery and indulge in the delicious Dalmatian food at one the many authentic restaurants.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik for Island Trips

If island trips are a priority, I wouldn’t automatically stay inside the Old Town. It’s beautiful, but it’s also pedestrian-only, busy, and awkward with luggage or early transfers. For ferries and boat trips, Gruž and Lapad can be more convenient, while Ploče and the Old Town work better for Lokrum and kayak tours.

Getting to Dubrovnik, Croatia

By Air: Dubrovnik is serviced by Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) which is well-connected with flights from major cities worldwide. Book a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation for a seamless start to your Dubrovnik adventure.

By Sea: Dubrovnik can be reached by ferry from nearby islands. This is a scenic and convenient way to experience the stunning coastline.

By Car: Driving to Dubrovnik offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, but be prepared for potential border crossings—consider taking the bridge to Pelješac or planning your route to avoid passing through Bosnia. Keep in mind the limited parking availability in the city center, so it’s wise to plan ahead or book accommodations with parking options.

By Bus: Dubrovnik is easy to reach by bus, with direct connections from major Croatian cities like Split and Zagreb. The bus station is conveniently located near the Old Town, making it easy to start your Dubrovnik adventure right away.

Getting around Dubrovnik

Getting around Dubrovnik is easy. The Old Town is a pedestrian zone and where everything is within walking distance. If you’re staying outside the Old Town there are taxis and public buses that will get you to the city walls. For a different view, consider boat or kayak trips along the coast to experience the city from the water.

Most public ferries to the Elafiti Islands, Mljet, Korčula, and other islands leave from Gruž Port, not the Old Town. Lokrum boats leave from the Old Port by the city walls, while many kayaking tours start near Pile Gate or small beaches just outside the Old Town. Always check the exact departure point before booking because “Dubrovnik boat trip” does not always mean “leaves from the Old Town.”

Best time to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is in April and October, when the weather is warm but the tourist crowds are thinner and you can score some good deals.

The high season in Dubrovnik runs from May to September and this is when things really heat up—literally! If visiting in the summer months be ready for crowds, higher prices, and the scorching sun.

The winter in Dubrovnik is mild and pleasant. While you won’t be able to enjoy the beach as much, you’ll be able to score some good deals. The city is still lively, but without the insane crowds it sees in high season.

Planning a trip to Croatia?

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming roman towns, beautiful nature and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of Croatia travel guides. And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary (coming soon).