Of all of the day trips I’ve taken from Dubrovnik, Montenegro has to be my favorite. The drive is easy, the scenery is spectacular, and the stops along the way are both varied and delightful.

The Magical Mosaics of Villa Urbana

Whether you strike out on your own or go with a driver, your first stop after crossing the border should be the entirely nondescript town of Risan. Why would you want to pull over here, on a small side street that leads to what looks like nothing more than a warehouse? Because this utilitarian building houses what’s left of the Villa Urbana, a Roman noble’s home from the second century C.E.

The startling things here are the mosaics, most of which are laid out in elaborate black-and-white geometric patterns. This flooring is housed in an otherwise frustrating museum (most of the helpful signage is in the front entryway, which is exactly where you would not expect to look for it). But it’s all worth it for the only known mosaic in the world Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.

Note that if you’re on a tour, the driver probably won’t have this on their agenda — you’ll have to ask for a special stop. It won’t take longer than 10 minutes.

Perast: Your First Stop on the Bay

Just 10 minutes from Risan is the very sweet holiday town of Perast.

It’s nice to take a bit of time to stroll around Perast, which is charming and small. We had a gelato here and wandered the back streets. But Perast is really on the tourist map because it is the launching point for trips out into the bay.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

For a small fee, you can get on a motorboat and putt-putt past the small Island of St. George, home to the St. George Benedictine Monastery (closed to visitors) …

… and then get out to visit Our Lady of the Rocks.

This itty-bitty island was built up by seamen who threw rocks into the water after they found an icon of the Madonna and Child lying out on a rock in 1452. Eventually, there was enough material to form an actual island and then build a church. If you’d like, you can pay to go indoors to see the elaborately decorated church and the attached “museum,” which is filled with dozens and dozens of unlabeled religious artifacts.

Unless you’re a big fan of Baroque painting and/or Christian iconography, I would only spend the money for the church and museum visit if you have a tour guide. Between the crowds and the lack of labels, we found the museum more mystifying than fun. But we enjoyed walking around the island (which takes about four minutes) …

… and taking in the views from the boat out over the Bay of Kotor. What a landscape!

Churches, Cafes, and Cobblestone Charm: Exploring Kotor’s Old Town

Once you’re back from your brief spin in the boat, your next stop will be the town of Kotor itself.

Wow, did we love Kotor. What made the magic? Well, let’s start with the ancient walls, which stretch up the mountains for three miles. Started in the 9th century, they were continually built up and reinforced for the next millennium. You can now walk around the walls — or up them — for free, and you’ll have great views along the way.

We also loved the town’s warren of narrow, winding streets …

… and the fact that they always opened up onto small plazas with bustling cafes.

And while Kotor has more than its fair share of tourists — it’s been discovered by the cruise ship industry — while we were in town, it never felt too crowded.

There’s also a smattering of great architecture …

… and some of the best and most varied boutiques and street shopping we saw in our Slavic adventures.

The Cats of Kotor

Kotor is full of cats — so many, and so cute.

We wished we’d had a whole day to poke around Kotor — and to climb all 1,350 steps of the city walls — but lunch called.

A Scenic Lunch Stop in Morinj

When you can have lunch at a place like Konoba Ćatovića Mlini in nearby Morinj, you’ll be glad to tear yourself away from nearly anything.

Located at the site of an old mill — you can still see some of the original machinery if you go inside — this is an insanely beautiful place to have lunch. You’re free to wander the property once you’re done with the terrific food (I’d recommend the seafood risotto).

A Refreshing Swim to End the Day

If there’s time and the weather is cooperating, after lunch you might want to go for a swim. You can stop at any number of places for a refreshing dip, from beach clubs to piers to local swimming areas. There’s plenty of water all around!

I’d like to see even more of Montenegro someday — this day trip hits just one tiny corner, and the country is probably worth at least a week. But a one-day trip from Dubrovnik is totally worth it!

Tips for Your Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik

• Door to door, the drive time from Dubrovnik to Kotor is roughly two hours and fifteen minutes. But the total time will definitely end up being longer, because you’ll need to factor in stops for immigration, customs, and traffic.
• You won’t need a visa to make the border crossing, but do bring a passport!
• We visited Montenegro in late May, which was perfect. The best time to visit is likely anytime between May and October.
• We booked our day trip through Viator. If you choose the same excursion, ask for Daniel — he’s a fantastic and fun guide!

Discover More Amazing Activities in and Around Dubrovnik

• 1- & 2-Day Dubrovnik Itineraries: The Best Way to Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic
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• Islands & the Croatian Countryside: Koločep, Ljuta, and the Castle of Sokol Grad