The drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor, nearby Perast or Tivat weaves through the Bay of Kotor’s dramatic cliffs and serene waters, turning a transfer into a day trip you’ll never forget. As a driver for Dubrovnik Limo, I’ve navigated this 70-km stretch countless times, dodging cyclists on coastal bends and pointing out cafes where locals linger.
Don’t let the short distance fool you—Croatia – Montenegro border crossings and summer traffic can stretch a quick ride into hours. Instead of rushing, make it a full-day adventure with stops at Cavtat, Herceg Novi, Portonovi, Kamenari’s Restaurant Adriatica, Risan, Perast, and Kotor. This could be the highlight of your Croatian vacation. Here’s your guide about what to see between Dubrobnik and Kotor, Perast, Tivat in Montenegro, with real costs for 2024–2025 and tips from the road.
Cavtat: Good Bye Croatia
Start 20 km south of Dubrovnik in Cavtat, a quiet coastal town that’s Croatia’s last hug before the Montenegrin border. Park near the promenade (€2 per hour) and take a 30-minute walk around the peninsula, where pine trees shade pebbly beaches perfect for a quick dip or skipping stones. I had a group once insist on a swim here—they came back raving about the Adriatic’s clarity. Grab a €3 espresso at Caffe Bar Leut, watching fishing boats sway. If you’ve got 15 minutes, climb to the Račić Mausoleum (€5) for Ivan Meštrović’s sculptures and a view of Dubrovnik’s distant skyline.
Cavtat’s compact, so an hour’s enough to feel its charm. It’s a perfect kickoff for your Dubrovnik to Montenegro journey.
Local Tip
Visit Cavtat by 9 AM to beat cruise ship day-trippers. Swim at the beach near Kuća Bukovac for fewer crowds.
Drive Time
Dubrovnik to Cavtat: 25 minutes.
Herceg Novi: Welcome Montenegro
Drive 40 km (30 minutes, excluding border delays—expect hours in summer at Debeli Brijeg) to Herceg Novi, Montenegro’s first coastal gem. Its promenade hums with cafes and palm trees, but the old town, a 10-minute walk uphill, is where the magic hides. I once nudged passengers to explore it—they thanked me after climbing Kanli Kula Fortress (€5) for its Bay of Kotor panorama. Herceg Novi sits at the bay’s mouth, blending the sheltered zaljev’s calm with the open Adriatic’s expanse. You’ll notice this lake-like vibe deepen in Kotor and Perast, but here, it’s raw and less touristy than Dubrovnik or Kotor, with a unique local charm—think old men playing cards by the marina.
Lunch at Konoba Feral (€12–20 per meal) on the promenade delivers grilled squid locals love. If time allows, walk 15 minutes to Savina Monastery, where monks tend vineyards.
Local Tip
Park near the promenade (€1.50 per hour) to save €10 on taxis. May’s warm (20–25°C), but wear sturdy shoes for the old town’s steep streets.
Drive Time
Cavtat to Herceg Novi: 30 minutes (excluding border delays, which can take hours in peak season).
Portonovi: A Taste of Montenegro’s Glam
Drive 20 km (25 minutes) to Portonovi, a luxe marina that’s Montenegro’s high-end playground. Stop for 30 minutes to sip a €4 cappuccino at Portonovi Square, surrounded by yachts and designer boutiques. For a meal, Malo Ribarsko Selo is the best choice—fresh sea bass (€25–40) with marina views. We often drive from Dubrovnik to Portonovi with our taxi service. Recently, I dropped a couple here who said, “This feels like a mini-Saint-Tropez. ” The One&Only Portonovi resort towers over, but you don’t need to stay (€350–900 per night) to feel the vibe. Snap a marina photo, take a coffee break, and roll on.
Local Tip
Stick to coffee unless you’re ready for pricier meals (€40–70 at most spots). Portonovi’s shine is in its marina, not deep exploration.
Drive Time
Herceg Novi to Portonovi: 25 minutes.
Kamenari: One of the Best Bay Views
Just 15 km (20 minutes) away, Restaurant Adriatica in Kamenari is your lunch stop. Its view of the Bay of Kotor, framed by olive trees, is one of the finest you’ll see, and the private beach lets you dip your toes post-meal. A seafood platter for two (€50–80) with squid and shrimp is a driver’s favorite—pair it with a €7 Vranac wine. If mussels are your thing, nearby shellfish farms along the shore have rustic eateries pulling them fresh from the water after you order; it’s as fresh as it gets (€20–40 per meal). I brought a group here who spent an hour snapping bay photos, calling it their trip’s peak.
If you looking for a food experience, Adriatica may be the highlight of your transfer from Dubrovnik to Kotor. Reserve a waterfront table a day ahead at their Facebook Page.
Local Tip
Check Google Maps for nearby mussel farms if you want a budget-friendly seafood fix. Book Adriatica early—summer fills fast.
Drive Time
Portonovi to Kamenari: 20 minutes.
Risan: A Cool Break in the Shade
Drive 10 km (15 minutes) to Risan, a low-key Bay of Kotor town that’s not the flashiest but a favorite for a quick pause. High mountains cast shade over Risan most of the day, making it a cool escape from summer’s heat—tourists love this break. The waterfront market sells olive oil (€8 per bottle), rakija (€10–15), and ceramics (€5–20) at half Kotor’s prices. I stopped here with a family who grabbed local honey (€6 per jar) and enjoyed the relaxed vibe. For a quick detour, peek at the Roman mosaics at Villa Urbana (€3)—they’re 2,000 years old and take 10 minutes.
Local Tip
Haggle gently at Risan’s market—vendors expect it. Euros work, but cards may not.
Drive Time
Kamenari to Risan: 15 minutes.
Perast: Baroque Charm by the Water
Another 10 km (15 minutes) brings you to Perast, a baroque village that feels like Venice’s calmer sibling. Stroll the waterfront promenade, lined with stone palaces and backed by the Bay of Kotor’s mountains. Lunch at Konoba Otok Bronza is a must—their octopus (€28) is tender and served steps from the water, with views of Perast’s architecture and the islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. I sat there with passengers who called it “like eating in a painting.”
A €10–15 boat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks (15 minutes) shows off the tiny church and museum. In May, boats run hourly, but summer waits can drag—go before 11 AM. If you’re staying in Kotor (15 km away), revisit Perast for a full day. Heading from Dubrovnik to Tivat or further in Montenegro? Explore Perast and do the boat tour now, as summer traffic on the D2 can turn a short drive from other nearby places in Montenegro to Perast into the 2-hour long ride.
Local Tip
Skip Otok Bronza’s desserts (€8–10); grab a €2 gelato at Cafe Armonia. Boat tours are cheaper early.
Drive Time
Risan to Perast: 15 minutes.
Kotor: Medieval Marvels
Your final stop except you are heading from Dubrovnik to Tivat or further in Montenegro, 15 km (20 minutes) from Perast, is Kotor—a UNESCO town cradled by the Bay of Kotor’s cliffs. The Old Town’s stone alleys, squares, and churches feel like a time warp. Wander St. Tryphon’s Cathedral (€3) or sip a €2.50 coffee at Pjaceta Square, watching locals banter. I drove a family here who got lost in the streets and loved every wrong turn. If you’re staying in Kotor, Dobrota, or Prčanj, you’ll have days to explore—maybe climb the fortress (€8) for bay views.
The Kotor Cable Car (€20–30 round-trip), 10 minutes to Mount Lovćen, is a game-changer. Its cafes, restaurants, and alpine coaster (€10) offer unreal bay panoramas. A passenger once said it was “better than any postcard.” If you’re heading to Budva, stop in Kotor now—the D2 road to Budva is brutal with 2025 roadworks, even off-season. Tivat’s closer (7 km), so you can revisit if staying there. Kotor is must-visit if you take a transfer Dubrovnik to Budva or further down to the coast of Monenegro.
Local Tip
Kotor’s parking is €2 per hour—book a transfer to skip the hassle. Explore by 9 AM; May gets busy by noon.
Drive Time
Perast to Kotor: 20 minutes.
FAQ
How long is the drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor?
It’s 70 km, about 2–2.5 hours without stops. With border crossings (15–60 minutes at Debeli Brijeg) and visits to Cavtat, Herceg Novi, and Perast, plan 6–8 hours. A Dubrovnik to Kotor private transfer adds flexibility, like a free Makarska stop.
What are the best stops between Dubrovnik and Kotor?
Cavtat’s peninsula, Herceg Novi’s old town, Portonovi’s marina, Adriatica in Kamenari, Risan’s market, Perast’s promenade, and Kotor’s Old Town each offer history, food, or views.
Is a private transfer better than a rental car?
Rentals (€40–70 per day) are budget-friendly but mean navigating borders and parking. A Dubrovnik to Kotor taxi transfer lets you relax and stop where you want, like Makarska for free.
Can I see Perast and Kotor in one day?
Yes, they’re 15 km apart—3–4 hours covers Perast’s boat tour (€10–15) and Kotor’s Old Town. Staying in Kotor? Revisit Perast later.
Are border crossings tricky?
Debeli Brijeg takes 15–60 minutes in May, longer in summer. Carry passports; visas may apply. A Dubrovnik to Montenegro private transfer handles it smoothly.
Why visit Herceg Novi?
Its promenade, old town, and Kanli Kula fortress (€5) mix history with Bay of Kotor views. Less touristy than Kotor, it’s a gem on your journey from Dubrovnik to Montenegro.
When’s the best time for this trip?
May–June or September–October for 20–25°C and fewer crowds. Summer’s lively but packed with traffic. Book early with Dubrovnik Limo Service.
What’s the vibe in Portonovi?
Portonovi’s marina is luxe—perfect for a €3 coffee or dinner at Malo Ribarsko Selo (€25–40).
Why This Journey Stays With You
The road from Dubrovnik to Kotor and Perast is Croatia and Montenegro distilled—coastal villages, mountain-framed bays, and seafood that tastes like the sea. I’ve driven this route for years, watching travelers light up at Perast’s islands or savor Risan’s cheap rakija. With Dubrovnik Limo, every stop becomes a memory.
