Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor
From Dubrovnik’s walls into the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, then south to Sveti Stefan.
- Distance
- 103 km (64 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 25 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 5
- Countries
- Croatia, Montenegro
- Updated
- May 14, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 103 km (64 mi) with 5 stops, from Gradske zidine to Sveti Stefan. About 1 h 25 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Croatia, Montenegro · More road trips from Kotor
Route description
Start early on Dubrovnik’s city walls, almost 2 km around the old town, before the cruise crowds arrive. Then drive south on the coast road past Cavtat to the border crossing into Montenegro, where queues can be long in summer.
The road follows the Bay of Kotor round to Perast, a small Baroque town facing two islets; boats go out to Our Lady of the Rocks. The small car ferry between Kamenari and Lepetane saves driving all the way around the inner bay.
Kotor’s walled old town lies at the head of the bay, below the fortress walls that zigzag up the mountain; the climb takes about an hour and gives the best view of the bay. Parking near the old town is limited, especially when cruise ships are in port.
Cross over the ridge to the open coast at Budva, with its small walled old town and beaches. A few kilometres south, Sveti Stefan is a walled islet joined to the shore by a sandbar; it is a private resort, so enjoy the view from the coast road.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Gradske zidine
HistoryDubrovnik, CroatiaWalk the almost 2 km of walls around the old town. Go early, before the cruise crowds.
- 264 km
Perast
Montenegro - 311 km
Boka Kotorska
ViewsKotor, MontenegroA fjord-like bay with a walled town. Climb to the fortress for the view.
- 420 km
Budva
Montenegro - 57 km
Sveti Stefan
ViewsBudva, MontenegroA walled fishing village on an islet joined to the shore by a sandbar. See it from the coast road.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Gradske zidine → Perast · 64 km · 0 h 53 minOvernight nearby, for example: Auto Kamp Lara (3 km); Autokamp Mimoza (2 km).
- Day 2: Perast → Boka Kotorska · 11 km · 0 h 09 minOvernight nearby, for example: Auto Kamp Lara (11 km); Autokamp Mimoza (7 km).
- Day 3: Boka Kotorska → Sveti Stefan · 27 km · 0 h 22 minOn the way: Budva.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Seoce-Budva (7 km); Autokamp Buljarica (9 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Croatia: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Montenegro: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor?
3-day road trip of about 103 km (64 mi) with 5 stops, from Gradske zidine to Sveti Stefan. About 1 h 25 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 25 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor start and end?
It starts in Gradske zidine and ends in Sveti Stefan.
Which countries does Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor pass through?
Croatia and Montenegro.
Where can you camp along Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor?
OpenStreetMap lists 60 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Solitudo, Camping Kate and Camping Pod Maslinom.
When is the best time for Dubrovnik and the Bay of Kotor?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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