Situated only 20 kilometers south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat makes a great choice for a day trip from Dubrovnik, for those seeking a more peaceful holiday experience Cavtat is also a perfect place to stay due to lower tourist crowds than those in Dubrovnik.
Don't miss taking the very pleasant harbourside promenade along the peninsula, taking a peek at the baroque St Nicholas Church, the Renaissance Rector's Palace and the famous mausoleum belonging to the Račić family, decorated by sculptor Ivan Meštrović. One of the most famous citizens of Cavtat was the painter Vlaho Bukovac, whose birth house has been turned into a museum.
Cavtat is a city with a very long and rich history. The original city was founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC under the name of Epidaurus. The surrounding area was inhabited by the Illyrians, who called the city Zaptal. In 228 BC the town came under Roman rule and changed its name to Epidaurum. During the Gothic War (535–554) Justinian I, the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire, sent his fleet to Cavtat occupying the town. Later on the city was sacked and destroyed by the Avars and Slavs in the 7th century.
Dubrovnik Bestseller (Dubrovnik, Cavtat and panorama tour) Shore Excursion
A private shore excursion to discover Dubrovnik and the medieval village of Cavtat.
This personalized tour lets you explore both Old Towns at your own pace, offering a more intimate experience than a standard bus tour.
Refugees from Epidaurum fled to the nearby island, Laus (Ragusa), which over time became Dubrovnik. The town was re-established in the Middle Ages (Ragusa-Vecchia) and shortly after came under the control the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik Republic). The name Cavtat reveals its ancient origin and its link with Dubrovnik. Cavtat is derived from Civitas Vetus, meaning old city in Latin Language.
Visiting Cavtat
Regular city buses (bus Nr. 10) connect Cavtat to Dubrovnik and back with departures ussualy every 30 minutes. If you have time we recommend geting out and exploring some of the townships one the way to Cavtat, including Srebreno and Mlini. Have a stroll along the sea, maybe a cup of cafe and just catch the next bus continuing to Cavtat.
Complete timetable for the Dubrovnik - Cavtat bus line
Another great option is to take one of the boats from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. Ussualy all boats leave from the Old Town Dubrovnik harbour. You could also choose to go to Cavtat by bus and return to Dubrovnik by boat, enriching your experience of this region.
Visiting Cavtat with children
Cavtat is considered very child friendly, in summer there is almost no traffic in the old part of Cavtat due to traffic regulations and walking along the peninsula is easy and along flat paths. Along this stroll you can find small pebble beaches, perfect for a stop with the small ones.
If you plan to stay in Cavtat a good option to consider are private accommodation. Especially when traveling with children private apartments can offer more family-friendly accommodation than hotels, including a better price tag. Check availability and prices for children-friendly hotels and apartments in Cavtat.
Staying in Cavtat
There are numerous reasons to choose Cavtat over its more famous neighbor, Dubrovnik. In essence, Cavtat is both cheaper and quieter than Dubrovnik, making it an attractive alternative. This charming, leafy small town retains a local feel and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Cavtat is a place to slow down, unwind, and savor all that Croatia has to offer without the crowds. Additionally, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region, including Dubrovnik, and even venturing into Montenegro and Bosnia and Hercegovina. With its scenic beauty, historical sites, and laid-back vibe, Cavtat provides a delightful and affordable escape.
Our favorite places to stay in Cavtat are Apartment Good Vibes, Apartments Konavoka and Apartments Villa Ana. Check availability and prices of other hotels and apartments in Cavtat.
Best Beaches and hikes/walks in Cavtat
Cavtat offers a beach to suit every preference, varying with the sun's position, shade availability, and time of day. Whether you're a family with kids, a beach bar enthusiast, or a naturist, Cavtat has something for you.
The beaches in Cavtat range from rocky shores and concrete platforms to sandy and pebbly stretches, all sharing the same clear, turquoise waters. Some beaches are perfect for relaxation, while others cater to more active pursuits. Given Cavtat's small size, you can easily explore different beaches and enjoy varied views with just a short walk.
Žal Beach in Cavtat
Žal, Cavtat’s largest beach, is located in front of the Remisens Hotel Albatros resort and is often called Albatros Beach. About 1 kilometer from the Old Town center, Žal is ideal for families with children due to its ample space and shallow waters. The beach is mostly shingle, with larger and smaller gray pebbles and cobbles, and a meter of fine sand as you enter the water. The beach slope is gentle, making it easy for small children to access, and the shallow foreshore extends a good distance into the sea. Natural shade is provided by nearby cypress and pine trees, and sun chairs and parasols are available for rent.
Beach Rat in Cavtat
Rat Beach, located midway along the Rat peninsula promenade, offers stunning views of the picturesque Župa bay. This small shingle and pebble beach provides easy access to the sea, allowing you to walk almost ten meters before it becomes deep enough to swim. Due to its size, Rat Beach can get crowded during the high season, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. The beach features concrete sunbathing decks and amenities such as sun loungers, parasols, showers, and changing rooms.
Cavtat walk from Rat peninsula to Sustjepan peninsula
Cavtat is nestled on the Rat peninsula, which, together with the Sustjepan peninsula, forms a well-protected and accessible bay. A pleasant trail connects Cape Sustjepan to Cape Rat, passing through the wooded Sustjepan peninsula, continuing along the port of Cavtat, and crossing the Rat peninsula before looping back along the port. This 4 km loop trail is generally considered easy and takes about one hour to complete. The trail is open year-round and is a beautiful walk at any time of the year.
Dubrovnik&Konavle gastro food tour, including Cavtat sightseeing
This relaxing half-day tour offers the perfect way to experience the culture, history, and local products of Croatia's southernmost region.
Start by exploring Dubrovnik's natural highlights and prime photo spots, such as the spring of the Ombla River, the Franjo Tuđman Bridge, and Mount Srđ. From there, journey south along the coastline to the charming town of Cavtat, where you can spend some time exploring. Next, head into the Konavle Valley, the traditional breadbasket of southern Croatia. Visit Konavoski Dvori to see old mills that have been transforming raw produce into exportable goods for over 500 years. You'll also visit the source of Konavle's natural irrigation system, the River Ljuta, and see a medieval watchtower from 1391 named "Sokol" (Croatian for "hawk"). The tour culminates with a traditional Konavle lunch at Kameni Mlin, a family-run restaurant where you'll savor the local gastronomy.
Events in Cavtat
Cavtat Summer
The Cavtat Summer is the annual series of cultural and entertainment events lasting from the end of June until the beginning of September. All events are free of charge.
Epidaurus Festival
Epidaurus Festival is a new music festival, but other art forms are also welcomed (drama, literature, educational and folklore workshops and events). The Festival includes concerts of internationally renowned artists, as well as the performances of young and upcoming artists.
Cavtat Carnival
The carnival tradition in Cavtat is over hundred years old. It was the famous Croatian painter, Vlaho Bukovac, who immortalized this tradition by painting "The Cavtat Carnival". The Cavtat Summer Carnival is held on the last weekend of July.
