Cavtat: A Coastal Pearl in Croatia near Dubrovnik

The small town Cavtat in Croatia is a true pearl by the Adriatic Sea and for many it is even one of the most beautiful places for a beach vacation in the Dubrovnik region. This coastal town enchants with a beautiful old town, where lovely places, such as historic town palaces, churches and museums are located. However, a real highlight are the wonderful beaches and idyllic bays, which are not far from the center. Also unique is the romantic harbor with the lively waterfront promenade. It connects the town center with the numerous restaurants, cafés and stores with the picturesque bays. The area around Cavtat is stunning and also offers plenty of attractions worth seeing.

In this travel guide, we give you all the important information and tips about Cavtat in Croatia. In addition, we show wonderful pictures, the most beautiful things to do, beaches and where you can find the best places to stay.

Good to know!

There is a great selection of accommodations in Cavtat. Really recommendable and a insider tip is the lovely Hotel Seventh with pool, beautiful rooms and a great view.

Thanks to its beautiful bays, this resort is just the perfect place for a beach vacation in Croatia. Here is a list of the most amazing beaches in Cavtat.

During a vacation in Cavtat you have the possibility to visit Dubrovnik, which is only 20 kilometers away. By public bus or taxi boat, you’ll be in the historic old town in no time.

General Information about Cavtat

Cavtat is located in the southernmost part of Croatia, about 20 kilometers from Dubrovnik and 34 kilometers from Herceg Novi in Montenegro. The small town has just under 2,100 inhabitants and is now one of the most popular vacation destinations along the southern Dalmatian coast. Here you can find everything a traveler’s heart desires. Excellent restaurants, cozy cafés, an incredibly pretty town center and wonderful beaches that invite you to swim and relax, as well as its proximity to Dubrovnik, make Cavtat a unique vacation destination in Croatia.

The history of Cavtat goes back to ancient times, when the settlement of Epidauros was established. In 228 BC, the settlement became a Roman colony and was renamed Epidaurum. In the 7th century, however, it was completely destroyed. The town was then greatly expanded in the Middle Ages, in the 15th century. Cavtat suffered heavy damage during the earthquake of 1667 and during the Battle of Dubrovnik in 1991, but today all the material damage to those times has been repaired.

 

Best Things to Do in Cavtat

There are quite a number of amazing things to do in Cavtat. Among the absolute highlights are the picturesque harbor with the old town, the two green peninsulas and also the beautiful beaches, which invite to sunbathe and relax. That you don’t miss anything on your trip, we have summarized the best attractions and activities here:

Old Town & Waterfront

The old town of Cavtat is located directly by the sea and is nestled between the 2 peninsulas Sustjepan and Rat. Here is also the tourist center, with a wide selection of good restaurants and cozy café-bars. The absolute highlight is the enchanting waterfront, which is probably one of the most beautiful in southern Croatia. During a walk, you can enjoy a really magical flair with a great view of the turquoise sea and the countless boats gently rocking in the water.

Churches, Monuments & Museums

The city center of Cavtat enchants above all with a lot of historical flair and numerous interesting attractions from various eras. Unique are the old palaces, residences and churches, as well as the small museums, which all testify to a rich cultural heritage. Probably the most beautiful church is the St. Nicholas Church from 1732, which is located on the waterfront and essentially characterizes the townscape.

Also worth seeing are the Pinacoteca of the Parish Church of St. Nicholas and the small, pretty Franciscan Church of “Our Lady of Snow” with the adjoining Franciscan monastery. Additionally, worth a visit are Rector’s Palace in the Prince’s Court and the house where Vlaho Bukovac was born, which now houses a museum.

Probably the most famous attraction in Cavtat is the mausoleum of the Račić family. Situated on a hill high above the town, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Cavtat from up here.

 

Best Beaches & Bays in Cavtat

The many lovely bays and beaches of Cavtat make this romantic coastal resort a perfect vacation destination in the Dubrovnik area. In the center of the village, on the green peninsulas as well as in the immediate vicinity, you will enjoy a whole variety of breathtaking bathing bays. Fantastic is that all these fabulous beaches are connected by the picturesque waterfront promenade, so you can reach them easily on foot or by bike.

Beach Zal

Very popular for a vacation in Cavtat is the beach Zal, a long fine pebble beach with enchanting water colors, which even partially turns into a sandy beach in the sea. Thus, bathing is also very well possible without bathing shoes, which many vacationers with children appreciate very much. The tourist offer of restaurants, bars and accommodations is also excellent here!

Tip: Only 2 minutes away from the beach is the Apartment House Glasnović, a recommendable accommodation for a perfekt beach vacation in Cavtat.

Beach Rat

The beach Rat is located on the peninsula Rat, along the charming promenade, and is a real pearl in Cavtat. The most beautiful is the charming backdrop of the bay, with the turquoise sea colors and the green pine forests in the background. Directly behind the beach, there is also a quaint restaurant that delights with delicious local specialties.

Tip: Not far away from Beach Rat is the Vacation House Cavtat, a fantastic accommodation that scores with a central location and stylish apartments.

Kamen Mali Beach

The Plaza Kamen Mali is a small, hidden dream beach in Cavtat. It is located on the green peninsula Rat and guests love the quiet atmosphere. Surrounded by beautiful nature, you feel like you are stranded right in a little paradise! On top of that, the turquoise sea colors are stunning, giving the bathing bay an enchanting flair.

Sustjepan Beach

The beach Sustjepan lies on the peninsula of the same name Sustjepan and inspires vacationers with a terrific view of the bay and the port of Cavtat. This bathing place is a well-kept concrete beach with stairs leading into the crystal clear sea. Sunshades and sunbeds are available for rent.

Tip: Beautiful there is the Hotel Croatia, a large 5-star hotel, which is located in a stunning location just above the beach Sustjepan.

Attractions near Cavtat

Thanks to the perfect location, you can go on really breathtaking excursions and day trips from Cavtat. Here are the best attractions and excursion destinations in the area summarized at a glance:

The most famous attraction around Cavtat is the UNESCO world heritage city of Dubrovnik, only 20 kilometers away, which delights with numerous unforgettable things to see.

Some more worth seeing places in the vicinity of Cavtat are the small resorts of Mlini, Plat and Kupari, which can be easily reached by bus or taxi boat.

Cavtat is the perfect place to go on day trips to Montenegro, which is only 30 kilometers away. Herceg Novi, Perast and Kotor are just a few of the highlights you can visit via an excursion.

 

Where to Stay in Cavtat

A fantastic range of accommodations awaits you on a vacation in Cavtat. From fine 5-star hotels to bed and breakfasts and apartments, you’ll find it all. If you are looking for a perfect place to stay in Cavtat, then we can give you these accommodation tips to take along… It’s worth a look!

  • Wonderful 5-Star Hotel: The beautiful Hotel Croatia is a fantastic 5-star hotel, located on a peninsula in a dreamlike nature and quiet environment.
  • Perfect B&B: The Casa Antika Suites spoils its guests with a perfect central location, unique rooms & suites, some of which are even equipped with a whirlpool.
  •  Superb Apartment: The apartments Villa Kulish are the perfect choice for a holiday flat. They convince with top equipment and the fantastic proximity to the beach and the center!
  • Charming 4-Star Hotel: The breathtaking Hotel Seventh enchants its guests with a wonderful pool, beautiful rooms and really amazing coastal views.

Find the best accommodation in Cavtat:

 Booking.com


More about the Dubrovnik Area:

Keep Exploring

Read more about Croatia

Split | Pula | Zagreb | Krk | Zadar | Rovinj | Istria | DalmatiaHvar | Makarska | Brac | Porec | Trogir | Sibenik | Korcula | Crikvenica | Rijeka | Opatija | Rab | Murter | Primosten | Umag | Medulin | Vodice | Vir | Nin | Biograd | Omis | Brela | Novigrad | Vrsar | Ugljan | Pasman | SenjRabac | Dugi Otok | Solta | Croatia


Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.


 

Comments are closed.