11 Gorgeous Beaches to Visit in Cavtat, Croatia

On a mission to visit the best beaches in Cavtat, Croatia? We’ve got you covered in this guide including which beaches are worth seeing and how to reach them!

It’s one thing for a destination to have many beaches but when they’re all pristine, it’s really something special. For the small resort town of Cavtat, its beaches are one of the top reasons to visit.

The beaches in Cavtat are truly divine with their shades of turquoise, scenic views, and lack of mass tourism. You’ll find a particular beach that’s perfect for any type of beachgoer, which is another thing that can’t be said about many seaside destinations.

The beaches in Cavtat are also spread out throughout the town, which is great news if you don’t want to spend your entire holiday among a crowd. You’ll always find a spot to enjoy without rubbing elbows with the sunbather next to you.

In Cavtat, it’s possible to enjoy a beach 100% to yourself!

In this guide, we’ve included the best beaches in Cavtat, where to find them and where to stay nearby.

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Quick Guide: 11 Beautiful Beaches in Cavtat

• Beach žal
• Obod
• Ponta
• “No Name Beach”
• FKK Beach
• Beach Rat
• Tiha
• Plaža Cavtat
• Beach Bar Little Star
• Cista Luka
• Pasjača Beach

The Essentials: Visiting Cavtat Beaches

👣 Many of Cavtat’s best beaches can be reached on foot. Book a place to stay that’s centrally located if you wish to get around by walking and aren’t planning on renting a car.

🚗 Rent a car at the Dubrovnik Airport if you plan on visiting Pasjača Beach and other attractions in the Konavle region.

👶🏻 There are no sandy beaches in Cavtat but you will find many with small pebbles. Beach Žal is the best beach for people traveling with young kids since it has the easiest access and most space.

🚤 From Cavtat, take advantage of boat tours that reach Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island.

Are There Nice Beaches in Cavtat?

Without a doubt, Cavtat beaches are superior to those of Dubrovnik and other nearby towns. Every beach each in Cavtat is clean, has crystal clear waters and is phenomenal for snorkeling.

With turquoise hues and secluded locations, there is no better area along the Dubrovnik riviera for swimming. Although Croatia in general has no sandy beaches, you’ll find a mix of small pebble beaches, rocky inlets and perfecting diving spots in Cavtat.

If you’re seeking an epic beach, Pasjača Beach is near Cavtat and guaranteed to make anyone say “Wow.” It’s grown in popularity over the last few years but worth the visit for any beach lover. You’ll find a full list of the best beaches further in this post so keep on reading!

11 Beautiful Beaches in Cavtat

1. Beach Žal

Best Beach for Families With Kids

Located here.

As the longest stretch of beach in Cavtat, it’s also the most popular due to its easy access. It’s also centrally located and a short walk for anyone, regardless of where they’re staying in town. This is also a beach where it’s possible to rent jet skis and book other water sport activities.

GETTING TO BEACH ŽAL: There are a handful of parking spots along the water but if you don’t arrive early enough, there won’t be any room. A larger parking lot can be found here and is a couple minute walk to the beach. It is a 10-15 minute walk if you are coming from the town’s center.

TYPE OF BEACH: Small pebbles with sectioned off swimming areas. A handful of activities for children such as floating obstacle courses. Loungers are available to rent as well and beach bars are conveniently located onsite.

RESTAURANTS NEAR BEACH ŽAL: In addition to beach snacks available from the beach bars, Cafe Bistro Zal is located on the beach and serves casual food such as pizza and fries. If you walk towards Lounge Bar Eve, you’ll find a couple of additional places to eat.

2. Obod

Best Beach for People with Dogs

Located here.

In general, Croatia isn’t the most dog friendly place when it comes to sharing the beach. Luckily, this spot (and a handful north of it) is off the beaten path and if you bring your dog, nobody will bother you about it. The water is also very accessible so you and your dog won’t have to navigate any boulders or sharp rocks. This is the best dog friendly beach for humans too!

GETTING THERE: There are a handful of parking spots here where you can leave your car before walking to this beach. The 5 minute walk is slightly inclined before you reach a big set of stairs leading directly down to the water.

TYPE OF BEACH: Small pebbles and wide beach with easy entrance into the water. There are also a couple of docks, perfect for laying out on or jumping off.

RESTAURANTS NEARBY: You’ll want to bring your own food or snacks as there is nothing close by. The nearest cluster of restaurants can be found near Beach Bar COOL but it is a longer walk.

3. Ponta

Best Beach for Diving Into Water

Located here.

There is an old dock and building at this beach which we saw local fishermen use a few times. They were cooking the fish they had just caught and used the old building as a hangout spot. Other than Cavtat residents who know about this spot, you won’t find any other tourists and might even get the opportunity to join the townspeople.

GETTING THERE: From the parking lot near Remisens Hotel Epidaurus, you’ll continue on the path along the water for 15 minutes until you reach this beach. It is not possible to drive to.

TYPE OF BEACH: It’s recommended to hang out on the concrete dock instead of the small pebble inlet which has some debris such as old boat parts. The main reason to visit this beach is for some good ‘ol fun of diving and jumping into the water.

RESTAURANTS NEARBY: Come prepared with snacks and drinks of your own as there is no place to purchase food nearby.

4. No Name Beach

Best Secret Beach

Located here.

This is not a beach but still a fantastic place to swim and is so privately located that it doesn’t even have a name. Along the main walking path, there are a few entrances to the rocks below. You can sit on these rocks or hangout on the nearby dock instead. Small ferries will typically stop here throughout the day but it’s still a less frequented alternative to Beach Žal.

GETTING THERE: If you’re using Google Maps, you can use this as your destination where you’ll find a narrow dock. You can park where you would to reach Beach Žal but just continue a bit further on foot. 

TYPE OF BEACH: No small pebbles or beach, only big rocks to sit on or dock to jump from. Very well shaded all day!

RESTAURANTS NEARBY: A couple of restaurants are available around the corner as you’re headed back towards town center. Ciparis and Ludo More are the most well rated!

5. FKK Nudism Beach

Best Beach for Privacy

Located here.

As a good general rule, don’t ever be deterred by a beach which suggests it’s a beach for nudists. This doesn’t mean that everyone will be naked and often times, these are the best beaches due to their private locations. It requires a little trekking to get here but it is so worth it! This spot is one of the best beaches in Europe that we’ve ever been to, let alone Croatia.

GETTING THERE: Continue on the walking path which starts from here. You’ll walk past one wider beach and an old dock before being faced with a hill. The dirt hill isn’t big but will require some craft to walk up and down. A walk from your car should take around 20 minutes.

TYPE OF BEACH: Small pebble beach underneath a cliff with a flat and shallow entrance into the water. The small bay is also somewhat protected by winds and does offer partial shade.

RESTAURANTS NEARBY: As the second to most secluded beach in Cavtat, there are no facilities or restaurants nearby.

6. Beach Rat

Best Beach for Reading & Swimming All Day

Located here.

This is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon in partial shade with a book in hand. It is also precisely located with a dreamy view of the bay where you’ll see yachts filter in and out throughout the day. Whether you’re sharing your holiday with a significant other or solo travelling, this beach fits both vibes.

GETTING TO BEACH RAT: The hiking path along the peninsula will lead you to Beach Rat after less than 5 minutes if you begin here. The road is not accessible by cars so you will need to walk but the trail is flat and very doable for anyone.

TYPE OF BEACH: There is a pebble beach but it is rather small and only suitable for entering/leaving the water. For laying out, there is an abundant of flat areas available in addition to loungers for rent. There is partial shade from the trees that line the walking path.

RESTAURANTS NEAR BEACH RAT: Rokotin, a small seasonal restaurant is the perfect place to grab a bite. It’s a few steps from the beach and has an outdoor seating area.

7. Tiha

Best Beach for Adventurers

Located here.

This is the most secluded beach in all of Cavtat and only accessible by sea. The most convenient way to reach it is by kayak or paddle board. If you are a hiker, you could attempt to hike your way to it but it’s not something we were able to accomplish. The beach is pure unspoiled nature at its core and the literal definition of a hidden gem!

GETTING THERE: By kayak or paddle board, it can be reached if you depart from the center of town in about 30 minutes. It may be possible to reach on foot by starting here but not recommended.

TYPE OF BEACH: Small pebbles with a big area to lay out on but no shade available

RESTAURANTS NEARBY: Maybe seafood if you catch your own! Otherwise, there is no restaurant, cafe or bar within a 30 minute walk from this beach.

8. Plaža Cavtat

Best Centrally Located Beach

Located here.

Plaža Cavtat is incredibly unassuming yet a tiny piece of beach paradise! If you are staying in a hotel or apartment above the beach, it’s the perfect place to start or end your day. Cavtat can get hot in the summer and if you aren’t looking for a full beach day but just a nice place to cool off, this is that spot.

GETTING TO PLAŽA CAVTAT: This small beach has an advantageous location right off the main walking path which connects town center to Beach Žal. Walk too quickly and you’ll miss it!

TYPE OF BEACH: Narrow area with small pebbles but also includes a larger flat concrete surface to lay out on. There is partial tree shade.

RESTAURANTS NEAR PLAŽA CAVTAT: Pizza is the perfect beach food and there are two spots located within a one minute walk of the beach! Pizzeria Kabalero and Desetka Pizzeria are located right next to one another.

9. Beach Bar Little Star and Kamen Mali

Best Beach for Drinks and Photos

Located here.

Every destination has an Instaspot and this is undoubtedly Cavtat’s. The quaint beach shack sits among the rocks and boasts some beautiful views of the swimming area below as well as into the distance towards Dubrovnik. The beach bar is notably ideal for enjoying an aperitif during sunset.

GETTING THERE: The beach and bar are accesible by walking only. The Cavtat Walking Path is the one that will lead you to the tip of peninsula. Depending on which way you’re coming from, the path can be entered by the Franciscan Monastery or by Beach Rat from the other side. It is an easy and flat walk that shouldn’t take more than ten minutes.

TYPE OF BEACH: Flat rocks and concrete surfaces with a tiny pebble beach inlet. Tables and chairs available at the bar! Partial shade comes from the umbrellas on the bar deck.

RESTAURANT NEARBY: The beach bar only serves drinks which means you’ll need to leave the area in order to buy food. Within a 10 minute walk, you can reach KONOBA GALIJA for lunch or dinner.

10. Cista Luka

Best Beach for Snorkeling

Located here.

There is an underwater sea wall visible from this beach and it’s a neat thing to check out if you grab your goggles. Aside from other ancient underwater structures, the sea life thrives here because they’re not used to visitors. This is the best kept secret in Cavtat for snorkeling enthusiasts!

GETTING THERE: At the end of this beach, a trail emerges which continues to lead you along the water. If you follow the trail for just a couple of minutes, you’ll hit the beach.

TYPE OF BEACH: Small pebbles with no shade and no facilities. The beach is quite wide so there are plenty of places to lay out, not that you should expect many other visitors.

RESTAURANTS NEARBY: This beach is far from town and you won’t find any restaurants within 20 minutes (by foot).

11. Pasjača Beach

Best Picturesque Beach

Located here.

Although technically not in Cavtat, we couldn’t leave it off this list. It is one of the top attractions near Cavtat and worth the short trip to experience it! Pasjača Beach is located beneath the village of Popovići and has become a popular day visit for travellers visiting Dubrovnik. Its unique location and idyllic setting is truly heavenly!

Getting to Pasjača Beach: This is the only beach you’ll have to reach by car when staying in Cavtat. It’s about a 15 minute drive to the remote area of Popovići and then another 10-15 minute journey by foot. You’ll park your car here and begin walking on the path that heads to the beach.

The path is very steep and rugged which doesn’t make it suitable for young kids. The trail is essentially leading you down and through the cliff to get to the beach.

Type of Beach: Small pebbles, secluded with no facilities and no shade

Restaurants Near Pasjača Beach: You’ll find Pizzeria Belmondo and Điron in the nearby town of Gruda.

How to Get to Cavtat

Cavtat is a coastal town in the region of Konavle in Croatia. It is the southernmost Croatian resort town and is equally close to the border of Montenegro as it is to Dubrovnik which is around 22 km (or 14 miles) away.

Cavtat sits along the Adriatic coast and has primarily welcomed visitors who choose it as an alternative place to stay when visiting Dubrovnik.

The international Dubrovnik Airport is only 6 km away from Cavtat and the main D8 motorway runs above the town, making it a convenient destination to reach. A green landscape surrounds the area of Cavtat and is home to nature preserves consisting of waterfalls and high hill ridges boasting panoramic views.

Is Cavtat Worth Visiting?

Beautiful beaches included, Cavtat is worth visiting for a number of reasons. The small town may offer a little something for any type of traveler but its theme of being rich in charm, culture and the ideal place to relax remains consistent.

Cavtat is best described as a hidden gem often overlooked by people flocking to Dubrovnik.

Whether you’re always looking for places less traveled or the best place to vacation, Cavtat will uncover itself as a top Croatian destination. Here are some of the most alluring reasons why Cavtat is worth visiting:

• Cavtat is conveniently located near a handful of day trips such as Lokrum Island, unnamed secluded islets and even Montenegro

• Beaches are much quieter, clean and ideal for snorkeling
• The prices of hotels, activities and the best restaurants in Cavtat are less expensive than Dubrovnik
• In general, you’ll be surrounded by less tourists which means less crowds and noise
• You’ll find friendly locals to interact with in Cavtat, compared to people in Dubrovnik’s old town who are mostly commuting into Dubrovnik
• Cavtat tourist attractions are less visited and therefore more achievable and affordable to experience

Cavtat delivers a great balance of vacation mode with a twist of laidback every day Croatian life. You’ll see gift shops and overpriced gelato but you’ll also see local fishermen, school children running about and shopkeepers feeding stray cats.

👍 Read More: Is Cavtat Worth Visiting?

When to Visit Cavtat

To experience the top things to do in Cavtat, it’s best to visit in the summer. Visitors are able to begin enjoying nice weather as early as mid June but temperatures will be at their highest in July and August.

If you don’t mind a cooler stay, weather is still comfortable in mid September when the crowds have thinned out.

Although temperatures don’t reach freezing, cold weather sticks around in Cavtat from November through March. Unless you’re only visiting Cavtat for the old town or historical attractions, it’s not recommended to visit during this time for a beach holiday.

The shoulder months in spring and fall can still be enjoyable in Cavtat for outdoor activities. There are many hiking trails and walking paths which may even be more delightful in cooler weather compared to scorching summer temperatures.

Visiting sites in the hills such as the Sokol grad and similar viewpoints is an underrated reason to visit the Cavtat area during off season.

Getting Around Cavtat

Cavtat as a town and general area is very walkable. This makes it a superb destination for anyone who doesn’t have a car. Combine this with the less than 10 minute ride to the international airport and you have zero reasons to not visit Cavtat as a visitor who is flying.

As you’ll see on the map below, beaches in Cavtat are all relatively close to each other with the exception of Pasjača Beach.

As long as you’re open to walking, getting from point A to point B in Cavtat is a non factor when figuring out logistics of your Cavtat holiday.

If your itinerary includes venturing off campus, it’s recommended to rent a car during your time in Cavtat.

Renting a car upon landing at Dubrovnik Airport is the best solution if you plan on using a car for the entire duration of your trip. It’s not necessary to rent a car if you only plan on sticking around Cavtat and Dubrovnik.

Map of Beaches in Cavtat

Travel Resources for Visiting Cavtat Beaches

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator