Planning a Cavtat Holiday: Where to Stay & Things to Do
Whether you’re a first time visitor or returning to Croatia for more, the question will arise… where in Croatia should you go?
We encourage you to think beyond Dubrovnik for your Croatia holiday and visit a smaller yet still equally wondrous town like Cavtat. The coastal town of Cavtat will charm its way into any traveller’s heart and it’s easy to see why.
From crystal clear and secluded beaches to exquisite dining options, the town is a textbook perfect destination.
Read our complete guide on the best beaches in Cavtat if you don’t beleive us. Still looking for reasons to take a Cavtat holiday? Keep on reading!
Reasons to Love Cavtat
It’s difficult to ignore Cavtat’s beauty and is truly an ideal Croatian waterfront town. The quaint promenade lined with restaurants and gelato shops is straight from a movie scene.
Furthermore, Cavtat’s clear water beaches and places to swim are rather superior to other towns near the Dubrovnik riviera. Most importantly, you’ll always be able to find a place to swim without a crowd.
The peninsula of Cavtat offers an island like feel and includes both pristine swimming areas in addition to walking paths through the lush greenery. The picturesque seaside town deserves more attention than it gets but at the same time, its less frequented stature is what makes it magical.
Still yearning to experience the iconic and bustling historic old town of Dubrovnik? Perhaps the best thing about Cavtat is its proximity to Dubrovnik and easy ways to get there from Cavtat.
So yes, go ahead and still drop into Dubrovnik for the ancient history, major tourist attractions and filming locations. But when it’s time to call it a day, there’s no better way to wind down in the much quieter and relaxing town of Cavtat instead.
Basic Information to Know Before Visiting Cavtat
Currency: Euro €
Official Language: Croatian
Tourist Visa Requirements: NONE for U.S., UK or EU passport holders
Time Zone: NONE for U.S., UK or EU passport holders
Best Time to Visit Cavtat
We recommend visiting Cavtat in the summer months in order to enjoy it to its fullest. Summers can get hot but remain dry which is good news if you don’t do well in humidity.
Although temperatures in peak summer months may exceed 30°C or 86°F, the gentle breeze that’s often present keeps you comfortable. Courtesy of AccuWeather, check out the full weather report for Cavtat here.
As any resort town, July and August brings the most crowds and high priced hotels and apartments. Temperatures in June or even early September are still great for a beach vacation and also better for hiking.
The price difference for accommodation during these shoulder months are quite drastic if you’re looking to visit Cavtat on a budget.
Getting to Cavtat
Enjoy your Cavtat holiday even more knowing that the international airport is less than ten minutes away. This is unheard of for such a beautiful destination and could be the reason alone you choose to have a Cavtat holiday.
Given the short distance, this also means the cost of a taxi from the airport to Cavtat will be substantially less than a ride to Dubrovnik. Booked on an early morning flight? There’s no need to wake up hours before departure!
Logistically, this is the absolute perfect scenario for people traveling with kids or those that are always late to reach their gate.
Getting to Dubrovnik from Cavtat
You’re likely going to take a few day trips during your stay in Cavtat. The town is easily connected to other coastal towns and attractions in the area, both by bus and boat.
It’s possible to reach Dubrovnik from Cavtat in under 60 minutes by ferry and about 45 minutes by bus. If you’re driving, travel time is cut down to 25 minutes.
A full guide on how to get from Cavtat to Dubrovnik can be found here.
If you’re planning on exploring areas beyond town centers or just on your own time, we highly recommend getting around by car. Rental cars are readily available in the area, especially at the airport.
To check out notable sights such as Pasjača Beach or abandoned resorts in Kupari, a rental car will make your life a lot easier. If you’re feeling extra curious, you can even head to Montenegro for a day trip. Check out the best deals with Discover Cars for your trip!
Is Cavtat a Good Holiday Destination?
Everyone’s definition of a holiday may be different but if you’re looking for a seaside destination, you’re likely looking to relax and enjoy the beach. If so, you’re in luck! Cavtat fits the bill.
Spend a relaxing morning at a waterfront cafe while watching the boats pull into the harbour. Then, enjoy one of the countless beaches by laying out and snorkeling until the sun goes down. Heaven, right?!
Still, there’s more to Cavtat than basking in the sun. Cavtat is also suitable for anyone looking to plan their own trip or opt for package holidays.
You’ll find plenty of things to do in Cavtat to fill your holiday. From historical sites such as the Mausoleum of the Racic Family to riding jet skis and hiking around Sustjepan, one can always find something to do, but only if you want to. You are on holiday after all!
Although the town offers something for every type of traveler, Cavtat is particularly fantastic for families and couples. Families traveling with children will be delighted by the number of recreational offers available in Cavtat.
Beach Žal in particular is typically packed with just kids as there are inflatable waterparks and other fun attractions for kids of all ages.
Activities in Cavtat
You can find a full guide on beaches and things to do in Cavtat here (link coming soon). Some of the most popular activities in Cavtat include:
Hiking
Cavtat is full of flat and accessible hiking paths for anyone to enjoy. Whether you fancy a stroll around the peninsula or trek to find a secluded beach, this is an easy way to get some movement in during your Cavtat holiday.
Kayaking or Paddle Boarding
On calm days, renting a kayak or standup paddle board is an excellent activity for a group. Check out Supetar, the mini island visible from Cavtat’s shore and only accessible by sea.
Diving
The rocky coastline is a thriving environment for sea life. This means snorkeling and diving are both super enjoyable.
Shopping
You’ll find a ton of independent shops in Cavtat. From handmade ceramics to antique stores, the town has no shortage of places to pick up a souvenir. This will also get you wandering around Cavtat’s old town which is very walkable.
Cavtat Restaurants
No vacation is complete without some good food. Fortunately, you’ll have many phenomenal restaurants to choose from during your Cavtat holiday.
Seafood will be the most common type of restaurant you’ll find but there is a good range of other options such as pizza and traditional Croatian cooking.
The promenade is essentially filled with one great restaurant after another which makes choosing one a big difficult. Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Cavtat:
Where to Stay in Cavtat
Since Cavtat is on the smaller side, you may think that apartments and hotels are jammed into one area and on top of each other. This definitely isn’t the case and you’ll easily find different types of accommodation depending on where you stay within Cavtat.
Be prepared to find many more apartment stays rather than traditional hotels. Many existing and original buildings in Cavtat have been restored and are now used as guesthouses for tourists. Although they are offered as an apartment, they may be full service to cater to the traveler looking for more amenities.
Cavtat’s compact size serves as a benefit in regards to everything being centrally located and easily accessible. Since Cavtat is extremely walkable, you don’t have to worry too much about where you’re staying in proximity to a specific beach or attraction.
However, there are some general guidelines to follow when choosing a place for your Cavtat holiday.
- Stay near the D8 if you don’t really plan on hanging out in Cavtat and will be driving around a lot. You’ll want to look for stays in the upper part of Cavtat and closer to the main road.
- For a quieter stay, choose an apartment or villa above Remisens Hotel Epidaurus. This area is mostly accessible by foot only and very private compared to the center of town. It is also the area with the best secluded beaches!
- Families who want easy access to water activities should stay near Beach Žal. There are tennis courts, events and playgrounds all perfect for children. Hotel Albatros is a notable staple here.
- If you’re looking to enjoy restaurants, be in the heart of it and depart on boat trips from the harbour then stay near the promenade. Staying near the port is a little noisy but nowhere near as busy as it would be in Dubrovnik.
🛌 The Best Places to Stay in Cavtat
💲Best Budget Stays in Cavtat
Villa Anka 2 – CHECK PRICES
Bacan Serviced Apartments – CHECK PRICES
Guesthouse Somnium – CHECK PRICES
💲💲Best Mid-Range Stays in Cavtat
Residence & Pool Villa Schwarz Suites – CHECK PRICES
Apartments Villa Lucy – CHECK PRICES
Seaside Villas Eli – CHECK PRICES
💲💲💲Best Luxury Stays in Cavtat
Cavtat Old School – CHECK PRICES
Hotel Croatia – CHECK PRICES
Tiffany Apartments – CHECK PRICES
Cavtat Travel Resources
☔️ 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
