Is Cavtat Worth Visiting in 2024?
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With its prime location along the Adriatic and within stone’s throw of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is the perfect holiday destination for any type of traveler interested in visiting Croatia. If you’re looking to spend a holiday in Croatia where crowds are a non issue and where the water is crystal clear, Cavtat is your answer! Spectacular views, superior beaches and an ideal location are just some of the reasons that make Cavtat worth visiting.
The resort town of Cavtat is steeped in history, friendly locals and boasts a remarkable landscape. Its lesser known stature ensures the town keeps its allure without losing charm to mass tourism. The bustling promenade is home to Michelin guide restaurants and is the hot spot for mega yachts along the riviera.
Beaches in Cavtat are plentiful with each one being as divine as the next. Whether you’re thinking about visiting for the first time or just want a reminder about what makes it so great, these are the reasons why Cavtat is worth visiting!
The Essentials for Visiting Cavtat
π Cavtat is the ideal destination for people looking to relax without the chaos of mass tourism, enjoy beautiful beaches, and a slower holiday scene.
πReaching Cavtat from the international airport takes less than ten minutes.
πYou can book a range of activities, boat tours, and day trips from Cavtat, including excursions to Montenegro, Lokrum Island, and of course, Dubrovnik.
π Overall, you’ll find a much better value when searching for places to stay in Cavtat in comparison to neighbouring Dubrovnik.
How to Get to Cavtat
By Plane
Cavtat is a short 22 km away from Dubrovnik which means they share the same airport. Flying to Cavtat is exceptionally convenient as the international airport (DBV) is less than ten minutes away from Cavtat town. A handful of direct flights to Dubrovnik depart from major European hubs such as London, Paris, Prague, Barcelona and Rome. The ever popular budget airline, Ryanair, is a familiar favourite for air travel within Europe and flies into DBV.
β βοΈ Find cheap flights to Dubrovnik β
By Bus
Traveling to Croatia by bus is extremely popular among Europeans, particularly students and tour groups. It is by far the most affordable way to reach the Dubrovnik area and therefore, Cavtat. FlixBus is a popular provider for long haul bus rides. For example, a ride from Vienna to the Dubrovnik area takes just over 15 hours (and around 1,000 km) but can cost as low as β¬50 for a one-way ticket.
β π Book affordable bus tickets in Croatia β
By Car
Whether you’re coming from another European country on a road trip or already traveling throughout Croatia, driving to Cavtat is a delightful experience. Once you hit Zadar, the route takes you along the coast and you’ll begin to consider the journey as a highlight of your trip. The Makarska riviera is particularly brilliant and a hidden gem of an area. Looking to create a memorable road trip down to Croatia? Start with renting and driving a car that’s compact and nimble to handle the curvy coastline.
β π Browse cheap rental cars in Croatia β
By Ferry
Reaching Cavtat from Italy by ferry is also possible. There is a route which runs most frequently and regularly in the summer between Bari and Dubrovnik. Pretty convenient, right?! The Bari to Dubrovnik ferry journey is about 10 hours long and will typically be an overnight trip. Once arriving in Dubrovnik, you can take one of the handful of ways to get to Cavtat found in our post here.
β π’ Browse routes and book ferry tickets with Ferryhopper or Ferryscanner β
How Many Days Should You Spend in Cavtat?
Cavtat is one of those places where you can easily spend two weeks or just a long weekend. If you are planning on solely staying in Cavtat, much of it can be enjoyed in a few days. If you have additional time and want to see around the area, continuing to stay in Cavtat as your home base during your trip is ideal. It all depends on how much time you have and what you are most interested in seeing or doing. There are so many attractions near Cavtat worth experiencing, but require time and light travel. Below are some example itineraries for your Cavtat holiday based on how long you want to visit Cavtat for.
Long Weekend in Cavtat
Day 1
Shopping in Cavtat Old Town, walking path around Beach Rat peninsula, swimming, drinks and sunset at Beach Kamen Mali.
Day 2
Walking the Sustjepan trail, swimming at Beach Ε½al, kayak/paddle board rental, hike to secluded beaches.
Day 3
Day trip to Dubrovnik and waterfront dinner on the Cavtat promenade.
1 Week in Cavtat
Days 1-3
- Cavtat Old Town
- Explore 3-5 different beaches in Cavtat
- Diving or snorkeling
- Water sport activities – paddle boarding or kayaking
- 5-star dining experience at Hotel Croatia Cavtat
Days 4-5
- Travel to PasjaΔa Beach
- Horseback riding or ATV excursion
Days 6-7
- Day trips to Dubrovnik with walking tours
2 Weeks in Cavtat
Days 1-5
- Cavtat Old Town – Gift shopping, The House of Vlaho Bukovac museum, waterfront dining at La Boheme and farmers markets
- Hike to Ronald Brown Memorial
- Explore 6 different beaches including secret ones
- Drinks at Beach Bar COOL
- Local home cooking experience – many hosts offer home cooked traditional meals!
- Jet ski rental at Beach Ε½al
- Charter a private boat to St.Pietro Restaurant & Lounge bar
Days 6-10
- Day trips by boat
- Dubrovnik
- Plat
- Mlini
- Srebreno
- Lokrum Island
Days 11-14
- Day trip by car to Konavoski Dvori to eat at Konoba Vinica Monkovic
- Day trip to Montenegro (Kotor Bay)
- Day trip by car to PasjaΔa Beach and Molunat
π€Ώ Book affordable day trips, guided tours and excursions in Cavtat or Dubrovnik
Is Cavtat Expensive?
It is true that Croatia was once an under the radar destination for Europeans. Since it became part of the EU in 2013, its popularity among international travellers started to grow. Furthermore, once a famous TV show filmed in Dubrovnik portrayed its beauty, it really got put on the map. The point is, Croatia in general has become more expensive to visit. Although it was once a bargain compared to a classic vacation spot such as Greece, it has reached a comparable status in today’s times. Most recently, Croatia adopted the euro currency at the beginning of 2023 which increases the level of equality among its country and with fellow EU states.
As it goes with any destination, it’s still possible to find deals and opt for budget travel. But only if you want to! Accommodation in Cavtat is a great example of the destination being a good value. The most common type of accommodation you’ll find in Cavtat are apartments which don’t typically include room service and other amenities. Naturally, these will cost less than hotels due to being self service. Another cost saving aspect of staying in Cavtat is transportation. Given the city is very walkable, there’s no need to pay for multiple taxi rides during your visit. As the airport is extremely close to Cavtat, you’ll spend less on an airport transfer than you would if you were staying in Dubrovnik.
β π Book a taxi from Dubrovnik Airport to Cavtat β
Where to Stay in Cavtat
Despite its small size, Cavtat has a few different areas where one can stay for their holiday. Choosing where to stay will all come down to what you want to be the closest to in terms of location. If you’re visiting as a family with kids, you’ll undoubtedly want to be within short walking distance of Beach Ε½al. As someone looking to enjoy the promenade and its many restaurants, staying near the Old Town makes the most sense. For a deeper dive into where to stay in Cavtat including apartment and villa recommendations, check out our post here.
Cavtat is a fantastic place for groups or families! In addition to hotels, you’ll find a ton of options for villas and entire vacation homes.
β π Find the perfect accommodation in Cavtat for every budget β
The Best Things to Do in Cavtat
Truthfully, tourist attractions in Cavtat are slim compared to Dubrovnik. This does not mean there is a shortage of things to do, but the things to see and experience are on a more local scale. For example, our Airbnb host in Cavtat showed us an ancient underwater seawall, cooked us traditional meals and took our group diving for sea urchins during our stay. None of these things are on a huge billboard when you enter the town, but they’re still incredible reasons to visit Cavtat. If you are someone who likes to fill their holiday or vacation with attractions, just be open to discovering lesser known, yet immensely valuable activities.
1. Enjoy Cavtat Beaches
The many beautiful beaches are a reason alone to deem Cavtat worth visiting. Cavtat’s petite coastline is dense with one gorgeous beach after another. If you aren’t aware, it should also be noted that beaches in Croatia are not sandy and will have small pebbles instead. This means some spots in Cavtat aren’t your classic beach but just an extraordinary place to go swimming. Rocky areas also tend to be home to lively sea life which translates to some great snorkeling. If you get a kick out of diving into the sea, you’ll find plenty of big rocks and docks to jump from in Cavtat. There is no deficit of terrific beaches to check out during your trip and we guarantee you’ll want to visit a different one each day!
Perhaps one of the finest elements to Cavtat’s beaches is your chance of finding a private spot. You can find a quiet place to swim or lay out without nearby neighbours really easily, which is quite rare for such a resort destination.
β± In our full guide to the best beaches in Cavtat, we tell you exactly where to find secluded beaches without other tourists.
Don’t feel like swimming? Sit back and count the number of different billionaires filtering in and out of the bay on their yachts instead. We noticed pretty quickly that Cavtat was a popular destination for yachters and for us, it turned into an activity of tracking them down on Google. You never know which famous person may be sitting out there! The boats that swing by Cavtat are stunning and definitely worth gawking at if you’re appreciative of anything nautical.
2. Have Fun with Water Sports
There are two types of beachgoers. The first ones prefer to lay out, relax and occasionally go for a swim. Then there are those who love activities and nothing gets them more excited than a wide selection of water sports to choose from. Luckily for those people, Cavtat is brimming with a number of things to do out on the water. From kayaks, pedal boats and standup paddle boards, it’s easy to find something to fill your whole day with.
β π Rent a jet ski in Cavtat β
Once you rent your small vessel of choice, it’s time to explore. There are a handful of secluded beaches in the area that are not easily accessible by foot but certainly worth the visit by sea. Rather than chartering a motor boat to check these places out, consider a kayak tour. There are many local vendors that host kayak excursions which allow you to see some lesser known corners of Cavtat including the few uninhabited mini islands along the coastline.
For children, the floating aqua park at Beach Ε½al is hands down the most popular attraction. Parents will be happy to hear there are sun bed and umbrella available for rent while their kids remain occupied for an entire afternoon.
3. Go Out to Eat in Cavtat
Cavtat’s promenade is promptly lined with one fabulous restaurant after another. One of the most delightful things to do in Cavtat is experience waterfront dining, especially in the evening. Each restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Combine this with the old town sitting behind you as you’re surrounded by historic buildings and palm trees. It’s truly a picturesque setting and the best place in Cavtat to have lunch, dinner or morning coffee with a view.
You’ll find a few restaurants in Cavtat that are exceptional on a fine dining level. Bugenvila is one of them and is even included in the Michelin dining guide. The cuisine at Bugenvila is modern with a touch of classic mediterranean style. Given the easy access to fresh seafood, many of the surrounding restaurants will focus their menus around this. Aside from seafood, you’ll also find a bunch of restaurants centered around traditional Croatian food. Croatian cuisine ranges depending on where in the country you are eating. The Croatian cuisine you’ll find in Cavtat will include more fish in comparison to a more popular meat and potato diet found inland.
Some of the most highly rated restaurants in Cavtat include:
Posejdon
Restaurant Zino
La Boheme
KONOBA GALIJA
Ludo More
CIPARIS
Desetka Pizzeria
4. Explore Cavtat Old Town
Although smaller than Dubrovnik, Cavtat’s old town still offers a beautiful afternoon of strolling throughout the neighborhood. You’ll run into produce and fish markets which are both excellent places to shop for cooking a meal back at your apartment. The old town is also the perfect place to complete your souvenir shopping. From pottery and art studios to jewellery shops, you’ll find something small and beautiful to bring home and remember Cavtat by.
The old town area is now mostly filled with vacation homes and villas but not new construction. The existing buildings have been beautifully restored with original details intact and are an interesting sight to see for any architecture enthusiast. The charm of ancient Croatia isn’t hard to find as you walk through the maze of narrow staircases and preserved old churches.
Make sure to stop at some of the more famous sites in the area such as the Mausoleum of the Racic family and The House of Vlaho Bukovac.
5. Hit the Walking Paths and Hiking Trails
A perfect holiday in Cavtat isn’t complete without taking a few strolls. You’ll find many walking paths along the coastline of the town which are flat and accesible to anyone. There are two easy walks which are both located on the peninsulas in Cavtat. The first and more popular one is a route along Beach Rat and is a breezy 30 minute loop which extends about 2 km. You’ll find a few beaches on this peninsula that are absolutely worth a visit. The second walking loop is near Hotel Croatia and can be found on the map as Sustjepan hiking. Both options are among woodsy areas, surrounded by trees with views of the sea and on well maintained pathways.
If you feel like doing a real hike, check out the The Ronald Brown Pathway which starts here. From what we were told by our host, it’s quite the climb but you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view. The MoΔiΔi – Δilipi trail is also a good option for those looking to venture off campus for a trek. This trail is flat and follows the cliffside towards the Montenegro border. There are a few trails which stem off towards the sea where you’ll even find a tucked away bar.
6. Live Locally
It’s easy to forget in a resort town, but Cavtat is first and foremost a small community with unique traditions and local people who call it home all year round. To truly appreciate any destination, we encourage travellers to make meaningful connections with the place they are visiting. Whether you learn more about local traditions, listen to some stories or try local cuisine, these are all genuine reasons to find Cavtat worth visiting.
If you are staying at an apartment or hotel with a welcoming host and they offer to whip you up a home cooked meal… always agree! There is no better way to get to know a place than by sharing food with people who live there. Everyone we encountered in Cavtat was incredibly kind and eager to share their version of Cavtat with visitors. It’s always important to remember that nobody knows an area better than a local. Locals know this and that’s why they’ve come up with unique tours, activities and excursions for their visitors.
β π Book locally operated tours and excursions in Cavtat β
7. Take a Day Trip From Cavtat
So technically, these aren’t things to do in Cavtat but should still be on your radar. There are a few day trips in the area that are worthy of some extra travel time. Beyond the obvious visit (or two) to Dubrovnik, the riviera has a handful of other charming small towns which are far less visited. If you’re content with venturing a little further, you can experience another country just 30 minutes away! Lastly, a protected island with spectacular beaches that’s worthy of paradise status is just a boat ride away.
β π€Ώ Book affordable day trips, guided tours and excursions in Cavtat or Dubrovnik β
Lokrum Island Day Trip
One of the best boat trips from Cavtat is Lokrum Island. The island is located about 600 meters from Dubrovnik and makes a wonderful day trip for anyone. Lokrum has a rich history in relevance to Dubrovnik and its ancient old town but even if historic sites aren’t up your alley, visiting the island is simply the perfect getaway. We were also told there is a stigma about the island being cursed, but we couldn’t help but think the island has a lovely feel.
β π€ Book a scenic ferry ride to Lokrum Island β
How to Get To Lokrum Island
The island is easily reachable with the same ferry or boat service used to get to Dubrovnik from Cavtat. If you’re coming from Cavtat, you won’t wait until the very end of the ferry ride to get off in Duborvnik – you’ll disembark one stop earlier on Lokrum Island instead. It is only 10 minutes away by ferry from Dubrovnik but will take you around 40 minutes to reach from Cavtat. Lokrum ferry tickets are best purchased at the marina of where you’re departing. Taking the ferry to Lokrum isn’t the only possibility as you can also charter a private boat tour that’s only headed towards Lokrum Island and nowhere else. If you’re one to price shop, simply walk along the Cavtat marina to ask one of the many vendors about their availability, timetable and prices for a ride to Lokrum.
β βοΈ Book a private boat transfer to Lokrum Island β
Lokrum Island requires an entrance fee that isn’t necessarily low cost and the price is around $20 per person. If you are planning on visiting once, the fee is absolutely worth it in order to enjoy this slice of heaven. Tickets can be purchased in person upon arriving at the island.
β π Book a Game of Thrones tour of Lokrum Island β
Best Things to Do on Lokrum Island
The island has a little bit for everyone – ancient ruins, Game of Thrones sites, public gardens, a “Dead Sea” and some of the best snorkeling can be found at Lokrum Beach. Swimming here is absolutely a must do!
Lokrum beaches and entrances into the water can be found around the entire island. However, if you are travelling with children, you’ll want to stick to Lokrum Main Beach as it has a gradual water entrance. A majority of the areas to swim on Lokrum Island are rocky with diving being your quickest method of entering the sea. Since the coastline of the island is jagged, there are caves and small canyons to be explored if you’re the adventurous type. As any preserved island or nature reserve, the water is pristine and areas are kept very clean for swimmers.
The botanical garden is just one of the handful of places on the island ideal for nature lovers or anyone simply interested in taking a scenic stroll. The Olive Grove and Giardini di Massimiliano are both surprisingly quiet areas to enjoy some peace and serenity on the island which can get busy with tourists. Head further from the center of the island and you’ll reach Fort Royal, a free ruin to walk around with a view of Dubrovnik.
Montenegro Day Trip
From Cavtat, it’s possible to reach the border of Montenegro within 25 minutes as it’s a mere 22 km away. Kotor and its Kotor Bay have grown in popularity to tourists in the past few years so when visitors go to Dubrovnik, it doesn’t seem too wild to stop in Montenegro during the same trip. A handful of day trip tours to Montenegro have made this possible for travellers visiting without a car. Although a bit lengthy, itβs a great opportunity to take advantage of, if time permits and youβre interested in checking out Montenegro.
β π We recommend this day trip to Montenegro from Cavtat β
Montenegro is not part of the EU which may throw some visitors off but particularly for a day trip, there is nothing to be concerned about. From a logistics standpoint, crossing the border is quite simple, especially if youβre joining a group tour. As long as you have your passport or other critical travel documents, the Montenegro border wonβt think twice about your day trip visit. Theyβre very welcoming of tourists and want to show off their gem of a destination.
The trip around Kotor Bay will be an all day excursion so just remember to plan accordingly. The bay is oddly shaped which doesn’t make it the most direct route but the journey is lovely. Depending on the tour you’ve booked, you may take a quick car ferry across the bay to reach the town of Kotor or drive around the bay through other towns such as Risan and Perast. The ancient town of Kotor is marvellous and worthy of an afternoon well spent. Properly exploring Kotor and Kotor Bay honestly deserves a few days but if you are short on time, a glimpse is still better than nothing.
Day trips can be booked in advance or on the spot. If you are travelling to Cavtat during peak season, we recommend scheduling a tour ahead of time and online. If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can always ask your host or hotel to arrange a tour for you during your stay in Cavtat.
β β΅οΈ Book a full-day tour to Montenegro from Dubrovnik β
Map of Route from Cavtat, Croatia to Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Dubrovnik Day Trip
Whether you’re taking the ferry or bus to Dubrovnik, it’s the most prominent day trip choice when staying in Cavtat. Read more about how to get from Cavtat to Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance and if you end up visiting, you’ll quickly understand why. You don’t have to be a GoT fan to appreciate the medieval vibe and classic medieval charm of Dubrovnik’s old town. It’s purely something else and rather unique when ranked among other major destinations in Europe. The city is also an ideal place to visit for people who like to go sightseeing. From the ancient city walls to magnificent cathedrals and grand stairways, it really is a dreamy place for anyone looking to play the role of a tourist.
With great popularity comes crowds, especially in the height of summer. Dubrovnik is undoubtedly worth visiting but if possible, plan your visit outside of peak season. From experience, Dubrovnik is one of those destinations where it can easily lose its magic once flooded with tour buses. If you’re looking for a peaceful area to enjoy the city, the best place to spend a morning or afternoon in Dubrovnik is near the old port and towards Porporela. You’ll find a few excellent spots to swim, soak in the Croatian sun and gaze at Lokrum Island in the distance.
β πΈ Find the top things to do and experience in Dubrovnik β
Travel Resources for Visiting Cavtat, Croatia
βοΈ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
βοΈ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
π CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
π TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
π³ FERRIES: Direct Ferries
π ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
βοΈ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
πΈ TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
