Last updated on April 4th, 2026 at 08:09 pm
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cavtat Croatia, this charming coastal gem is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Croatia, packed with history, postcard-perfect scenery and atmosphere!
Cavtat is one of Croatia’s best-kept secrets, with incredible architecture, a Riviera lined with palm trees and enticing restaurant terraces, and while it’s often visited as a quick day trip from Dubrovnik, staying overnight or longer is a wonderful experience!
It’s one of my personal favourite spots to spend time in, I absolutely adore the picturesque setting and relaxed atmosphere, where you can happily wander the scenic coastal paths, have lazy lunches on the waterfront, and beach-hop around the bays!
Whether you’re staying in Cavtat or visiting for a day, this charming town is well worth exploring along Dubrovnik’s peninsula. Here are my handpicked best things to do in Cavtat, Croatia!
Top Hotel Picks In Cavtat:
Planning your trip? Here’s my top hotel picks!
- Hotel Supetar Cavtat – top luxury boutique, pool & sea views!
- Hotel Cavtat – modern mid-range hotel & rooftop pool!
- Hotel Croatia – best 5-star resort on the private peninsula!
Read my full guide on where to stay in Cavtat
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAVTAT CROATIA
1. Walk The Picturesque Coastal Path
One of the reasons visitors are drawn to Cavtat is its relaxed ambience and coastal scenery, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy it all than by taking a stroll along the most attractive part of the shoreline, with the clearest blue sea!
You can begin the walk from the harbour, which forks at the Mausoleum near the top of the hill, I’ve walked here at all times of the day and believe me, the atmosphere is tranquil, and the sea views are some of the best in the area, you’ll only bump into a few sunbathers!
The full trail is only two miles long and is lined with pine forest trees and pebbly beach coves – and not much else apart from one small bar called Little Star – a popular place for sunset cocktails, and further around the bay, there are some of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in Cavtat!
2. SWIM THE PRETTY BEACHES IN CAVTAT & ROCKY BAYS
Cavtat has many small pebble beaches and coves dotted around the shoreline from the harbour right along the walking trail and as well as the views being stunning, the turquoise water is also super clear for swimming on a warm summer’s day!
And the best thing is you can easily find a good spot all to yourself, especially in the morning before the day trippers arrive (which is one of the benefits of staying here longer), the bay of Cavtat is always peaceful for sunbathing, more so than the larger places like Banje Beach in Dubrovnik old town!
If you prefer an official beach, Cavtat Beach offers a strip of fine pebbles with sun beds for hire, but in summer this spot is much busier than the smaller natural coves, which I think offer a better experience. Bring your water shoes!
If you’re planning your visit, don’t miss my guide on where to stay in Cavtat Croatia, including the best areas and boutique hotels in the old town and dreamy waterfront accommodation.
3. ENJOY LONG LUNCHES ALONG THE HARBOUR (Best things to do in Cavtat)
Lunching or spending any amount of time on the picturesque harbour is one of the best things to do in Cavtat, it really is the heart and soul of this heritage town, and it’s the first thing that greets you upon arrival, the setting makes for a wonderful lunch spot!
All the restaurant terraces offer the same stunning seaview, but there are two that really stand out for food and service, which are La Boheme and Bugenvila, either is a great option and where I’ve eaten the most!
If you enjoy long Mediterranean lunches, seafood and fish in particular and Croatian wine, definitely reserve some time for the best restaurants in Cavtat with the loveliest setting in town!
4. Stay In THE BEST Boutique Hotel IN CAVTAT
A real highlight of Cavtat is staying in a boutique hotel on the waterfront and waking up to a beautiful view with peaceful surroundings every morning – and being the first to swim in the sea before the day trippers arrive!
I highly recommend two or three nights to really enjoy the slower pace this heritage town brings and it’s a wonderful place to come back to after exploring the Dubrovnik coast, I’ve stopped here twice before and love it as a base!
Hotel Supetar Cavtat is an unbeatable place to stay with a Mediterranean-style pool and elegant rooms. I particularly liked the gorgeous coastal setting and private terrace overlooking the marina. You’ll have a wonderful experience here!
For the full details of where to stay, check out my guide and reviews of the best hotels in Cavtat, Croatia – from boutique hotels to luxury retreats!
5. DISCOVER CAVTAT HERITAGE TOWN SIGHTS
Cavtat’s heritage town sits behind the harbour and wandering around the charming cobbled lanes is the perfect way to explore and find all those traditional stone buildings with their green shutters and bright orange rooftops!
Many of the heritage buildings are from the 14th century, including the Monastery and St Nicholas Church, which you’ll spot on your walk through the centre of town and are worth popping in if you are curious enough!
And while Cavtat old town might be one of the smallest heritage towns along the Dalmatian coast, it is also the quietest, and if you’ve already travelled to the likes of Stari Grad in Hvar or Vis Town, you’ll be familiar with how special these tiny towns are to visit!
Hot Tip! If your base is Dubrovnik, I recommend visiting Cavtat on your second day, it’s so easy to slot into your Dubrovnik itinerary and this guide shows you how!
6. VISIT THE MAUSOLEUM FOR PANORAMIC VIEWS!
During your visit to Cavtat you must take a walk up to the Mausoleum for the best panoramic view over the harbour and it’s only a short hike up the stairs to get to the top and it reminds me of the sweeping view from Ploce in Dubrovnik old town!
The striking white Mausoleum is at the end of the promenade and is set in a tiny flower-filled cemetery surrounded by turquoise water landscape and forests as far as the eye can see. I’m slightly obsessed with viewing old towns from above; it really gives you a better sense of where you are!
You will only have to walk up three or four sets of stairs to reach the top, which takes 10 minutes and in my experience, this is the view that will make you want to stay longer than a day in Cavtat!
7. TAKE A SCENIC BOAT TRIP FROM CAVTAT (One of the top things to do in Cavtat in summer)
If you’re staying in Cavtat for a few days, you might like to go on a scenic boat trip along the coastline for a couple of relaxing hours, this is one of my favourite ways to explore the nearby beaches and bays, usually reserved for yachts!
You’ll find taxi boats or private boats to hire right on the harbour front, offering picturesque rides to beach spots that you can’t reach by foot – these short coastal boat trips from Cavtat are ideal for crowd-free swimming!
For full-day island-hopping tours, boat tours from Dubrovnik Old Town harbour offer more options, such as Elaphiti and Mljet Island tours that include secret inslets with overwater restaurants!
I’ve shared the best bout tour options in this guide to the best boat tours from Dubrovnik!
8. EXPLORE The PRETTY CAVTAT Harbour
Strolling along the pretty harbour is one of the best things to do in Cavtat at any time of the day, I love the aesthetics of Croatia’s Rivas, and Cavtat’s is not only one of the best looking, but also the vibe here super relaxed!
You can happily sit on a bench facing the sea with a book or while away the hours with a coffee at Cafe Amour right on the prom, a must! It’s a great spot for watching harbour activity and feels like a small Riviera with lines of palm trees, gleaming white yachts and inviting restaurant terraces, very similar to Hvar Town, Vis Town and even tiny Trogir further along the Dalmatian coastline!
Even in summer, Cavtat makes a lovely break from bustling Dubrovnik Old Town, there’s a nice upmarket feel with a relaxed ambience!
9. VISIT THE Dubrovnik Old Town HIGHLIGHTS
Cavtat is only 30 minutes from Dubrovnik and if you’re staying in Cavtat, I recommend visiting Dubrovnik Old Town at least once in the morning for sightseeing and lunching, then in the evening for the ambience, sunset drinks and a special rooftop evening meal!
You can easily travel between Cavtat and Dubrovnik by regular taxi boat, which, in my experience, is the best journey; you’ll arrive right on the bustling old town harbour in front of Pile Gate, gliding past coastal scenery and Banje Beach along the way!
Dubrovnik Old Town, although beautiful, is actually quite compact in size, and you may even just need one trip to see all the highlights if you plan well, such as walking the city walls, seeing the cathedral and wandering the cobbled lanes, leaving you more time to explore the coast, beaches and go on another day trip from Dubrovnik!
If it’s your first visit and your base is Cavtat, this guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik Old Town covers the must-see sights, walks and viewpoints.
10. Take AN UNFORGETABLE Day Trip FROM CAVTAT
If you’re staying in Cavtat for more than three days, you can easily explore some of the unmissable highlights in the region, from the beautiful, unspoilt islands to historic gems in the neighbouring countries like Kotor in Montenegro – it’s literally 30 minutes to the border!
I highly recommend exploring the small group of Elaphiti Islands by private boat tour, you’ll see the majestic Blue Lagoon, discover villages untouched by time and stunning overwater restaurants like BOWA, it’s an incredible day out and one of my personal favourite experiences (see the image below left!)!
If you’re looking to explore on land, the stunning bay of Kotor is less than two hours away from Cavtat, which makes for an exciting and adventurous day out with epic mountains and lakes, for a truly unforgettable day!
I’ve shared the best days out and experiences in my guide to the best day trips from Dubrovnik, which also covers excursions from Cavtat!
11. TOAST THE INCREDIBLE SUNSET IN CAVTAT!
The sunsets in Croatia are always magical, and none are more spectacular than those around Dubrovnik’s peninsula; it’s one of the benefits of staying overnight in Cavtat!
From Cavtat Bay you can experience some spectacular sunsets, especially from Little Star bar, which is one of the best spots to toast the sunset with a cocktail and company or you can walk to the highest point at the Mausoleum!
A small-group sunset kayak tour around the bay is also a great option and a popular activity in Cavtat and across the Croatian coastline. Alternatively, you can enjoy a relaxing 1-hour sunset cruise from Cavtat harbour with drinks and a shared board and watch the golden glow shimmer across the water!
Is Cavtat worth staying in for a few days?
Yes, Cavtat is absolutely worth visiting and staying in; it offers the perfect combination of coastal scenery, a relaxed ambience, and historical charm, making it one of the most appealing small towns on the Dubrovnik peninsula! Here’s my guide to the most beautiful boutique hotels in Cavtat!
WHERE TO STAY IN CAVTAT CROATIA
If you’re planning to stay a few nights in Cavtat, there are some gorgeous hotels along the waterfront, and you’ll have the most relaxing stay surrounded by picturesque views. I personally recommend Boutique Hotel Supertar Cavtat it’s unbeatable for sea views, style and there’s a pool for those hot summer days! Here’s my top hotel picks for Cavtat!
Hotel Supetar Cavtat – A stylish boutique hotel, housed in a heritage building with beautifully decorated rooms and a lovely sea view terrace and pool overlooking the marina and bay – book a room with a view!
Hotel Cavtat – A newly refurbished modern hotel with breezy rooms, balconies and a rooftop pool offering sweeping views across the bay!
Hotel Croatia – One of the best five-star resorts on Dubrovnik’s peninsula, a popular place to stay in Cavtat for those seeking more amenities and leisure time!
For a full breakdown of boutique hotels, apartments, villas and best areas, see my complete where to stay in Cavtat guide, or if you prefer a bigger base in Dalmatia, check out my top places to stay in Dubrovnik!
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR VISITING CAVTAT
How To Get To Cavtat Croatia
Cavtat is a small bay along Dubrovnik’s peninsula and is well connected to Dubrovnik and the Airport via buses, taxis and even water taxis! You can get to Cavtat from Dubrovnik in around 30 minutes and the best way to arrive is by scenic boat taxi from Dubrovnik’s Old Town Harbour!
Cavtat Is Compact & Walkable
Cavtat is compact and very walkable, with many pedestrianised areas, including the entire Old Town, Riva and walking trails, making it a hassle-free, easy to get around and charming area to visit or stay, just like Dubrovnik Old Town, Korcula Town and Hvar Town in the Dalmatian Region!
When To Go To Cavtat
The main time to visit Cavtat is between May and September, but for the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, I recommend May-June or September. Personally, I prefer the beginning of summer, when the evenings are lighter, the beaches, restaurants and pools are just opening up, and you can visit the Croatian Islands!
(July and August are the peak summer months, and you will likely receive a lot more day trippers from Dubrovnik!)
How Long To Stay in Cavtat
Cavtat is often visited as a day trip from Dubrovnik, and while you can certainly see the highlights of this small heritage town in a morning or afternoon, it also makes a wonderful, tranquil base to explore Dubrovnik Old Town and the peninsula, most people who visit for a few hours wish they had stayed longer!
Hot Tip! If you’re deciding where to base yourself along the coast, Cavtat is a wonderful alternative to staying in Dubrovnik – offering beautiful stone streets, waterfront restaurants and easy access to nearby islands – here’s where to stay in Cavtat!
CAVTAT CROATIA – FAQ
What is Cavtat known for?
Cavtat is known for its picturesque coastal location, small heritage town and pretty harbour, just a stones throw from Dubrovnik Old Town!
Are there beaches in Cavtat?
Yes, the main beaches in Cavtat are situated on either side of the harbour, and you can get taxi boats and kayaks to other, more remote beaches!
Is it better to stay in Dubrovnik or Cavtat?
It totally depends on your preferences, I’ve stayed in both and like them equally – for different reasons! Dubrovnik is an easier base for exploring further afield and ideal for your first visit, and Cavtat is quieter, smaller and more relaxing.
Visitors often stay in Dubrovnik and do a day trip to Cavtat, they are only 30-40 minutes apart, but if you prefer a smaller heritage town for your base, there are some wonderful hotels in Cavtat!
Checking out the Dalmatian islands next? Read my guide to the 5 Bucket List Islands In Croatia You can’t Miss!!
Still planning your Cavtat & Dubrovnik itinerary?
If you’re continuing your trip along Dubrovnik’s coast, here are a few more guides to help you plan the perfect itinerary:
- Best Hotels in Cavtat Croatia – the best boutique, luxury & sea-view stays!
- Day Trip from Dubrovnik to Cavtat – how to visit Cavtat if you’re short on time
- Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – the best areas & boutique hotels in & around Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Travel Guide (First-Time Visitors) – everything you need to know before you go!
- Best Things To Do In Dubrovnik Old Town – heritage highlights, restaurants & gems!
- Top Boat Tours From Dubrovnik – discover coastal scenery & island secrets!
- Best Day Trips From Dubrovnik – top heritage sites, landmarks, islands & nearby gems!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!