Last updated on April 4th, 2026 at 08:09 pm
Cavtat is the coastal destination you hoped to find on your visit to Dubrovnik – a charming heritage town situated within a beautiful bay surrounded by coastal scenery and grassy mountains peppered with orange rooftops, it’s the region’s hidden gem and must-do day trip from Dubrovnik’s old town harbour!
Dubrovnik is one of my favourite places in Croatia, the area is packed with sights and picturesque views and none is more special than Cavtat with its palm tree-lined riviera, beautiful sea-facing restaurants, heritage town and epic Adriatic vistas all along the shoreline – it really packs a punch!
A day trip from Dubrovnik to Cavtat can effortlessly slot into your itinerary, if you have a morning or afternoon spare I encourage you to leave Dubrovnik Old Town for a few hours and hop across the peninsula by scenic boat! But, it’s so beautiful you might want to stay longer!
Why visit Cavtat from Dubrovnik?
Trogir is one of the most rewarding day trips from Dubrovnik, a refreshing change of pace from bustling organised tours and with only a 30-minute journey, it’s one of the nearest!
All the sights within the Heritage town and harbour can be covered in a couple of hours, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy lunch on the Riva or relax on the beach, it ticks all the boxes for culture, charm and scenery!
I was so impressed with my first visit, I have returned more than once and even stayed in Cavtat’s most luxurious boutique hotel, Hotel Supetar, it’s a lovely alternative place to be situated!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CAVTAT CROATIA IN A DAY!
STROLL ALONG THE PRETTY CAVTAT PROMENADE
Cavtat’s harbour is extremely inviting and super attractive, it’s the first thing that greets you from the boat, a mini Riviera similar to many coastal heritage villages in Croatia like Hvar Town and Trogir with gleaming white yachts, lovely restaurants and well-placed palm trees!
I recommend stopping for coffee at Cafe Amour to soak in this gorgeous view from the terrace before strolling along the prom and the surprising thing is, even in summer, it’s not as bustling as Dubrovnik Old Town, and it’s certainly not touristy, there’s an upmarket feel and relaxed vibe in Cavtat!
You will fall in love with this spot as you wander next to the sparkly sea, pine-forest hill tops and pretty old town surrounds – with those traditional Croatian shutters – all fantastic photo ops, so take your time!
Tip! If you’re thinking of staying overnight, I’ve shared the best hotels in Cavtat Croatia, from Old Town boutique hotels to waterfront stays.
VISIT THE RACIC MAUSOLEUM VIEWPOINT
Perched on the hilltop at the end of the prom, the striking white Mausoleum is set in a tiny, flower-filled cemetery with incredible views over the entire harbour and coastal landscape. It really is the best panorama in Cavtat and feels similar to the views from Ploce overlooking Dubrovnik Old Town!
I’m slightly obsessed with looking down on old towns; it really gives you a better sense of where you are, and those orange rooftops against the blue sea are always a pleasing sight in Croatia and this short hike is certainly one of the best things to do in Cavtat!
You will walk up three or four sets of stairs to reach the top, which only takes 10 minutes and is very easy going, this is the view that will make you want to stay longer than you originally planned!
Looking to stay in Cavtat instead? I recommend a beautiful boutique hotel with a pool and terrace right along the water’s edge, here’s my hand-picked hotels in Cavtat for the perfect stay!
WALK ALONG THE CAVTAT COASTAL PATH
The coastal scenery is one of the reasons why people visit Cavtat, and you really can’t beat walking along this shoreline path under the shade of the pine trees with your gaze transfixed on the stunning sea view – the views are once again incredible!
Walking along this path reveals endless turquoise sea colours and a handful of small pebbly beaches to go for a swim or paddle – if you have brought your water shoes, it is a serene spot besides a few sunbathers and feels totally untouched by time!
The full walk will take you around 25 minutes and you’ll likely come back the same beautiful way, but make sure to stop in the vibey, yet rusticLittle Star beach bar for a drink on the terrace with good music and colourful chairs!
RELAX & SWIM ON CAVTAT BEACHES
For a more leisurely day trip in Cavtat, you could easily spend an hour or two sunbathing and swimming along the beautiful shoreline, especially if you’re visiting in the hot and sunny summer months, you’ll at least want to dip your toes in!
I recommend finding those super-clear, shallow-water pebble bays along the walking trail, and one of the best things about Cavtat is that you can easily find a spot all to yourself, it’s a totally different experience from the busy Dubrovnik beaches!
Swimming in the smaller natural beaches is part of the Cavtat experience, more so than the official main Cavtat beach, which is slightly longer and busier, but if you’re an active person, you can rent kayaks from this beach to explore the coastline, which is another popular thing to do in Cavtat!
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!
EXPLORE CAVTAT HERITAGE TOWN SIGHTS
Cavtat old town is situated right behind the harbour and strolling through it immediately transports you to another time with its charming cobbled lanes, wooden shutters and beautiful traditional stone buildings from the 14th century, similar to the other heritage towns on the coast of Dalmatia!
My favourite thing of all in these old towns is wandering unhurried to find the hidden gems and secrets and they will be there, just like Trogir and Hvar Town further down the coast, they are fairytale-like, maybe even more special!
You’ll see the Monastery and St Nicholas Church on your walk through the centre of town, which are worth popping in if you like heritage buildings with a lot of history and as Cavtat is tiny, it will take you less than an hour to whip around it all, which is what makes Cavtat the ideal half-day trip from Dubrovnik!
ENJOY A WATERFRONT LUNCH AT LA BOHEME
Lunch on the waterfront is hands down one of the best things to do in Cavtat, especially when visiting for the day, and if you want to savour your time on the beautiful harbour a little longer, I recommend heading to La Boheme restaurant situated in the most beautiful part of the Riva!
La Boheme offers a gorgeous terrace with excellent service, where you will enjoy a tasty Mediterranean lunch with a sea view – it’s the best restaurant in Cavtat in my opinion, and by far the perfect spot for a tuna steak and a glass of Croatian white wine!
How much time do you need in Cavtat Croatia?
Cavtat is incredibly walkable and is easily accessible (within 30 minutes) by boat or car in under 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for a half-day trip from Dubrovnik. In just an afternoon, you can see the highlights and enjoy a lovely lunch – but most people who visit wish they had stayed longer!
Thinking of staying in Cavtat instead?
If Cavtat feels like your kind of place, it’s absolutely worth staying for a night or two and there are some beautiful boutique hotels, including Hotel Supetar Cavtat, I couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else, it’s right on the waterfront with stylish terraces, a pool and sea views! If you’re visiting longer than a day, these guides will help you plan your stay:
- Best hotels in Cavtat: boutique & sea-view stays
- 9 best things to do in Cavtat for an incredible stay
Is Cavtat Croatia worth visiting as a day trip?
Yes! Visiting Cavtat from Dubrovnik is absolutely worth it! Cavtat is one of the easiest and most scenic day trips from Dubrovnik! It’s full of charm, history and picturesque landscapes and will slot into your Dubrovnik itinerary perfectly!
HOW TO GET FROM DUBROVNIK TO CAVTAT
Dubrovnik To Cavtat By Boat (best option)
Getting to Cavtat by boat is the best option, the scenery is unmatched and arriving right on the harbour is unbeatable!! The taxi boat is €10 from Dubrovnik’s old town harbour and runs hourly from 9-7pm approximately – you pay for a ticket at the booth in front of the boat.
Dubrovnik To Cavtat By Car
If you already have a rental car or are renting a car, reaching Cavtat is easy, you take the scenic D8 road and follow the Cavtat signage to the town and you can park on the west side of Tiha Bay. Alternatively, you can book a taxi from Ploce or Pile gate. An Uber will be less expensive – around €20 each way.
Dubrovnik To Cavtat By Bus
A budget-friendly option, bus number 10 leaves from the bottom of the cable car or main bus station, it takes around 30 minutes with a couple of stops and you’ll get lovely scenery views along the way.
Top Tip! If you plan on staying in Dubrovnik, you can find out how to include a day trip to Cavtat into your 3 day Dubrovnik itinerary here!
MORE EASY DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK
Cavtat is one of the most relaxing day trips from Dubrovnik, but there are several other beautiful places nearby if you want to explore more of the coastline, including the must-see unspoilt Elaphiti Islands, perfect for island hopping and finding hidden gems!
For the best experience, this private boat tour is hands down the best way to cruise the islands without the crowds and bustle. You’ll visit a luxurious overwater restaurant, private beaches, villages and the must-see Blue Cave, Cavtat and Elaphiti Islands pair really well for visiting the coastal highlights of Dubrovnik!
Discover the landscape and incredible islands, here’s my full guide detailing the best day trips from Dubrovnik that’s going to skyrocket your itinerary even more!
TIPS FOR VISITING CAVTAT FROM DUBROVNIK
Start Your Visit Early
Cavtat is best enjoyed without the crowds, and the harbour especially gets busier and the day goes on, particularly in summer when the yachts arrive. If you have 3 days in Dubrovnik, for example, I would visit in the morning of your second day!
Combine Cavtat With The Elaphiti Islands
Many travellers combine a visit to Cavtat with a boat trip from Dubrovnik to the islands for their main activities outside of Dubrovnik Old Town, which makes a well-rounded itinerary!
Allow At Least 3-4 Hours
Cavtat is compact, but its harbour, heritage town and coastal walks are worth exploring slowly, don’t rush your Dubrovnik to Cavtat day trip!
Plan Time For A Leisurely Lunch!
A leisurely lunch right on the picturesque waterfront is one of the best things to do in Cavtat for a more well-rounded trip, but plan at least an hour for this as lunch is the busiest time of the day!
What To Pack For Cavtat
Bring the essentials:
- Hat, sunglasses, SPF30-50
- Swimwear and towel
- Comfortable walking sandals/shoes
CAVTAT CROATIA DAY TRIP FROM DUBROVNIK – FAQ
Where is Cavtat Croatia?
First thing to know is Cavtat is not an island – although it bears all the hallmarks of one! It’s actually a small town along the peninsular 13miles south of Dubrovnik and only 14miles from the border of Montenegro.
When to visit Cavtat Croatia?
You can visit Cavtat all year round, but May to September is best! With warmer weather, the beach bars and terraces will be open, and you’ll be able to swim in the sea and pools! I prefer the beginning of summer, when the evenings are lighter, and you can visit the Croatian Islands!
What are the beaches in Cavtat like?
The beaches in Cavtat are made up of small white pebble bays and rocky outcrops around the peninsula. They are pretty, with clear, shallow water, so you’ll need water shoes to be the most comfortable!
How long to spend in Cavtat?
A day trip from Dubrovnik to Cavtat is all the time you need to see the highlights, but it also makes an incredible base, see where to stay in Cavtat for the best hotels and the best things to do in Cavtat for longer stays!
Still planning your Dubrovnik day trip?
Cavtat is one of the easiest and prettiest day trips from Dubrovnik, but there’s so much more to see in Dubrovnik! These guides will help you plan where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your time in and around the city.
- Where to Stay in Dubrovnik – the best areas & boutique hotels!
- Day Trips from Dubrovnik – Cavtat, Montenegro, Mostar & more
- Best Boat Tours from Dubrovnik – island hopping, Elaphiti Islands & coastal scenery
- Best Things to Do in Dubrovnik Old Town – must-see highlights & Old Town gems!
- Dubrovnik Travel Guide (First-Time Visitors) – everything you need to know before you go!
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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!