Oh Cavtat! How beautiful you are! If you’ve been following my Croatian series, it will come as no surprise how much I adore the star attraction: Dubrovnik and all its charm!
Every corner is a holidaymakers dream from the history, restaurants and scenery to the nearby beaches and villages – and I thought I’d seen everything until a few weeks ago when I jumped on a boat to Cavtat – this place tops them all!
Want to know more about Cavtat? The postcard-perfect Dubrovnik retreat and day trip? I don’t blame you, it’s simply too pretty to miss!
Discover pebbly bays, a palm tree lined promenade, a lovely shoreline walk and tasty lunch spots in this must-read photo-journal post!
A DAY IN PRETTY CAVTAT
Perhaps you’ve never even heard of Cavtat? I have to confess it took me several visits to get there, but this time round I found a small number of boats running return transfers amongst the array of ticket stands and popular island hopping excursions at Dubrovnik’s Old Town Harbour.
Cavtat is turns out is the calming alternative to all of Dubrovnik’s bustle and scheduled day trips!
In under 45 minutes I was whisked across the bolt blue sea to the shores of Cavtat harbour, were I was met with lush Mediterranean vegetation, glistening clear turquoise waters and a row of attractive cafe’s on the gorgeous promenade – everything I hoped to find!
COFFEE AT AMOUR CAFE
Located directly on the harbour front, Amour Café serves great coffee with friendly service, cool décor and welcoming ambience – all with sea-facing views! This is a popular spot and I can see why, the setting is amazing – I mean how irresistible is the terrace? I was hooked immediately upon arrival!
THE PRETTY PROMENADE
Life in Cavtat has that typical slow and charming small town pace where sitting and strolling along the pretty promenade is THE THING to do – and it’s super easy! I wandered from top to bottom perusing potential lunch spots as I went, taking in the super yachts and in contrast the crumbling 2000 year old town buildings behind the terraces – all irresistible photo opportunities!
THE MAUSOLEUM AND SWEEPING VIEWPOINT
Perched on the hilltop at the end of the prom is the striking white Mausoleum set in a tiny flower-filled cemetery with unreal 360 views over the harbour, old town and second bay beyond the pine forest. I’m slightly obsessed with viewing old towns from above and was lucky enough to have this spot all to myself.
Note: There are a number of access points to the Mausoleum and you could even walk through the forest to the other side, but personally I wanted to walk the length of the shoreline so took the same steps.
WALKING ALONG THE PENINSULA
When I set off on this long coastal walk I had no idea where it would lead, but soon came across cute pebbly beaches with natural pine tree shade – how idyllic! The sea here is super clean and clear, and dare I say it – much better for swimming and relaxing than the areas surrounding Dubrovnik Old Town.
TIP! Pack for the beach! It would be a shame to miss out on swimming, sunbathing and reading a book by the clear sea and lovely beach coves! Ps. don’t forget your beach towel!
BEACH BAR LITTLE STAR
Half way along the peninsula overlooking the sea is no-frills; Beach Bar Little Star – a hidden gem! It has a nice chilled vibe, epic sea views, a good selection of drinks and brightly coloured stools to perch! The beach below is popular with locals and I even thought about going for a swim here, but instead returned to a more secluded spot further down the path.
Staying in Dubrovnik Old Town? READ: 8 BEST THINGS TO DO IN DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
SUNBATHING AND SWIMMING
You can literally sunbathe anywhere along the shoreline path – do as the locals do! There’s plenty of shallow water bays, but I spied a private shady spot under the pine trees and next to the deep blue sea (but still a swimming area) with room for a towel and enough silence to read a book for an hour or so!
LA BOHEME AND THE TASIEST LUNCH
A quick research (while sunbathing) brought me to La Boheme for a light Mediterranean lunch. I ordered the tuna and avocado salad with quinoa and a fresh lemon juice, all delicious – and the harbour front and bougainvillea surrounds didn’t hurt either!
READ NEXT: DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE: WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & RELAX
CAVTAT OLD TOWN
Cavtat’s small old town feels like you’ve been transported back in time, its crumbly narrow paths and numerous stairs leading from the promenade are typically Croatian and maze like. In 20 minutes I found all the highlights, including the charming pastel-coloured old town houses!
SUNDOWNER ANKORA WINE BAR
What better way to end this day trip than watching the yachts sail in with a glass of local wine on the harbour front! Naturally I took the last scheduled boat of the day back to Dubrovnik old town harbour…
CAVTAT TRAVEL GUIDE | CAVTAT ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS CAVTAT?
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.
HOW TO GET TO CAVTAT?
Assuming you are staying in and around Dubrovnik old town – because why wouldn’t you? The best and most scenic way to get to Cavtat is by boat from the old town harbour.
Tickets cost 100 Kuna return and they run approximately 9am until around 7pm departing hourly – book on the day. The journey is approximately 40 minutes.
*Note the alternatives are; Uber (200 Kuna) and the number 10 bus (25 Kuna.)
WHEN TO VISIT CAVTAT
Cavtat is only small with few restaurants and beach bars that are very seasonal! Summertime is best when everything is open, the sea is warm for swimming and the flowers blooming! I highly recommend avoiding the busy peak months of July and August and opt for quieter June and September!
READ MORE ABOUT DUBROVNIK
- THE BEST AREAS TO STAY DALMATIAN COAST
- 8 BEST THINGS TO DO DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN
- DUBROVNIK: WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & RELAX
- 5 WONDERFUL DAY TRIPS FROM DUBROVNIK
Cavtat was a lovely surprise, a real hidden gem! If you have allowed enough time for a day trip (or three) then consider this easy self-guided tour and wonderful retreat from the Dubrovnik bustle!
Booking a trip soon? Here is my go to list of resources for booking everything from flights to accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com for the best boutique rates
- Airbnb find the best apartments
- Viator for great day trips
- Holiday Extras for airport lounges, hotels & parking deals
PIN FOR LATER
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