Cavtat is a resort town near Dubrovnik. The town is nestled in greenery between two peninsulas. The mountain ranges prevent the penetration of cold air masses. Due to this location, the climate in Cavtat is mild with warm winters and hot summers. The peak season is from June to August, at which time the beaches are packed. Lovers of peace and solitude can plan a vacation in May or in September-October.

The fabulous resort of Cavtat, its historical sights

From Dubrovnik airport to Cavtat you can get by shuttle bus, the ticket price is about 9 to 11 euros, depending on the class of the bus. The journey time is 30 minutes. You can make an order in advance by reserving a seat. You can also get there by taxi, the cost is about 30 euros.

Cavtat is an ancient city rich in history. In the 7th century BC the Greeks founded the Epidaurus colony. Then the Romans ruled here. In the 4th century, as a result of an earthquake, the settlement went under water. Part of the territory that remained on the surface was captured by the Ostrogoths. The new city was built in the 15th century during the rule of Byzantium. Cavtat was located in the center of trade routes and played a significant role in the state.

Now Cavtat is a popular resort with a developed tourist infrastructure. An amazingly beautiful, quiet town. Ancient buildings climb up the mountains. You can climb a narrow stone street with stairs, passing through the entire city. For lovers of the Middle Ages, this path will bring real pleasure. Stretch out your hand and here they are: stone walls that are hundreds of centuries old. Below, wide embankments are surrounded by palm trees and cypresses. A light sea breeze, a scorching sun, an endless seascape – all this is before the eyes of a tourist sitting in a cafe by the beach. What else is needed to feel happy?

About a kilometer east of the city center, a chain of elegant pebble beaches stretches – this area is called “Zal”, which literally means “beach”. True, the proximity of hotels designed for large tour groups guarantees that they are constantly crowded. If you are not afraid of sunbathing on the rocks, you will find quieter places on the far side of the peninsula, a 10-minute walk north of the city, or on the Sustepan peninsula immediately to the west. The latter has a section for naturists – on the other side of the Croatra Hotel.

Sights of Cavtat

The old part of Cavtat, stretching along the coast, has retained much of its former charm. In the former Rector’s Palace on the southern edge of the palm-shaded Riva, there is the Baltazar Bogišić Collection, reminiscent of the lawyer and Croatian cultural figure B. Bogišić (1834-1908), who devoted his life to promoting the Croatian language and literature, while Italian was the language of civilized society along the entire coast.

The windows and cabinets are packed with books from the Bogišić collection, although the most outstanding exhibit is a huge canvas by Vlaho Bukovac depicting the local carnival celebrations of 1901 – it depicts the entire elite of Cavtat society in carnival costumes. If you want to see more of this artist’s work, head up the hill to the Church of St. Nicholas, where his images of the four evangelists look out from the main altar.

Let’s walk north along Riva and turn onto Bukovcheva Street (more of a narrow, steep alley than a street) – the Vlaho Bukovac Gallery is located in house number 5. This artist (1855-1922), born in Cavtat, painted luxurious ceremonial portraits in Paris, London and other cities and ended his career as a professor in Prague, at the Academy of Fine Arts. This house once belonged to the artist’s father, and the painter himself spent his youth here.

The 16-year-old Bukovac painted vibrant frescoes of animals, birds and exotic plants while he was recovering from an incident at sea – they can still be seen in the corridors and on the staircase. The large rooms feature a wide panorama of the artist’s work, from early realistic portraits of family members, friends and wealthy clients to later works inspired by Impressionism and Symbolism, and up to sultry, Dante-inspired canvases depicting Paradise, Purgatory and Hell.

At the northern end of the Riva is the seemingly modest Monastery of the Snow Virgin. Its small church houses a pair of Renaissance masterpieces: at the back of the church is a triptych by Vicko Lovrin from 1509 depicting the golden-robed Archangel Michael striking the devil, and on the side panels are John the Baptist and Saint Nicholas. The second is Božidar Vlatković’s Madonna and Child from 1494 in the main altar. This small masterpiece is somewhat overshadowed by the magnificent Baroque frame.

From the monastery, a path leads to the Racic Mausoleum, built in 1921 high above the city by Ivan Meštrović for a wealthy ship-owning family. This is one of Meštrović’s most successful works in the field of architectural eclecticism: a simple domed structure inspired by Byzantine architecture, guarded by stern Greek angels. Under the dome are depicted gargoyles with dog heads, eagles with a Teutonic gaze and some neo-Assyrian winged rams.

How to relax at the resort?

In the Cilipi village you can attend events with local dances and rituals. They are held on Sundays in the main square of the village. Tourists are invited to visit the famous Kanowolski Dvori restaurant, located in an old mill. In the summer, the city hosts numerous musical performances and festivals. The famous Epidaurus music festival brings together famous artists from all over the world.

Vacationers can find various types of entertainment. You can take a boat trip to nearby islands or go fishing.

Near the city is the Prevlaka amusement park, where, in addition to the offered active sports, you can simply walk around the ancient fort. In the evening, nightclubs, discos, and even casinos open at the hotels.

Near Cavtat is located Mlini resort. To the question: “Which is better, Cavtat or Mlini?”, there is no definite answer. Locals like to relax in Mlini, there are fewer attractions and entertainment here. You can stay in Mlini in the private sector and go to the beach of Cavtat.

The main advantage of the resort

The main reason why people go to rest in Croatia is the clean Adriatic Sea. The water is so clear that boats tied to the pier seem to float in the air.

The beaches in Cavtat, like in most resorts in Croatia, are equipped with concrete terraces. But let this not scare away a potential tourist. The descent into the water is equipped with convenient ladders, and the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding beach covers all the negative moments. There are no minuses in such beaches. The bottom is rocky, so you need to take care of special slippers. By the way, you can buy them on the spot.

There are also beaches covered with small pebbles, for example, near the Albatros Hotel. Therefore, when planning a vacation in Cavtat in 2018, check the information about the beaches in advance. The beach offers a variety of entertainment. Those who wish can go diving and try to find some of the remains of the ancient city that has gone under water.

Restaurants, hotels

Cavtat is a haven for gourmets. There are a large number of taverns, restaurants, small cafes and bars. Try local lamb, fish and seafood dishes. Prosciutto is an analogue of Spanish jamon, served as an appetizer with local wine. Everything is very tasty, plentiful. A meat or fish dish costs from 7 euros. Coffee from 1 to 1.5 euros.

Restaurants of Cavtat

1). Restaurant Galija – A cozy establishment, in an alley behind the monastery, which in the summer opens onto an open-air terrace overlooking the bay. Seafood is excellent here, including grilled squid and salmon with pasta, although the main specialties are fresh grilled fish, riba y pecnici, roasted whole in a metal pot with potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

2). Ivan Restaurant – The usual selection of seafood, as well as grilled meat dishes. Tables are located near the port, where there are many small boats. Beautiful views of Župa-Dubrovčko.

3). Restaurant Kolona – Inexpensive and delicious dishes served on a small terrace in the garden under a palm tree, right next to the bus stop. Stuffed eggplant, fried swordfish and a lot of other delicacies at reasonable prices.

4). Restaurant Leut – A shady outdoor terrace just steps from the sea. A large selection of grilled fish and a few seafood surprises (exceptional shrimp in garlic sauce with broccoli and cream – not only can you start with this, but they can also serve as a light lunch on their own). 5). Restaurant Toranj – A typical selection of fish and shellfish dishes. A great alternative is stuffed chicken breast and pasta with lobster. Exquisite homemade cakes. The restaurant is a little away from the Riva, but the charming terrace on the second floor more than compensates for this shortcoming.

In Cavtat, you can find accommodation for any needs. Tourists with children should clarify how far the hotel or apartment is located from the beach. The fact is that they can be located upstairs and with children, ups and downs can be a problem. The price of apartments starts from 45 euros, a room in a villa from 50 euros. A double room in a hotel starts from 80 euros. By planning your vacation in advance, you can book a room and save money.

Cavtata Hotels

1). Albatross Hotel – One of three hotels aimed at tourist groups. Located northeast of the town, behind a long pebble beach. Four-star, with luxurious air-conditioned rooms and a large swimming pool.

2). Castelletto Hotel – A medium-sized, family-run holiday hotel. It can be reached up the hill from the port. Rooms are in cream and pastel tones, with tiled floors, pine furniture and attractive prints on the walls. Some rooms have balconies with views of Dubrovnik, all with TVs and bathtubs. Lovely garden and tapas bar. Airport pick-up can be arranged.

3). Hotel Croatia – A large concrete 5-star hotel on the coast of the Suštjepan peninsula. It’s easy to get lost in its long, seemingly endless corridors, but the modern air-conditioned rooms have TVs. The hotel has a beach and an indoor pool.

4). Hotel Supetar – A tastefully modernized 19th-century building, although the rooms are a bit cramped. The main advantages are the view of the harbor and the intimate atmosphere.

5). Villa Pattiera – A luxurious 12-room hotel right on the harbor, located in the former home of 1920s-1930s opera singer Tino Pattiera. The walls in the rooms are painted in tones of peach and plum blossoms. All rooms have parquet floors and TVs. The most expensive rooms overlook the palm-lined promenade. Others overlook the garden terrace behind the hotel. The price of the room depends on its size and location.