Cavtat is the most southerly Croatian resort of all, located around 20 km south of Dubrovnik and only 22 km from the border with Montenegro. Cavtat is an exceedingly pretty town and is a great place to base yourself in if you’re after all the sights and culture of Dubrovnik but don’t want the hustle and bustle. It is very easy to travel from Cavtat to Dubrovnik by bus or boat.
Getting to Cavtat
Cavtat is easy to reach from Dubrovnik – local bus number 10 is run on this route, with a bus running approximately every hour. See the schedules on the Dubrovnik Bus Terminal website. You can also travel between the two by boat – ask locally for details.
Cavtat is actually very close to Dubrovnik Airport. If you’re flying in it’s an easy taxi journey to the town from the airport, which is only 6km away.
Sightseeing in Cavtat
The House of Vlaho Bukovac is a museum (and, in fact, his actual home at one point) dedicated to this Croatian painter who was born in Cavtat in 1855. Well-travelled in his early years, he started his artistic career in Paris, training at the École des Beaux Arts before exhibiting his works in the city. Returning to Zagreb in 1893, he became an important figure in the Croatian art scene in the latter part of the 19th century, organising important cultural and artistic events and working alongside a number of other Croatian young artists. In 1903, he left to become Professor of The Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and he died in that city in 1922. As well as viewing Bukovac’s works, you can also see frescoes in the house painted by the teenage artist.
The Racic Mausoleum was built in 1921 to a design by famed Croatian sculptor and architect Ivan Mestrovic using stone from the island of Brac. The Racic family were a well-known ship-owning family from the town.
The Baltazar Bogisic Collection in the Rector’s Palace contains items from the collection of this Cavtat-born lawyer (1834 – 1908), including books, notes, coins and more.
The Our Lady of Snow Monastery by the harbour was built in the 15th and 16th centuries with later additions. In the adjacent church are several interesting paintings by Dubrovnik artists, and by Cavtat artist Vlaho Bukovac.
The Konavle County Museum in Cilipi (see below) exhibits men’s and women’s costumes traditional to the region, as well as embroidery, other handicrafts, jewellery, paintings and more.
Make sure you also take a walk along the pretty seaside promenade!
Exploring the local area
Cavtat is located in the region of Konavle, which has a rich cultural history. Folk costumes, embroidery and traditional dances are also an important feature of the region. These can all be seen in person in the village of Cilipi where on Sunday mornings (in spring/summer/early autumn), locals in traditional costume gather in the main square to sing and dance.
Cilipi is about 8km away from Cavtat, and local bus 11 runs between the two. Ask locally for bus schedules.
Events in Cavtat
As with many other coastal towns, Cavtat hosts a summer festival (from June to September) with many cultural performances – music, dance, street performances and more. There is also a Summer Carnival over two days in early July each year for additional fun.
The first weekend of September sees numerous klapa (traditional acapella singing) groups gather in Cavtat to perform.
The Epidaurus Festival is a music festival also in September each year, organised by a local pianist.
Eating and Drinking in Cavtat
La Boheme is an excellent choice for the town, in a lovely location overlooking the sea. A nice selection of Croatian and European dishes (cheese and meat plates, fish platters, steak, pasta, burgers). Friendly service too.
Restaurant Bugenvila is a Michelin guide-recommended restaurant and a fantastic option for fine dining in the area. Also in a beautiful seaside location.
Posejdon is good value, especially for its fish dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For drinks, Ankora is great for its wine and cocktails…and its homemade ice cream! They serve tapas if you’re hungry and are also open for breakfast.
Accommodation in Cavtat
There are a number of hotels – including boutique ones – in the town. There’s the five-star and modern Hotel Croatia; the four-star Hotel Albatros (a good option for families) and the Boutique Hotel Villa Pattiera; and several three-star ones. Take a look at hotel and private accommodation available in Cavtat on the map below:
See full details on our Accommodation in Cavtat section.
More info
You can find more information on the town at the Tourist Board of Konavle section on Cavtat.