CAVTAT: THE BEST PLACE TO STAY NEAR DUBROVNIK + WHAT TO SEE

If you’re visiting Dubrovnik and want a calmer place to stay, Cavtat could be the perfect destination for you.

As a local Croatian who spends summers in Dubrovnik, Cavtat has always been my favourite place to escape the crowds. It’s incredibly charming, much less busy, and still very close to Dubrovnik, so you can easily visit the city whenever you want. Cavtat also offers plenty of great accommodation options, so finding a place to stay shouldn’t be difficult. I’ll share why Cavtat is one of the best places to stay near Dubrovnik and what you should see while visiting.

WHERE IS CAVTAT

Cavtat is a small coastal town in the southern part of Croatia, located not far from Dubrovnik. It’s known for its beautiful coastline, historic sites, and relaxed atmosphere. Because of this, Cavtat is a great destination if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Dubrovnik’s crowded streets.

Cavtat is only about 20 kilometres from Dubrovnik, and the drive takes around 30 minutes. It’s also very close to Dubrovnik Airport, which is why many visitors choose to stay there, especially the night before their flight.

WHY STAY IN CAVTAT – IS CAVTAT WORTH VISITING?

Staying in Cavtat offers several advantages for anyone who wants a more relaxed and authentic experience on the Croatian coast. Here are some of my favourite reasons why you should stay in Cavtat:

Cavtat is quite tiny so it retains its small-town charm while still offering plenty of amenities. The town’s picturesque streets, historic buildings, and waterfront promenade create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. Along with that, Cavtat is stunning and full of natural beauty. You can enjoy walks along the coastline, swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Secondly, while Cavtat offers a quieter alternative to Dubrovnik, it’s still conveniently located near the popular city. You can easily visit Dubrovnik for a day trip to explore its historic sites and museums, and then return to the tranquility of Cavtat. It’s so close that even if you want to do that every day, it won’t become a bother.

And finally, despite its small size, Cavtat has a rich history and loads of things to do. Even if you want to stay for a week and only visit Dubrovnik once, you’ll still have plenty to do. You can explore ancient ruins, historic churches, and museums showcasing local art and artifacts.

If you’re an active person, Cavtat and its surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, sailing, and water sports. And if you’re a foodie, the town’s restaurants, cafes, and taverns serve fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a variety of dishes, from grilled fish and seafood risotto to homemade pastries and gelato. It definitely won’t disappoint you.

CAVTAT TO DUBROVNIK

I know this is probably the main thing you want to know – how easy it is to reach Dubrovnik from this small town? Getting from Cavtat to Dubrovnik is quite easy since they’re very close to each other. Here are a few common ways to travel between the two:

Bus

There is regular bus no. 10 running between Cavtat and Dubrovnik. The bus journey takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic, and provides a scenic route along the coast. You can check the bus schedules and purchase tickets at the local bus station. The one way ticket from Cavtat to Dubrovnik is 4 euros.

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis available in Cavtat, and you can easily hire one to take you to Dubrovnik. Make sure you check out the prices of Uber or Bolt before booking a taxi as they can be much more affordable than regular taxis.

Car

If you have a rental car or your own vehicle, driving from Cavtat to Dubrovnik is straightforward. The distance is only about 20 kilometers, and the journey typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The route offers beautiful views of the coastline. The only problem is the parking. You can’t park anywhere near the old town, read my Dubrovnik parking guide for more information.

Boat

During the summer months, there are various boat services connecting Cavtat and Dubrovnik. This option allows you to enjoy a scenic journey along the coast and offers a unique perspective of the region. The return tickets are around 25 euros per person, so while this might be a great scenic ride, it’s much more expensive than Uber or the bus.

ACCOMODATION IN CAVTAT

There are plenty of accommodation options in Cavtat. Choosing the “best” place really depends on your preferences, such as budget, location, amenities, and personal taste. However, here are a few highly-rated options based on guest reviews and amenities:

Hotel Croatia

This luxury hotel is one of the most raved about hotels in Cavtat. It offers stunning sea views, upscale amenities, and a range of facilities including outdoor pools, spa services, and multiple dining options. It’s located a short distance from Cavtat’s town center and gives you easy access to the beach. It’s pricey but worth every penny!

Hotel Cavtat

Located in a calm and relaxing bay just a short walk from Cavtat’s center, Hotel Cavtat is known for comfortable rooms, attentive staff, and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel features a private beach area, outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving Croatian and international cuisine.

Check out the map for more Cavtat accommodation options:

BEACHES IN CAVTAT

Another huge plus is that Cavtat has several beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the Adriatic Sea. Many of the beaches here are more peaceful and charming than those in Dubrovnik. Some of the most popular beaches include Tiha Bay, Rat Beach, Kamen Mali Beach, and Kljucice Beach. If you’re willing to explore a bit further, you can even visit the famous Pasjaca Beach in Popovici. Check out this guide to the best Cavtat beaches you need to visit!

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN CAVTAT

Cavtat is full of different activities and attractions for you to enjoy, so you definitely won’t be bored. No matter if you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, there’s something for anyone. If you’re staying for longer than a few days check out what are some of the best day trips you could take.  Here are some things to do and see in Cavtat:

EXPLORE THE TOWN CENTRE

The town centre of Cavtat is one of its most charming areas, and there are several things to see. Here are two sights you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

First, visit the historic Rector’s Palace, built in the 16th century. Today, it houses the Cavtat Museum, where you can learn about the town’s history, culture, and maritime heritage through its exhibits and artifacts. Next, stop by St. Nicholas Church, a beautiful Baroque church located in the heart of Cavtat. Take a few minutes to admire its architecture, intricate frescoes, and stunning altars dedicated to various saints.

After visiting these two highlights, the best way to experience Cavtat is to simply wander the narrow streets of the old town. Getting lost in its charming alleys is always the most fun way to explore any historic town, and Cavtat is no exception.

VISIT THE MAUSOLEUM

While in Cavtat, you should definitely marvel at the Mausoleum of the Racic Family. This impressive monument was designed by a famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic and it’s located at the Cavtat cemetery.  This will be a quick stop but you’ll also get incredible views of Cavtat so don’t skip it.

WALK ALONG THE PROMENADE AND RAT PENINSULA TRAIL

One of the most magical walks you can do in Cavtat is the stunning but short waterfront promenade. It’s lined with palm trees, and you can admire the sea views and the boats in harbour.

If you feel like taking a longer walk, there’s the gorgeous Rat Peninsula Trail. This trail is my favourite part of Cavtat because it gives you some of the most gorgeous views of the sea, landscape, and the town but you’re walking in the shade of some of the most stunning trees you’ll see. On the way you’ll find a bar and several beaches, so you can even stop for a swim!

RELAX ON THE BEACH

If you prefer to chill and enjoy the gorgeous waters of the Adriatic Sea, Cavtat will be great for you. I’ve already mentioned all the best beaches you can visit, but Cavtat also offers great water sports you can choose from if you want to be more active. You can try water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, or jet skiing along Cavtat’s coastline.

GO ON A BOAT TOUR

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss out on in Cavtat (or Dalmatia in general) is taking a boat tour to one of many incredible destinations around. Some of the easiest boat tours from Cavtat (or Dubrovnik) are the tours of Lokrum Island, Elaphiti Islands, or the city walls of Dubrovnik. You can also rent a boat with a skipper which will take you to secluded beaches, hidden coves, and show you the untouched natural beauty of the Adriatic coastline.

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON CAVTAT, AND IS IT WORTH VISITING

I absolutely love Cavtat and recommend it to everyone. It’s so much calmer than Dubrovnik, and many people don’t realize just how overwhelming Dubrovnik can get during the summer. The crowds are intense, so staying in a place like Cavtat is a true breath of fresh air, even in peak season.

The town offers beautiful beaches, charming promenades, and excellent hotels and restaurants… what more could you ask for? In my opinion, Cavtat definitely beats Dubrovnik when it comes to a relaxing and enjoyable stay!

CONCLUSION: SHOULD YOU STAY IN CAVTAT?

In conclusion, Cavtat is the perfect escape if you want to enjoy the beauty of southern Croatia without the crowds of Dubrovnik. With its charming old town, historic sites, stunning beaches, and excellent restaurants and hotels, Cavtat has everything you need for a relaxing and memorable stay!