Cavtat holidays

How to reach Cavtat

• Flight time: There are no direct flights to Cavtat, but flights to Dubrovnik (the nearest airport to Cavtat) from London typically take about 2 hours 45 minutes. Several airlines operate direct flights from other major UK airports.

• Transfer time: From Dubrovnik Airport, it takes about 15 minutes to reach Cavtat by taxi. There are also shuttle buses available, which take around 20 minutes.

• Price: The shuttle bus costs around €5, while a taxi from the airport to Cavtat will cost around €20–€25.

Weather and best time to visit Cavtat

Although not nearly as busy as neighbouring Dubrovnik, Cavtat is still a very popular resort town, so the best time to visit is outside the summer season.

• April to June A wonderful time to visit if you enjoy the (bearable) heat and fewer tourists. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, with minimal rainfall (20–50mm) and plenty of sunshine (8 to 10 hours daily).

• July to August Peak season when temperatures can soar to 30°C or higher, there are around 12 hours of sunshine daily, and rainfall is unusual – perfect for beachgoers.

• September to October Although still quite busy, the shoulder season remains a good time to visit, with temperatures from 18°C to 26°C and about 7 to 9 hours of sunshine. Rainfall increases slightly, ranging from 50mm to 100mm.

• November to March Still extremely mild, with temperatures around 10°C to 15°C, although rainfall is slightly higher (60–120mm). However, the town is much quieter and any accommodation that is still open is much cheaper.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Croatian is the official language but English is widely spoken in town.

• Local habits and customs: Croatians are welcoming and gregarious. Greeting people with a smile and saying “dobar dan” (good day) will be much appreciated. Tips (napojnice) are not obligatory, but if you’ve had a round of drinks or a full meal, it’s polite to round up the bill by 10 percent or to the nearest convenient figure.

• Health and safety: Cavtat is a small and safe resort town, but do keep an eye on your belongings on the beaches. Emergency services can be reached by dialling 112.

• Currency: The official currency is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: Cavtat is so small that getting around on foot is easy enough. But if you do need public transport, there are plenty of buses to the surrounding areas, including Dubrovnik.

• Electricity and plug types: Wall sockets in Croatia operate at 220 volts and take round, two-pin plugs. British and US travellers should purchase a continental adaptor before leaving home.

• Time zone: Cavtat is in Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport but no visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Exploring the beaches of Cavtat

Cavtat, a charming coastal town in Croatia, boasts a variety of beautiful beaches that cater to all types of visitors. Whether you’re looking for lively, well-equipped beaches or secluded, tranquil spots, Cavtat has something to offer. Here’s a guide to some of the best beaches to visit during your Cavtat holidays.

Žal Beach

Žal Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cavtat, known for its clear turquoise waters and pebble shores. It offers a range of amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports facilities. The beach is family-friendly and has several nearby cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for a full day of relaxation and fun.

Pasjača Beach

Pasjača Beach is a hidden gem located at the base of a steep cliff, offering a more secluded and tranquil experience. The journey to the beach involves a scenic walk down the cliff, but the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere make it well worth the effort. The clear waters and natural beauty of this beach make it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.

Riva Beach

Located near the Cavtat promenade, Riva Beach is a convenient and lively spot. This beach is perfect for those who want to stay close to the town’s amenities while enjoying the sun and sea. It’s a great place for swimming and sunbathing, with easy access to nearby restaurants and shops.

Obod Beach

Obod Beach offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded beaches. It’s a pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling and swimming. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a picturesque and peaceful environment.

Tips for Beachgoers

• Arrive early: Popular beaches can get crowded, especially during the peak summer months.

• Pack essentials: Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Respect the environment: Ensure you dispose of rubbish properly and respect the natural surroundings to keep the beaches clean and beautiful.

Cavtat’s beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from lively and well-equipped to quiet and secluded. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a romantic getaway, or a peaceful retreat, you’ll find the perfect beach to enjoy your Cavtat holidays.

Naturally, seafood features prominently on most restaurant menus here in Cavtat, but there are many other culinary delights.

Some typical dishes

• Pasticada: A traditional beef stew slow-cooked in wine, vinegar, and spices, cooked in a rich sauce, sometimes with prunes, and served with soft gnocchi.

• Šporki makaruli: Also known as “Dirty Mackerel”, this tubular pasta served with a goulash sauce is a taste sensation.

Meat dishes

• Ćevapi: Juicy rissoles of grilled minced meat served with ajvar (a pepper-based condiment) and flatbread – the classic Balkan staple.

• Peka: Slow-roasted lamb, octopus or other local goodies under an ember-covered metal lid known as a peka: this is a traditional route to a deliciously succulent meal.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Brudet: A bountiful fish stew comprising various types of fish, to which tomatoes and wine is added. It is then typically served with polenta.

• Crni rižot: One of Dalmatia's most iconic dishes, this black risotto takes its name from the main ingredient, cuttlefish ink – and the blacker the risotto, the better.

Street food

• Burek: A thick, flaky pastry packed with either minced meat, cheese or spinach, perfect for lunch on the run.

• Fritule: Small doughnuts typically flavoured with rum and citrus zest, dusted with powdered sugar – a cracking little sweet street treat.

Sweets and desserts

• Rožata: A Dubrovnik speciality, this is a vanilla-flavoured custard dessert similar to crème caramel, to which rose liqueur is added.

• Kroštule: Deep-fried pastry twists dusted with powdered sugar, often enjoyed during festive occasions.

Local drinks

• Rakija: There’s nothing like a shot of rakija (grape brandy) to oil the wheels of social intercourse. Knock back a herb-infused travarica or carob-flavoured rogačica for a truly heart- and soul-warming experience.

• Local wine: The vineyards of the Konavle produce respectable red wines of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Plavac varieties, as well as Kadarun, an autochthonous light and fruity rosé.

Best things to do in Cavtat

A dainty coastal town offering a picturesque harbour, plenty of traditional stone architecture and lush subtropical vegetation, Cavtat is a welcoming antidote to the coast’s more full-on resorts.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Racic Mausoleum: Built on a prime spot high above the town in 1921 by Ivan Meštrović for a local ship-owning family, this is one of the sculptor's masterpieces – and the views aren’t half bad either.

• Sokol Grad: A short drive from Cavtat, this medieval fortress provides far-reaching views of the Konavle region and the Adriatic – granted, it’s a bit of a climb, but the vistas once there are worth it.

The best districts

• Old Town: Much of Cavtat’s former charm survives in the old part of town, which straddles the ridge behind the waterfront.

• Promenade: Lined with palm trees, cafes and restaurants, the town promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and an espresso or two in one of the many convivial waterside cafes.

Museums and galleries

• Vlaho Bukovac Gallery: Fine gallery celebrating the Cavtat-born artist (1855–1922) who painted lucrative society portraits in Paris, London and the pretty Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate.

• Bukovac House: The childhood home of the eponymous Croatian painter, his house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s world.

Historical monuments

• Church of St. Nicholas: Pretty church betraying some stunning Baroque architecture alongside some beautiful artwork.

• Monastery of Our Lady of the Snow: Notable for containing a couple of early Renaissance gems: Vičko Lovrin’s triptych of 1509 at the back of the church, and Božidar Vlatković’s Madonna and Child (1494) on the main altar.

Day trips in the area

• Dubrovnik: Follow the full circuit of the battlements via a well-trodden walkway for an ideal vantage point of the city’s medieval and Baroque splendours. Explore our holidays to Dubrovnik for the best deals.

• Elafiti Islands: Take a boat tour to any of the Elafiti Islands (or Elaphiti Islands) – Koločep, Lopud or Šipan – which are among the most beautiful and unspoilt islands in the Adriatic.

• Konavle Valley: Southeast of Cavtat stretches the Konavle, a ribbon of fertile agricultural land squeezed between the mountains on one side and the sea on the other. It is a restful, scenic place to drive through, and offers a couple of rewarding village stop-offs to boot.

Activities for families in Cavtat

Although it’s a small town not especially geared towards families, there is still plenty to do on your holidays to Cavtat, while Dubrovnik, just up the road, offers further possibilities.

• Beaches: A brace of fine shingle beaches lies about 1km east of the town centre in an area known as žal (literally, “beach”); Rat and Kamen Mali beaches are particularly popular with families.

• Aquarium: Just 20km up the road in Dubrovnik, this bright and colourful aquarium contains tanks filled with pretty much every creature known to roam the waters of the Adriatic – and that’s not an inconsiderable number.

• Adventure Park: Located just outside Cavtat, Cadmos Village’s adventure park offers plenty of thrills and spills, courtesy of zip-lines, climbing walls, paintballing and much more.

Free things to do in Cavtat

With gorgeous beaches, promenade strolls and a two-month-long free summer festival, there are lots of ways to enjoy your Cavtat holidays for free.

• Stroll through the Old Town: Wander the ancient streets exploring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere without spending a penny.

• Beaches: The main town beaches lie about 1km east of the centre, but there are quieter spots to be found at the far end of the peninsula, ten minutes walk north from town, or on the Sustjepan peninsula immediately to the west. In any case, they’re all free.

• Free events: The town’s main annual event is the Cavtat Summer Festival, encompassing a diverse range of entertainment, including dance and music exhibitions, street performances and classical recitals – and admission to all events is completely free.

• Visit the markets: Perusing the local markets is a terrific way to spend a leisurely, spend-free morning – you’ll even find stalls offering free food samples.

Nature and outdoor activities

With its waterside location and proximity to the mountains, you could spend days exploring the outdoors and not even visit Cavtat itself.

• Hiking: The coastal hinterland has a limitless number of walking trails, in particular within the Konavle Valley; aim for Mount Snijeznica, the highest peak at 1,234m – just don't forget your sunscreen and hat.

• Sea kayaking: The most popular water-bound activity hereabouts, paddle your way along the coast or, more ambitiously, across to the Elafiti Islands.

• Boat tours: Dozens of daily boat tours leave from the harbour, so hop aboard and explore the nearby islands and coves – with plenty of stops for snorkelling and swimming along the way.

• Rock climbing: The cliffs around Cavtat, particularly those in the Konavle Valley, are popular amongst rock climbers, and you don’t have to be a pro – there are routes for all abilities.