Cavtat — The Relaxed Dubrovnik
Cavtat (pronounced: Zaw-tat) is located 20 km south of Dubrovnik and is what Dubrovnik was before mass tourism: a sleepy coastal town with a palm-lined promenade, a small harbor, good restaurants, and a tranquility that is hardly found in Dubrovnik's Old Town anymore. The ancient city of Epidaurum (Dubrovnik's predecessor) was founded here — the Romans knew why.
Highlights
- The Riva: The palm-lined harbor promenade is the heart of Cavtat: Cafés, gelaterias, fishermen mending their nets, and a stunning view of the bay. Perfect for strolling and coffee drinking.
- Račić Mausoleum: The masterpiece of Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović (1922) — a mausoleum made of white marble in the cemetery above the town. The carvings and the location above the sea make it one of the most beautiful monuments in Dalmatia. Entrance: 3€.
- Vlaho Bukovac House: The birthplace of Croatia's most significant painter (1855–1922), now a museum with original paintings and restored murals. Entrance: 5€.
- Beaches: Several small pebble coves around the peninsula — less spectacular than in Dubrovnik, but much quieter.
Getting There
Bus: Line 10 from Dubrovnik (30 min., 2€). Boat: Cavtat Express from the Old Town harbor (45 min., 15€ round trip) — the more scenic option. Tip: Cavtat is right next to the airport — perfect as the first or last stop of the trip.
💡 Tipp
Cavtat is the perfect place for a long lunch: Enjoy fresh fish on the Riva, then espresso, visit the mausoleum, and take a walk around the peninsula. Half a day is enough — and the pace is the opposite of Dubrovnik's Old Town.
