While Dubrovnik, Some 20 kilometres up the coast, takes the spotlight, Cavtat to the southeast is a find. Dubrovnik's darling little sister offers a clutch of reasons to skip its famed sibling and base yourself here, away from the crowds. The capital of Konavle municipality showcases a tree-lined waterfront, a string of pretty pebble beaches and treasures of ancient architecture. Here are our top picks of what to do and see while in Cavtat.
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Born and raised in Cavtat, Vlaho Bukovac (1855–1922) is a noted painter known for his nude painting called A Flower. Part of the symbolism art movement, Bukovac expressed abstract ideas in his works of art. Today, the house in Cavtat where he was born houses a museum dedicated to his work. When he was 17, Bukovac painted frescoes inside the 19th-century house, which sets a fantastic background for exploring Bukovac's paintings and mementos.
On the historic waterfront of Cavtat, contemporary cuisine featuring local ingredients meets high global standards. The kitchen at Bugenvila has been headed up by Lukasz Widomski, a former sous-chef at Le Caprice in London. The menu is short and seasonal, with all the vegetables sourced from organic farms around Cavtat. The restaurant has only 46 seats and a splendid sea view. Pair your meal with premium local wines, craft beers and cocktails. Reservations recommended.
For a holiday of a lifetime, book a seafront stay at Hotel Cavtat, steps away from the heart of town. With a swimming pool on its rooftop terrace that overlooks the sea and town and its own beach equipped with sunbeds and parasols, the hotel is a prime pick. The on-site restaurant features a menu of international favourites and massages are available.
Find your own patch of pebble on one of Cavtat's gorgeous beaches with clear-blue waters. Žal and Rat are the more popular options, for their proximity to town and shady pine woods. Pasjača beach lies further to the south, great for peaceful sunbathing; Obod is a slightly closer alternative. Sustjepan is also a great pick if you don't mind the crowds, though the concrete may not be as gentle on the feet as pebbles.
Croatia's most renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović left his mark in Cavtat. The Račić family, wealthy local shipowners, commissioned the sculptor to build their mausoleum using the famed high-quality Brač stone. Find this majestic piece of art by the town cemetery at the peak of the peninsula. The octagonal white-stone tomb is filled with beautifully shaped angel faces looking down on stylised saints.
The 15th-century church of St. Nicholas showcases impressive wooden altars. Inside by the sanctuary you can see paintings of the four evangelists by beloved local painter Vlaho Bukovac as well as a stunning altarpiece by Carmelo Reggi, dating back to the 19th century, with stations of the cross in line with the walls.
Cavtat's former Rector's Palace is the town's historical showpiece, its treasure trove of cultural heritage. The rich library and archaeological finds, such as inscriptions and amphorae, were collected by sociologist Baltazar Bogišić. Today, the main attraction is the collection of paintings by Vlaho Bukovac, with a giant canvas depicting the Cavtat Carnival as the standout piece.
Founded in 1484, Cavtat's Franciscan monastery and church houses notable paintings of the early Renaissance and a brilliant canvas by Vlaho Bukovac, depicting Madonna and child gazing at Cavtat. Don't miss out on concerts that are held regularly in the cloister.
Apartment Stjepana Radića 12C seems like a usual pleasing location to stay for vacation. Close to the Cavtat's promenade and bus station with an easy walk to the old town and private parking. It also has all the must-have things apartment needs: TV, decent bed and equipped kitchen to please the guests that don't like hotel catering. Topping it on with being a pet-friendly place that welcomes your four-legged friend makes this a spot on place to stay for your holidays relieving you from the drama of asking your neighbors or a pet hotel to look after him while you enjoy the lovely culture and scenery of the Adriatic.
You'll avoid the hubbub of Dubrovnik by staying in Cavtat but you can still hop over to its famed northern neighbour easily. A bus connects Cavtat and Dubrovnik, departing every hour, and there's a boat between the two. Roam the famed city walls and marble-paved streets of this Adriatic stunner, only to return to your hideaway of Cavtat once you've done the exploring.
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