Cavtat is a beautiful town located a short distance south of Dubrovnik on Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Its terracotta roof tiles glow warmly in the sunshine, in stark contrast to the rather barren hills that frame the town. The beaches here are pebbly and washed by the crystal clear Adriatic waters. Recreational activities include water sports and there are many sightseeing opportunities both in the town and in neighbouring Dubrovnik. Cavtat is centred round the harbour where humble fishing boats rub bulwarks with luxury yachts. It is a charming place with a pedestrianised promenade filled with small shops and pavement cafes, ideal for a relaxing stroll. Away from the beaches, there is much to see in the town with wonderful churches and galleries, superb restaurants and good shops. Evenings are spent wandering the promenades enjoying a drink in the friendly bars or a meal under the stars. A Cavtat holiday offers a relaxing break by the sea, surrounded by great natural beauty and superb architecture.
Cavtat is an ideal base for those wishing to combine a cultural visit with a relaxing seaside holiday. The beauty of the surrounding countryside, the crystal clear waters and its rich history combine to make Cavtat a very popular holiday destination.
Cavtat holidays are very popular with British holidaymakers thanks to its exceptionally sunny climate, it stunning scenery and its proximity to Dubrovnik. Although there are one or two sandy beaches in Zal, to the east of the town, the predominance of pebbly beaches will probably deter families with small children for whom buckets, spades and acres of sand are considered essential holiday ingredients.
The climate along the Adriatic coast gives long dry summers and pleasantly mild winters. Cavtat can be visited at any time of year but the long summer holiday season lasts from April until October.
On arriving in Cavtat it is easy to see why it is such a favourite with British holidaymakers. It is a picturesque resort with a charming medieval heart, a few kilometres south of Dubrovnik. Surrounded by hills, Cavtat’s terracotta roof tiles seem to glow in the sunshine, contrasting sharply with the wooded slopes and the rather arid distant landscape that frames them. Although there are a few sandy beaches, Cavtat coastline is mainly comprised of small shingle coves and inlets. Many of these have bathing platforms offering easy access to the clear Adriatic waters. A variety of water sports are offered including sailing, diving, snorkelling, pedalos and jet skiing. The delightful harbour and promenade are awash with flowers and plants and their pavement cafes and bars are equally attractive. A range of accommodation caters for most budgets and its restaurants satisfy most tastes. Cavtat is as relaxed by night as it is by day where evenings are spent meandering through the narrow streets of the old down or enjoying a pleasant meal or a drink on the waterfront. Cavtat has many small shops and supermarkets supplying holiday essentials and market stalls providing vibrant displays of the freshest fruits and vegetables. Traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings, ceramics and embroidered linens make very acceptable gifts and holiday mementoes.
There are many sightseeing opportunities for those with an interest in history both in Cavtat and especially in Dubrovnik, where the walled town holds a plethora of architectural delights.
Cavtat nightlife is fairly low-key with evenings spent strolling the streets of the old town or the harbour and the seafront. Some of the bars offer live music, usually at weekends, but Cavtat is not a resort that parties into the early hours of the morning.
Shopping in Croatia is generally more expensive than in Britain, but the quality of goods tends to be excellent. Certainly you should be prepared to spend more on food whilst there. Cavtat has many small shops and supermarkets supplying holiday essentials and market stalls provide the freshest of fruits and vegetables as well as creating a wonderful display of nature’s brightest colours. Traditional handicrafts such as wood carvings, ceramics and embroidered linens make very acceptable gifts and holiday mementoes.
Cavtat has a good many restaurants serving a variety of cuisine that caters for most tastes and pockets. Fish features prominently on menus and there are some excellent eateries down by the harbour and along the seafront. Enjoy your evening meal while watching glorious sunsets and end the day with a relaxing travarica which is a locally produced herbal brandy.
