How to Spend One Day in Cavtat: Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Looking to escape the Dubrovnik crowds? Cavtat is an absolute treat. It’s hard to believe this beautiful coastal town is just 30 minutes away from Dubrovnik.
I first learnt about Cavtat from a recommendation from a local and it’s become my coastal hideout every time I’m in Dubrovnik.
Cavtat has a real Dubrovnik feel to it, with red-roofed buildings, old stone architecture and a picturesque promenade, but with almost half the crowds.
Already convinced? Well, if you’re planning a trip, this guide has everything you need.
I’ll cover how to spend one day in Cavtat, how to get there from Dubrovnik, the best restaurants and all the practical tips you need. Plus a whole lot more!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission if you use them at no extra cost to you.
Why visit Cavtat from Dubrovnik
For those not already convinced on why to visit Cavtat from Dubrovnik, well, hear me out.
I must admit, I had not heard of Cavtat until a local tour guide recommended it to us.
But after a quick 30-minute bus ride, we explored the gorgeous coastal town and were easily won by its charm and untouched scenery.
Here’s why you should visit Cavtat on a day trip from Dubrovnik:
- Quieter and more peaceful: Cavtat attracts far fewer tourists than Dubrovnik. You can enjoy the coast, find a beach or have a coffee without the bustling noise of the city.
- Picturesque scenery: It promises stunning scenery at every turn. Whether you’re walking along the promenade or in the Old Town, a picturesque view in Cavtat is not hard to find.
- Great for beaches and swimming: You can find so many spots around the peninsula to put a towel down and go for a swim.
- So much cheaper: Cavtat is a budget destination compared to Dubrovnik. We’ve never paid for accommodation more than €120 a night in Cavtat, which is so rare to find in Dubrovnik.
We usually stay in Apartment Manuela, which is a 20-25-minute walk from the town.
It is a much cheaper option than hotels closer to the main town.
How to get to Cavtat from Dubrovnik (bus, car & ferry)
Cavtat from Dubrovnik by bus
Heading to Cavtat from Dubrovnik is by far the cheapest and easiest option without a car.
To get to Cavtat, take the No.10 bus from either the Old Town or the Dubrovnik Bus Station. It takes 30 minutes and will drop you off a 5-minute walk from the Old Town.
Buses run every half-hour, from 5 AM until midnight, and cost €4 per person for a single ticket. To plan your route and time, check out the current bus schedule.
Cavtat from Dubrovnik by car
If you already have a rental, then heading to Cavtat by car is very easy. The route follows the Jadranska Magistrala/D8 road and takes just 25-30 minutes from Dubrovnik.
I recommend heading to Cavtat early in the morning before the crowds arrive, as Cavtat only has one main parking area. Parking here costs €3 an hour.
In the summer, the parking lot gets very busy.
We once arrived at noon in peak summer and waited over an hour to find a parking space. There are other options, but they are too far out from the town centre.
Recommendation: For car hires, we use Discover Cars. We use them anytime we do a road trip around Croatia and have had no issues so far!
Cavtat from Dubrovnik by ferry
We took the ferry on our second visit, and while it’s less reliable than the bus, it is a thrilling way to get to Cavtat from Dubrovnik!
To get to Cavtat by ferry, you’ll need to use the Adriana Cavtat ferry service from the Old Port in Dubrovnik.
Tickets can be purchased for €15 (€20 for a return) at the Dubrovnik port or online, and a one-way journey lasts 45 minutes.
We found the ferry schedule to be really random, so I recommend checking out the latest ferry schedule before you start your trip.
Note: Ferries from Dubrovnik to Cavtat only run from April to November.
What to do in Cavtat in one day
Take a stroll along the promenade
Begin your day in Cavtat by walking along the promenade around the Rat peninsula and the Old Town.
This is the best way to immerse yourself in Cavtat’s charm, seeing all the town’s shops, yachts and quaint cafes near the harbour.
You can walk around the entire promenade in just 30 minutes. We found many benches on our stroll, with a few gelato shops on the way.
Our favourite part of the promenade is these little arches next to the Restaurant Leut, which frame a perfect postcard picture of Cavtat.
Capture views from the Mausoleum of the Racic family
For the best panorama of Cavtat, head up to the Mausoleum of the Racic family, perched 120m above on Saint Roch’s Hill.
The viewing point has breathtaking 360° vistas of Cavtat’s bay and Old Town.
Getting there: We began our ascent right near the Church of Our Lady and it took us 15 minutes to walk up the steps from the Old Town. You can also approach it from Prijeko Street, which has a more gradual ascent to the top.
Visit the Mausoleum of the Racic family
While you’re up top for the panoramic views, why not visit the mausoleum itself?
The Mausoleum was built as a final resting place for the Račić family, who were influential shipowners in Cavtat around the late 19th and early 20th century.
Inside, you will find immaculately designed sculptures and artwork with the family’s tombs.
Just outside, you can also find a small graveyard with some pretty flowers.
The Mausoleum is only open from April 1st to October 31st and it costs €4 for adults and €2.5 for children.
Explore the attractions inside the Old Town
I don’t need an invitation to explore a gorgeous little Croatian Old Town and its architecture.
It takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore within Cavtat’s walls.
You can find some incredible Renaissance and Gothic buildings in Cavtat’s Old Town, with galleries, churches and monasteries all within walking distance from each other.
Here are some of the highlights I recommend visiting:
St Nicholas Church
Entrance fee: Free entry
St Nicholas Church is a small baroque church built in the late 15th century.
Inside, there are various artworks from local artist Vlaho Bukovac and a painted wood altar created by Carmelo Reggi.
If you’re around on Sunday, you can often find folk dancing outside after the Sunday service.
Franciscan Monastery
Entrance fee: Free entry
The Franciscan Monastery is a splendid Gothic-Renaissance building that was built to serve as a religious centre for the Franciscan Friars.
It is a simple, yet elegant building, connected to the Church of Our Lady of Snows, where you can find baroque altars and paintings from local artist Vlaho Bukovac.
Bukovac House Museum
Entrance fee: €7 for adults and €5 for children (free entry with Dubrovnik Pass)
The Bukovac House Museum is the birthplace of local artist Vlaho Bukovac and hosts a permanent exhibition of his life and work.
You’ll find Bukovac’s original murals, paintings and sketches, alongside his belongings kept from when he lived there.
If you’re coming from Dubrovnik, you can use your one-day pass to gain free entry.
Go for a swim along the peninsula
One of my favourite things to do in Cavtat is to walk along the promenade and find a nearby spot to go for a swim.
Along the peninsula, you can find many areas to swim. Just look for the designated swimming markers in the water.
When we’re unsure if we can swim at a spot, we usually just wait until we see where the locals jump in and then pop a towel down and swim there.
Take a boat trip to a nearby island
Nearby Cavtat, there are some fantastic places to visit on a day trip by boat or ferry, including visits to the idyllic Elaphiti islands, Mljet and Lokrum Island.
Top tip: To find a boat trip, I highly recommend heading to the promenade and speaking to one of the tour operators.
We found online tours were too expensive and only offered private options.
My partner and I chose to do a day trip to Lokrum Island, which is a tropical islet just off the coast of Dubrovnik.
The boat from Cavtat took us directly to Lokrum, and the journey was 45 minutes.
Read on: Lokrum island day trip guide
Take a stroll along one of Cavtat’s many scenic trails
Cavtat has so many incredible trails to explore the beauty of the peninsula. As Cavtat is relatively small, each one shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
I highly recommend choosing the Sustjepan Hiking Trail for the best views of Cavtat and overall experience. Kari’s Walking Path is another great option!
The Sustjepan Hiking Trail will take you along the outer edge of the peninsula and eventually lead back towards the Old Town.
We usually begin our stroll during sunset, which is the best time to start. The warm glow back across Cavtat’s promenade and harbour makes everything all the more scenic.
Relax at one of Cavtat’s beaches
The coastal area of Cavtat is idyllic and vast. On our second trip to Cavtat, we spent a few days exploring its beautiful coastline.
Here are some of my recommendations:
- Beach Zal (best for families): This is the most family-friendly option in Cavtat. It has a giant bouncy castle in the sea and rental shops nearby to rent Kayaks, Pedal boats, and Stand-Up Boards.
- Sustjepan Beach (best for couples): Although it’s a concrete area, there are sunbeds and you’re sitting next to the water, so you can dip in and out as you please. We rented a sunbed here and ordered cocktails from Spinaker Restaurant & Lounge Bar straight to our sunbed.
- Rat Beach (best for quiet relaxing): You can find this small spot just along the peninsula. There’s no sand and it’s all concrete. However, there are sunbeds with umbrellas available to hire.
Where to eat in Cavtat
Cavtat has a huge selection of restaurants, serving an array of options like Dalmatian cuisine or delicious Italian food.
Here are my recommendations for fine dining, mid-range and budget options:
Fine dining:
- Bugenvila in Cavtat: Stylish decor and incredible views of the seafront, this gourmet restaurant serves flavourful Mediterranean and Dalmatian dishes. I’m not a massive fan of fish, but I loved it here!
Mid-range:
- Ivan Restaurant: Amazing food with the best table service I’ve received in Cavtat. It is run by the owner, Ivan, who makes you feel at home.
Budget options:
- Desetka Pizzeria: Cheap prices, delicious pizzas and on top of it, has an incredible view overlooking Cavtat’s harbour.
- Local Cuisine Dalmatino: Located on the north quay bay, you can find cheap sandwiches, pasta in a quiet location overlooking the harbour.
Good to know: Most restaurants in Cavtat are closed during the winter season (November to March).
Where to stay in Cavtat
For those who plan to see Cavtat in depth, you’ll want to situate yourself near the Old Town to make it easier to get around.
Here are my recommendations for accommodation in Cavtat:
Luxury option:
- Hotel Croatia Cavtat: This luxury hotel is located on the edge of the peninsula and has all the amenities you need. Enjoy facilities on site, like 2 swimming pools and private access to a beach area. We pass it every time on the Sustjepan Trail, and are always in awe looking into it.
Mid-range option:
- Hotel Seventh: This charming hotel has an immaculate interior and spacious rooms with private balconies overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It is located just a few minutes’ walk from Beach Zal and the promenade.
Budget option:
- Apartments & Rooms Mihajica: This affordable hotel has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. It is right next to the Old Town and has gorgeous balcony views of the harbour, which is its real selling point.
Best time to visit Cavtat
The best time to visit Cavtat is from May to June, as it is far cheaper and less touristy.
You can expect average highs of around 25°C, which is perfect weather to enjoy Cavat’s coastline and Old Town.
Summer is still a great time to visit. However, you’ll feel the impact of higher costs and larger crowds, as many tourists head to Cavtat on a day trip from Dubrovnik.
I don’t advise visiting Cavtat in Winter. We visited Dubrovnik in Winter and headed there for the day out.
Unfortunately, most of the restaurants and attractions were closed, leaving us with not much to do.
Cavtat one day map
This map includes everything covered in this guide, with all the best things to do on your Cavtat day trip, restaurant recommendations, where to stay and where to park.
How to use this map: Select the icon at the top left to view the list of all of the sites. To get a larger view on Google Maps, select the box icon on the right.
Cavtat Day Trip: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cavtat worth visiting from Dubrovnik?
Absolutely. Cavtat is a brilliant day trip to escape Dubrovnik’s bustling crowds. It has a fantastic promenade and Old Town. Plus a great coastline to relax at a beach.
Is one day enough in Cavtat?
Yes, one day is easily enough time to explore Cavtat. It gives you the right amount of time to explore the town at a slow pace.
What’s the best way to get to Cavtat from Dubrovnik?
The best way to travel to Cavtat from Dubrovnik is by taking the Libertas Dubrovnik Bus Line 10. Buses run more frequently and are far cheaper than any other transport option.
Is Cavtat expensive?
Yes and no. Cavtat is far cheaper than Dubrovnik, but it is still expensive compared to other towns in Europe. This is typical for most touristy areas in Croatia
Other day trips from Dubrovnik
Don’t let your exploration away from Dubrovnik stop at Cavtat!
There are plenty of other amazing places to explore for a half-day or full-day trip from Dubrovnik.
Here are some more ideas for you to follow
Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls (Bosnia)
Take the trip across the border into Bosnia and visit these two wonderful locations. On our first visit to Dubrovnik, we took this private tour.
The Old Town of Mostar is a delight, with its Ottoman architecture influences and the famous Mostar Bridge. Our highlight was seeing professional divers straight from it.
Not to forget, the trip to Kravice Waterfalls, which allows you to explore the serene national park and see its picturesque cascading falls.
Read on: Bosnia day trip from Dubrovnik
Kotor and Perast
Another incredible day trip idea from Dubrovnik is visiting the Montenegro locations of Kotor and Perast.
Again, we took a private tour, visiting the two locations in a private vehicle. However, they are easily reachable by coach or ferry.
The charm of Kotor lies in its medieval Old Town. Climb the Kotor Fortress and get postcard-worthy panoramas of the Old Town and Kotor Bay.
Then head to Perast and see the picturesque island church ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’.
Read on: Dubrovnik to Kotor Day Trip
Final thoughts on visiting Cavtat from Dubrovnik
Well, there you have it! I hope this Cavtat guide helps you plan the perfect day trip from Dubrovnik.
There are just so many reasons to visit.
Whether it’s strolling along the pretty promenade, jumping in the sea from a hidden swimming spot, or simply escaping the bustling crowds of Dubrovnik, Cavtat has it all.
It’s easy to see why Cavtat is my favourite hidden gem and I hope you love it just as much as I do.
Let me know about your experience or if you have any questions in the comments below.
For more Dubrovnik-related posts, check out:
Game Of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik
One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CROATIA
Croatia Flights – Looking for cheap flights to Croatia? I’ve used Skyscanner countless times during my travels. It will scan the whole internet for prices on flights from all airlines, so you can find the best deal on your flight!
Croatia Travel Insurance – Do I need travel insurance for Croatia? Yes of course! I always get travel insurance in case anything happens during my travels. I highly recommend SafetyWing to help you find the best travel insurance.
Croatia Rental Cars – Should I rent a car in Croatia? Definitely! I’ve rented a car to travel around Croatia multiple times. It’s definitely the most convenient way to get around. Discover Cars is my go-to rental agency and offers the best rates wherever you travel.
Croatia Hotels – Need to find accommodation in Croatia? I’ve been booking all my hotels through Booking.com for years. They have a large range of different accommodation options to suit all travel styles. Plus, their loyalty discounts are a huge bonus!
Croatia Tours/Activities – For your tours or activities in Croatia, I couldn’t recommend GetYourGuide enough! I use it everywhere I go, and it is brilliant for thinking of ideas for things to do.
Croatia Phone Plans – If you need phone data for your travels around Croatia, I recommend getting an eSIM using Airalo. It’s been my saviour! It offers affordable roaming with great coverage. You can download the SIM straight from their app and top it up whenever you want.
