How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Cavtat from Dubrovnik
Cavtat is an absolute treat! It’s hard to believe that just a 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik can take you to such a gorgeous little coastal town.
I was lucky enough to go for a day trip to Cavtat from Dubrovnik through a recommendation of a friend and it did not disappoint.
Everything about it feels almost Dubrovnik déjà vu like with red-roofed buildings, old stone architecture, and a picturesque promenade but with the bonus of no bustling crowds!
If you’re planning a trip, this guide has everything you need. I’ll cover the best time to visit, how to get here from Dubrovnik, the best things to do, and all the practical information you’ll need for an unforgettable day trip.
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Best time to visit Cavtat
The best time to visit Cavtat is during the summer. Sunny weather brings out the best in Cavtat, with ideal weather to swim and stroll around the picturesque promenade.
I highly recommend visiting in either June or September, as in July and August you will face the peak summer crowds.
How to get to Cavtat from Dubrovnik
Cavtat is just 19 km from Dubrovnik, with many accessible transport options available from the city.
Dubrovnik to Cavtat by bus
Catching the bus is by far the cheapest option to get from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. Take the No.10 bus from either the Old Town or Dubrovnik Bus Station, which takes you directly to Cavtat Bus Station.
This option is far easier and more flexible than waiting for a ferry. 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.
Dubrovnik to Cavtat by ferry
If you want to get to Cavtat in pure James Bond fashion, then the ferry service is the perfect option to choose.
You’ll need to take the Adriana Cavtat ferry from the Old Port in Dubrovnik. The journey lasts 45 minutes.
The ferry schedule can be really random depending on the time of season, so I highly recommend checking out the latest ferry schedule from Dubrovnik to plan your embark time.
Note: Ferries from Dubrovnik to Cavtat only run from April to November.
Dubrovnik to Cavtat by car
Renting a car to drive to Cavtat from Dubrovnik is by far the fastest and most convenient option. The route follows the Adriatic Highway and takes just 25-30 minutes from Dubrovnik Old Town.
Cavtat has one main parking area, located right next to the bus station and costs €3 an hour. There are other options but they are too far out from the main centre.
The parking lot gets extremely busy after midday. I had to wait awkwardly for an available parking spot after arriving at 12pm. I highly recommend arriving before 11 am if you’re visiting during the peak summer season to avoid this issue.
You can also get 1 hour of free parking if you spend more than €4 at Studenac Market next to the parking lot. Just make sure to scan your parking ticket at the till.
If you are looking to rent a car, I recommend Discover Cars. I’ve used them for various road trips around Croatia and have had no issues so far!
Best things to do in Cavtat
Walk along the promenade
The promenade winds around the Rat peninsula and through the town. Lined with shops, yachts and cafes, it is the perfect place to start your day trip to Cavtat from Dubrovnik.
It takes 1-2 hours to leisurely explore. Perhaps you want to stop off for some gelato and sit on the nearby benches while you enjoy a scenic view of the bay.
Don’t stop until you find these little arches, my favourite find on the promenade. They capture the most perfect frame of Cavtat!
Explore the Old Town
Cavtat’s Old Town is relatively small and shouldn’t take less than 20 minutes to explore.
There are plenty of quaint narrow streets, and old stone architecture that make you feel like you’ve stepped back inside Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
I recommend visiting the Church of St. Nicholas while you’re here. It is a lovely baroque church with interesting paintings and is free to enter which is a bonus!
Hike up to the Racic Mausoleum
Racic Mausoleum is one of the highest points in Cavtat and takes 15 minutes to hike up from the Old Town.
The Racic Mausoleum was created as a final resting place for the Racic family who were influential to the Cavtat economy back in the 19th century.
Inside you’ll find various intricate artwork and sculptures depicting the family. Tickets cost €4 and it is only open from April 1st to October 31st.
The views right next to the mausoleum are incredible. You will get 360 panoramas of the entire Old Town and harbour, making it 100% worth the hike!
Go for a swim
In Cavtat, you can swim almost anywhere along the promenade, as long as there are designated swimming markers inside the water.
I saw many locals jumping in and out while enjoying various community ball games. So don’t feel out of line for hopping in!
Take a boat trip
There are plenty of boat trips available from Cavtat, including visits to idyllic islands in the Adriatic Sea, such as the Elaphiti Islands and Mljet.
To find a boat trip, I recommend speaking to one of the tour operators on the promenade. I found online tours to be a lot more expensive and only offered private options.
You will be required to take a transfer from Dubrovnik Old Port in most cases, but instructions will be explained by the tour guide on how to continue your journey.
Walk around the Sustjepan Trail
Cavtat has so many scenic hiking trails, but one that stands ahead of the rest for me is the Sustjepan Hiking Trail.
It is a beautiful trail that winds and bends around the peninsula for around 30 minutes. The path is mostly flat with slight steep inclines from time to time.
In the beginning, you’ll get a panorama of the Cavtats harbour and Old Town. Then begin to pass through a dense woodland, past the back of Hotel Croatia Cavtat and then eventually end up back in the Old Town.
I highly recommend doing the Sustjepan Trail during sunset for enhanced views!
Relax on a beach
Cavtat has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dubrovnik area and with six beaches to choose from, you’re really spoilt for choice!
Here are my top recommendations:
- Beach Zal: This is the most family-friendly option in Cavtat. It has a giant bouncy castle in the middle of the sea, with water rental shops nearby to rent Kayaks, Pedal boats, and Stand-Up Boards, you name it! It is a 12-minute walk away from the promenade.
- Sustjepan Beach: Although this is a concrete area, it has sunbeds to accommodate for relaxed sunbathing. Just by the sunbeds are stairs that lead directly to the water, so you can dip in and out as you please. Spinaker Restaurant & Lounge Bar is nearby and you can order cocktails straight to your sunbed.
Where to eat in Cavtat
Cavtat has a massive selection of restaurants, serving great food with a Dalmatian twist! I’ve been lucky to try a few options in Cavtat and I haven’t been disappointed with the quality.
Here are my recommendations that offer great selections suited to all dietary requirements;
- Bugenvila in Cavtat: This has some of the best Mediterranean food I’ve tried in Croatia. A little on the expensive side, but it is 100% worth the cost.
- Ivan Restaurant: The restaurant has delicious food with impeccable service. It is run by the owner Ivan who puts in a huge effort alongside his team to make you feel welcome.
- Taverna Galija: My ultimate go-to for lunch, with various options also for an evening meal. While it is pretty pricey, the quality doesn’t disappoint.
Note: Most restaurants in Cavtat close for the winter season, typically from November to March.
Cavtat Map
This map includes all the best things to do on your Cavtat to Dubrovnik day trip, including my restaurant recommendations and where to park.
Check out more day trips from Dubrovnik:
Bosnia Day Trip from Dubrovnik
For more Dubrovnik-related posts, check out:
Game Of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik
One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO CROATIA
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