Cavtat combines a sheltered, accessible bay with several art and historical sites, as well as described hiking and cycling routes. You can shape your stay around culture, activity or both: collections, churches and a mausoleum are at the heart of the town; activities vary in their starting points and route lengths. Diving is possible around Cavtat and the nearby islands, depending on local operators and sea conditions.

Culture and History in Cavtat

Cavtat is located on the Rat peninsula around a sheltered, accessible bay; the Sustjepan peninsula is also part of this setting. In antiquity, the settlement was the Roman colony of Epidaurus, and historically Cavtat was also known as Ragusa Vecchia. During the Republic of Dubrovnik, Cavtat was the Republic’s second most important seaport after Dubrovnik, as well as a place of trade and administration. The ancient designation and the historical name thus refer to different periods in the town’s history.

Kuća Bukovac opened to the public in 2004. The permanent exhibition presents works from every phase of Vlaho Bukovac’s artistic career. At the Baltazar Bogišić Collection in Cavtat, you can see the permanent exhibition Raznolikosti Bogišićeve ostavštine. The collection comprises more than 28,000 museum and library objects, as well as Bogišić’s personal archive. Another, quite different encounter with a collection is a half-hour guided tour of more than 2,500 shell specimens from seas and oceans around the world.

The churches and the Račić family mausoleum also offer different insights. Inside the Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Gospe od Snijega), you will find sculptures, paintings, metalwork and textiles; the display may change. The parish church of St Nicholas was built in the 15th century. The Račić family mausoleum is Ivan Meštrović’s first completed work and combines architecture with sculpture. At the 1925 Paris Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts, the mausoleum received the Grand Prix.

On Foot, by Bike and Underwater

The eight-kilometre Cavtat–Močići–Čilipi hiking trail starts at the Church of St George (Đurđa) near Mečajac. The elevation remains roughly the same for most of the route, making it suitable for recreational hikers. Side trails lead to swimming spots on the Konavle cliffs; access may be affected by the season. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.

The Cavtat–Močići–Čilipi cycling route is 9.5 kilometres long and starts at Cavtat bus station. Asphalt and gravel alternate along the route, which is suitable for trekking and mountain bikes. A second ride, Cavtat–Zvekovica–Miljasi, is a 26-kilometre circular route that also starts at Cavtat bus station. The routes therefore differ in length and whether they form a loop. Check route details and surfaces locally before cycling, as conditions can change.

Diving is possible around Cavtat and near the islands of Mrkan, Bobara and Supetar. Underwater, you can find ancient archaeological sites, underwater walls, caves and shipwrecks. Access and conditions depend on local operators and the state of the sea.

Getting There and Choosing Your Location

The hiking trail, however, has its own starting point near Mečajac. Dubrovnik Airport is in Čilipi, five kilometres from Cavtat. A taxi service is available for local transfers; its operation depends on local conditions. Bus route 10 connects Dubrovnik and Cavtat and runs on a schedule every 30 minutes. As timetables can change, check the current schedule before travelling.

The Wider Area: Općina Konavle

Općina Konavle encompasses a fertile valley up to 35 kilometres long and up to 12 kilometres wide. On the mountain side, the slopes of Snježnica, which reaches 1,234 metres, and Bjelotina border the landscape. Toward the sea, steep cliffs extend from Cavtat harbour through Molunat to the Prevlaka peninsula and Cape Oštro. This regional context adds to Cavtat’s local history without equating the landscape of the entire municipality with the town itself.

Discover more destinations: Brotnice, Poljice, Stravča, Lovorno, Pridvorje, Močići, Zvekovica, Palje Brdo

For the broader travel overview: Općina Konavle.