Cavtat Travel Guide

City Historic coastal town and harbour near Dubrovnik

Sea air and a palm-lined Riva set the tone in this Dalmatian port near Dubrovnik. Visitors linger for waterfront seafood, small pebble beaches, yacht anchorage, Venetian-era churches and coastal promenades that lead to quiet bays and galleries.

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Costs
$100-200 USD per day
Higher-season coastal Croatia prices near Dubrovnik; quieter off-season rates.
Safety
Safe and polished
Very safe; tourist-oriented with low violent crime.
Best Time
May-September
Late spring to early autumn for swimming and boat trips to Dubrovnik.
Time
Weather
Population
2,189
Infrastructure & Convenience
Frequent buses and boat links to Dubrovnik; tourist services and English widely available.
Popularity
Popular upscale alternative to Dubrovnik-favored by families and yachting visitors.
Known For
seaside promenade, pebble beaches, luxury villas, historic old town, marina, proximity to Dubrovnik, pine-shaded bays, seafood restaurants
Cavtat lies just south of Dubrovnik and has long been a favored retreat for painters and writers.

Why Visit Cavtat? #

Hugging a sheltered bay south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is known for its elegant waterfront promenade, palm-lined harbor and intimate old town. Art lovers can visit the Bukovac Gallery honoring native son Vlaho Bukovac, while seafood restaurants and seaside cafés highlight fresh Adriatic fare. Its small-marina atmosphere and water taxis to Dubrovnik make Cavtat a refined coastal alternative for travelers seeking art, calm coves and historic streets.

Top Things to Do in Cavtat

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Cavtat Old Town promenade - Seaside waterfront lined with cafes, palm trees, galleries and gentle walking routes.
  • Raušić (Račić) Mausoleum on Sustjepan - Striking family mausoleum by sculptor Ivan Rendić on a small coastal headland.
  • Bukovac House & Gallery - Museum in the painter Vlaho Bukovac's former home showcasing his works and local art.
Hidden Gems
  • Mirakul Gardens - Small terraced gardens with viewpoints and fragrant Mediterranean planting near the seafront.
  • Cavtat seaside cliffs - Hidden rock coves and quieter swimming spots along the town's rocky coastline.
  • Local konoba taverns - Family-run coastal restaurants serving fresh seafood and Konavle regional specialties off main promenade.
Day Trips
  • Dubrovnik Old Town - World-famous walled city reachable by short coastal drive or boat from Cavtat.
  • Elafiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud) - Short boat trips to tranquil islands with beaches, walking trails and historic monasteries.

Best Time to Visit Cavtat #

Cavtat is best from late spring through early autumn for swimming, boat trips and lively evenings. Winters are mild and quiet-great for peaceful walks and lower prices.

Winter
December - February · 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)
mild and calm-harbor strolls and low-season prices; some restaurants close but atmosphere is peaceful and photogenic for winter photography.
Spring
March - May · 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
pleasantly warm, blossoming and ideal for boat trips-water warms early and paths crowd less than in July and August.
Summer
June - August · 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
hot, sunny and lively-perfect for swimming, island hopping and nightlife; expect crowds and higher prices during July-August, book early.

Best Time to Visit Cavtat #

Climate

Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1198 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

129 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 18°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
13.2h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
Very High
14.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

87 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
15.1h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
14.8h daylight

August

August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
13.7h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

83 Excellent

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 26°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm).

70 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
14° 21°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

143 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.9h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

174 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
13°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.0h daylight

How to Get to Cavtat

By Air
By Train & Bus

How to Get Around Cavtat #

Cavtat is very walkable-the waterfront, old town and beaches are close together and easy on foot. Regular Libertas buses and seasonal catamaran/boat services link Cavtat with Dubrovnik; the bus ride to Dubrovnik takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis and rental cars are available, but parking in peak season can be limited; many visitors prefer the frequent boat and bus connections for day trips to Dubrovnik and nearby islands.

Where to Stay in Cavtat #

Budget
Old Town / harbour - €40-100/night
Cavtat has a healthy supply of budget guesthouses and apartments, particularly around the old harbour. Summer rates rise significantly.
Mid-Range
Seafront promenade - €80-180/night
Plenty of comfortable mid-range hotels and family-run guesthouses close to the promenade; easy access to Dubrovnik by boat or car.
Luxury
Harbourfront & private villas - €150+/night
Cavtat offers a few upscale hotels and villas with private sea access; Dubrovnik's luxury hotels are a short transfer away for more options.

Where to Eat in Cavtat #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Cavtat's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Regional
Croatian
Fish
Balkan
Burger
Italian
Italian Pizza
Grill
Local
Chicken
Hot Dog
Pancake
Seafood
Sandwich
Ice Cream
Fine Dining
Mediterranean

Nightlife in Cavtat #

Cavtat’s evenings are relaxed-seafront bars, tavernas and hotel terraces are the main night-time options. Live music and cocktails appear in summer, but this is not a high-energy party town.

Shopping in Cavtat #

Shopping consists mainly of seaside boutiques, art galleries and souvenir shops along the promenade. For larger retail choices and supermarkets, Dubrovnik is the nearest option.

Nearby Cities #