Although Dubrovnik is easily one of the most popular cities in Croatia, it can come with a downside – crowds! So if the typical tourist scene has you yearning for a quieter holiday, you should definitely consider a day trip from Dubrovnik to Cavtat.

Located southeast of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is an easy drive from the infamous Pearl of the Adriatic. Plus, Cavtat is equally as charming as its more frequented counterpart, but without the tourist-choked streets.

Essentially, it’s the perfect little seaside escape for anyone looking to unwind at a café, throw down a towel at a private beach cove, or simply stroll around the charming central village. Plus, it’s right near the border to mountainous Montenegro and only about 90 minutes from the historic city of Kotor.

So if you’re considering a day trip to Cavtat, here’s everything you need to know for a fun and seamless journey!

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Although Cavtat has managed to remain somewhat under-the-radar compared to more popular Croatian destinations like Dubrovnik and Split, it’s definitely worth a visit! This charming village is considered the southernmost “resort town” of Croatia and looks like it was created straight from a postcard.

If you love the idea of renting a boat and enjoying a lazy, leisurely holiday surrounded by crystal blue water and a cypress and pine forest, this is the escape for you.

Cavtat is a little over 13 miles (and about 21km) from the city of Dubrovnik. If you’re traveling by car, the journey takes just under 30 minutes to get from Dubrovnik to Cavtat.

Adriana Cavtat is the ferry company that operates the route from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. However, the ferry between the two is more of a water taxi than a large fleet like you’d expect to find between Hvar and Korcula, for example.

The ferry journey to Cavtat from Dubrovnik takes approximately 45 minutes, provided it’s a direct route. If there are additional stops along the way, it will take a bit longer.

Deciding whether to stay in Dubrovnik or Cavtat will completely depend on the holiday you’re hoping for. If you’re looking to plan a jam-packed trip with lots of sightseeing and touristy hotspots, Dubrovnik is the better choice.

There, you can explore the filming sites for Game of Thrones, visit popular historic monuments, and indulge in Michelin-recommended restaurants. There are also many wonderful boutique hotels in Dubrovnik, whether you prefer to stay close to the main action in the old town or venture out to some neighboring seaside areas.

If you’d prefer a more relaxed holiday and a slower travel experience, Cavtat will be the better fit. Here, you can enjoy the local feel of a more authentic Croatian town. Cavtat is the perfect base if you’re looking to unwind, rent a boat for a few days, and enjoy the surrounding nature of this sleepy town.

Dubrovnik is located in the Dalmatia region, whereas Cavtat lies southeast in the region of Konavle. There are four ways to get from Dubrovnik to Cavtat: by bus, by car, by taxi, and by boat.

Fortunately, the journey is straightforward and simple, regardless of how you decide to travel.

The bus is a cost-effective and convenient way to travel from Dubrovnik to Cavtat and you can reach Cavtat in about half an hour to 40 minutes. There are two route options, but ultimately you’ll need to catch Bus 10 regardless of which route you choose.

The options for traveling by bus are as follows:

Option 1: Head to Pile and take Bus 1A or 1B to the main bus station. From there, take Bus 10 and get off at the last stop.

Option 2: Head to the cable car station in Dubrovnik (Ul. Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. 10A, 20000) and take Bus 10 to Cavtat.

Personally, if you’re staying within Dubrovnik Old Town, I think option two is the best choice. This is what my husband and I did and found it to be straightforward and simple.

Bus fare costs between 19HRK and 26HRK (approx. $3 – $4USD)

You can check out the timetable for buses running east here.

Driving is another easy way to get to Cavtat – and you can even stop to enjoy some beautiful coastal views along the way!

If you’re driving directly from Dubrovnik, the journey will take just under 30 minutes. You can check out the recommended driving route here.

That said, unless you’re planning to have a car for the duration of your time in the Dubrovnik area, I recommend traveling by taxi, boat, or bus instead. The reason for this is that Cavtat is highly accessible on foot and you certainly won’t need a car to get around the town. In addition, you can also skip the added step of finding parking.

If you like the privacy factor of a car but you’d rather not have to drive yourself, you can also hire a cab to transport you from Dubrovnik to Cavtat.

Unsurprisingly, traveling by taxi is the costliest way to go, and you should expect to pay a premium of around 230HRK – 280HRK (approx. $32 – $40USD). That said, you’re definitely paying for the convenience factor as well as the luxury aspect, so the ride will be brief at around 20 minutes.

Here are some of the most popular taxi stations in Dubrovnik:

• Gruž main ferry terminal
• Gruž main bus station
• Pile Gate
• Ploce Gate
• Lapad (near post office)
• Dubrovnik Airport

Uber is another option to consider which is generally cheaper. Uber taxis tend to charge by the kilometer, but some popular routes have flat rates. You can typically expect to pay around 200HRK (approx. $28USD) for an Uber from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. 

Traveling by boat is another common and convenient way to get between Dubrovnik and Cavtat.

Adriana Dubrovnik Boat Tours operates out of the Old Town Port, one of the best viewpoints in Dubrovnik.

The cost for an adult ticket is 50HRK for a one-way and 100HRK for a round trip. A child’s ticket (ages five through 12) is half the price. Children under five can ride for free.

Boats run seasonally from April 1 to November 1, so be sure to factor this into your plans if you’re considering visiting in the off-season. 

Cavtat is the only urban center in the Konavle region of Croatia.

While the town is definitely sleepier than stimulating Dubrovnik, much of its charm lies in its tranquil environment. In fact, many people are attracted to this idyllic village because of the slower pace of life it offers.

Even still, you can find plenty to fill your days here, provided you seek the laidback lifestyle over a fast-paced itinerary of intense sightseeing.

Cavtat Old Town is located on the Rat Peninsula (a.k.a the Peninsula St Roch) on the eastern side of Luka Bay. This is one of two peninsulas that dominate the village along with the Sustjepan Peninsula.

The picturesque old town and its narrow cobbled lanes are a major departure from the bustling streets of Old Town Dubrovnik. Here, you’ll discover a range of charming cafés, restaurants, and small shops.

My husband and I enjoyed a relaxing breakfast at one of the lovely cafés along the promenade, but unfortunately, the name escapes me. That said, there are plenty to choose from here, so you really can’t go wrong.

The following eateries come highly recommended:

• Amour Café
• La Boheme
• Restaurant Ivan
• Dalmatino
• Konoba Toranj

One of the loveliest landmarks in the heart of Cavtat, St. Nicholas Church is a 15th-century Catholic Church dedicated to Our Lady of Cavtat.

In addition to a charming exterior and an iconic bell tower characteristic of European churches, the Baroque interior features evangelical paintings from respected painters like Vlaho Bukovac.

Given its beautiful seaside location, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Cavtat is stroll the waterfront promenade. The views here are beautiful and you’ll find everything from small boats to impressive yachts docked in the harbor.

There are also plenty of benches here if you wish to take a rest and do some people-watching – one of my favorite pastimes!

While you’re in town, you can’t miss a chance to explore beyond the old town with a walk along the Rat Peninsula Trail. This wooded trail is protected by pines, making for a comfortable, shaded stroll, especially in the oppressive summer heat.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll eventually hit Beach Rat, a pebbly beach that’s widely considered one of the best in Cavtat. There’s also a small and casual restaurant located just behind the beach if you wish to stop for a bite.

Similar to the beaches on the island of Hvar, the beaches of Cavtat are more akin to miniature bays.

You’ll quickly notice them cropping up as you make your way along the wooded trails. Generally, you’ll find mostly concrete beaches, pebbly beaches, or a combination of both. Many of them look like small natural pools.

These gems offer a local feel you simply won’t find from the more commercialized beaches like the ones in the resort town of Budva, Montenegro, for example.

Instead, these little gems are like a slice of paradise for those seeking a quiet beach escape away from the crowds and noise.

What’s especially wonderful about these mini beaches is that you can easily drop a towel – free of charge – and simply soak up the sun and sea at your leisure.

Personally, I recommend steering clear of Beach Žal unless you’d prefer the crowds and noise of more commercialized beaches. I planned to spend a better part of the day chilling out there, but I found the environment overly stimulating and even overwhelming for my taste.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual stroll through charming Cavtat! Frankly, I think that a day trip from Dubrovnik to Cavtat is a no-brainer. Not only is Cavtat convenient to reach, but it’s also a perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a laidback holiday with a local feel.

Now tell me, are you planning to add Cavtat to your Dubrovnik itinerary? Let me know in the comments below!

Planning a trip to Southern Croatia? Check out my other guides:

• 15 Boutique Hotels in Dubrovnik (Old Town Gems to Seaside Sanctuaries)
• Dubrovnik Walls Walk: Essential Guide to a Memorable Croatian Experience
• 15 Stunning Dubrovnik Viewpoints & Photo Spots You Can’t Miss
• 15 Beautiful Boutique Hotels in Hvar with Sea Views
• 17 Fun Things to Do on Hvar Island, Croatia (Hvar Town & Beyond)
• Hvar Town or Stari Grad, Croatia? Which Island Town Is Best?
• 15 Fun Things to Do on Korcula, Croatia’s Island Gem
• Hvar vs Korcula: Which Croatian Island Is Right for You?