CAVTAT - a hidden Croatian jewel where life is a simple pleasure
Cavtat (tsav-tat) is a charming little town in the south of the Adriatic coast, less then 20 km (12 miles) from the city of Dubrovnik, the tourist hot spot. Cavtat, known in ancient times as Epidaurus, was an important Roman colony in this region and is now the largest urban core in the municipality of Konavle. Cavtat is the perfect destination for anyone who would rather skip the crowds of tourists in Croatia's more popular cities. It is remarkable for its beautiful waterfront, crystal-blue sea and numerous beaches, as well as its historic architecture and museums, along with a wide range of other activities and facilities available in Cavtat itself, Konavle and Dubrovnik.
During the day, you can sit back and relax with a good book by the pool in Didan Apartments. In the pleasantly warm evenings, you can choose from a diverse and rich program organized by the Tourist Board of Konavle. You can watch movies in the open air under the stars, attend a concert or one of the various exhibitions.
(We definitely recommend seeing the folklore show in Čilipi. Being a town with a long and rich history, Cavtat is a treasure trove of historical monuments. One of the most notable sights is undoubtedly the Mausoleum of the Račić family, a masterpiece of our world-famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović.)
Cavtat will certainly not disappoint you if you're more of an adventurous type, either. Take a boat trip to the surrounding islands, explore the underwater caves, go diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, paragliding, horseback riding or visit the adrenaline park. If, on the other hand, you would prefer a culinary adventure, treat yourself to an exciting wine-tasting experience or an olive-grove tour.
Cavtat is a place where you can unwind and recharge your batteries while enjoying the beautiful scenery, food and wine. Its many restaurants, with their varied selection of food, will ensure that each visitor find whatever best suits his or her palate. In fact, in 2022, Cavtat won the title of the Best sustainable gastronomic destination in Europe thanks to its konobe (traditional wine-cellar taverns) and quaint country estates in the heart of Konavle, which offer healthy traditional home-made food in a unique setting. And if you'd like to try the traditional dishes of this region, you can choose from several traditional restaurants.
If you dream of a place where life is pure pleasure and where you can experience the magic of life, then Cavtat is the right place for you. This romantic town has truly earned its title as 2023's Top honeymoon destination, so if you and your significant other wish to strengthen your love even further, this is definitely the destination for you. Kamen mali, one of the most popular beaches, where lovers go to enjoy the magical sunset, is just one of many romantic spots in Cavtat.
Although this magical town offers various forms of entertainment and ways to enjoy your vacation, rest assured that it will enchant you first and foremost with its bountiful nature, gorgeous beaches and pristine sea, which is a delight to dive into. Cavtat proudly holds the title of The most beautiful bay in Europe 2024. The Cavtat Bay has also provided the setting to some fascinating historical tales through the centuries, including the romantic story of the grandfather of the renowned painter Vlaho Bukovac. Having wrecked his ship, he sought refuge in the Cavtat Bay, where, as fate would have it, he fell in love with a beautiful young woman and started a family. The people whose paths have crossed here, who’ve lived and loved, come and gone, have all left behind their trace—a sense of fulfillment and vitality written in the rocks and the sea which you can still feel as you walk through Cavtat.
We wish you a warm welcome!
The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the southern part of Dalmatian coast,is known as one of the world’s finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world.
Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains.
Damaged again in the 1990s during the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik was besieged by the Serbian Army and suffered significant damage from shelling.
It is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO. The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the southern part of Dalmatian coast,is known as one of the world’s finest and most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world.
Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains.
Damaged again in the 1990s during the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik was besieged by the Serbian Army and suffered significant damage from shelling.
It is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO.
Although Dubrovnik has much to offer in terms of historical sightseeing, the visitor can also enjoy markets, bazaars, cafes, bars and restaurants, as a part of vibrant and living city.
During the summer, there is also a choice of the famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival in July and August, which includes cultural events such as outdoor concerts, opera and ballet. All year round you can see theatre plays in the local theatre.
The easiest way to visit Dubrovnik is by ferry that departs from the first pier, just a 5-minute walk from Didan Apartments. You can buy ferry tickets at the reception.
https://tzdubrovnik.hr/lang/en/index.html
Less than half an hour's sail from Dubrovnik, there is a small green paradise surrounded by the azure sea. Quiet islands, some even without cars, are the right place to escape from the heat and crowds. The Elaphite Islands, or simply the Elaphites, are a group of islands, islets and rocks scattered along the coast of Dubrovnik.
Only the three largest are inhabited and you can visit them as part of an unforgettable trip on the charming boat Miko, which departs from Cavtat every morning.
The Elafites are an oasis of Mediterranean greenery, enchanting beaches, rich in cultural monuments - a multitude of churches, chapels and summer residences dating from Dubrovnik Republic.
You can buy tickets and reserve a place on the boat at the Didan Apartment reception, no later than 1 day before departure.
A magical oasis of peace, right opposite crowded Dubrovnik, withregular ferry service from the Old City port.
Lokrum is an exotic and mysterious venue of many stories and legends, and also a Nature reserve and a Special forest vegetation reserve.
Benedictine monastery from 1023, a mansion of archduke Maximilianwith a magnificent botanic garden with pathways laid out, Charlotte's Well, The Dead Sea, Fort Royal...
Diving into this place takes you to a different, magical world.
The easiest way to visit Lokrum is by ferry that departs from the first pier, just a 5-minute walk from Didan Apartments. You can buy ferry tickets at the reception.
Čilipi is adoring village located in the municipality Konavle, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, located only 5 km from Cavtat, the largest settlement in Konavle. As well as the other Konavlevillages, Čilipi still maintains the appearance of traditional stone architecture that represents the specific culture of housing and living, cherishing traditional values of Konavle region. Known for its unique folk customs, as well as rich hand-made costumes, recognizable by their elegance and distinctive silk.
On in the main square, in front of the Parish Church of St. Nicholas, local folk groups perform amazing songs and dances of Konavle region, every Sunday from Easter until late October, for already four decades.
You can get information on how to get to Čilipi at the reception.
The Bukovac House and Gallery is a beautiful museum located in the picturesque town of Cavtat, Croatia. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Vlaho Bukovac, a renowned Croatian painter who was born in Cavtat in 1855.
The museum is housed in Bukovac's former family home, which has been lovingly restored to showcase the artist's work and the beauty of the traditional Dalmatian architecture. The museum's collection includes over 150 of Bukovac's works, as well as a number of pieces by his contemporaries and students.
Visitors to the Bukovac House and Gallery can explore the artist's studio, which has been carefully reconstructed to look as it did during Bukovac's lifetime. The museum also features a beautiful garden with views over the bay of Cavtat, where visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
The Bukovac House and Gallery is a must-visit destination for art lovers and those interested in the history and culture of Croatia. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Croatia's most important artists and showcases his beautiful and evocative works.
The mausoleum of the Račić family (Our Lady of the Angels) is the work of the worldwide known Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, located at the cemetery of St. Rocco, on the highest point of the Rat peninsula, above the urban centre of Cavtat.
It was constructed for the ship-owner family Račić between 1920 and 1922. as a votive cemetery chapel consecrated to Our Lady of Angels.
Using different historical styles, Meštrović eclectically builds a new, modern space in an art deco atmosphere where architecture and sculpture are on an equal footing.
For this masterpiece Meštrović received the Grand Prix in 1925 at the International Exhibition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Art in Paris.
On the bell, also cast according to Meštrović's design, his beautiful reflection is inscribed: "Comprehendthe secret of love, you will solve the secret of death and believe that life is eternal".
Sokol Grad is a large defensive medieval castle, located in the hills above the village of Dunave, close to the Croatian-Bosnian border, less than half an hour driving from Cavtat.
This imposing fortress was open to visitors in 2013 after extensive restoration works. During the restoration, many archaeological artefacts were found onsite, some of them dating back to late Copper and early Bronze times.
In the small museum within the castle you can view thecollection of jewellery, decorative and utilitarian objects and weapons from the Copper, Bronze and Iron Age, and also read about the history of this place.
You can arrange a transfer to Sokol Grad at the Didan Apartment reception.
Rector’s palace in Pridvorje was the seat of the Rector of Konavle, which the Republic of Dubrovnik had built next to the village of Sveti Martin after establishing overall authority over Konavle in 1427.
Palace was thoroughly reconstructed and opened to visitors since 2023.
You can arrange a transfer to Rector’s palace at the Didan Apartment reception.
https://www.migk.hr/en/archaeological-sites/rector-s-palace-pridvorje
Hospitality and care for the fulfilling stay of visitors to our beautiful Konavle is also represented in the activities of Konavle Tourist Board.
Numerous folklore events, concerts, theatre performances and other cultural events are organized by Konavle Tourist Boardthroughout the tourist season.
You can find information about weekly events in Cavtat on the bulletin board at the Didan Apartments reception.
The Crvik winery is located in Konavle, a green oasis not far from Cavtat, in the picturesque village of Komaji, on the hills between Konavle field on one side and the sea on the other. This is an ideal place to learn about Konavle’s wine history and the latest achievements in wine production in the Dubrovnik region.
On the foundations of a winemaking tradition of more than 100 years, the winery is managed today by the third and fourth generation of winemakers from the Crvik family. Visit and get to know autochthonous varieties ofmulti-awarded wines Maraština, Plavacmali, the famous Dubrovnik’s Malvasia, as well asworldwide known Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cheers!
Wine tour reservations can be arranged at the Didan Apartments reception.