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What to do in Cavtat

Sandwiched between two harbours, Cavtat's waterfront is lined with a number of restaurants, local bars and quirky gift shops. But venture a few streets beyond the pretty promenade and you'll discover the historic old city with its wealth of Baroque and Renaissance architecture and fascinating galleries.

The Bukovac House

The 19th-century childhood home of Vlaho Bukovac, a famed Croatian artist and one of Cavtat's most notable exports, is today a museum and gallery space dedicated to his work.

It’s also something of a canvas itself; for a period in his youth, Bukovac painted directly onto the walls of the building (the murals were only discovered in the 90s, having been painted over in the intervening years). Beyond the art, there are personal belongings and furniture on display.

The Baltazar Bogišić Collection

Overlooking the waterfront, this grand mansion houses an extensive 35,000-piece collection of Croatian heritage items, including a 15,000-strong library of books that belonged to 19th-century lawyer-turned-writer, Baltazar Bogišić.

It also features a collection of paintings by the writer's friend Bukovac, including a rare canvas of the Cavtat Carnival, making it well worth a stop in to break up your time on the beach.

The Račić Mausoleum

If you’re up for an afternoon of sightseeing, wander over to the hilltop Račić Mausoleum following your stop at the Baltazar Bogišić Collection.

Built for the well-known shipping Račić family by esteemed Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrović, the impressive octagonal tomb is made entirely of white marble stone from Brač Island. With panoramic sea views, the leafy cemetery is a lovely – if usual – place to take a stroll and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Illyrian necropolises

Cavtat dates back to the 6th century BC, when it was called Zaptal by the Illyrians, and you can find some remains of the early settlement – a necropolis – on the town’s Rat peninsula.

Illyrian necropolises are also dotted all throughout the Konavle region. Hire a car – and perhaps even a guide – to head outside of town and explore some of the region's other ruins. There are more than 100 of these primitive stone clusters built for the ancient Illyrian chiefs, found mostly near the towns of Mikulići, Pločice and Čilipi.

Our Lady of the Snow Monastery

For fans of early Renaissance art, it's well worth a peek into the church attached to this 15th-century Franciscan monastery perched on the north end of Cavtat harbour.

While the monastery – now a bed-and-breakfast – is only open to overnight guests, the church is open to the public and features a 16th-century triptych of St. Michael by Croatian artist Vicko (Lovrin) Dobričević, as well as a painting of the Madonna and Child looking over Cavtat by Bukovac.