Cavtat Holidays from £723pp

Why go to Cavtat

Ancient necropolises, impressive architecture and secluded rocky coves lapped by the crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea, a Cavtat holiday seamlessly blends Croatian culture with a classic seaside escape.

Perched between two pretty harbours, Cavtat – pronounced “tsav-tat” – is a charming town backed by a forest of pine and cypress trees, yet remains within easy reach of the secluded white-pebble beaches the Dalmatian Coast is renowned for. Beach Rat is one of the best in near Cavtat, where lush pines flank huge flat rocks and shallow turquoise waters.

Beaches aside, there's plenty of history and culture to immerse yourself in on a Cavtat break. Step back from the coast to find a charming old city crammed with history and heritage. Explore the old ruins of the former city walls, find an Illyrian stone necropolis and visit the crumbling remnants of an ancient amphitheatre. For art lovers, Cavtat has become a notable stop on the Croatian art trail (it was the former home of the much-admired Croatian artist, Vlaho Bukovac).

Cavtat is also a foodie’s paradise, packed with traditional dishes from the Dalmatia region, including soparnik (Swiss chard and cheese pie) and pašticada (beef stew with prunes). Some of Croatia’s best wines from the nearby Konavle region are popular here, too. Sample it all in the cosy tavernas of the old town or in the chichi waterfront restaurants which run along Cavtat’s pretty harbour.

If you’re still looking for more, Dubrovnik is an easy 30-minute drive north. For a little more adventure, you can even take a scenic boat trip to the city, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When to go to Cavtat

Croatia enjoys a balmy Mediterranean climate, which means Cavtat sees plenty of sun-drenched days between May and late October.

Even the cooler months between November and March, while hovering around the 10C mark, are dotted with bright, crisp sunny days. It's also when hotel rates fall, so it’s a good time to nab a cheap Cavtat holiday (although not all the restaurants, bars and shops will be open).

Peak season is July and August when temperatures reach a sizzling 27C and above, and Cavtat's population grows tenfold. It's also when room rates are at their peak and the beaches often crowded.

The best time to visit, for both weather and price, are the shoulder seasons of May and June and September and October. With the mercury still reaching 20C and beyond, you'll still be able to eat outside, sunbathe on the beach and swim in the rather temperate sea.

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.