This little town, situated in the south of the Croatian Adriatic, was also known as Epidaurum, an ancient Greek colony. Some historical sources claim that Dubrovnik was founded by refugees from Cavtat who had to leave their homes before the Slavic invasion. However, during the rule of the medieval Dubrovnik Republic, Cavtat was treated as the second most important center of the Republic.
Nowadays, Cavtat amazes its visitors by a warm and cheerful atmosphere in its historical core. In its surroundings, there is plenty of tourist facilities and hotel resorts. Cavtat is known as the Gate of the Croatian Adriatic because it is the first stop for cruisers and sailors who enter territorial waters of Croatia from the south. This makes Cavtat a logical destination to take a break at, and, more importantly, the paperwork for the yacht and the crew is done there. The port of Cavtat is equipped with berths and facilities to accommodate both small sailing yachts and massive mega yachts. It happens very often that visitors stay in Cavtat a few days longer than planned.
The port is very pleasant and well protected, the food offered by some exclusive restaurants can be catered aboard, and the nightlife offers various forms of entertainment, ranging from sipping a glass of nice wine on a calm terrace, to dancing in cocktail bars, and gambling in one of Cavtat’s casinos.
To those who like classic art and history, Cavtat offers a visit to the house, atelier and gallery of Vlaho Bukovac, the most important Croatian painter of academic realism. Furthermore, there is the Mausoleum of Račić family, designed in art deco style by the internationally acclaimed Croatian sculptor and architect Ivan Meštrović. The waterfront and the city core, with the Duke’s Palace, built in the 16th century and the Church of St. Nicholas, are masterpieces of medieval architecture.
Cavtat is not reserved only for those who enter the Croatian Adriatic from the south, or plan to leave it heading south. It is also a perfect stop-by for all who have decided to sail Dubrovnik area and the islands of the Croatian South Adriatic.
I wish you a calm sea, a fine wind and a strong mast!