Cavtat Yacht Charter Guide

Soak up the beauty of Croatia without the crowds in the charming town of Cavtat (pronounced tsav-tat). Cavtat is located within the Konavle region of the country and is often called the ‘Croatian Tuscany’ due to its immense beauty and thriving array of vineyards. 
With its bright turquoise waters and many beautiful beaches to explore on board your yacht, it offers exceptionally stunning cruising grounds. The enchanting town is full of character, with thousands of years of history and a distinctive culture to discover. Lesser known than the buzzing cities of Dubrovnik and Split, Cavtat offers a quieter, slower pace for visitors while still conveniently located. A destination in itself, Cavtat can also be a place to begin a charter of Croatia, Italy and Montenegro. 

Best time to visit: Cavtat benefits from a beautiful Mediterranean climate and is best explored between June and August. 

Key cruising areas: Cavtat is less than 20 km from Dubrovnik so is ideally situated for day trips to explore the city. It is also located very close to Montenegro, a burgeoning luxury tourism destination with many yacht-friendly amenities and beautiful cruising areas. 
Cavtat can also be the first stop on a yacht charter through Croatia. Sail to the Kornati Islands, a breathtaking archipelago of over 140 uninhabited islands and a national park. These tranquil waters are a spectacular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling and you could sail for hours without encountering another boat. 

Don't miss: Walk along the Cavtat waterfront and enjoy the lively promenade, which often has live music and performers to entertain visitors. Choose one of the cozy cafes to enjoy a mid-morning coffee or afternoon tea and take in the historic harbor with its small fishing boats. You will soon understand why Cavtat is called ‘The Pearl of the Croatian Coast’. 

Best spots for wining and dining: A very popular spot for yacht guests in Cavtat, ​​Bugenvila is a waterfront restaurant with breathtaking views of the bay and a simple yet refined menu – try the fresh oysters for a delicious lunch.  Located moments from Ključice beach, Zalogajnica Rokotin is an excellent place to try traditional Dalmatian meals in a scenic setting; the grilled fish and risotto dishes here are fresh and flavourful. The wines from this area of Croatia are renowned for their quality. You can even take a scenic train journey through the Konavle valley that stops at family-run vineyards to offer tastings and samples of some of the area’s best wines. 

Best local dish: Traditional Croatian dishes are cooked over an open fire and many local restaurants still prepare food this way. Due to its location on the water, there are many fresh seafood options in Cavtat and squid ink risotto is a very popular local dish. Olive oil is produced all around Croatia and is the base of many sauces and salad dressings, and a sweet delicacy from the region is walnut cake – a must-try for those who love dessert.

Local culture: Cavtat has over two thousand years of history to discover. Visit the nearby village of Cilipi to immerse yourself in the traditional culture of Cavtat and the wider Dalmatian region. A village known for its preservation of folklore, ancient customs and rich hand-made costumes, Cilipi celebrates its history by performing time-honored local songs and dances each Sunday from early spring to late October. 
In Cavtat, walk through the old town and take in the beautiful architecture. The Prince’s Palace is one of the city’s must-see landmarks and is now a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s past. 

Best beach: Kamen Mali is undeniably the most popular beach in the area and a favorite among the locals. In the summer months you will see many people jumping off the rocks into the shallow water which is a tradition from local folklore – take part at your own risk! Gradska Plaža is found very close to the town center and is an excellent choice for families, with tanning beds and shaded areas. For a quieter option, Bubbly beach is best visited by boat so often deserted. Drop anchor and take your yacht’s tender to the shore to enjoy this tranquil spot. 

IYC recommends: Take a day trip to the small town of Mlini. One of the most beautiful ports in Croatia, this small fishing village offers unbelievably beautiful scenery, where dramatic mountains meet crystal blue waters. Just a short sail away by yacht, you can drop anchor in the serene bay and head ashore to explore this picturesque place.