Cavtat (pronounced "Tsav-tat") is built on the site of a Roman town that was once known as Epidaurum. It is now a quiet little fishing village with numerous waterside bars and restaurants, and walks around the peninsula. Cavtat can be reached from Dubrovnic, 17km down the coast, by ferryboat or a number 10 bus.

Cavtat Bay - Dubrovnik visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Cavtat Bay' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Dubrovnik-Neretva.

Cavtat, and the associated Cavtat Bay, is a very popular tourist destination in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County of Croatia, not far from Dubrovnik. The ancient fishing village is beautifully set around the northern edge of Cavtat Bay, with crystal clear waters facing west over the Mediterranean. Cavtat has numerous hotels, holiday apartments and hostels to cater for visitors, but retains a good balance of modern hotels with ancient charm.

Cavtat was founded in the 3rd century BC by Illyrians and Greek traders, later becoming a Roman colony. It was abandoned during the Middle Ages and rebuilt during the Renaissance.

Traditionally a fishing village, Cavtat today relies heavily on the tourism industry. The town has numerous hotels, several with private terraces with direct sea access. Many private homes also offer individual rooms and holiday apartments for rent. The promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes, with a very relaxing atmosphere in the evening.

The waters around Cavat and Cavtat Bay are popular for pleasure cruising. Visitors can take a glass bottomed boat around the bay, often dotted with various yachts and boats. There is opportunity for all sorts of water sports, while some sections of Cavtat Bay have been cordoned off for swimming and snorkelling. Cavtat is also an ideal base from which to explore the Elafiti islands.

Some Cavtat attractions:

• Cavtat Historical Buidings - strolling around the town you will find Rector's Palace, St. Nicholas's church, St. Blasius's church and a Franciscan monastery, all packed with history.
• Paintings of Vlaho Bukovac - famous impressionist painter from Cavtat, with works displayed in St. Nicholas's church and in a dedicated gallery.
• Walk round Cavtat Bay - numerous paths encircle the bay passing various beaches and branching up into the hills.
• Cave Šipun - found in the hills behind Cavtat and supposedly inhabited by a dragon in the past. Currently closed to the public.
• Račić Mausoleum - standing on top of St. Rok hill next to the cemetery, designed by Croatian sculpture Ivan Meštrović.

Car: Cavtat and Cavtat Bay are about 20km south of Dubrovnik on the E65 (8) road.
Flight: Dubrovnik Airport, 2km from Cavtat.
Bus: Regular buses run between Cavtat at and Dubrovnik, journey times of about 30 minutes.
Ferry: Some ferries run from Dubrovnik Old Port to Cavtat, a great way to see the coastline en route.