For the travellers who are looking for the next „perfect escape“ destination, the Dubrovnik region, despite being such a crowded place, has got plenty of great solutions!
Dubrovnik is not only all about the amazing Old City: there are so many lovely small settlements around the town itself, which you can choose as a base for exploring the Pearl of the Adriatic, but at the same time to stay away from hustle and bustle. If you prefer to backpack in Dubrovnik, the charming ancient Cavtat is totally worth a short visit! This will be an enjoybale half day trip to the southernmost Croatian town: located just 20 km from the Montenegrin border , Cavtat occupies two penninsulas that are connected by a shady walking path.
Nowadays a popular resort, Cavtat was once founded by the Greeks, thanks to its convenient position in the Adriatic, extensive coastline and fertile greenish landscapes, all set in a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Back then, in the 6th century BC, the settlement was called Epidauros. Later it ended up under Roman rule, then in the 7th centrury the Slavs came in, and finally Cavtat becomes a part of the prosperous Republic of Dubrovnik, sharing its hayday and later its decline in the late 19th century.
This ancient city with its surroundings had been built several times and restored from ruins, after wars and natural disasters. The special charm of this old city are the buildings that have remained from the time of the old Republic: most of the historical buildings in Cavtat belong to the Renaissance architecture with some traces of the Gothic style.
Cavtat is the birthplace of Vlaho Bukovac, one of the most famous Croatian artists, acknowedged world wide, who nevertherless didn't forget to admire his romantic home town in his paintings. Pay a visit to the house of Vlaho Bukovac to feed your eyes, to see his art and get an impression of a typical tiny Mediterranean town, that inspired the prominent Croatian artist so much.
Some other important sights inlude The Racic Mausoleum, built in 1921 using stone from the island of Brac. The Racic family were a well known ship-owning family from the town. And the Our Lady of Snow Monastery by the harbour which was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the adjacent church are a number of interesting painting by local artists including Vlaho Bukovac.
However Cavtat's biggest appeal is hands down the impressive sea promenade and aromatic pine trees, which offer visitors some nice picturesque walk in the shade on a hot summer day.
Cavtat is an incredibly pretty place, and is a great destination if you’re after all the sights and culture of the Dubrovnik region, but still prefer more laid back atmosphere and tempo turned down just a little bit.
https://www.adriatic-explore.com/dubrovnik-private-tours/cavtat-dubrovnik-private-tour