Ever thought about a trip to the Dubrovnik Riviera? There’s no doubt that you’ve probably seen the photos of Dubrovnik’s stunning Old Town, either on Instagram or Game of Thrones, but you may not know that the Dubrovnik Riviera region has so much more to offer visitors!
The Dubrovnik Riviera is a stunning stretch of coastline that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, adventure, and relaxation. On my recent trip, as part of a PR Trip with the Dubrovnik Riviera Tourist Board, I discovered the ideal way to spend a week in this beautiful area, using Cavtat as a base. From thrilling ATV rides to relaxing on hidden beaches, here’s how you can experience the best of the Dubrovnik Riviera.
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This trip was undertaken as part of a press trip with The Dubrovnik Riviera Tourist Board, however all thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.
Where to stay: Hotel Croatia Cavtat
Our adventure began by checking into Hotel Croatia in Cavtat. Nestled on a pine-clad peninsula, this luxurious hotel offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and is just a short walk from the charming town of Cavtat. With its excellent amenities, including a spa, multiple restaurants, and private beach access, Hotel Croatia is the perfect home base for your explorations.
Breakfast at the hotel was a particular highlight, with an amazing buffet of hot and cold food of every kind, and plenty of local flavours to try too. I’m currently obsessed with avjar, so I started most days with some spread on crusty bread with cream cheese. There’s a beautiful view over the harbour if you sit outside too, the perfect start to the day!
Tip: You can book your stay at Hotel Croatia directly here, or by using the Booking.com search below.
Day 1: Adventure up high and along the coastline
Morning: ATV ride up to Mount Srđ
Kick off your trip with an adrenaline-pumping ATV ride up to Mount Srđ. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views over Dubrovnik Old Town and the surrounding coastline. It’s a really fun way to start your trip and get a lay of the land, and you get to see some amazing views which aren’t accessible by car. Be prepared for a bumpy ride in some of the hillsides though!
Our quad safari was organised by Beta Adventures, who provided a thorough safety demo, and got us used to using the quad bikes before we set off. They were great guides, and we had four stops en route to enjoy the views and take photos. You can book the tour we did here.
Lunch: Authentic peka meal at Opg Miloslavić
After your ATV adventure, head to Opg Miloslavić for an authentic Croatian meal. The highlight is Peka, which is a traditional dish cooked under a bell-like lid, slow-roasted with meats and vegetables. The cooking method ensures that the flavours are rich and the meat is tender. The octopus one is definitely worth trying!
Opg Miloslavić is a family run household restaurant, and almost everything that is served there is grown and produced on-site. As well as the demonstration of how peka is made, we sampled various flavours of grappa, local wines, meats and cheeses. Overall this is a really great first meal to have in the Dubrovnik Riviera to get an authentic feel for the local cuisine.
Tip: Be sure to make a reservation before visiting, you can find the contact details on their Instagram page here.
Afternoon: Visit Srbreno coastal village
In the afternoon, visit the picturesque coastal village of Srbreno. From here, you can take a Vivado speedboat to the nearby Župa Dubrovačka beaches. The boat ride itself is a lot of fun, speeding through the clear blue waters and watching the beautiful coastline pass by as the sea breeze provides a bit of welcome relief in the hot sun.
The beaches are perfect for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing, swimming and even snorkelling (I spotted a few fish swimming around in the clear waters).
Tip: It’s worth noting that the beaches in Croatia tend to be the rocky and pebbly kind, so I’d definitely recommend bringing water shoes or hiking sandals to save your feet!
Evening: Dinner at Leut Restaurant in Cavtat
Return to Cavtat for dinner at Leut Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cavtat, Leut offers a delightful dining experience with a menu featuring fresh seafood and traditional Croatian dishes. Make sure to get a table outside where you can enjoy a perfect view of the sun setting over the islands in the distance.
The standout dish at Leut Restaurant is definitely their signature seafood selection platter, which are a beautifully presented selection of seasonal seafood and local flavours. The scallops in particular were delicious! We also had an amazing selection of desserts, with everything from molten chocolate cake, to cheesecake. With huge portions an impeccable service, this is definitely somewhere to come and enjoy food with friends.
Day 2: Discovering Dubrovnik Old Town
Morning: Boat to Dubrovnik Old Town
Start your day with a scenic boat ride from Cavtat to Dubrovnik Old Town. The journey offers beautiful views of the coastline and sets the stage for a day of historical exploration.
Tip: Vivado runs a regular service between Cavtat and Dubrovnik Old Town. The boat leaves from Cavtat every 15 minutes from 9:00am, takes around 20 minutes to get to the Old Town, and costs €20 for a return ticket (at the time of writing).
Late Morning: Guided Tour of the City Walls and Old Town
Once you’re back on dry land, get to know the city a little better by taking a guided tour of Dubrovnik’s city walls and Old Town. The walls offer incredible views and a fascinating history lesson as you walk through centuries-old fortifications. Explore the narrow streets, historical buildings, and iconic landmarks like the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace.
Tip: It can get very hot and crowded in the Old Town, especially during peak seasons, so be sure wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and make sure that your belongings are secure. If you want to beat the crowds, try to enter the walls either when they are opening earlier in the day, or later in the afternoon when the cruise ship tourists are starting to disperse.
Lunch: Seafood at Proto Seafood Restaurant
For lunch, head to Proto Seafood Restaurant, a renowned eatery in the heart of the Old Town. Enjoy a meal featuring the freshest seafood, prepared with traditional recipes that have been perfected over generations. In fact the restaurant is even featured in the Michelin Guide.
I can fully recommend the ‘Fettuccine with Scampi (Shrimp) Tails and Istrian Black Truffles‘ that I chose for my main – the flavours were perfection and it went down beautifully with a glass or two of the local white wine.
Afternoon: Relax at Buza Bar
After lunch, make your way to Buza Bar, once one of Dubrovnik’s best kept secrets, the bar is perched on the cliffs outside the city walls, and can be accessed by a small archway from within the city walls. It’s the perfect spot for a refreshing drink and a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
The bar itself wasn’t actually open when we stopped there, but there were still plenty of people making use of the beach for sunbathing, swimming, and diving from the cliffside. It goes without saying, but if you plan on diving from the cliff, do so with caution!
Evening: Dinner at Ludo More Restaurant in Cavtat
Return to Cavtat for dinner at Ludo More restaurant. Known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, Ludo More is a great place to unwind after a day of exploring in Dubrovnik.
I can definitely recommend the burrata salad as a starter, it had a wonderful balance of flavours and textures. With the soft, creamy burrata being perfectly combined with crunch from the walnuts and the sweetness of the cranberries.
Day 3: Culture and island escapes
Morning: Walking Tour of Cavtat
Set aside a morning to discover more about Cavtat on a guided walking tour. Beginning at the tourist information centre, you’ll embark on a journey through the charming streets, historical sites, and scenic harbours that have made Cavtat a beloved destination in the Dubrovnik Riviera.
This small seaside gem, offers a delightful respite from the crowds and a chance to immerse yourself in the authentic Dalmatian lifestyle. Our local guide gave a lot of information about the town’s history, sharing insights into its 6th century BC origins and the aristocratic families who once called Cavtat home.
Be sure to take a walk up the steps on the hill to explore the Mausoleum of the Račić Family and the Rector’s Palace, both offering fascinating glimpses into Cavtat’s storied past. The views over the bay from up here are incredible too.
The tour culminates at the town’s picturesque harbour, where you can soak up the Mediterranean ambiance, admire the stunning Adriatic vistas, and perhaps indulge in some local seafood delicacies at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Late Morning: Visit Vila Banac
Your late morning in Cavtat should definitely be spent indulging in the finer things the Dubrovnik Riviera has to offer, at the magnificent Villa Banac. This 15th-century Renaissance summer residence offers a taste of the opulent lifestyle once enjoyed by Dubrovnik’s noble families.
Step through the villa’s doors and be transported back in time, surrounded by exquisite architectural details like the beautiful wooden staircase and traditional kitchen. The true highlight however, awaits in Vila Banac’s impressive art gallery. There is a brilliant collection of paintings, ranging from classical paintings to contemporary works, each offering insights into the region’s cultural tapestry. Keep an eye out for one of the gallery’s prized possessions – one of Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’!
After immersing yourself in the villa’s artistic treasures, it’s time to indulge your senses further with a curated wine tasting experience. Sample a selection of red and white wines from Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, perfectly paired with local delicacies. As you sip and sample, take in the breathtaking views of Cavtat Bay from the villa’s lush gardens.
Afternoon: St Pietro Private Island
In the afternoon, enjoy your own little slice of paradise in the Dubrovnik Riviera, and head to St Pietro for a taste of the private island life. This exclusive spot, on the small island of Supetar, offers a serene setting for alfresco dining and relaxation. Enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the tranquility and beauty of the island.
We enjoyed an amazing meal of fresh seafood, served alongside locally produced wines, some of which can only be found in this region. There were some really unique twists in some of the dishes that took them to another level, such as the blue Curaçao pearls served with the tuna tartare. The black risotto in particular, which is a very traditional Dalmatian dish, is a must try. Overall St Pietro was one of my favourite things from this entire trip, and I would definitely recommend going.
Late Afternoon: Silk production at AR Atelier Gallery
Spend your late afternoon at the AR Atelier Gallery in Gruda, where you can explore the rich tradition of silk making in the Konavle region. The gallery offers a fascinating presentation by the talented Antonia Ruskovic Radonic, who delves into this ancient craft, covering everything from silkworm cultivation to intricate embroidery techniques passed down through generations.
During your visit, you’ll learn about the meticulous process of harvesting and preparing silk threads, which are used to create the high-quality materials featured in traditional Konavle costumes and accessories. The gallery showcases a stunning array of silk products, each reflecting the vibrant colours and intricate patterns that are hallmarks of Konavle’s cultural heritage.
This immersive experience not only deepens your appreciation for the artistry involved in silk making but also highlights the cultural significance of this craft in the Dubrovnik Riviera. If you have time, browse the gallery shop too, where you can purchase handmade silk items as unique souvenirs or gifts, each embodying the essence of Konavle’s silk-making tradition.
Evening: Dinner at Konovoski Dvori Restaurant
What better way to end your day than with dinner next to a waterfall at Konavoski Dvori Restaurant? Nestled in a lush green setting, this charming restaurant is situated on the grounds of an ancient mill beside the Ljuta River. It offers a serene atmosphere where the sound of the flowing river enhances your dining experience.
The menu features traditional Croatian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as prosciutto, cheese in olive oil, lamb and veal prepared under a baking bell (peka), homemade bread, and grilled trout. The fresh, authentic flavours and picturesque setting make it a favourite among both locals and visitors.
Day 4: Hidden Beaches and Local Cuisine
Morning: Drive to Pasjaca Beach
Start your day with a scenic drive to Pasjača Beach, a hidden gem in the Konavle region known for its stunning natural beauty, and voted one of the world’s 50 best beaches.
The journey from Dubrovnik takes about 30-40 minutes via the D8 road towards Cavtat, then following signs to Popovići. Once you arrive in Popovići, park near the trailhead. A moderately steep path with steps leads down to the beach, offering magnificent views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding cliffs.
On the unspoiled beach you’ll find a mix of sand and shale, with crystal-clear waters, perfect for a peaceful retreat. Be sure to bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the beach.
Afternoon: Lunch and tour of Seoska Kuka in Čilipi
For lunch, head to Seoska Kuka in Čilipi. This charming spot offers not only delicious local cuisine but also a tour of their home and a lesson on the produce they grow and make there. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the local culture and enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience.
This farm-to-table dining experience allows you to appreciate the effort and care that goes into each dish. Enjoy homemade bread and olive oil, traditional Croatian specialties such as peka (meat and vegetables cooked under an iron bell), cured meats, and local cheeses.
Seoska Kuka’s rustic ambiance, combined with its authentic culinary offerings, makes it a perfect place to connect with the local culture. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience that highlights the rich agricultural heritage of the region. This visit provides a wonderful break in your day, offering both a satisfying meal and a deeper understanding of the local way of life.
Tip: Book in advance, and go there hungry, as you’ll be given plenty of food!
Evening: Final sunset in Cavtat
Wrap up your trip with a farewell dinner at one of Cavtat’s lovely waterfront restaurants. Get your final seafood fix as you watch the sun set over the Adriatic Sea. The calm waters and picturesque views provide a perfect setting to reflect on your adventures in the Dubrovnik Riviera. This serene evening experience is a fitting end to your memorable journey, and I can honestly say this is one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see!
Conclusion
A week in the Dubrovnik Riviera offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From the historical charm of Dubrovnik Old Town to the serene beauty of Cavtat and its surroundings, there’s something for everyone in this stunning region. I hope my experiences inspire you to plan your own unforgettable trip to the Dubrovnik Riviera!
Practical Information
- Getting There: Cavtat makes for an ideal base for exploring the best of the area and avoiding the crowds. It is easily accessible from Dubrovnik Airport, which is just a short 10 minute drive away.
- Booking Accommodations: I would highly recommend Hotel Croatia Cavtat for its location and amenities.
- Activities and Tours: Book your ATV ride, boat tours, and guided city tours in advance to secure your spots.
- Packing List: Don’t forget swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a good camera to capture the stunning views
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