Pronounced ‘tsav-tat’, Cavtat is a town in Croatia on the Adriatic Sea coast 15 kilometres (9 miles) south of Dubrovnik.
Cavtat is a popular tourist destination with many hotels and private households that rent rooms and apartments. The seafront is filled with shops and restaurants. A ferry-boat connects the town to neighbouring Mlini and Dubrovnik (about 50 minutes).
The modern Croatian name for the city reveals its ancient origins and its link with Dubrovnik. Cavtat is derived from Civitas Vetus, that means old city in the Latin Language.
Cavtat is an easy town to get around on foot. The old town is built on Rat Peninsula rising above harbour areas on both sides. There is an interesting walk along the spine of the peninsula along a narrow alley (Prijeko) through the old town ending up at the Racic Family mausoleum decorated by the sculptor Ivan Meštrović. The walks around both peninsulas are picturesque. There are a few benches placed every 100 metros along the path. Walking around the peninsula takes 30-45 minutes, which is tarmacked and comfortable to walk.
In addition to lovely coastal and country walks, there are lots of water sport opportunities including motorboat and kayak hire. There are fishing trips, boat trips to the local islands.
The original city was founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC under the name of Epidaurus. The surrounding area was inhabited by the Illyrians, who called the city Zaptal. The town changed its name to Epidaurum when it came under Roman rule in 228 BC. The city was sacked and destroyed by the Avars and Slavs in the 7th century. Refugees from Epidaurum fled to the nearby island, Laus (Ragusa) which over time evolved into the city of Dubrovnik.