Surroundings: Cavtat, Ston & Montenegro

Cavtat (pronounced: Zaw-tat) is located 20 km south of Dubrovnik and is what Dubrovnik was before mass tourism: a sleepy coastal town with a palm-lined promenade, a small harbor, good restaurants, and a tranquility that is hardly found in Dubrovnik's Old Town anymore. The ancient city of Epidaurum (Dubrovnik's predecessor) was founded here — the Romans knew why.

Highlights

• The Riva: The palm-lined harbor promenade is the heart of Cavtat: Cafés, gelaterias, fishermen mending their nets, and a stunning view of the bay. Perfect for strolling and coffee drinking.
• Račić Mausoleum: The masterpiece of Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović (1922) — a mausoleum made of white marble in the cemetery above the town. The carvings and the location above the sea make it one of the most beautiful monuments in Dalmatia. Entrance: 3€.
• Vlaho Bukovac House: The birthplace of Croatia's most significant painter (1855–1922), now a museum with original paintings and restored murals. Entrance: 5€.
• Beaches: Several small pebble coves around the peninsula — less spectacular than in Dubrovnik, but much quieter.

Getting There

Bus: Line 10 from Dubrovnik (30 min., 2€). Boat: Cavtat Express from the Old Town harbor (45 min., 15€ round trip) — the more scenic option. Tip: Cavtat is right next to the airport — perfect as the first or last stop of the trip.

The Pelješac Peninsula is Croatia's gourmet paradise and is located 60 km northwest of Dubrovnik. Here, the country's best wines meet the Adriatic's freshest oysters — all framed by steep coastal cliffs, hidden bays, and a landscape reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast.

Ston & Mali Ston

The twin towns of Ston and Mali Ston at the entrance of the peninsula are famous for two things:

• The Walls of Ston: At 5.5 km long, the longest fortress wall in Europe (the second longest in the world after the Great Wall of China). The walls connect Ston and Mali Ston over the mountain ridge — the walk (1.5–2h) offers spectacular views. Entrance: 10€.
• Oysters from Mali Ston: The Bay of Mali Ston is Croatia's most important oyster farming area. Oysters (kamenice) and mussels have been cultivated here since the Middle Ages. You can eat them straight from the boat: Local farmers offer boat tours with tastings (from 25€/person, including wine). In the restaurant: 6 oysters from 10€. The restaurant Kapetanova Kuća in Mali Ston is legendary: oysters, black risotto, and the freshest fish in Dalmatia.

Wine on Pelješac

Pelješac is home to Plavac Mali — Croatia's best red wine. The steepest vineyards are on the south coast near Dingač and Postup, where the vines grow directly above the sea. Many wineries offer tastings:

• Matuško: The most famous producer — wine cellar in Potomje, tasting from 15€.
• Saints Hills: Modern winery with boutique wines and a spectacular tasting room above the vineyards.
• Grgić: Founded by Mike Grgich, the Californian-Croatian wine legend. Elegant wines, family atmosphere.

Getting There

Ston is 60 km from Dubrovnik: Bus (1h, from 7€), rental car (recommended for wine tours), organized tour (from 55€, including oysters + wine). Since 2022, the Pelješac Bridge connects the peninsula with the Croatian mainland — no more detour via Bosnia needed.

The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) in Montenegro is one of Europe's most spectacular natural wonders: a fjord-like sea inlet surrounded by mountains up to 1,700 meters high, with Venetian fortress towns and small islands. It's only 30 km from Dubrovnik to the Montenegrin border — a day trip is easily possible.

Kotor

The Old Town of Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is located at the innermost point of the bay, framed by massive mountains and Venetian fortress walls. The alleys are even narrower than in Dubrovnik, the atmosphere even more medieval. Highlights:

• Fortress San Giovanni: 1,350 steps lead to the fortress above the town (280 m). The climb is strenuous (1–1.5h), but the view over the entire bay is breathtaking. Entrance: 8€.
• Cathedral of Saint Tryphon: Romanesque cathedral (1166) with relics and a view from the bell tower. 3.50€.
• City of Cats: Kotor is famous for its cats — they are everywhere. The small cat museum sells souvenirs for cat protection.

Perast & Gospa od Škrpjela

Perast is a tiny, picturesque town right on the water with Venetian palaces and church towers. In front of Perast lies the artificial island Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks): Since the 15th century, fishermen have been throwing stones into the sea, creating an island where today stands a small church with a collection of votive tablets. Boat trip from Perast: 5€.

Practical Information