Cavtat: A Fantastic Family Holiday In Croatia

Croatia might not be the traditional Mediterranean location for a family holiday, but we think that the beautiful eastern European country will soon rival the Greek islands, southern France and sunny Spain as a top destination.

It is towns like Cavtat that are leading this evolution in family tourism. This pretty city is southeast of Dubrovnik and in the Dalmatia region. It is a delectable mixture of ancient history, fine weather and children-oriented activities. Perched on the edge of the Adriatic Sea, it is a hub for both water sports and culture – a package that has something to offer all generations of the family.

Sea Kayaking

If you’re a family who enjoys doing more than seeing, try a day out on the Adriatic, exploring the remarkable coastline on a guided sea kayak tour – a great way to tire those boisterous children out. Lunch is available on the nearby islands, as well as opportunities to hike, swim and snorkel.

Boat Tours

For the adventurous, there is a catalogue of boat tours available, such as island exploration, snorkelling or sightseeing. All tours leave from the Cavtat Harbour, allowing you to sit back and see the best of Croatia. Resorts don’t come much more convenient!

Dubrovnik

Nearby is the illustrious city of Dubrovnik, ideally located for a day trip. This remarkable place is as steeped in history and charm as Cavtat, with fortresses and fortified walls to explore and marvel at. Architectural sightseeing might not sound like the activity suitable for children, but the sloping, medieval streets and towers may just spark their imagination. Walking around the Old Town can be an enlightening experience and there are a number of specific buildings to keep an eye out for.

The Church of St Nicholas boasts a bell tower that comes straight out of a fairytale. The Rector’s Palace is an exquisite Renaissance-style hall with an array of fascinating objects inside. And the House of Vlaho Bukovac is another glorious stone building with an art gallery inside.

There is also a dramatic cable car which children will love. It goes up to the summit of Mount Srđ, from which the views are stupendous. If time allows, the uninhabited island of Lokrum is also worth a visit, with its idyllic forests and gentle hiking trails.

Dubrovnik is best explored in the morning or evenings, when the crowds are less daunting.

Recommended Accommodation

There are plenty of unique hotels in the area but Remisens Hotel Albatros is perfect for families. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Cavtat, and a 40-minute boat journey from Dubrovnik. The hotel offers quality food, budget options, sports facilities, multiple swimming pools and three children’s clubs. It is the ideal place from which to become familiar with Croatia – resorts don’t come much better than this, after all.

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in luxury Croatia resorts, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.