Luxury holidays in Cavtat

Croatian coastal town Cavtat might be more diminutive – in size and stature – than capital Dubrovnik (a 30-minute drive away); but the latter was built by refugees from Roman Epidaurum – Cavtat’s ancient incarnation. So hold off on the day trip to delve into its past, not just the still-standing antique walls, but an art-filled 15th-century monastery and church, Renaissance mansion housing the manuscripts of scientist Baltazar Bogišić, and the house of artist Vlaho Bukovac. Then walk the promenades and pebble beaches along the shoreline, where fishing boats idle on the deep-blue Adriatic. Or head inland for cycling and horse-riding in leafy Konavle. Soon you’ll discover that Cavtat (spoken ‘Tsavtat’) has found some fame for itself, too.