Fifteen kilometers from Dubrovnik you will find Cavtat, the oldest town in the Balkan Peninsula and the place where the rich and famous come to moor their yachts in the bay. The population is only 2144 and the town is filled with boats, restaurants, shops and gorgeous nooks for swimming.
I had the morning to walk the Cavtat promontory and visit the cemetery and Racic Mausoleum which is on the highest point of the town. Even in death there is a beautiful view. The Racic Mausoleum was designed and built by Ivan Mestrovic, a famous Croatian sculptor. It was commissioned by the wife of a local shipping owner, Mare Racic, whose entire family died in the Spanish flu pandemic after World War I - between 1918 and 1919. Cavtat has beautiful views where you could easily sit for hours enjoying lunch and a good wine.
Cavtat harbour
Cavtat restaurants with great views of the harbour
Cavtat cemetery with a view
Racic Mausoleum
The afternoon was my own to do as I wished. I used my time wisely and lolled about taking a swim in the Adriatic Sea in front of the hotel. The water was a perfect 22 degrees, so refreshing, and the sea floor was rocky and mossy. This is so different to our beautiful Australian beaches but one advantage is you don't come home with sand in your bikini, hair, face, etc. After the swim I air dried on the sun bed listening to the sea lap at the rocks and to unfamiliar languages of fellow sun-bakers. So cool! Such a simple thing but one I'll remember and definitely a highlight experience.
My Adriatic Sea swimming pool
The other hotel swimming pool
Tonight is officially the last night of the Croatia tour so we'll be having a farewell celebration dinner. I have an extra night in Dubrovnik though so will be visiting Dubrovnik Old town tomorrow to walk the wall and discover it's little side streets. I can't wait.