Great Things to Do Near Ivana
Views from Sokol Grad
For stunning, far reaching views over the Konavle Valley, there is no better place than Sokol Grad. Built to protect the hinterland from invading Turks from the Ottoman Empire and the Venetians of the Venetian Republic, this solid and imposing fort is open to the public. There are lots of stone steps to climb the view at the top is worth it.
Vlaho Bukovac House, Cavtat
This is the childhood home and museum of Vlaho Bukovac (1855-1922), the most important Croatian artist of his time. The building, a stone structure over 2 floors with an entrance courtyard and spacious back garden, preserves the architecture typical of Cavtat houses from 1800. The interior features recently uncovered early murals by the artist himself as well as many paintings, drawings, furniture and personal items from throughout his life, covering periods he spent not only in Cavtat but also Zagreb, Prague and Paris.
The Arboretum at Trsteno
A visit to Trsteno, just north of Dubrovnik, is worthwhile to view the remarkable Arboretum established there about 500 years ago. It is said that seafarers and merchants from here were encouraged to bring back plants, saplings and seeds from their worldwide travels to be planted in this botanic garden which of course have established themselves over the centuries. The entrance to the Arboretum is guarded by a huge 500 year old plane tree.
Cycling in the Konavle Valley
There are several marked cycling trails in the Konavle region which offers both flat routes and hilly/mountainous ones. Bikes can be hired by the day from a number of organisers in Cavtat and the tourist office can provide maps.
Horse Riding in the Konavle
An 11km tour of the region on horseback is offered at the Kojan Koral stables in Popovici. Running through olive groves, pine forests and along the coast, the trail usually last for about two and a half hours. It’s suitable for beginners and upwards, 16 years and over.
Go Quad Biking!
This is also offered from Kojan Koral in Popovici. The half day tour runs to Cilipi for a visit to the traditional Konavle house there and continues through the Konavle countryside crossing the river Ljuta a couple of times before picking up the route of a disused railway line and returning to base for a typical, traditional Croatian snack.
Renaissance summer villas in Zaton
Just north of Dubrovnik is the pretty coastal village of Zaton. Formerly a popular dormitory town of Dubrovnik aristocracy and wealthy merchants, it features a number of Renaissance summer villas along its waterfront. These days it has a lazy, bohemian feel, with a number of galleries and, locals say, one of the best restaurants in the area.
Take a boat trip from Cavtat to Dubrovnik
The easiest way to visit the city. Board one of the boat trips leaving from Cavtat for a scenic cruise along the coast and arrive right in the heart of the Old Town. The journey takes around 30 minutes and gives plenty of photo opportunities en route. There are also direct boats to Dubrovnik (which are slightly cheaper). An alternative way to reach Dubrovnik is by bus. There are buses from Cavtat (about 4 times a day).
Sveti Jakov Beach
Visit the little known beach of Sveti Jakov for spectacular views of the old town of Dubrovnik. It is situated at the eastern side of Dubrovnik Old Town, about a mile away, in a protected little bay. It has its own restaurant and cafe bar.
Cadmos Village Adventure Park
Cadmos Village adventure park features three levels and 4 zip-lines, fields for archery and paintball, giant swing, bicycle service and the first treehouse in Croatia. Activities are suitable for families and children, as well as adventure seekers. Cadmos Village is situated in the picturesque Konavle region near the village of Komaji, hidden in unique oak woods. There is also an eco-restaurant offering local Istrian cuisine, run by its own solar system!
Visit a local Winery by train
The Konavle Valley is home to a lot of small wineries, family owned vineyards which produce some great yet relatively undiscovered wines (certainly difficult to buy in the UK). One way of discovering some of them is to join the wine train, a tourist train excursion that visits 4 vineyards and takes in the traditions of the valley. The joy of staying in the valley is that you can revisit the vineyards very easily. The most famous grape in the region is the Malvasia which is a Konavle indigenous variety. It is not certain how it arrived in the area, whether it was brought over by the ancient Greeks or actually originated from this region.
Islands in the Sun - Lokrum, Kolocep, Lopud, Sipan
Croatia is known for its many islands off its long coastline and the area around Dubrovnik is no different and easily accessible by boat. The nearest is Lokrum, a protected nature reserve of lush forest. The Elaphiti Islands, Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan, can be visited individually or all together as part of an island cruise.
Swimming in Cavtat
Stroll along the waterfront at Cavtat and around the peninsula, and you will discover many spots for swimming – there are a number of swimming platforms and various access points to the rocks and sea.
Dubrovnik - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Make a day trip (or two) to Dubrovnik… This fabulous city has become a tourist hot spot and it is easy to see why. The historice city centre is incredible and well worth exploring more than once. Walk the city walls (great views) to get a feel for the old city, watch the boats in the harbour, stroll along the Stradun (the main courseway in the Old Town). For a different perspective of the city try the open-top Cabrio Bus City Tour hop-on hop-off service. This covers more of the modern city which gives a better overview of Dubrovnik from many differing viewpoints. Or take the Cable Car to the top of Srd Hill for the most spectacular views over the city and beyond.
Ostri Rt - the southernmost point of Croatia
This cape is the very southernmost point of Croatia and marks the Croatian side of the entrance to Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor. This narrow sliver of land was, until recently, military property and, as such, inaccessible to the public. Right at the end of the cape is a ruined Austro Hungarian fort dating from the mid 1800s. At the moment it is possible to gain access to the moody ruin, which is largely intact, and to envisage what life might have been like there 150 years ago. Prevlaka beach is a great place to relax as well, small but with a couple of beach bars and kayak rental (summer only).
Traditions of the Konavle Valley
Housed in the main square in Cilipi, in a building that used to be the village treasury, the Country House is recreation of a typical village house from back in the day. The collection holds about 500 items such as folk costumes, embroidery and other textile handicrafts, jewellery, musical instruments, arms and an assortment of everyday items. Traditional folk music and dancing takes place in Cilipi on a Sunday morning after Mass. sit on the steps of the church of St Nicholas in Cilipi and watch the locals in traditional dress, noted for its silk embroidery, performing folk songs and dancing. A market is held afterwards selling traditional handicrafts. You need to buy a ticket (which includes a drink). The traditional dress and embroidery are important socially and culturally to the people of the Konavle. You will see examples displayed in public buildings and private homes either ornamentally or in practical usage such as tablecloths, napkins, pillow cases etc. And of course you can purchase the embroidery in local shops!
Watch the sunset in Cavtat
Cavtat’s waterfront promenade, with its cafes and restaurants, is the perfect place to watch the sun go down over the sea. There is a good choice of restaurants in the town, both informal and more formal for those special occasions.
Konoba, Peka, Rozata
Konoba is the word for a traditional style restaurant, serving local dishes in a traditional setting (wood tables, stone walls), always delicious and home cooked! Peka is a way of preparing dishes (meat, fish, vegetables| in a bell shaped pot which is placed in an outdoor fireplace with ashes covering the peka (lid). Rozata is a custard pudding flavoured with lemon zest rose liqueur and caramel, and comes from Dubrovnik.
Peljesac Wine Trail
Head north past Dubrovnik and visit the Peljesac Peninsula, which produces the king of Croatian red wines, plavac mali. The dry, inhospitable terrain produces flavourful grapes, hand harvested due to the difficulty in accessing the vines. There are numerous places on the peninsula to try and buy.
Blue and Green
Should never be seen, except when you are in the Konavle Valley and Dubrovnik….You could fill a paint chart with the many shades of green found in the valley, from the olive trees and vines, to the dark green cypresses. The sea provides the variety of blues (emerald, turquoise, aqua, silverly), all of which look so vibrant under the blue sky.
