Konavle area sightseeing, history & most interesting places to visit!
If you prefer to explore Konavle and nearby areas on your own, take some time for Konavle area sightseeing and visit these places;
Cavtat – The Tourist Centre of Konavle
Cavtat is the urban centre of the regiona and where Konavle area sightseeing first starts. Its harmonious architecture is clearly identified with affiliation to the Dubrovnik Republic. The ancient residents of Cavtat (Epidaurus), after the Barbarian invasion in the 7th century fled to the neighbouring settlement “Laus-Rave-Ragus”, today Dubrovnik (Ragusa). Records of the two cities are mentioned whereby Cavtat was named “Ragusa Vecchia”. Cavtat lies between Dubrovnik and Konavle, where everyone can enjoy the tranquillity of the bay area, take long walks along the beach or enjoy one of the many sports and recreation, entertainment and cultural programs that are offered.
Cilipi – Folklore Centre of Konavle
If you want to explore the folklore and ethnography of Konavle you must visit Cilipi, one of the largest settlements in Konavle. In front of the St. Nicholas church the main square is surrounded by ancient buildings, thus creating an ideal showplace for visitors of folk events. For over forty years now, every Sunday from Easter to the end of October, a folklore dance is on show maintaining our cultural heritage. At the same square you will also find the Konavle County House Museum that showcases a variety of rich ethnographic material from the entire Konavle region.
River Ljuta – Protected Nature of Konavle
One of the most beautiful fresh water Springs. You should visit the river and view its specific microclimate and lush vegetation. Take a walk in the thick shade of large laurel trees and listen to the sound of running crystal clear water. It’s a unique experience to see trout fish and other endemic species of frogs. Here you can also tour the restored complex of mills powered by water as well as a column where homemade clothes were completed, what used to be extremely important for survival in these regions.
Monastery St. Blaze -Spiritual Centre
The monastery is the spiritual centre of Konavle from the time it was built in the 15th century. It is dedicated to St. Blaise, the patron of Dubrovnik. At the time of the Dubrovnik Republic it was the first station of the caravan trade routes to the east. During the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) it was burned and destroyed. It was completely rebuilt and renovated in year 2000.
Soko-Grad (Hawk City) in Konavle
Since ancient times, at the extreme northeast of Konavle, this Chateau defended the area from enemy incursions through the natural passage between the massive Snjeznica & Bjelotina Mountains. Throughout the centuries it was constantly renewed and upgraded. Soko – the city was commanded by a “Castellan”, and served as a safe haven for individuals travelling in those wicked times. Today it is fully restored and will be open for visiting tourists soon.
The great Konavle Cliffs
The Konavle Cliffs are over a hundred feet high, which were created as a result of geomorphological fault sharply separating Konavle from the sea on the south side. The impressive cliffs are particularly high near the village of Popovici. The rocky steep footpath leads to Pasjaca and hidden sandy beaches cut into the bottom of the cliffs. Here you will instructions and maps of a ecological trail with labels of the many rare species of flora and fauna of the area.
The last 20 years since Croatia’s independence, sustainable development was encouraged by the Ministry of tourism. The Konavle region specifically has all required resources to develop successful Rural Tourism or Agritourism.