Cavtat – The Most Beautiful European Coastal Town for 2026

For a long time now, news about Croatia once again topping various lists thanks to its beauty has no longer surprised us. Still, such news is always a pleasure to hear and never fails to evoke a sense of pride.

This time, the charming town of Cavtat pleasantly surprised us when, just a few days ago, it was named the most beautiful coastal town in Europe for 2026 on the Forbes portal.

In the following lines, we will explore what led to this recognition and why this choice is more than justified.

Forbes and European Best Destination: How Cavtat Won Over Europe

A few days ago, the renowned Forbes portal published a list of the most beautiful European coastal towns, selected by the organization European Best Destination. The selection involved travelers and travel experts from 134 countries, with a total of 2,000 destinations competing for the title.

The competition included famous resorts, historic cities, and small fishing villages. The criteria focused on architecture and heritage, lifestyle, and coastal scenery or overall attractiveness. Voting was based on global desirability, emotional impact, popularity, and the intention to revisit the destination.

According to all these criteria, Cavtat ranked ahead of destinations such as Italy’s Portofino and Capri, as well as French gems like Cap Ferrat, Saint-Tropez, and Cassis.

This remarkable achievement for a small country that outperformed territorially much larger France and Italy will undoubtedly have a positive impact on tourism, demand, and real estate values.

History, Culture, and Coastal Charm

Cavtat, a small town in the Konavle region with just over 2,200 inhabitants, takes your breath away with its blend of historical heritage, culture, and the beauty characteristic of coastal towns.

Located only about twenty kilometers from Dubrovnik and just ten kilometers from Čilipi Airport, Cavtat is easily accessible, yet it has managed to preserve the charm of an untouched seaside town. It boasts Venetian architecture, palm-lined promenades, and a picturesque harbor filled with boats.

Founded on the remains of the Greek colony of Epidaurum in the 3rd century BC, Cavtat has enjoyed a long continuity of life. In modern history, it is known as the birthplace of one of Croatia’s greatest painters, Vlaho Bukovac. In addition, Cavtat is home to the famous Račić Family Mausoleum, a work by Croatia’s most renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović – a monumental structure with Art Deco elements that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

Beyond its landmarks, residents and visitors alike enjoy long seaside walks, local cafés and galleries, and the many benefits of the Mediterranean climate.

Tourism and the Growing Demand for Real Estate

The selection of Cavtat as the most beautiful European coastal town will undoubtedly increase the destination’s visibility, and greater visibility naturally leads to a rise in real estate demand. Not only Cavtat, but the entire Konavle region – of which Cavtat is the administrative center – represents an undiscovered gem, known for its stunning and almost mythical landscapes, ideal for developing private holiday resorts and luxury villas with pools set in pristine nature.

The town and the wider area offer significant potential for the development of small boutique hotels, premium apartments, and rustic-style villas.

Demand has been steadily growing for smaller, authentic towns with strong growth potential. Such places are increasingly attractive for everyday living, especially as more people are no longer tied to offices and can work remotely from the comfort of their homes. This region is ideal for exactly that lifestyle.

Conclusion

Cavtat’s selection as the most beautiful European coastal town of 2026 confirms its unique combination of historical heritage, natural beauty, and authentic coastal charm. Although located close to Dubrovnik, this small town has successfully preserved its character and is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination for tourism, real estate investment, and life beyond busy urban centers.

Cavtat not only proudly represents Croatia on Europe’s map of beauty but also opens up new opportunities for sustainable development and the growth of the local community.