The Most Romantic And Exciting Beach In Cavtat

Cavtat, one of the most beautiful places in Croatia, has some nice beaches, too. Of course, I am a bit biased, because I grew up in Cavtat and I learned how to swim there. Since my childhood, my favourite beach in Cavtat has been the KAMEN MALI Beach. Allow me to explain why:

• Kamen Mali Beach has the clearest water in Cavtat
• Kamen Mali Beach has the most stunning view in Cavtat
• Kamen Mali Beach has a perfect combination of Man and Nature
• Kamen Mali Beach is so romantic at sunset
• Kamen Mali Beach is so exciting when it’s windy

Kamen Mali is one of the most distant beaches in Cavtat and possibly one of the most difficult to reach. It’s nevertheless, ACCORDING TO MOST LOCALS, THE MOST POPULAR BEACH IN CAVTAT. Why?

Kamen Mali Beach Has The Clearest Water In Cavtat

Because it is situated almost at the tip of the Rat [ra:t] peninsula in Cavtat, the Kamen Mali beach is far away from hotels, restaurants and houses, holiday homes and apartments. Away from harbours, yachts and cars. And the pollution they create.

Of course, you can safely swim in the Cavtat harbour because it’s so clear, too. Just take a look at those sea urchins there!

However, Kamen Mali is even clearer than that. Being exposed to sea currents and winds coming from all directions, all eventual dirt is quickly taken away.

The only pollution that occasionally affects Kamen Mali are deposits of Posidonia oceanica seaweed washed ashore after stormy weather. But it’s another proof that the sea is clear. And it’s BTW quite fun to walk on.

Posidonia grows best in clean waters, and its presence is a marker for lack of pollution

Wikipedia

Kamen Mali Beach Has The Most Stunning View In Cavtat

Cavtat is all about stunning views. Wherever you go, whichever beach you visit, the landscape is gorgeous.

The Kamen Mali beach has almost a 360-degree view, though. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea from 3 sides, beautiful islands and the horizon, Kamen Mali has a really special location.

Kamen Mali Beach Has A Perfect Combination Of Man And Nature

You have probably learnt it by now: When Croatians say beach, it does not necessarily mean sandy beach. As a matter of fact, the term may not apply to a beach at all. Rather, it’s a point from which you access the water more easily than elsewhere.

Kamen Mali is a fine example of such a beach. Yes, it does have an area with a pebble beach. However, walking into the water FROM that beach makes things even harder, because the pebbles seem to transform to slippery watermelon-like rocks that HINDER you from walking safely into deeper water.

The key of benefiting from the Kamen Mali beach is to learn from locals how to get into the water. Just observe them do it, and then do as they do. If you’re not flexible enough or have walking difficulties, think twice before trying that.

However, Kamen Mali is more accessible than you would expect. Why is that the case?

Kamen Mali Was Actually A Quarry

I have to admit that I didn’t know that fact until couple of years ago. I was doing research about Dubrovnik City Walls and bumped into a footnote that mentioned Cavtat as one of the quarries where the stone to build Dubrovnik came from.

Kamen Mali was used as a quarry in the 16th century by the builders of Dubrovnik. The stone was shipped to Dubrovnik to build the city, including the Dubrovnik City Walls.

As a child, I would always wonder how come the stones at Kamen Mali were so regular and smooth, as they were cut. Now I know the answer.

Why Do Locals Love Kamen Mali?

As kids, we would play “na hitala” there. Basically, it’s a TAG game which includes swimming and jumping into the water in a circular pattern, trying to catch other players, thereby disqualifying them.

Of course, you have to be skilled to do that. Don’t try to jump into the sea before making sure how deep it is.

And there is also “sekica“, a small underwater rock, which becomes challenging when the waves are powerful. Your aim should be to climb it and keep your balance.

Kamen Mali Beach Is So Romantic At Sunset

Depending on the season, the Sun will set at a different point. The advantage of being at Kamen Mali is that you will always be able to see it.

The “frame” to the setting sun in Winter will be provided by the island of Mrkan. Consequently, the sun “moves” towards the silhouette of the island of Mljet and the Elaphiti Islands in Spring and Summer. And then back.

Occasionally, the Sun “sets” directly into the Adriatic Sea, without being “framed” by the islands, creating golden reflections on the warm rocks of Kamen Mali.

Unfortunately, I haven’t made any photos of the sunset yet. (well, I have, but they are on my old Nokia phone). If you’d like to share your photos with me, feel free to paste your photos below. Thanks.

But my favourite time to visit Kamen Mali is when the wind is strong…

Kamen Mali Beach Is So Exciting When It’s Windy

My brother and I could hardly wait to get to Kamen Mali when the Maestral was blowing in Summer.

Maestral is a NW wind that brings much needed refreshment is warm summer moths in Dalmatia.

That wind is known to create big waves.

However, it seems that those waves get amplified at Kamen Mali, especially by its funnel-like “gate”.

All the kids, including my brother and myself, would carefully approach the “funnel”, and dive into the crushing waves.

Looking back now, it was so dangerous. But back then, we did not care. It was so exciting! Being taken to the “jacuzzi” by a wave was a precious experience…

Sometimes in wintertime (BTW, these photos were taken in early Spring), the waves can get so powerful that you have to observe them from the road above. It’s awe-inspiring!