How to Rent a Beach Chair and Umbrella in Cavtat
One of the great conveniences in Cavtat is the option to rent beach lounge chairs and umbrellas at almost all public beaches. This is perfect if you’re looking for a more comfortable beach day and don’t want to lug your own gear around.
Step 1: Choose Your Cavtat Beach
The first step is to decide which beach you’d like to spend the day at. For recommendations, you can check out our page on Cavtat swim spots. Once you’ve picked your spot, it’s wise to arrive early to claim the best location. As they say, “location, location, location,” and that holds true when renting a beach chair and umbrella. If you arrive by 10 AM, you should have a good selection of spots to choose from. See photo below for what it can look like around 10 AM in the morning.
Arriving later might mean fewer options or no available chairs at all. See photo below for what it can look like in the afternoon around 1 PM.
Step 2: Renting and Payment
Next, you’ll need to pay for your beach chair and umbrella. Yes, there is a fee. These chairs and umbrellas are not public property; they are owned by local Croatian business owners. These entrepreneurs must pay for licenses to rent out beach equipment on specific beaches, as well as the cost of purchasing, maintaining, and replacing the chairs and umbrellas as needed. Additionally, your payment goes towards the daily setup and breakdown of the beach furniture, ensuring that the beach remains clean and orderly throughout the day.
From my perspective, the rental fees are quite reasonable given the prime beachfront location you’re enjoying and the effort involved in maintaining these services.
In most cases, it’s pretty obvious where to pay for your rental, but if you’re unsure, you can usually ask one of the local vendors, such as those selling gelato, who often handle these rentals.
• Sunbeds are typically available for rent between €7-10.
• Umbrellas (or parasols) can be rented for €3-5.
Some places accept credit cards, but many only take cash, so it’s a good idea to have some on hand. Once you’ve paid, the chair and umbrella are yours for the entire day—a great deal, in my opinion.
Different Beach Offerings
Each beach in Cavtat has its own unique offerings. Some beaches have new metal chairs, others have white plastic ones. Amenities vary as well; some beaches offer bathrooms, while others do not. Additionally, some beaches even have showers available, allowing you to rinse off after a swim. However, it’s important to note that these companies typically do not provide towels, so be sure to bring your own.
You might also find a fridge stocked with sodas and water, ice cream, snacks, or even a full selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
What If You Don’t Want to Pay?
No worries! All beaches in Cavtat are public, meaning they are free to access. Renting a sunbed and umbrella can certainly enhance your comfort, especially if you plan to stay for a while, but it’s not required to enjoy the beach. You can always bring your own beach gear or simply lay a towel or pad on the ground. For a hybrid experience, you might skip renting a chair but still treat yourself to an ice cream or drink from the beach vendor before your swim.
This rental system in Cavtat gives you the flexibility to enjoy the beautiful beaches in whichever way suits you best—whether that’s lounging in comfort or embracing a more natural, minimalist setup.