Elaphiti Islands

Lopud is the most popular of the Elaphiti Islands — and for good reason: It is home to Šunj Beach, the only true sandy beach in the Dubrovnik region. The island is car-free (only golf carts for luggage), about 5 km² in size, and reachable by ferry from Gruž in 50 minutes.

Šunj Beach

The Šunj Beach is located on the south side of the island, accessible via a 20-minute walk through olive groves and pine forest from the ferry dock. A crescent-shaped bay with fine sand, shallow entry (ideal for children), and turquoise waters. In summer, there is a beach bar and sun loungers (15€/day). The journey there is part of the experience: past abandoned Renaissance villas and the Franciscan monastery.

The Village of Lopud

The small harbor with its pastel-colored houses, promenade, and oleander gardens has the charm of a forgotten paradise. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Lopud was an important port of the Republic of Ragusa with 30 ship-owning families and a fleet of 80 ships. The crumbling Renaissance villas and the Kaštio fortress bear witness to this heyday. Today, only about 250 people live on the island year-round.

• Restaurant Obala: Right at the harbor — fresh grilled fish, black risotto, and Dalmatian wine. Main courses 12–22€.
• Franciscan Monastery: With a small art collection and a quiet cloister. Free entry.

Koločep (also Kalamota) is the closest Elaphiti Island to Dubrovnik — only 20 minutes by ferry. At just under 3 km², it is the smallest inhabited island of the archipelago and the quietest: no car traffic, no hotels (only a small resort), just two tiny villages, dense pine forests, and hidden coves.

Beaches & Coves

• Donje Čelo: The main village with the ferry dock. Small pebble cove right in the village, with a restaurant and crystal-clear water. Ideal for a short swim stop.
• Gornje Čelo: The second village on the west side, connected by a forest path (20 min.). Even quieter, even more unspoiled.
• Blue Cave (Špilja): A sea cave on the east coast, accessible by kayak or excursion boat. The light refracts in the water, creating a blue glow — a magical experience.

Hiking

Koločep is perfect for hiking: A network of forest paths connects the villages and coves. The circular hike (approx. 2 hours) leads through fragrant pine forests, past abandoned chapels and olive groves, with ever-changing views of the sea. In spring, wildflowers bloom everywhere.

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands (16 km²) and the least touristy. Here, everything revolves around olive oil, wine, and tranquility. The island has two villages — Šipanska Luka (harbor) and Suđurađ — and between them, a fertile valley full of olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. In the Middle Ages, the wealthy families of Ragusa owned their summer residences here — the crumbling Renaissance villas are still visible today.

Šipanska Luka

The main village at the northern end of the island: a sleepy harbor with palm trees, a Romanesque church, and two to three restaurants serving fresh fish. This is where the ferry from Dubrovnik ends (1.5 hours). The pace of life here is slow — a contrast to Dubrovnik’s hustle and bustle.

Suđurađ

The second village at the southeastern tip: dominated by the Renaissance Palace Skočibuha (1563), a fortified villa with a tower and garden. Next to it, the small church of Sveti Duh and a mini harbor. From Suđurađ, a ferry line runs directly to Dubrovnik (shorter trip than via Šipanska Luka).

Activities

• Olive Oil Tasting: Šipan’s olive oil is excellent — several families offer tastings directly in their olive groves. Ask in the restaurant for local producers.
• Biking: The road between Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ (7 km) runs through the fertile valley — perfect for a leisurely bike ride. Rent bikes in Šipanska Luka (from 10€/day).
• Hiking: Trails through olive groves and to abandoned chapels on the hills. No marked hiking network, but the island is small enough not to get lost.

Ferries

The state ferry company Jadrolinija connects Dubrovnik (Gruž harbor) with the three inhabited Elaphiti Islands:

The ferry stops at each island — you can visit all three in one day (with planning). In summer, private speedboats and excursion ships also operate.

Organized Tours

Three Islands Tour: The most popular day tour from Dubrovnik (from 45€/person): Boat trip to all three islands with swim stops, lunch on Šipan, and time to explore on Lopud. Convenient, but less freedom than on your own.

Private Boats

For maximum freedom: Rent a private boat with a skipper (from 350€/day for 4–8 people). You decide which coves to head to, where to snorkel, and how long to stay. Best to book through local providers in Gruž or through your hotel.