The Elaphiti Islands, also written as the Elafiti Islands, form a small green chain just northwest of Dubrovnik. They sit around 30 to 80 minutes away by boat from the city, depending on which island you visit. Only three islands are inhabited – Koločep, Lopud and Šipan – and all feel peaceful and unhurried.
Here you walk along quiet coastal paths, swim in clear bays and watch sunsets behind pine-covered hills. Sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud is perfect for children and weaker swimmers. Olive groves and old stone villas give Šipan a rural, timeless feel. Koločep, closest to Dubrovnik, works well for short escapes and Blue Cave boat trips.
This friendly guide will help you understand where the islands are, how to reach them, which one to choose and what to see.
Where are the Elaphiti Islands?
The islands sit in the Adriatic Sea, northwest of Dubrovnik, in southern Dalmatia. On a map you will see a loose arc of land just outside the city’s main harbour at Gruž.
When visitors search for “Elaphiti Islands Croatia location” they usually mean:
Several smaller islets surround these three, but they are uninhabited. Most people only see them from the deck of a boat or while sailing between the larger islands.
Locals often talk about “islands near Dubrovnik” and usually mean this group. Boat rides usually take 30 to 80 minutes, depending on the island. Once you step off the ferry into a quiet harbour, city crowds feel far away.
Why visit the Elafiti archipelago?
These islands are a good choice if you want a calm base close to Dubrovnik. They offer car-free streets, small beaches, simple restaurants and clear water. At the same time, you still have easy access to one of Croatia’s most famous cities.
Main reasons to visit include:
Short travel times from Dubrovnik
Car-free centres on Koločep and Lopud
Sandy Šunj Beach, ideal for families
Rural landscapes and olive groves on Šipan
Easy walks, swimming, snorkelling and kayaking
Classic “three-island” cruises and boat trips
Families like the gentle pace and safe swimming. Couples enjoy quiet evenings by the harbour with grilled fish and local wine. Walkers, kayakers and sailors use the islands as a soft-adventure base.
The main islands: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan
Koločep Island (Kalamota)
Koločep is the closest island to Dubrovnik and one of the smallest. Two villages, Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo, sit on opposite sides of the island.
Narrow lanes run between stone houses, citrus trees and shady pines. The centres are car-free, so walking is relaxed and quiet.
Koločep is known for little coves, coastal paths and the nearby Blue Cave sea cave. You can swim from rocky platforms and short pebble beaches. Snorkelling here is often excellent thanks to the clear water.
Many visitors arrive on a day trip and stop for a quick swim. Others stay in a small hotel or apartment and enjoy slow mornings and peaceful evenings.
Lopud Island
Lopud sits between Koločep and Šipan and is completely car-free. The main village curves around a sheltered bay with a long seafront promenade.
Stone houses, small hotels and cafés line the water. Higher up you find a monastery, churches and a hilltop fort with wide sea views.
Lopud is famous for Šunj Beach on the south side. This sandy bay has very shallow water and a gentle slope. It is one of the rare true sandy beaches in southern Dalmatia.
From the village you walk over a low hill to the beach. The path is a pleasant stroll with views of the sea and nearby islands.
Lopud suits visitors who want a mix of beach time, short walks and small-hotel comfort. You will find simple guesthouses and more stylish boutique hotels around the bay.
Šipan Island
Šipan is the largest island in the group and feels more rural. Two villages share the coastline: Suđurađ in the east and Šipanska Luka in the west.
Between them lies a broad valley filled with olive trees, vineyards and small farms. The island once served as a country retreat for Dubrovnik’s nobility. Many summer houses and villas from that period still stand near the shore.
Šipan appeals to travellers who like space, country views and low-key tourism. Hotels are small, and many guests stay in apartments or traditional houses.
The western bay at Šipanska Luka is especially attractive at sunset. Fishing boats, stone quays and gentle hills create a classic Adriatic scene.
Getting from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands
Ferries and regular boats
Reaching the islands from Dubrovnik is simple. The main local connections are passenger ship lines operated by Jadrolinija from the port at Gruž.
Year-round ferries link Dubrovnik with Lopud, Koločep and Suđurađ on Šipan, with more departures in summer. The crossing to Koločep usually takes around half an hour, to Lopud about one hour and to Suđurađ about one hour and twenty minutes.
Check current timetables before you travel, as times and frequencies change between seasons and some services run only on certain days.
Day trips and “three-island” tours
If you prefer an organised outing, you can join a full-day cruise. Many agencies in Dubrovnik sell a classic three-island tour that visits all three main islands.
These trips normally include:
Morning departure from Gruž or the old harbour
A swimming stop at Koločep
Free time on Lopud, often with a visit to Šunj Beach
A shorter stop on Šipan before returning to the city
Lunch is usually served on board or in a small restaurant. This style of trip offers a quick overview, ideal if you have limited time.
Private boats, transfers and kayaks
You can also arrange a private boat transfer directly to your chosen island. Speedboats and small motorboats pick guests up in Dubrovnik and drop them at harbours or hotel jetties.
Guided sea-kayak tours visit the islands too. These often include swimming, snorkelling and a picnic on a quiet beach. Some routes stop at the Blue Cave on Koločep when conditions allow.
Beaches, nature and easy activities
Best beaches in the islands
The archipelago is not about long resort strips. Instead, you find many smaller coves and bays with clean, clear water.
Highlights include:
Šunj Beach on Lopud, a wide sandy bay
Small coves near Lopud village
Pebble coves beneath pines on Koločep
Quiet swimming spots around Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ
Šunj Beach stands out because of its gentle slope and soft sand. Children can play near the shore while adults relax in shallow water. Simple beach bars and sunbeds sit behind the sand in high season.
Walking, views and gentle hikes
The islands are perfect for easy walking rather than serious hiking. Paths and old mule tracks connect bays, viewpoints and small chapels.
Good options include:
The path from Lopud village over the hill to Šunj Beach
Short loops on Koločep through pine and citrus groves
The route between Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka on Šipan
Views are constant. You look across the water to other islands, the open sea or the distant mainland.
Sea caves, snorkelling and kayaking
The Blue Cave on Koločep is one of the best-known sights in the area. Light entering through underwater openings gives the water a glowing blue colour.
Small boats and guided tours bring swimmers to the cave on calm days. Always follow safety instructions from your skipper or guide.
Snorkelling is popular near rocky points and quiet bays. Kayakers enjoy the sheltered channels between the islands and mainland.
Overall, the scenery feels soft and human in scale. Pine forests reach almost to the sea, and many houses sit right by the water.
Where to stay and which island to choose
Accommodation on the Elaphiti Islands
You will not find huge hotels or large resorts here. Accommodation is mostly small and personal in style.
Typical options include:
Family-run hotels in Lopud village
A few waterfront hotels in Šipanska Luka
A small hotel and apartments on Koločep
Private apartments and rooms on all three main islands
Occasional villas and restored houses, especially on Šipan
Many places have terraces, gardens or simple balconies. Expect a relaxed approach and friendly hosts rather than formal service.
Which island is best for you?
Choosing a base depends on your travel style and priorities.
🔍Koločep
Good for short stays, quiet evenings and simple walks. The short ferry ride suits nervous sailors or families with very young children.
🔍Lopud
Ideal if you want a sandy beach and a car-free waterfront village. Great for families and couples who like cafés, ice cream and easy swimming.
🔍Šipan
Best if you enjoy rural landscapes and a slower rhythm. Nice choice for longer trips, walkers and food lovers.
Some visitors split their time between two islands. Others stay on one and explore the others by ferry or tour boat.
Who are the islands for?
Families
The islands work very well for families with children. Distances are short, lanes are narrow, and many areas have no cars.
Šunj Beach on Lopud is especially family-friendly. Water stays shallow far from the shore, and the sandy bottom is gentle on feet.
Koločep is good for simple, relaxed days with small children. Šipan suits older kids who enjoy cycling and exploring.
Couples
Couples come here for quiet time together and soft adventure. You can swim, share long lunches and enjoy slow evening walks by the sea.
Small hotels and apartments offer plenty of privacy. Sunsets over Šipanska Luka or the open sea can be very romantic.
Walkers, kayakers and slow travellers
The islands are ideal if you like a slower pace. You can walk a different path each day and still have time for long coffee breaks.
Kayakers and paddle-boarders appreciate the calm bays and short crossings. Sailors often anchor nearby and use the islands as a gentle stop on longer routes.
Best time to visit the Elaphiti Islands
Main season
The main season runs from late spring to early autumn.
May and June bring warm days, cooler nights and green hillsides
July and August are hottest and busiest
September often offers warm sea and slightly fewer crowds
In summer, ferries and tours run often. Restaurants, cafés and beach bars are fully open.
Low season
From late autumn to early spring, life slows down. Some hotels and restaurants close, but ferries still connect the islands with Dubrovnik.
This period suits visitors who prefer peace over choice. Weather can be mixed, so bring layers and rain protection.
Sample itineraries
One day: classic three-island cruise
If you have only one day free, join a three-island boat trip.
A typical plan:
Morning departure from Dubrovnik
Swim stop at Koločep
Several hours on Lopud, with time for Šunj Beach
Short visit to Šipan’s harbour before returning at sunset
You will get just a taste of each island, but it is a fun overview.
Two or more days: short breaks and longer stays
For a weekend escape, choose one base and slow down.
Example:
Day one: travel from Dubrovnik, evening swim and harbour walk
Day two: morning walk, long lunch, afternoon beach time
Day three: short stroll, coffee by the sea, ferry back to the city
Lopud works well if you love beaches and cafés. Šipan suits those who prefer countryside views and a quieter feel.
If you have a full week, you can combine city and island life.
For example:
Two nights in Dubrovnik
Three nights on Lopud
Two nights on Šipan
Use the local ferry and simple boat transfers between stops. This mix gives you culture, beaches and rural scenery in one trip.
A week or more: slow island hopping
With a full week, you can combine city and island life.
For example:
Two nights in Dubrovnik
Three nights on Lopud
Two nights on Šipan
Use the local ferry and simple boat transfers between stops. This mix gives you culture, beaches and rural scenery in one trip.
Practical tips
Check ferry timetables close to your travel dates
Travel light, as you will carry bags along harbours and lanes
Bring good walking shoes or sandals with grip
Carry sun protection, even for short boat rides
Keep some cash for small cafés and local shops
Book accommodation early for July and August
Island life runs at its own rhythm. Service may feel simple, and that is part of the charm.
FAQs
Where exactly are these islands?
They sit in the Adriatic Sea, northwest of Dubrovnik, in southern Dalmatia. You can see them from the city’s main harbour and many coastal viewpoints.
How do I get there from Dubrovnik?
Use the local passenger ferry from Gruž, book a full-day cruise, or arrange a private boat transfer. Sea-kayak tours also visit some coves and beaches.
Is one day enough to see the islands?
One day is enough for a quick overview on a three-island tour. To really relax, plan at least one or two nights on one island.
Which island should I choose as a base?
Pick Koločep for peace and very short crossings. Choose Lopud for a sandy beach and promenade life. Select Šipan for rural views, olive groves and longer, slower stays.
Are the islands suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, as long as you take care near rocky shores and boat traffic. Šunj Beach on Lopud is especially comfortable for non-swimmers because of its shallow water.
Do I need a car on the islands?
No. Villages are small, and most routes are walkable. On Šipan you can use a local bus or taxi if needed.
Plan your own Elaphiti Islands escape
The Elaphiti Islands offer a simple promise. They give you quiet bays, clear water and car-free villages only a short boat ride from Dubrovnik.
Use this guide to choose your base, check ferries and sketch your ideal itinerary. Save this guide before your trip so you have all the key Elaphiti Islands tips in one place. Add a day trip or a longer stay to your Dubrovnik plans and discover a softer, slower side of Dalmatia.
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