Elaphiti Islands

Elaphiti Islands – Dubrovnik’s Hidden Island Paradise

Just northwest of Dubrovnik, a short sail from the city’s historic harbor, lies a serene archipelago known as the Elaphiti Islands. Scattered like jewels across the Adriatic, these islands are a peaceful escape from the crowds, a place where pine forests meet turquoise waters and timeless villages welcome sailors with quiet charm and warm hospitality.
For guests seeking privacy, natural beauty and a more authentic pace of life, the Elaphiti Islands offer a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance.
The three main inhabited islands, Šipan, Lopud and Koločep, are easily reachable by private yacht or gulet. This makes them a favorite stop for luxury cruisers sailing along southern Dalmatia. Each island has its own unique character, and together they create an ideal itinerary for relaxed exploration.

ŠIPAN
Šipan, the largest of the Elafiti Islands, spans just 16 square kilometers and is home to a little over 500 residents. Despite its size, it remains a true gem of the Adriatic. Known for its untouched nature, peaceful beaches, and secluded coves, the island is dotted with orchards, vineyards, olive groves, and carob trees, offering an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.
Šipan has two main villages: Šipanska Luka in the west and Suđurađ in the east. In Šipanska Luka, visitors can explore the late Gothic Church of St. Stephen and the Gothic Rector’s Palace. A two-kilometer palm-lined promenade connects several inviting restaurants and cafés, making it ideal for a relaxed seaside stroll. Nearby, both sandy and pebbled beaches offer clear waters and quiet places to swim and unwind.
Suđurađ, located on the island’s eastern side, is Šipan’s main ferry port from Dubrovnik. The village is best known for the 16th-century Skočibuha Summer Residence and its defensive tower. With a long maritime tradition, Suđurađ remains a working village where local fishermen are still active, surrounded by traditional stone houses and narrow lanes.
Šipan is also a popular stop for yachts sailing along the Dalmatian coast, particularly for those exploring the Elafiti archipelago. Its calm bays and sheltered anchorages make it a favored destination for a peaceful island escape.
Once a beloved summer retreat of Dubrovnik’s aristocracy, Šipan continues to captivate visitors with the quiet elegance of ruined mansions, medieval churches, and unspoiled landscapes. Rooted in centuries of shipbuilding, olive cultivation, winemaking, and fishing, the island today offers a slower and more peaceful pace of life, ideal for those seeking the authentic soul of the Mediterranean.

LOPUD
Possibly the prettiest and certainly the most popular among all Elafiti Islands, Lopud offers a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of its more famous neighbor, the city of Dubrovnik. Even though a large part of the island is covered in beautiful pine forests, the main port of the same name has plenty of charm. One of the first things that draws your attention when sailing into Lopud harbor is the 30 meter high bell tower of the 13th century Franciscan Monastery.
East of the port, you can see the ruins of Fort Spanjola, which once defended the island from invaders and now provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. If you take a stroll along the charming promenade, you will notice elegant mansions (former aristocratic villas), unique souvenir shops, lovely restaurants, and no cars.
Also worth visiting is St Nicholas' Church, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, as well as the Djordjic Mayneri Park dating back to the 19th century. As you wander the garden’s shaded paths, North African date palms, Tasmanian eucalyptus trees, and North American magnolias will transport you to far off exotic places.
If you like contemporary art and architecture, head to the edge of the village, where you will find the Your Black Horizon Art Pavilion, nestled among carob, cypress, and olive trees. And of course, no island village would be complete without a beautiful beach. Lopud’s Sunj Beach is by far the most popular. It is the perfect spot for kayaking, snorkeling, or simply enjoying fresh local seafood with a view.

KOLOČEP
Just a short sail from Dubrovnik, the small island of Koločep feels like a hidden world – peaceful, lush, and completely free of cars. Known for its pristine nature, turquoise coves, and relaxed atmosphere, Koločep is the first and closest of the Elaphiti Islands, and a perfect place to start or end a day of island hopping in southern Dalmatia.
For guests arriving by yacht, the approach to Koločep is gentle. Steep cliffs lined with pine trees, stone cottages nestled among olive groves, and a calm blue sea invite you to slow down. Koločep is one of the few Croatian islands that is entirely car-free, making it a true retreat for those looking to disconnect.
There are only two small villages on the island – Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo – connected by shaded walking paths and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
The coastline is dotted with quiet bays, sea caves, and natural swimming spots, ideal for paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply dropping anchor for a peaceful afternoon in the sun.
What Koločep lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Traditional stone houses, centuries-old churches, and traces of medieval architecture blend naturally into the island’s landscape. There is no rush here – just birdsong, the scent of pine, and the occasional sound of a fishing boat in the distance.
Local taverns serve freshly caught seafood and simple yet delicious Dalmatian specialties, often prepared right in front of you, with a sea view that rivals any luxury restaurant.
Though small, Koločep leaves a lasting impression. It’s a place where time slows down – where you can walk barefoot along a forest path, swim in a hidden lagoon, or enjoy a sunset cocktail on the deck of your yacht, surrounded by nature and silence.