Plizio Visual Lab
Elaphiti Islands
ℹ️Practical info — Elaphiti Islands
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Lopud island is car-free. You can walk or hire a golf-cart taxi to get to the popular Šunj beach on the other side of the island.
- Check the ferry schedule carefully, especially the time of the last ferry back to Dubrovnik. Taking a photo of the timetable at the port is a good idea.
- While the 3-island tours are convenient, taking the public ferry (Jadrolinija) from Gruž Harbour gives you more time and freedom to explore one or two islands at your own pace.
- Bring enough cash with you. Smaller cafes and stalls on the islands may not accept credit cards.
- Buy water and snacks in Gruž port before you depart, as prices can be higher and shops are scarcer on the islands.
🍽 Food
This iconic Dalmatian dish ('crni rižot'), made with cuttlefish ink, can be found at most waterfront restaurants on Lopud and Šipan.
Look for a restaurant serving dishes 'ispod peke' (under the bell), a traditional method of slow-cooking meat or octopus. This often needs to be ordered in advance.
Enjoy the catch of the day, simply grilled with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, at a 'konoba' overlooking the sea.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Some families on Šipan produce and sell their own high-quality olive oil. Ask in a local restaurant for recommendations.
Carob grows abundantly on the islands. Look for homemade liqueur ('rakija od rogača') or cakes.
Although it's popular, you can find quiet spots at the edges of this large, sandy beach, especially in the morning before the tour boats arrive.
Explore the pine-scented paths connecting the villages on Koločep. The island is small enough to walk across in a day, finding hidden coves.
Rent a bike in Suđurađ or Šipanska Luka and cycle through the quiet interior, passing olive groves and old villas.
Water temperature…
The Elaphiti Islands are an easy on the eye archipelago of 13 islands stretching northwest of Dubrovnik. Only the three largest islands, Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, are inhabited. Their name originates from the Greek word 'elaphos', meaning deer. During the golden age of the Republic of Ragusa, these islands were the preferred summer retreats for the Dubrovnik nobility, who built elegant villas and gardens there. Koločep and Lopud are car-free, offering a serene atmosphere that is rare in modern tourism. Lopud is home to the famous Šunj beach, a rare sandy crescent with shallow turquoise water, making it a favorite for families. Šipan, the largest of the group, is known for its fertile fields of olives and grapes and holds the record for the most churches and chapels on such a small area. Visitors often enjoy 'Three Island Cruises' departing from Dubrovnik's Gruž harbor, which provide a taste of each island's unique character. Sea kayaking and snorkeling in hidden caves, like the Blue Cave on Koločep, are highlights for adventurous travelers. Regular Jadrolinija ferry lines provide easy access for those who wish to explore the islands independently. Each island gives a variety of seaside restaurants serving local Adriatic fish and homemade olive oil. The best time to experience the islands' natural beauty is from May to September.
- Location: Croatia
- Top sights: Baterija · Veliki Žal · crkva svetog Duha
- Nearby: Trsteno (4 km)
- Population: ~577
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 9 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 143 | 142 | 123 | 91 | 75 | 58 | 35 | 38 | 103 | 123 | 161 | 159 |
Geography
Facts
- 13 islands (3 inhabited)
- Named 'Deer Islands'
- Car-free Koločep & Lopud
- Sandy Šunj beach (Lopud)
- Nobility's summer estates
- Blue Cave on Koločep
- Largest island: Šipan
- Day trips from Gruž port
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Elaphiti Islands (3)
Frequently asked questions
Which are the three main Elaphiti islands?
Where can I find sandy beaches?
Are there cars on the islands?
How to get there from Dubrovnik?
Is a day trip worth it?
Elaphiti Islands: where is it located?
Elaphiti Islands: what is there to see?
Elaphiti Islands: when is the best time to visit?
Elaphiti Islands: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
