Elaphiti Islands - Koločep, Lopud and Šipan

The Elaphiti Islands (Elafiti) are a small island group just off the coast near Dubrovnik, and one of the easiest day trips from the city.

The archipelago includes 13 islands and islets, but only three are permanently inhabited: Koločep (Kalamota), Lopud, and Šipan. Each has a different feel - from quick swims and short walks to quieter villages and longer, slower exploring.

The name “Elaphiti” is commonly linked to the ancient Greek word elaphos (deer), and the islands appear under the “Elaphites” name in Pliny the Elder’s Naturalis Historia (1st century).

Elaphiti Islands overview

• Location: Adriatic Sea, just northwest of Dubrovnik
• Total islands and islets: 13 (the visitor focus is the 3 inhabited islands)
• Inhabited islands: Koločep (Kalamota), Lopud, Šipan
• Best for: an easy island day trip, swimming stops, simple coastal walks, quiet villages
• How to visit: public ferry (DIY) or organised boat tour
• How long you need: half-day (one island), full-day (one to three islands), overnight (slow travel)

Quick decision guide: which Elaphiti island is best for you?

If you only have time for one island, choosing the right one makes a big difference. While all three Elaphiti Islands are close to Dubrovnik, each offers a distinct experience depending on how you want to spend your day.

• Best for beaches and swimming: Lopud - home to Šunj beach, one of the largest sandy beaches near Dubrovnik, with shallow water and a relaxed, car-free village atmosphere.
• Closest and easiest escape: Koločep (Kalamota) - the nearest island to Dubrovnik, ideal for a short ferry ride, quick swims, and easy coastal walks between small bays.
• Quiet, spacious, and more local: Šipan - the largest island, best suited for visitors who enjoy slower travel, village-to-village exploring, and quieter bays away from day-trip crowds.

If you want to see more than one island in a single day, organised boat tours usually combine short stops on all three. Travellers who prefer a slower pace often choose one island and stay overnight.

Meet the 3 main Elaphiti Islands

Although the Elaphiti archipelago includes several smaller islets, most visitors focus on the three inhabited islands. Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan are all easy to reach from Dubrovnik, but they differ noticeably in size, atmosphere, and how you spend your time once you arrive.

How to visit the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik

The Elaphiti Islands are easy to reach from Dubrovnik and can be visited independently or as part of an organised excursion. The best option depends on how much time you have and whether you prefer flexibility or convenience. Please note that cars are not allowed on Koločep and Lopud, and vehicle access on Šipan is very limited. If you arrive in Dubrovnik by car, it is best to leave it at the parking lot at Gruž port, which is located next to the main ferry terminal.

Option 1: Public ferry from Dubrovnik (Gruž port)

Public ferries for the Elaphiti Islands depart from Dubrovnik ferry port in Gruž. This is the best choice if you want to explore at your own pace or stay overnight on one island. For timetables and seasonal notes, use our guide to the Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands ferry.

• On the main passenger line, the route typically connects Dubrovnik with Koločep, Lopud and Šipan (Suđurađ port).
• Timetables vary by season and can change - always check the latest schedule before you travel.

Ferry ticket prices from Dubrovnik to Koločep, Lopud and Šipan

According to Jadrolinija’s 2025 tariff for state passenger line 807, the adult passenger fare from Dubrovnik is the same for all three islands: €5.40 one way during the main season and €3.40 one way outside the main season. A same-day return ticket costs double the one-way price (€10.80 in season, €6.80 off-season). Prices apply per person and are the same in both directions.

• Dubrovnik - Koločep: €5.40 (season) / €3.40 (off-season) one way - return ticket is double
• Dubrovnik - Lopud: €5.40 (season) / €3.40 (off-season) one way - return ticket is double
• Dubrovnik - Šipan (Suđurađ): €5.40 (season) / €3.40 (off-season) one way - return ticket is double

TP Line also operates a catamaran service from Dubrovnik to the island of Šipan.

Option 2: Boat tours (three-island day trips)

Boat tours are the most popular way to see all three Elaphiti Islands in one day. These trips are designed for visitors with limited time who want a relaxed overview rather than in-depth exploring.

• Most tours include short stops on Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.
• Swimming breaks and lunch or drinks may be included, depending on the operator.
• Time on each island is limited, so tours are better for first-time visitors than slow travel.
• Check pickup location, stop duration and inclusions before booking.

Option 3: Rent a boat or arrange a private taxi boat

If you want maximum flexibility, consider going independently by renting a boat (licence rules depend on boat type and rental terms) or arranging a private skipper/taxi boat for your group. See boat rental in Dubrovnik for practical starting points.

• Best for groups, photographers and travellers who want to choose their own stops and swim spots.
• Agree the route, total duration, fuel policy and return time in advance.

Best things to do on the Elaphiti Islands

The Elaphiti Islands are not about packed sightseeing schedules. They are best enjoyed at a slow pace, focusing on swimming, short walks, and time spent in small island villages.

• Swimming and beaches: Lopud is best known for Šunj beach, a large sandy bay with shallow water, while Koločep and Šipan offer smaller sandy beaches, pebble coves and rocky swimming spots with clear water.
• Easy coastal walks: All three islands have simple walking paths linking villages, beaches, and viewpoints, making them suitable even for casual walkers.
• Village strolls: Walking through the main settlements of Koločep, Lopud, Suđurađ, and Šipanska Luka gives a good sense of island life, with small harbours, cafés, and historic churches.
• Relaxing away from crowds: Compared to Dubrovnik’s Old Town, the islands feel calmer and less rushed, especially outside peak summer hours.
• Kayaking and snorkeling: Calm seas around the islands are well suited for kayaking along the coast and snorkeling in sheltered bays. If you prefer a structured experience, see our overview of day trips from Dubrovnik that include island and sea activities.

Suggested itineraries

How you plan your visit to the Elaphiti Islands depends mainly on how much time you have and whether you prefer to move quickly or slow things down.

Half-day: pick one island

If you only have a few hours, focus on a single island rather than trying to see everything. For a quick escape, Koločep is the closest, while Lopud works well for a beach-focused visit.

1. Take an early ferry from Dubrovnik to Koločep or Lopud.
2. Spend time swimming, walking between bays, or relaxing in the main village.
3. Return to Dubrovnik in the afternoon without rushing.

Full-day: classic Elaphiti Islands day

A full day allows you to combine more than one island, either independently or on an organised tour. If you are planning a slower DIY day, many travellers choose Lopud plus one other island rather than trying to do all three.

1. Join a three-island boat tour or use the ferry to reach Lopud and a second island.
2. Stop for swimming and lunch on one island, then continue to another for a short walk or village stroll.
3. Return to Dubrovnik in the early evening.

Overnight: slow travel on the Elaphiti Islands

Staying overnight lets you experience the islands after day-trippers leave. For a quieter base with more space, consider Šipan, while Lopud suits visitors who want a simple beach-and-village rhythm.

1. Choose Lopud for beaches and easy access, or Šipan for quieter surroundings and more space.
2. Spend your first afternoon exploring nearby bays and villages.
3. Enjoy a relaxed second day before returning to Dubrovnik.

Practical tips before you go

A little planning helps you make the most of a visit to the Elaphiti Islands, especially if you are travelling independently.

• What to pack: Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable walking shoes. Water shoes are useful on pebble and rocky beaches, while a snorkel mask is worth packing for calm days.
• Cash and cards: Small cafés and restaurants usually accept cards, but having some cash is helpful, especially for beach facilities or small local services.
• Food and facilities: Restaurants and shops are concentrated around the main villages. Opening hours and choice depend on the season, with fewer options outside summer.
• Getting around: The islands are explored mainly on foot. Koločep and Lopud are car-free, while Šipan has limited local traffic but is still best enjoyed without a car.
• Families: Lopud is the easiest choice with children thanks to Šunj beach and flat walking routes. Shade is limited on beaches, so bring hats and sunscreen.
• Best time of day: Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter, especially in high season when most day-trip boats arrive around midday.

Where to stay on the Elaphiti Islands

Staying overnight on one of the Elaphiti Islands is a good option if you want to avoid day-trip crowds and experience the islands in the evening and early morning. Accommodation is mostly in small hotels, guesthouses, and private apartments, and the atmosphere varies noticeably from island to island.

• Lopud: The best choice for a relaxed beach stay, with accommodation close to the harbour and easy access to Šunj beach. Lopud works well for couples and families who want simple logistics and a fully car-free environment. See our guide to hotels and accommodation on Lopud.
• Šipan: Ideal for travellers looking for peace and space. Accommodation is mainly spread between Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka, making Šipan suitable for longer stays and slower travel. An overview of hotels and accommodation on Šipan helps with choosing the right base.
• Koločep: A compact and quiet option closest to Dubrovnik, best for short overnight escapes and visitors who plan to explore the island on foot. For details, see hotels and accommodation on Koločep.

For broader island overviews and practical tips, you can also consult the main guides to Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.

When to visit the Elaphiti Islands

The best time to visit the Elaphiti Islands closely follows Dubrovnik’s tourist season. Late spring and early autumn offer the most balanced experience, combining good weather with fewer visitors. If you are planning around temperatures and sea conditions, see weather in Dubrovnik for a practical month-by-month overview.

June and September are particularly pleasant months, with warm sea temperatures and noticeably smaller crowds than in July and August. Summer is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and boat trips, but it is also the busiest period. In spring and autumn, milder daytime temperatures make walking, light hiking, and exploring villages more comfortable, while the sea often remains warm enough for swimming.

Are the Elaphiti Islands worth visiting?

The Elaphiti Islands are well worth visiting if you are looking for a quieter contrast to Dubrovnik. They are known for their relaxed pace, small settlements, and unspoiled coastal scenery, which appeals to both visitors and locals.

Despite their modest size, the islands offer a good mix of sandy and rocky beaches, calm bays for swimming and kayaking, and simple outdoor activities. Life moves slowly here, making the Elaphiti Islands especially attractive to travellers who want to unwind, spend time by the sea, and enjoy a more laid-back island atmosphere.

Elaphiti Islands FAQ

Are the Elaphiti Islands worth visiting?

Yes. The Elaphiti Islands are a good choice if you want a quieter, more relaxed experience close to Dubrovnik. They offer easy swimming access, small villages, and a slower pace that contrasts with the busy Old Town.

Can you visit all three Elaphiti Islands in one day?

It is possible, but only with limited time on each island. Organised boat tours usually include short stops on Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan. If you prefer to explore independently, it is more enjoyable to focus on one island or stay overnight.

Which Elaphiti island has the best beach?

Lopud is best known for Šunj beach, a wide sandy bay with shallow water that suits families and relaxed beach days. Koločep and Šipan have smaller pebble beaches and rocky coves with clear water.

Is it better to visit the Elaphiti Islands by ferry or by boat tour?

The ferry is better if you want flexibility or plan to stay overnight on one island. Boat tours are more convenient for seeing several islands in a single day but allow less time at each stop.

When is the best time to visit the Elaphiti Islands?

June and September offer the best balance of warm weather, pleasant sea temperatures, and fewer crowds. July and August are ideal for swimming but are also the busiest months.