Island Lopud Travel Guide

Lopud is one of the most popular and accessible Elaphiti Islands, located just off the coast of Dubrovnik. Known for its car-free setting, walkable village, and the sandy bay of Šunj Beach, Lopud attracts visitors looking for an easy island escape with a relaxed Mediterranean feel.

Reached in under an hour by ferry from Dubrovnik, Lopud is smaller and more developed than Šipan, but still far calmer than the mainland. With no cars, gentle walking paths, and a compact harbour village, the island works equally well as a day trip or a quiet overnight stay, especially for travellers who want swimming, light walking, and time away from city crowds.

Island Lopud: sandy beaches, historic landmarks, a car-free escape from Dubrovnik

Lopud is centred around a single harbour village facing a wide bay lined with palm trees, cafés, and historic stone buildings, creating a calm and walkable setting from the moment you arrive. During the time of the Dubrovnik Republic, the island served as an important maritime and religious centre, a legacy still visible today in its Franciscan monastery, several churches, and ruins scattered across the hills above the village. This compact layout, combined with the absence of cars, makes Lopud especially appealing for visitors who want to explore at a slower pace, entirely on foot.

Today, Lopud is also widely known for Šunj Beach, one of the most popular sandy beach day trips from Dubrovnik. Reaching the island by ferry is simple, after which most visitors walk through the village and continue across the island to Šunj’s wide, shallow bay, well suited to swimming and relaxed beach time. Beyond the beach, Lopud offers short coastal walks, gentle viewpoints above the harbour, and quiet historic sites, making it a well-balanced destination for both day visitors and those staying overnight.

Lopud Island overview

• Location: Lopud is a small, car-free island in the Elaphiti Islands group, situated off the coast of Dubrovnik.
• Best known for: Šunj Beach, one of the rare sandy beaches near Dubrovnik, and an easy-going, walkable island atmosphere.
• Getting there: Regular passenger ferries connect Lopud with Dubrovnik’s Gruž port, making it a straightforward half-day or full-day trip.
• Getting around: The island is completely car-free; all main sights are reached on foot, with optional local golf cart or boat transfers to Šunj Beach.
• How long to stay: Ideal for a day trip from Dubrovnik, but especially rewarding for an overnight stay once day visitors leave.
• Who it suits: Couples, families with children, swimmers, and travellers looking for a calm island escape without long travel times.

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Where is Lopud and why visit

Lopud is a small island in the Elaphiti Islands archipelago, located close to Dubrovnik and connected by regular passenger services on the Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands ferry route. The group includes three inhabited islands - Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan - each offering a different pace and atmosphere.

Most visitors come for a straightforward island day trip, combining a short ferry ride with time in Lopud’s harbour village and a walk across the island to Šunj Beach, one of the most popular sandy beach escapes from Dubrovnik. Lopud is also well suited to a quiet overnight stay, when the island becomes noticeably calmer after day visitors leave, allowing more time for short coastal walks, viewpoints above the bay, and historic sites linked to its long connection with the Dubrovnik Republic.

How to get to Lopud from Dubrovnik

Reaching Lopud from Dubrovnik is straightforward and does not require a car or advance planning. Regular passenger ferries and seasonal boat services connect Dubrovnik with the Elaphiti Islands, making Lopud one of the easiest islands to visit from the city. Most travellers arrive via Dubrovnik’s Gruž port, choosing between scheduled ferry services or organized boat trips depending on how much time they want to spend on the island.

Ferry from Dubrovnik (Gruž port)

The easiest way to reach Lopud is by passenger ferry from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port on the Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands ferry route, which also serves Koločep and Šipan. Because ferry times and frequencies change by season, always check the latest departures before planning your visit.

According to Jadrolinija’s 2025 price list for the state passenger ferry line serving the Elaphiti Islands, the adult fare from Dubrovnik to Lopud is €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 and €6.80 off-season). Prices apply per person and are the same in both directions.

Boat tours and private transfers

Lopud is also included in many organized island-hopping tours from Dubrovnik, often combined with stops on other Elaphiti islands. Tours suit travellers who want a fixed, time-efficient itinerary, while private boats offer more flexibility for swimming stops and timing, especially for small groups or overnight stays.

Getting around on Lopud (car-free island)

Lopud is completely car-free, which is a big part of its appeal. Once you arrive at the harbour, all movement around the island is done on foot or by small local transfers, creating a quiet and relaxed environment without traffic or road noise. Distances are short, and most visitors find it easy to explore the island at a comfortable pace.

Walking distances and footpaths

The main harbour village is compact and easy to navigate, with cafés, restaurants, and accommodation clustered along the waterfront. The walk from the harbour to Šunj Beach takes around 20 to 30 minutes each way on a paved path that crosses the island, with gentle climbs and shaded sections. Short footpaths also lead to viewpoints above the village and to several historic churches and ruins scattered on the surrounding hills.

Golf cart transfers and boat taxis

For visitors who prefer not to walk to Šunj Beach, local electric golf carts operate transfers between the harbour and the beach, particularly during the busy summer months. Small boat taxis also run across the bay, offering a quick alternative for reaching the sandy shore. These services are informal and seasonal, making them most useful during peak summer when foot traffic is highest.

Best things to do on Lopud

Despite its small size, Lopud offers enough variety to fill a relaxed day or two. Most activities focus on simple pleasures - swimming, walking, and exploring historic landmarks - all within easy reach of the harbour village.

Relax at Šunj Beach

Šunj Beach is Lopud’s main attraction and one of the best-known sandy beaches near Dubrovnik. Its wide bay, shallow water, and soft sand make it especially popular with families and swimmers looking for calm conditions. The beach is reached on foot across the island or by local transfer, making it the natural focal point of most visits.

Stroll the harbour village and waterfront

Lopud’s single settlement stretches along a palm-lined promenade facing the harbour. A slow walk along the waterfront passes cafés, small hotels, and historic stone buildings, offering a pleasant introduction to island life. Early morning and late afternoon are the most peaceful times, particularly once day trippers begin to leave.

Visit the Franciscan monastery and churches

The island’s cultural heritage is visible in several religious sites, most notably the 15th-century Franciscan monastery near the harbour. Additional churches and ruins are scattered on the hills above the village, reflecting Lopud’s importance during the Dubrovnik Republic and rewarding visitors interested in history and quiet viewpoints.

Walk to viewpoints and historic ruins

Short walking routes lead uphill from the village to viewpoints overlooking the bay and neighbouring islands. These paths are well suited to casual walkers and provide a different perspective of Lopud beyond the beach, especially in cooler parts of the day.

Kayaking and swimming around the island

Calm seas around Lopud make it suitable for kayaking and swimming along the coastline. Renting a kayak allows visitors to explore small coves and swim away from the busiest parts of the island, particularly outside peak midday hours.

Šunj Beach - what to know before you go

Šunj Beach is the main reason many travellers choose Lopud over other nearby islands. As one of the few true sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area, it attracts day trippers as well as overnight visitors, especially during the summer months.

How to reach Šunj Beach

Šunj Beach is located on the opposite side of the island from the main harbour village. Most visitors reach it by walking across the island on a paved footpath, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes at a relaxed pace. During the busy season, local electric golf carts and small boat taxis also operate between the harbour and the beach, offering a convenient alternative for those who prefer not to walk. Visitors arriving on private boat tours usually have flexibility to decide when to stop at Šunj Beach, allowing them to avoid the busiest hours if they wish.

What Šunj Beach is like

The beach is a wide, shallow bay with fine sand and gently sloping water, making it particularly suitable for families with children and confident swimmers alike. Parts of the beach are organised with sunbeds and umbrellas operated by beach bars, while other areas remain free for visitors who prefer to bring their own towels. Facilities typically include cafés and basic refreshments during the main season.

Best time to visit and crowd tips

Šunj Beach is busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon, especially in peak summer when ferry day trips from Dubrovnik are most frequent. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon offers a quieter experience and more space. Outside the high season, the beach is significantly calmer, though services may be limited. One of the most flexible ways to experience Lopud is on a private speedboat tour from Dubrovnik, which allows visitors to explore the Elaphiti Islands at their own pace rather than following a fixed ferry or group tour schedule.

Other beaches, bays, and walks on Lopud

While Šunj Beach is the main draw, Lopud also offers several quieter spots and short walks that are easy to combine with a day trip or overnight stay. A number of smaller coves and swimming areas can be found around the island, all listed in our guide to beaches and parks on Lopud, and are best explored on foot by visitors who want to see more of the island beyond its most famous bay.

• Coastal swimming spots near the harbour: Rocky and pebble entry points along the edges of the main bay offer clear water and are often calmer than Šunj during peak hours.
• Walking paths above the village: Short uphill paths lead to viewpoints overlooking the harbour and neighbouring islands, providing good photo opportunities and a sense of Lopud’s compact scale.
• Historic church walks: Several small churches and ruins are scattered on the hills above the settlement, reflecting the island’s religious and maritime past and adding cultural interest to gentle walks.
• Quiet bays reached by kayak: Calm sea conditions around Lopud make it possible to reach small coves by kayak, ideal for swimming away from the busiest parts of the island.
• Sunset walks along the promenade: The palm-lined harbour front is particularly pleasant in the evening, once ferry traffic slows and the island atmosphere becomes noticeably quieter.

Where to eat on Lopud

Dining options on Lopud are concentrated around the harbour village, where most restaurants and cafés face the sea and are easy to reach on foot. Menus typically focus on Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, and simple pasta or risotto dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal, making meals an easy part of a slow island day.

Most visitors choose to eat near the harbour either before or after visiting Šunj Beach, while a smaller number of casual bars and seasonal spots operate closer to the beach during summer. In high season, it is sensible to plan lunch and dinner times a little earlier or later to avoid peak hours, especially for day trippers returning to Dubrovnik on afternoon ferries. Those staying overnight will find evenings noticeably calmer once day visitors leave.

Where to stay on Lopud

Lopud offers a small but varied selection of accommodation, all within walking distance of the harbour. Options range from simple guesthouses and private apartments to a handful of boutique hotels, making the island well suited to travellers who want a quiet overnight stay close to Dubrovnik without the crowds of the mainland. For a curated shortlist of well-reviewed options, see our guide to hotels on Lopud.

Best areas to stay

Most accommodation is located along or just above the main harbour village, providing easy access to ferry connections, restaurants, and waterfront walks. Staying near the harbour is the most practical choice for short stays and allows easy evening strolls once the island becomes quieter. More secluded apartments higher up the slopes offer additional privacy but involve steeper walks.

How many nights to book

One night on Lopud is enough to experience the island after day visitors leave, while two or three nights allow time to visit Šunj Beach at quieter times, explore short walking routes, and enjoy the island’s relaxed pace without rushing back to Dubrovnik.

Lopud itineraries

Lopud’s compact size makes it easy to plan a visit without overthinking logistics. Whether you have a few hours or decide to stay overnight, the island lends itself to simple, relaxed itineraries focused on walking, swimming, and slow exploration.

Easy day trip from Dubrovnik

• Morning ferry from Dubrovnik to Lopud harbour
• Walk through the village and along the waterfront promenade
• Cross the island to Šunj Beach for swimming and lunch
• Late afternoon return walk and ferry back to Dubrovnik

Relaxed overnight stay (2 days)

• Day 1: Arrival, harbour village walk, visit historic sites, dinner by the sea
• Day 2: Early visit to Šunj Beach before day trippers arrive, short coastal walk or viewpoint hike, afternoon return

Practical tips for visiting Lopud

• Bring water and sun protection: Lopud is small but walking to viewpoints or across to Šunj Beach can feel hot in summer, with limited shade on some stretches.
• Wear suitable footwear: Flip-flops are fine for the promenade, but light trainers or sandals with a good sole are more comfortable for walks to the beach and uphill paths.
• Plan around ferry times: For day trips, check departure times in advance so you do not feel rushed back from the beach.
• Expect a slower pace: Restaurants and small services operate on island time, especially outside peak season, so allow extra time for meals and transfers.
• Consider an overnight stay: Lopud feels noticeably calmer after day visitors leave, and early mornings are ideal for a quiet swim and relaxed walks.

Best time to visit Lopud

Lopud is enjoyable from spring through early autumn, with the main differences between seasons being ferry frequency, crowd levels, and available services. Late spring and early autumn are often the most balanced periods to visit, offering warm sea temperatures, comfortable walking conditions, and fewer day trippers from Dubrovnik. For a better idea of seasonal temperatures, sea conditions, and rainfall, it is useful to check the weather in Dubrovnik, which closely reflects conditions on the nearby islands.

Summer brings the highest number of visitors, especially on day trips focused on Šunj Beach, along with the most frequent ferry connections and fully open restaurants and beach facilities. Visiting early in the morning or staying overnight helps avoid peak crowds. Outside the main season, Lopud is much quieter, making it ideal for walking and short stays, though ferry schedules are less frequent and some services may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lopud

Is Lopud worth visiting on a Dubrovnik trip?

Yes, Lopud is one of the easiest and most rewarding island trips from Dubrovnik. Its short ferry journey, car-free village, and sandy Šunj Beach make it a popular choice for visitors who want a relaxed island experience without long travel times.

Can you visit Šunj Beach and return to Dubrovnik the same day?

Yes, Šunj Beach can easily be visited on a day trip. Most visitors take a morning ferry from Dubrovnik, walk across the island to the beach, and return on an afternoon or early evening ferry. Checking ferry times in advance helps avoid feeling rushed.

Is Lopud suitable for families with children?

Lopud is well suited to families, especially because it is car-free and has shallow, sandy swimming at Šunj Beach. Walking distances are manageable, and the calm atmosphere makes it easier to explore with children.

Are there cars on Lopud?

No, Lopud is completely car-free. All movement around the island is on foot, with occasional electric golf cart transfers and small boat taxis available during the main season.

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?

Advance booking is usually not required for passenger ferries to Lopud, especially outside peak summer months. In high season, it is still recommended to arrive early at Dubrovnik’s Gruž port and always check the latest timetable before travelling.

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Plan your visit to the Elaphiti Islands

If you are planning to explore more beyond Lopud, these guides can help you organise ferries, accommodation, and additional day trips from Dubrovnik.

• Elaphiti Islands overview - A practical guide to Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan, including what makes each island different.
• Where to stay on Lopud - Hotels, guesthouses, and apartments for travellers who want an overnight stay.
• Koločep Island guide - The closest Elaphiti island, ideal for swimming, easy walks, and short day trips.
• Šipan Island guide - The largest and most rural of the Elaphiti Islands, best for quiet bays and a slower pace.
• Ferries from Dubrovnik to the Elaphiti Islands - Routes, ports, and planning tips for island hopping.
• More day trips from Dubrovnik - Ideas for island and mainland excursions beyond Lopud.