Elafiti Islands

Elafiti Islands is a group of islands which span to the west of Dubrovnik. There are 6 islands in total, 3 are inhabited and 3 are uninhabited. There are 7+ rocky reefs. The islands are a great option to get away from the crowds and enjoy the sea and nature, coupled with good food and adventurous activities. The islands are very diverse and offer all kinds of activities.

Each island is unique at something.

Kolocep island has impressive coastline with high clifs and all kinds of caves.

Lopud island has the biggest sandy beach in the region.

Sipan island is famous for its size, olive oil and natural diversity.

How to get there
You can get to the islands with a public boat (~8 eur per two way ticket), boat transfer(~80+ eur), with a group boat tour (~50+ eur) or a private boat tour (~400+ eur).

Kolocep Island

Kolocep island is the first inhabited Elafiti island. It has around 250 permanent inhabitants divided in two villages. It's located 30 minutes away of the Gruz port. It is a medium sized island which offers many diverse activities. You can visit the Blue Cave, sightsee cliffs and caves, go for a swim in a green water bay, visit two local villages, visit local beaches or even go on hiking or biking adventure. Each village has a hotel, restaurants and private accommodation owned by the locals. There are no cars on the islands. The two villages are connected by 2km walking road. There are olive tree fields alongside the road.

Attractions: Blue Cave, cliffs, caves, impressive limestone coastline, viewpoint from forest, two villages, trekking, hiking, biking trails

Blue Cave
Kolocep island is most famous for its Blue Cave.. The Blue Cave can only be accessed by swimming into it. Once you get past the wide entrance with relatively low ceiling you'll be inside a big dome-like structure. The sea bottom is about 6 meter deep, sandy sea and illuminated in blue color. There are just a few caves like this one on entire Adriatic.

Although beautiful, this place is very crowded. It is visited by basically all of Dubrovnik's boat tours.

Cliffs and Caves
The outer side of Kolocep island is a fascinating natural phenomenon. The rocky coastline is made from limestone. Over history rainwater dissolved the limestone and created an array of caves, reefs, cliffs, peninsulas and green water bays. Some caves can be entered by the boat, same can be swam into and some are deep, tall and very narrow cracks in the cliffs. The entire cruise of this area lasts about 40 minutes. It is popular for both sightseeing and swimming. It is visited by most boat tour companies, so expect many other boats and people.

Hiking
Kolocep island has optimal conditions for light/medium hiking and walking. The island's dense pine tree forest is interlaced with many forest trails. These trails lead trought the forest along the edge of the islands. One trail follows the islands coastline, the cliff side. Great place for panoramic views.

Cliff Viewpoint
This place is located on top of a cliff overlooking Blue Cave, coastline cliffs and a green water bay. It can be reached easily by walking from a nearby village. The viewpoint is part of forest with very high pine trees. There are several forest trails connected to the viewpoint.

Lopud Island

Lopud Island is the most touristy Elafiti Island. This is where you find souvenir shops, pizza places, fish restaurants and big hotels. It also features the biggest sandy beach in Dubrovnik, Sunj beach. It is very crowded. On the good sides, Lopud Island has very cool fortress which overlooks the village and surrounding islands. There is also an old botanical garden/forest and a famous restaurant.

Sipan Island

Sipan Island is the largest, the most diverse and least discovered Elafiti Island. It's land is filled with olive trees, vineyards, ancient churches and fortresses. It's shore has some of the best snorkeling spots.