There are plenty of reasons to choose a vacation rental in Dubrovnik: it combines a sun and sea getaway with a city break, it is steeped in history and culture, there is a vibrant gastronomic scene, and Game of Thrones fans can visit backdrops from the television adaptation, to name but a fraction of its charms. However, if you are spending time in the city, which is now, undoubtedly, the tourist capital and hot spot of Croatia, you may want to take a day to escape the hustle and bustle that such a place can attract. If that is the case, then we would very much suggest a day trip to explore the Elaphiti Islands.
An archipelago located just to the northwest of Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands are comprised of six islands and lots of smaller islets. Just three islands among them, the largest three, are actually permanently inhabited: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. There are various ferries and tours that can get you to specific islands or take you to a few of them and you can also explore them more freely if you have rented a boat of your own. Jadrolinija have a daily ferry service that travels to each of the three main islands in turn and G & V Line operate a catamaran service from Dubrovnik to Sipan, for example. Viator, the tour specialist website also offers several different day trip options including cruises of the Elafiti and Green Islands from Dubrovnik and an Elafiti Islands Cruise from Dubrovnik on a 16th century-style galleon! Both spend time on each of the three main islands and include time for some swimming and sunbathing during your trip. However, the most popular way to experience the Elaphiti Islands is to take the, “Three Islands & Picnic,” tour. Offered by lots of different operators working out of Dubrovnik's Old Harbour, these tours will take you to the aforementioned bigger islands and offer you drinks and lunch, all as part of packages that usually cost somewhere between around thirty and forty euros.
An archipelago located just to the northwest of Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands are comprised of six islands and lots of smaller islets. Just three islands among them, the largest three, are actually permanently inhabited: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. There are various ferries and tours that can get you to specific islands or take you to a few of them and you can also explore them more freely if you have rented a boat of your own. Jadrolinija have a daily ferry service that travels to each of the three main islands in turn and G & V Line operate a catamaran service from Dubrovnik to Sipan, for example. Viator, the tour specialist website also offers several different day trip options including cruises of the Elafiti and Green Islands from Dubrovnik and an Elafiti Islands Cruise from Dubrovnik on a 16th century-style galleon! Both spend time on each of the three main islands and include time for some swimming and sunbathing during your trip. However, the most popular way to experience the Elaphiti Islands is to take the, “Three Islands & Picnic,” tour. Offered by lots of different operators working out of Dubrovnik's Old Harbour, these tours will take you to the aforementioned bigger islands and offer you drinks and lunch, all as part of packages that usually cost somewhere between around thirty and forty euros.
In total, the three main islands have a population of less than 1,000 people and both Koločep and Lopud are car-free zones, making these islands perfectly peaceful, picturesque gems to get away from it all. The islands were named for the Greek word, “elafos,” meaning deer, as their main occupants were once said to have been deer in the writing of Pliny the Elder. However, there is actually no evidence that deer ever did occupy the Elaphiti Islands. It is certain, though, that the islands were of strategic importance due to their location in front of Dubrovnik and they eventually came under the control of the Republic of Dubrovnik in 1272. Today, they are best known as popular tourist attractions due to their pristine scenery featuring lush Mediterranean vegetation and excellent beaches. Kolocep, the closest island to Dubrovnik (at just twenty minutes away by boat), actually really has no beaches of note to speak of but boasts a tranquil and forested landscape that is interspersed with vineyards, olive groves and citruses. Despite a lack of beaches, it has a fascinating coastline marked by coves and caves and the well-known Blue Cave that can be explored via kayak and boat (do note, however, that boats and kayaks can't be rented on the island and that you'll need to sign up to a boat or kayaking tour of Kolocep and the Elaphiti Islands back in Dubrovnik). Lopud, meanwhile, is famously home to Sunj (pronounced, “shoon”) Beach, one of the loveliest beaches in Croatia and a rare example of a sandy white beach in the country. Framed by lush green hills, this pretty gem is busy in the summer but is a true beauty. Lastly (but not least), Sipan is the largest island among the three, and is full of olive and fig trees, vineyards, and citrus groves and is known for her excellent wine and relaxed atmosphere. While her beaches are less famous than those of Lopud, there are still a few nice examples to choose from.
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Dubrovnik and are in search of peace and tranquility, then be sure to plan a day trip to the lovely Elaphiti Islands!
So, if you have found a vacation rental in Dubrovnik and are in search of peace and tranquility, then be sure to plan a day trip to the lovely Elaphiti Islands!