Day trip to the Elaphiti islands from Dubrovnik
Three small islands strung 8 miles up the coast — Koločep, Lopud, Šipan — with 800 residents between them and no cars on the first two.
Sandy Sunj beach on Lopud island
Ferry versus tour boat
Jadrolinija's local ferry from Gruž port hits all 3 islands for $8 round trip — the local option, mostly used by residents. Departures 8am, 11am, and 2pm; check the return times carefully. Alternatively, book a 'fish picnic' tour ($55) from the Old Port with lunch and unlimited wine included — touristy but honest, and no logistics to manage. For families I recommend the ferry to Lopud only and skipping the guided version.
Which island for what
Lopud is the beach island — Šunj beach on the far south side is one of very few true sandy beaches in Dalmatia, a 30-minute walk or $6 golf-cart taxi from the port. Šipan is the largest and quietest with olive groves, small konobas, and rentable bikes at Sudurad harbour. Koločep is closest to Dubrovnik and best for a half-day swim if you’re pushed for time. All three have no cars and turquoise water clearer than anywhere on the mainland.
What to eat
Konoba Dubrovnik on Lopud does grilled fish for $22 with a terrace over the harbour. Bowa on Šipan is the splurge — a beachfront restaurant with tables on the pebbles, mains $30-45, book ahead. On Koločep, Villa Ruža's terrace does simple pasta and salads for $18. Bring cash — some smaller places don’t take cards, and ATMs on the islands are unreliable.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask before they set off on this one.
Local Jadrolinija ferries from Gruž port, or tour boats from the Old Port. Ferries are cheaper and more flexible.
Lopud for beaches and a walkable town, Šipan if you want quiet and food, Koločep for the shortest hop.
Lopud and Koločep are car-free. Šipan has a few but you won’t need one.
For families or first visitors, yes — lunch, wine, and 3 islands in one day for $55. Solo travellers get better value on the local ferry.
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