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4-star hotels in Šipan

This shortlist gathers 4-star places to stay on Šipan, the largest Elaphiti island, from harbour-side rooms to villas and apartments in the villages and the valley road between them. It is for travellers who want the island at night, not a day trip.

15 hotels21 guest reviews

Staying in Šipan

Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti islands but only 9km long, with two villages at either end of a single flat valley: Šipanska Luka to the northwest, the main ferry port, and Sudurad to the southeast, a smaller harbour. Between them runs one road, a bus that connects with the ferry, olive groves and about 30 abandoned Renaissance summer villas from the Ragusan aristocracy. Roughly 400 people live here year-round, and by 9pm both harbours are down to a handful of porch bulbs and the odd konoba still serving its last table.

The listed places cluster in and around Luka and along the valley addresses toward Sudurad, with several named for the island itself. That makes them suited to couples and to walkers or photographers who have already done Dubrovnik's old town and want a day or two of nothing much; apartments with family rooms and cots serve those bringing children, and the quiet and parking suit travellers who would rather not depend on the ferry each evening. It does not suit anyone chasing an evening out or a tight one-night itinerary.

The shortlist

Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.

  1. ORA Luxury Rooms

    ★★★★4.421 reviews

    Obala Ivana Pavla Ii 50, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Drivers

    • Parking
    • Air conditioning
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereORA Luxury Rooms earns a 4.4 out of 5 from 21 guests, making it a reliable pick in Šipan. Air conditioning and free WiFi keep things comfortable, and parking is available for those arriving by car. Non-smoking rooms add to the appeal. It suits couples or solo travellers who want a well-reviewed base with practical amenities.

    See ORA Luxury Rooms
  2. Villa Vanda

    ★★★★

    Moluntska 18 Dubrovnik Dubrovnik Neretva 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Drivers · Step-free access

    • Free car parking
    • Lounge
    • Wheelchair accessible

    Why stay hereVilla Vanda keeps things simple for guests who want a comfortable base with the practical extras already sorted. A terrace adds outdoor space, luggage storage helps on arrival and departure days, and wheelchair access makes the property easier to use for guests with mobility needs. The 4-star setting suits couples, friends or small families who plan to be out and about rather than in.

    See Villa Vanda
  3. Villa Borna Apartments with Free Parking

    ★★★★

    Moluntska 22, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Kitchen
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereSelf-catering is the point at Villa Borna: a kitchen lets you prepare your own meals, and a laundry service means you can pack lighter and still keep clothes fresh. Air conditioning handles warm days indoors, and the free car parking is convenient if you arrive by car. A cot is available for guests travelling with a baby, and the iron and board, hairdryer, wifi, luggage storage and regular cleaning round off the practical side of a 4-star apartment stay.

    See Villa Borna Apartments with Free Parking
  4. Hedera Estate House Hedera

    ★★★★

    Milakov Do 20, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Air conditioning
    • Free Wifi

    Why stay hereHouse Hedera gives guests a garden and a garage, a combination that works well for anyone who wants outdoor space and somewhere secure to leave a car. A dishwasher takes the chore out of cooking and clearing up, and coffee facilities make slow mornings easy. Air conditioning and carpeted rooms add comfort, wifi keeps you connected, and a cot plus first aid supplies show the property is set up for families. The 4-star house suits groups or longer stays.

    See Hedera Estate House Hedera
  5. Apartments St Thomas

    ★★★★

    Moluntska 3A, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Beach nearby
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereSt Thomas puts the sea within easy reach, with a beach nearby, and adds a balcony and garden for time spent outdoors. A fan and air conditioning give you options for keeping cool, while wifi and free car parking cover the essentials. Each apartment has its own bathroom and hairdryer, cleaning is provided, and a cot is available for families with an infant, along with first aid supplies. It is a 4-star option for guests who want both indoor comfort and open-air space.

    See Apartments St Thomas
  6. Attic Apartment Iris

    ★★★★

    Bokeljska 25, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    • Beach nearby
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereThe attic setting and balcony give Apartment Iris a private, tucked-away feel, and the beach nearby means swimming is an easy part of the day. A desk provides a proper surface for work or planning, and coffee facilities are there for the mornings. Air conditioning and carpeted floors keep the space comfortable, while a bidet, cot, cleaning service and copying facilities cover the smaller practicalities. The 4-star apartment suits couples or solo travellers who value quiet and a bit of workspace.

    See Attic Apartment Iris
  7. Apartment Glory

    ★★★★

    17 Bokeljska Ulica, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Families · Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Family rooms
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereFamilies are the obvious fit at Apartment Glory, which lists family rooms alongside a garden for children to move around in. A dishwasher and coffee facilities make everyday cooking and clearing up simpler, and wifi plus internet access keep everyone connected. Free car parking is included, as are a hairdryer and cleaning. Air conditioning keeps the interior comfortable in warm weather. This 4-star apartment works for a family or a small group wanting space, a garden and self-catering convenience.

    See Apartment Glory
  8. Villa Callista

    ★★★★

    Njive, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Breakfast

    • Breakfast
    • Beach nearby
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereBreakfast is served at Villa Callista, and guests can also take it in their room, which suits anyone who prefers a slow start. A bar on site covers the evening, and the bath and bathrobe point to extra comfort. A balcony and a nearby beach add time outdoors, and a desk gives you somewhere to work. Currency exchange is handy for international guests, with air conditioning, coffee and cleaning completing the picture. The 4-star villa suits couples and travellers wanting service.

    See Villa Callista
  9. Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island

    ★★★★

    Luka 52, Croatia

    Best for: Families · Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Family rooms
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereRooms and studios at Lela come with family rooms, so groups and parents with children are well catered for, and a cot is available for the youngest guest. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and a desk gives you a surface for work or planning the day. Coffee facilities, a hairdryer, air conditioning and regular cleaning keep things comfortable, with first aid supplies on hand. The 4-star property suits independent travellers who want a straightforward, well-equipped base.

    See Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island
  10. Apartment Orangina Sea Nature Relax Ideal for Couples

    ★★★★

    19 Ulica Ivana Pl. Zajca, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Families · Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Family rooms
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereThe name sets the tone: Apartment Orangina is aimed at couples after a relaxed stay, with a garden and a bar for unhurried evenings. Family rooms are also listed, so it can stretch to a small group, and a fan and air conditioning keep the interior comfortable. Wifi and free car parking are provided, along with coffee facilities, a cot, cleaning and first aid supplies. The 4-star apartment suits guests who want calm surroundings and easy, self-contained living.

    See Apartment Orangina Sea Nature Relax Ideal for Couples
  11. Studio apartment Portofino

    ★★★★

    76 Obala Ivana Pavla Ii, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereA 24-hour front desk is the standout at Studio Portofino, useful for late arrivals and for getting questions answered at any hour. The building also has a barber and beauty salon, so grooming and treatments are close by. Inside, a dishwasher and coffee facilities handle food and drink, and a desk provides workspace. Air conditioning, carpeted floors, an alarm clock and cleaning add comfort, and copying facilities are available. This 4-star studio suits solo travellers and couples who want services nearby.

    See Studio apartment Portofino
  12. Luki Home

    ★★★★

    Njive 4, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereBabysitting service at Luki Home makes it easier for parents to step out, and a balcony plus a bath add everyday comfort. A dishwasher and coffee facilities cover cooking and drinks, while a desk and alarm clock suit guests who keep a routine. Air conditioning keeps the apartment comfortable, a cot is available for infants, and cleaning is provided. The 4-star home suits families or small groups who want space and a little extra support during their stay.

    See Luki Home
  13. Renaissance Palace Ghetaldi 1516

    ★★★★

    Puhijera 1B Šipan, Croatia

    Best for: Breakfast

    • Breakfast
    • Beach nearby
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereBreakfast in room starts the day here, and the list of activities is unusually full: aerobics, badminton and canoeing are all available, with bike rental for exploring further. A beach nearby and a bathrobe for afterwards make the outdoor side of the stay easy to plan. Banquet facilities suit celebrations or group meals, and babysitting service helps guests with children. Air conditioning is provided throughout. This 4-star Šipan property suits active travellers and families who want plenty to do.

    See Renaissance Palace Ghetaldi 1516
  14. Apartment Sea Breeze

    ★★★★

    33 Bokeljska Ulica, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Families · Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Family rooms
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereA balcony is the draw at Apartment Sea Breeze, giving guests somewhere to sit outside, and family rooms make it workable for parents and children. A dishwasher and coffee facilities simplify meals, and a desk covers work or planning. Wifi and free car parking are included, alongside a cot, hairdryer, air conditioning and cleaning. The 4-star apartment suits families or small groups who want a comfortable, well-equipped place with a bit of outdoor space.

    See Apartment Sea Breeze
  15. Apartment Luxe

    ★★★★

    Bokeljska 26, Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Best for: Families · Drivers

    • Free car parking
    • Family rooms
    • Air conditioning

    Why stay hereA car rental service is available at Apartment Luxe, which is convenient if you want to get out and explore at your own pace. A garden adds outdoor space, and family rooms make the apartment practical for parents travelling with children. A dishwasher and coffee facilities handle cooking and drinks, while wifi, free car parking, a cot, hairdryer, air conditioning and cleaning cover the rest. The 4-star apartment suits families or groups wanting space and a base for day trips.

    See Apartment Luxe

The shortlist side by side

HotelClassParkingBreakfast
ORA Luxury Rooms★★★★Yes–
Villa Vanda★★★★Yes–
Villa Borna Apartments with Free Parking★★★★Yes–
Hedera Estate House Hedera★★★★Yes–
Apartments St Thomas★★★★Yes–
Attic Apartment Iris★★★★––
Apartment Glory★★★★Yes–
Villa Callista★★★★–Yes
Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island★★★★Yes–
Apartment Orangina Sea Nature Relax Ideal for Couples★★★★Yes–
Studio apartment Portofino★★★★––
Luki Home★★★★––
Renaissance Palace Ghetaldi 1516★★★★–Yes
Apartment Sea Breeze★★★★Yes–
Apartment Luxe★★★★Yes–

From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.

How to choose

For couples

Apartment Orangina Sea Nature Relax Ideal for Couples is named for exactly this, with a garden and a balcony. Villa Callista adds bathrobes, a bath and breakfast, and Renaissance Palace Ghetaldi 1516 pairs a historic address with breakfast and a beach nearby.

Apartment Orangina Sea Nature Relax Ideal for Couples · Villa Callista · Renaissance Palace Ghetaldi 1516

For families

Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island and Apartment Glory both list family rooms and cots. Apartment Sea Breeze and Apartment Luxe add family rooms, cots, dishwashers and free parking, which helps when you are carrying children and groceries back from the village shop.

Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island · Apartment Glory · Apartment Sea Breeze · Apartment Luxe

For self-catering

Villa Borna Apartments with Free Parking has a kitchen, and House Hedera adds a dishwasher and a garden. Luki Home lists a dishwasher, bath and balcony, so longer stays on the valley road can be run from your own kitchen rather than a restaurant table.

Villa Borna Apartments with Free Parking · Hedera Estate House Hedera · Luki Home

For drivers

Villa Vanda, Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island and Apartments St Thomas all include free car parking. With only 9km of road on the island, a car is easy to leave at the property while you walk the valley.

Villa Vanda · Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island · Apartments St Thomas

Plan your stay

Getting there and around

Šipan is reached by ferry from Dubrovnik; the main port is Šipanska Luka in the northwest, with Sudurad's smaller harbour at the southeast end. A single flat valley road runs between the two villages, 9km in all, and a bus meets each incoming ferry. The car ferry allows cars, but with only 9km of road and small villages, leaving the car at Gruž and travelling light is the simpler choice. There is no bank or ATM on the island, so withdraw cash in Dubrovnik before you cross, and expect smaller konobas to prefer cash over cards.

When to go

Aim for a stay that keeps you on the island overnight: the ferry has usually gone by the time the kitchens close around 10pm or 11pm in high season, and by 9pm the harbour lights in both villages are down to a handful of porch bulbs. High season brings the day boats from Dubrovnik, so an early swim before they arrive is the reward for staying. One full day covers the valley walk, a swim and lunch; two nights let you walk it in each direction and catch a sunset from Sudurad.

Things to do near Šipan

Questions, answered

Is Šipan a good base instead of staying in Dubrovnik?

It suits travellers who have already done Dubrovnik's old town and want a day or two of quiet. The island has no bar scene and the ferry has usually gone by evening, so it rewards people genuinely staying the night, not those on a tight one-night itinerary.

Do the hotels have parking?

Several do: Villa Vanda, Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island, Apartments St Thomas and Apartment Glory all list free car parking, and House Hedera adds a garage. Note that the island has only 9km of road, and leaving the car at Gruž is often simpler.

Are there family rooms on Šipan?

Yes. Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island, Apartment Glory, Apartment Sea Breeze and Apartment Luxe all list family rooms, and most of them provide cots as well. The island itself has no kids' club or beach bar, so it best suits families who make their own entertainment.

Which places are best for couples?

Apartment Orangina Sea Nature Relax Ideal for Couples is named for couples and has a garden. Villa Callista offers bathrobes, a bath and breakfast, and Renaissance Palace Ghetaldi 1516 combines an island address with breakfast and a beach nearby.

Can I stay near the ferry port?

Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela Sipan Island is addressed in Luka, which is Šipanska Luka, the main ferry port in the northwest. From there the valley road and the bus that meets each ferry are close at hand.

What is there to do on Šipan?

Walk the 9km valley road between Šipanska Luka and Sudurad past olive groves, the chapels of Sv. Ivan and Sv. Petar, ruined Renaissance villas and the Kaštio watchtower, swim early before the day boats arrive, and have lunch on the quay in Sudurad.

Is there a cash machine on the island?

No. There is no bank or ATM on Šipan, and the shops in both villages are small grocers rather than supermarkets. Withdraw cash in Dubrovnik before you cross, since some smaller konobas prefer cash over cards.

More ways to stay in Šipan