Exploring the islands just a short boat journey from Dubrovnik
Closest to Dubrovnik are the Elaphite’s, the name comes from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer as in ancient times the islands were home to a large deer population.
A small archipelago of six islands the three main ones to visit or stay on are Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. Combined they have a population of less than a 1,000 people therefore quieter, peaceful and above all off the beaten tourist track.
Kolocep and Lopud are car free, as a result they are both equally great places to escape from the hustle and bustle of touristy city streets. Because they are close to one another we visited them consecutively on a day trip.
An island where fishing is an integral part of daily life, lobster are caught off shore and locals can be seen fishing from the pier.
Furthermore its natural beauty of green forests, vineyards, olive groves and citrus trees entice you to wander across the islands paths.
Ferry
The smallest island Kolopec comes into view, just a 20 minute ferry ride from the port of Dubrovnik in Gruz. And our arrival launched a frenzy of activity as the boat also brings supplies for the local shops and restaurants.
We walked past charming small stone houses with beautiful gardens.
An abundance of blooms, deep pink holy hocks, towering over pompoms of orange flowers as bright as the midday heat.
And we breathed in air sweetly scented by opulent bushes of lavender encircled with butterflies.
Continuing along walled lanes we explored old chapels surrounded by ancient gravestones.
However before too long the lure of shimmering waters drew us back to the sandy beach for a swim.
It was hard to drag ourselves away but we wanted to see Lopud just a further 20 minute sail away.
As diesel tractors chug up the incline transporting supplies and people further into the interior.
Beside the paths stalls with honesty boxes were laid out. Decorated with ornate bottles filled with olive oil in addition to neat packages of dried orange pee. And jars of fig jams, alongside delicious tasting homemade marmalade.
Lopud
Traditional shops and restaurants edged the town’s small beach, topped with white loungers and kids running in between, splashing in and out of the shallow water.
As we approached, the white stone quay dazzled in the afternoon sunshine. Along the length of the harbour wall a line of bobbing fishing boats were tethered.
Surrounded by lush green hills and fine golden sand which your toes sink into (which can be rare as a lot of Croatian beaches are comprised of stones and pebbles).
Lapped by the intoxicating blue warm waters of the Adriatic makes it one of the best beaches in the Elafiti Islands.
A location which was absolutely stunning.
Sail boats crossed our path. Blues and pinks of sea and sky illuminated wispy clouds which stretched across the horizon. As a result distant islands became silhouettes as the sun sank slowly behind disappearing from the sky until tomorrow.
We followed the signs to Sunj beach on the other side of the island. There is a tarmac road and you can catch a taxi which is actually a golf cart. Alternatively as we did walk along a path that leads uphill then down through a wooded valley, a cooler option.
After a relaxing afternoon we strolled back to the port in time for the last boat back to Dubrovnik just under an hour away.
Liz Barry
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