Elaphiti Islands: Three Islands To Visit That Are Forested And Hilly

The Elaphiti Islands can prove to be the high point of your trip to Croatia. Located in Dubrovnik, these islands are forested and hilly. They retain the slowness of traditional Adriatic life.

There are actually six islands in the archipelago, not including any small islets. Out of which there are three main ones, while the rest remain uninhabited. 

The three main ones to visit and stay on are Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. Two of these three islands are completely car-free, which means that you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Croatia.

Let us explore and talk about the Elaphiti islands.

How To Reach The Elaphiti Islands

These islands are easily reachable by ferry – Jadrolinija has a daily ferry service that travels to each of the islands in turn. There are different tours that also go to these islands.

To know more about the group tour, you can inquire from a local agency in Dubrovnik. Two specialists in Viator also offer two 9-hour trips and all the tours take you to Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. 

More about the Elaphiti Islands

Kolocep

Kolocep

Kolocep is one of the main islands in Elaphiti. This island is closest to Dubrovnik and there are two main villages in the island Gornje (Upper) Celo and Donje (Lower) Celo. 

This green island has 100-year-old pine groves, carol-trees, olive groves with gardens full of orange and lemon trees, and of course, beautiful islands. If you are looking for ultimate tranquillity, then this is the island to be at.

This is a car-free island offering great places for relaxation and rejuvenation. If you are keen on swimming, then you will have a great time at any of the crystal clear beaches on the island.

The Blue Cave on the island can be explored by swimming to and in it. Apart from that, there are numerous architectural marvels which you can explore like pre-romanesque churches, basilica ruins, summer residences. 

Some of the churches which you can explore are the Church of St Sergius, with the Church of St Nicholas and the Church of the Holy Trinity from the 11th and 12th centuries. 

Lopud

Lopud

Lopus island is famous for having the best beaches on the Elaphiti Islands. This is also the “middle” island. It is home to just over 200 people although is considered the most developed of the three islands. 

Lopud stems from a Greek name for the island, Delaphodia. Lopud has been established since many eons and belonged to Ragusa (Dubrovnik) as early as the 7th century.  

Turks came to the island in the 15th Century and the island grew rapidly from then to the 17th century. By the 17th Century, 14000 people were living on Lopud.

This small car-free island can be your perfect getaway for those who want some relaxation and a quiet holiday. You can also rent bikes here to navigate the island tracks or kayaks.

There are a few interesting sights on the island including a number of churches from the 15th and 16th centuries. You can see the remains of the  Rector’s Palace and the ruins of a Fortress. 

There is also a monastery that overlooks the village of Lopud which was built in the 15th century which is also a great attraction on the island.

Sipan

Sipan

Sipan is the largest island in the Elaphiti Islands and there are two main villages on the island. It is characterised by large bays, beaches and green cypress groves, lemon and orange trees. 

This island isn’t car-free but it is still a quiet and relaxed island. There are several churches on the island which you can visit like the 11th century St Peter’s Church and the Church of the Holy Spirit which was built in 1569. 

If you are in the mood to try some local cuisine, then Kod Marka is a favorite amongst visitors, serving up wonderfully fresh dishes and seafood specialties. Two villages, Sudjurad at the east and Sipanska Luka on the west side have lovely accommodation options.

Conclusion

Needless to say, the Elaphiti islands should be your number one choice if you want to have a rejuvenating and stress-free vacation in Croatia. 

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