Elaphiti Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour from Dubrovnik

The Elaphiti Islands

The Elaphiti Islands are a small archipelago scattered along the coast north-west of Dubrovnik. Their name comes from the Greek word for deer, recorded by ancient writers, and only three of the islands are permanently inhabited: Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. For centuries they belonged to the Republic of Dubrovnik, whose noble families built summer villas, chapels and monasteries here.

Today they are among the most peaceful places on the Dubrovnik Riviera, with very few cars, olive groves, pine woods and clear water. This hop-on hop-off ticket covers Lopud and Koločep, the two islands that combine the best beaches with easy walks, which makes an Elaphiti Islands day trip from Dubrovnik one of the most relaxing ways to spend a summer day.

Gruž harbour and the crossing

The day begins at Gruž, the main harbour of Dubrovnik, about three kilometres from the Old Town and easy to reach by local bus or taxi. The boat leaves in the morning and follows the coast past the Lapad peninsula and the green slopes of the mainland before crossing to the islands.

The boat is a classic wooden excursion vessel with an open upper deck, perfect for photos of the coast. Once on board you receive the day schedule with all departures between the islands and back to Dubrovnik, so you can plan your day as you like. If you are wondering how to get to Lopud from Dubrovnik, this ticket is the simplest answer.

Lopud Island

Lopud is the most popular of the Elaphiti Islands, and no cars are allowed. Its curved village waterfront is lined with palm trees, stone houses and small restaurants, while above the harbour stands a fortified Franciscan monastery from the fifteenth century and the ruins of an old fortress on the hill. Lopud once had a large fleet of ships, and many chapels around the island recall that wealthy past.

The highlight for many visitors is Šunj, a sandy beach with shallow turquoise water on the other side of the island, reached on foot in about 30 minutes along a shaded path. The water is ideal for children and swimmers who prefer sand to pebbles. An optional set lunch at a restaurant on the island can be booked when you board.

Koločep (Kalamota) Island

Koločep, which locals call Kalamota, is the closest inhabited island to Dubrovnik and also the smallest. It has two villages, Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo, linked by a path through pine forests and old olive groves, and both have small beaches with clear water.

The island is wonderfully quiet, with no traffic and only a few hundred residents. You can walk between the villages in about half an hour, discover little pre-Romanesque churches along the way, or simply swim and relax by the sea. Its sea caves and calm coves are a delight for swimmers, and it is the perfect last stop before the boat back to Gruž.

Planning your island-hopping day

Because the ticket is valid for the whole day, you can spend the morning on Lopud and the afternoon on Koločep, or stay longer on one island. Check the schedule you receive on board and take note of the last boat back to Gruž, especially if you walk to Šunj beach.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water and comfortable shoes for the island paths. There is no food on board, so plan to eat at a restaurant on the islands or bring a picnic. The best time to visit the Elaphiti Islands is from May to October, when the boats run daily and the sea is warm enough for swimming.