Elaphiti Islands Croatia (Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep)

Elafiti/Elaphiti Islands are 13 isles in the southeastern Adriatic Sea, located off Croatia's Dalmatian coast and northwest of Dubrovnik (mainland Croatia). The Elaphites archipelago has land area approx 30 km (12 mi2) and combined population under 1,000. Of all the 13 islands only 3 are permanently inhabited (Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep) and their economy is almost exclusively based on domestic tourism. In the summer, the Elaphites are visited (mainly via ferries but also via sailboats and private yachts) by a large number of tourists attracted by the pristine beaches and the scenery (marked by old forests) as well as by sports activities like swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, seakayaking.

Regularly daily scheduled car and passenger ferries from Dubrovnik link to the islands' port towns Kolocep, Lopud and Sudurad (Sipan). Cruise ships visiting Sipan Island may also visit Sipanska Luka/Gippana. During the summer season, the ferries (Jadrolinija's Postira & Premuda services) depart from Dubrovnik at 9:30-10 am, 2 pm, 4-4:30 pm, and 8 pm, spending just 5 min in each of the three island ports.

The Dubrovnik-Kolocep-Lopud-Sipan ferry route is served by the Croatian state-owned shipping company Jadrolinija (1947-founded), as well as by Grad Dubrovnik (the city's own ferry line). In the high season, the ships run 4-5 daily crossings (31x weekly) from Dubrovnik. In the low season, they run 4-7 daily crossings (43x weekly). Departures are from Port Kruz (Dubrovnik's ferry and cruise terminal). Travel time is between 30-45 min.

Tour boats (20-min ride) and water taxis (10-min ride) from Dubrovnik are also available.

The other 10 (uninhabited) Elafiti islands are named Crkvina, Daksa, Golec, Jakljan, Kosmec, Misnjak, Olipa (has a lighthouse), Ruda, Sveti Andrija (designated bird reserve, has a lighthouse) and Tajan.

Lokrum Island is just 600 m (1970 ft) from Dubrovnik's Old City port (interconnected via regular daily ferry service) and is also considered part of the Elaphites.

Sipan Island

Sipan Island (aka Sipano and Giuppana) is the Elaphites' largest and located approx 17 km (11 mi) from Dubrovnik. Sipan has land area approx 16 km2 (6 mi2), permanent population under 500, and highest elevation point 243 m / 797 ft (Velji Vrh).

Lopud Island

Lopud Island has total area approx 4,5 km2 (1,7 mi2) and permanent population under 500. Its highest elevation point (Mt Polecica) is 214 m (702 ft). Lopud Town is on the north-western coast.

Lopud can be accessed only by sea (tour boats and ferries) from Trsteno, Orasac, Zaton, and Dubrovnik. Lopud is the archipelago's most economically developed.

Lopud Island is famous for its sandy beaches (Sunj Bay) and beautiful nature park with numerous flower and animal species. For walking enthusiasts, there is a scenic pathway circling most of the Island. Touring options include golf cars (the Island has no cars ) and tour boats (called elafiti).

On Lopud Island, there are many restaurants serving traditional Croatian food and beverages, as well as many shops selling traditional desserts.

Kolocep Island

Kolocep (aka Kalamota) is the closest to Dubrovnik - approx 5 km (3 mi) from Port Gruz. Kolocep has land area approx 2,5 km2 (1 mi2) and permanent population under 200.

The island is car-free and has two villages (Gornje Celo and Donje Celo, interlinked with a paved road), numerous paths and walkways, 7 churches (from the 9th-11th centuries).