ELAPHITI ISLANDS
The Elaphiti Islands is a small archipelago consisting of several islands stretching northwest of
Dubrovnik, in the Adriatic sea. Only the three main islands are permanently inhabited, each of which ...
supports a modest tourist industry. They are connected with the mainland via daily ferry lines
operated out of Dubrovnik.
Koločep – It is the closest island to Dubrovnik, located 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Dubrovnik
harbor at Gruž. The two main villages on the island are Gornje (Upper) Čelo and Donje (Lower)
Čelo. The island is also the smallest, and has a population of less than 200 people.
As the smallest of the islands, Koločep must be considered as a calm place to stay, especially if you
want to be close to Dubrovnik but far from city crowd. You can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear
water, exploring the coves and small bays. The Blue Cave on the island can be explored by swimming
inside it.
There are also a number of interesting churches on the island, some of which stem from as back as
the 9th century. These include 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 – Second in size and best known for its sandy beaches, it is located between Šipan and
Koločep island. Lopud is home to just over 200 people although is considered the most developed of
the three islands.
The island only has one village, which is also called Lopud and is located in Lopud bay.
Šunj Bay is located on the other side of the island where you can find most popular sandy beach
where you can relax and enjoy in beach bars.
There are a few sights on the island, including a number of churches from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The remains of the Rector’s Palace and the ruins of a Fortress are worth a peek; there’s also a
Franciscan Monastery that overlooks the village of Lopud which was built in the 15th century.
Šipan - is the largest of the main Elafiti islands, and there are two main villages on the island –
Suđurađ, on the southeastern tip of the island, and Šipanska Luka, on the western side, each centered
around a bay. Unlike KoloČep and Lopud, Šipan isn’t car free – although it is still a relatively quiet
and peaceful island.
There are several churches on the island, including the 11th century St Peter’s Church and the Church
of the Holy Spirit which was built in 1569. Some of the Dubrovnik aristocracy built their summer
houses on Šipan, the remains of which can still be seen today.
MLJET (NATIONAL PARK)
Mljet is Croatia's greenest island with its Mediterranean vegetation, clear and clean sea, gentle sandy shoreline and a wealth of underwater sea life. The island is considered to be one of the most b...eautiful of the Croatian islands too. Mljet is well known for its white and red wine, olives and goat's cheese. The sea around there is rich in fish and marine life. The island is also well known for its two salted lakes - Veliko and Malo Jezero that are located at the north end of the island. On the small St Mary's Island in the middle of Veliko Jezero lake, there is an old Benedictine monastery. Beside beach Saplunara (on the south of the island), Veliko and Malo Jezero are favorite swimming spots for locals and visitors alike. North- west part of the island of Mljet is also one of Croatian National Parks, and is therefore, one of the favorite destinations for travellers to this part of Croatia. There is also a famous Odysseus cave situated on the back side of the island which is a great spot to go swimming and do some cliff jumps.
KORČULA
Korčula island is sixth largest island of Elaphiti islands. Korčula has a reputation for being the wine island, and it’s home to some varietals you can’t find anywhere else. Whether you want ... to go bike riding through vineyards that edge along the sea or take in a fearsome Moreška dance performance, whether you want to go wine tasting up and down the island or discover hidden beaches, whether you want to have a Michelin-starred meal or country food in a traditional "konoba", Korčula has something for you. Korčula has a small but mighty old town, a little Dubrovnik. It’s small and easy to cover on foot (albeit filled with tons of stairs), and it’s edged with a beautiful pathway along the water, lined with nice restaurants and caffes.
HVAR
Hvar, is the longest and sunniest Croatian island and one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Untouched nature, a very rich historical and cultural heritage, the scents of lavender, olives and wine, ... as well as always hospitable hosts are the reasons why the island of Hvar is widely known. Hvar is also an island with more sun than any other in Europe. An island whose beaches and clear waters are regularly featured in top ten lists, and whose healthy UNESCO Mediterranean diet is a symbol of its healthy lifestyle. An island fine wine story has attracted the only Master of Wine in all Croatia to make wine from its indigenous grapes.
