The Elaphite Islands are great spot for making a daily escape from Dubrovnik during hot summer days. This archipelago situated northwest of Dubrovnik consists of a group of island and only Kolocep, Sipan and Lopud are inhabited.
The islands are dotted with small fisherman villages and have beautiful beaches and pine forests. The islands of Lopud and Kolocep are entirely car-free.
You can visit the islands just for a day, or maybe spend a day or two there, and explore them more.
The sandy Sunj beach is situated in the deep bay on the south coast of LopudThis webpage contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The Elaphite islands are easily reachable from Dubrovnik ferry port by catamaran ferry operating regularly throughout the day. This makes a day trip from Dubrovnik easy, just take the boat that departs in the morning and the last one from the islands.
Of course, if you want to avoid using regular boat, you can always book an organised boat trip from Dubrovnik.
See some of the best beaches in the area in one morning (or afternoon) by taking this fun-fillled private boat tour from Dubrovnik.
Lopud island is a very popular spot for day trips from DubrovnikHop onboard a sailing boat and discover the Elaphite Islands on a cruise from Dubrovnik. Explore fisherman villages, walk in the deep forests, relax in the warm sun in one day. Lunch and drinks are included. The departure is from Gruz ferry port.
Join this full-day speed-boat tour that will take you island hopping, sightseeing, snorkeling and swimming in hidden bays and caves. Explore islands of Kolocep and Lopud on this tour. On the way back, enjoy the most beautiful panorama of the City walls during sunset.
If you want to explore the most beautiful southern Dalmatian islands in one day, then join this 10-hour speed-boat tour. You will visit Mljet National Park, explore the beautiful Odysseus Cave, swim on the famous Moon Beach and explore Blue Cave on Kolocep island. Travellers are really amazed by this boat tour from Dubrovnik!
This small-group speed-boat tour will take you to enjoy on Sunj beach, then Kolocep island to visit Blue Cave and other beautiful caves where you can snorkel and swim. Enjoy the snacks and alcoholic beverages on the boat. A great summer adventure!
Taking a private boat trip to the Elaphites would be the highlight of your Dubrovnik summer holidays. You will enjoy swimming and snorkeling in secluded bays, exploring sea caves or just sunbathing on the boat. Since this is a private tour, you decide on your own itinerary and are free to change it throughout the day. Ideal for a group of friends or families!
β Walk the ancient city walls for stunning Adriatic views
β Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town and Stradun street
β Take the cable car up Mount SrΔ for sunset views
β Visit Fort Lovrijenac for Game of Thrones filming locations
β Swim or relax on Lokrum Island
β Enjoy boat trips along the Dalmatian coast
β Old Town β best for history and atmosphere (but expensive)
β PloΔe β great views and close to Old Town
β Lapad β beaches, restaurants, and better value
β Babin Kuk β quieter resort-style area with good transport
β GruΕΎ β best for ferry access, local vibe, and good transport connections
β Old Town is fully pedestrian-only
β Local buses connect beaches and outer districts
β Boats run to nearby islands like Lokrum
β Walking is the best way to explore central areas
β Airport buses connect to the city center
β Cavtat β quiet coastal town near the airport
β Lokrum Island β short boat ride, perfect for swimming
β Mljet National Park β forests, lakes, and nature escapes
β Ston β famous for walls and oysters
β PeljeΕ‘ac Peninsula β wine region and beaches
β Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina) β historic bridge and old town
β Elaphite Islands β island hopping by private boat, speedboat tours, or organised tourist boat excursions (Ε ipan, Lopud, KoloΔep)
β Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
β Book city walls tickets in advance during peak season
β Bring water and sun protection in summer
β Expect higher prices inside the Old Town
β Wear comfortable shoesβlots of stairs and stone streets