Croatia is very famous for its islands and there are more than 1000 islands, islets, and reefs. Islands and island life are something different, special. It has that unique relaxing and easygoing vibe that is hard to describe but easy to feel. This article will be about Dubrovnik Islands. There are not as many of them as in some other parts of Croatia, but they harbor some of the most unique places in the Dubrovnik area.
When it comes to islands near Dubrovnik, there are only a few of them. One is Lokrum, the nearest island to Dubrovnik and the place we recommend you visit. Others are what’s known as Elaphiti Islands and they consist of 3 main islands (Koločep, Lopud, and Šipan) and many more smaller ones. Both Lokrum and Elaphiti offer many stunning places and a great escape far from the city crowds and straight into the heart of nature. In this guide, you’ll get to know these islands near Dubrovnik, the best ways to reach them, and what to see and do once you find yourself on one of them.
Lokrum Island: A Quick Escape from Dubrovnik We are starting with the island that is closest to Dubrovnik and that is Lokrum Island. If you’re staying in Dubrovnik, you can easily see it from the Old Port, Dubrovnik Walls, or places like Buža Bar. Lokrum is a great place and the island we visit a lot when in Dubrovnik.
Overview
Location: Just 600 meters off the coast of DubrovnikTravel Time: Around 10 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik’s Old PortHighlights: Botanical gardens, peacocks freely roaming around, swimming in the Dead Sea (saltwater lake with warm waters)
What to Do on Lokrum Island Lokrum is easy to reach and it’s a great place to relax and unwind. There are many things to do and enjoy on Lokrum and here are just a few ideas:
Explore the Benedictine Monastery: There are ancient ruins on Lokrum Island as well as the Game of Thrones exhibit, which features a replica of the Iron Throne.Relax in the Botanical Gardens: Lush gardens of Lokrum are full of exotic plants and peacocks freely roaming around.Swim in the Dead Sea Lake: This natural salt lake is always calm and a unique spot for a swim on Lokrum.Hike to Fort Royal: If you are in for a short hike, you can head toward the Fort Royal on Lokrum and enjoy the great panoramic views of Dubrovnik from a different perspective.
How to Get to Lokrum
Ferry Service: Boats depart from Dubrovnik’s Old Port regularly every 30 minutes during the summer season.Cost: Approximately €30 for a round trip. This price includes entrance to the island. Also, if you have Dubrovnik Pass, you get the discounted price for this ride.Good to Know: No overnight stays are allowed on Lokrum and the island empties with the last boat.Kayak And Boat Tours From Dubrovnik to Lokrum : Lokrum is part of many tours in Dubrovnik, and if you book tours like these, you can explore some unique places like Golubinka Cave.
The Elaphiti Islands: A Perfect Day Trip from Dubrovnik Not as close to Dubrovnik as Lokrum, but still very close. The Elaphiti Islands are an archipelago located near Dubrovnik, offering many beautiful places such as Blue Cave, Green Cave, Šunj Beach, and many more. Elaphiti Islands are also a place of rich history since they were part of the Dubrovnik Republic and many of Dubrovnik’s leaders had their vacation homes there.
Nowadays, Elaphiti Islands are featured in numerous day trips from Dubrovnik and are a place where you can immerse yourself in peace and clear Adriatic Sea.
About the Elaphiti Islands The three main islands that are often visited through Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands day trips include:
Koločep (Kalamota): The closest island to Dubrovnik. A beautiful place with rich pine forests. Famous Blue Cave is located on this island.Lopud: Croatia doesn’t have many sandy beaches but one of them is located on Lopud. It’s called Šunj Beach and it’s a place you must visit if you want to have a tropical vibe in Dubrovnik. Lopud also has botanical gardens and the Franciscan Monastery, both of which are great places to visit on the Elaphiti Islands.Šipan: The largest one in this archipelago, Šipan has many historical sites, olive groves, and vineyards.
Best Way to Explore the Elaphiti Islands: Day Trips Day trips to the Elaphiti Islands are among the most chosen trips in Dubrovnik and there are many of them available. We are going to include links to the best ones in this article.
Boat Tours: Many Dubrovnik to Elaphiti Islands tours offer a full-day experience and stop at all inhabited islands of this archipelago.Activities Included: These tours usually include swimming and snorkeling time, some free time to explore each of the islands, and some of them offer a lunch on board.Convenience: Day trips to Elaphiti Islands typically include transfers from Dubrovnik hotels so you don’t have to worry about anything and you can just enjoy the experience and the nature of Elaphiti Islands.
What to Expect on a Day Trip
Koločep: Swimming, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves like Blue Cave and Green Cave. This island is vehicle-free, which further enhances the relaxing vibe.Lopud: Home to the famous sandy Šunj Beach.Šipan: Island known for its peaceful atmosphere and places like Šipanska Luka that are rich in history.
When to Visit Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands If we were to choose a period that is best for visiting the Dubrovnik Islands, we would say summer. It’s the time these islands are most visited anyways. But Dubrovnik can also get very crowded in summer, and day trips to these islands can provide you with an easy escape from the crowds, and a time to relax and unwind before you return to the city.
Summer (June to August): Summer on the Dubrovnik Islands is the best time for swimming and enjoying all kinds of beach activities and water sports. Tours are frequent in this period, but we suggest booking early and reserving your spot since they can book rather quickly.Spring and Autumn: These seasons offer a quieter experience on the islands near Dubrovnik. It’s also the part of the year characterised by mild weather and still great conditions for exploring and swimming. Months like June and September are best months if you want to swim and experience almost empty Dubrovnik Islands.Winter: Probably the worst season to visit Lokrum and Elaphiti Islands. Boat services are limited, but the ones to Lokrum are still available during calmer days.
Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik’s Islands Dubrovnik Islands are visited by many people visiting Dubrovnik and here are some tips that will make your visit a pleasant experience:
Book Tours in Advance: Everyone wants to enjoy the islands near Dubrovnik, but there is a limited number of boat operators and places can fill up quickly.Bring Essentials: Don’t forget sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes.Cash is Useful: Many smaller shops, local family farms, and restaurants on the islands may not accept cards. It’s a good idea to bring some cash with you.Respect Nature: Islands near Dubrovnik are protected areas and always follow the Leave No Trace Principles when visiting them.
Before you venture to the islands near Dubrovnik Ready to exchange Dubrovnik crowds with the immersive nature of Dubrovnik Islands? Sure you are. Both Elaphiti Islands and Lokrum are some of the best places to do so. Of course, expect them to be visited too, but they never get as crowded as the Old Town. Any of these islands are easy to reach and if you head to Elaphiti, you get the chance to enjoy a panoramic ride and see the Dubrovnik Walls and its coastline from another perspective.
Enjoy your stay in Dubrovnik and exploration of the Dubrovnik Islands.
