Šipan Island is larger than Koločep and Lopud so cars are necessary for locals, but  luckily only few of them are used.

Name Šipan comes from Latin word “gypana” which means The Island of eagles. Due to its fabulous golden olive oil, it was known as a Golden Island too.  Island has two ports in two biggest villages: Suđurađ (San Giorgio) in the east, and Šipanska Luka (Porto Gippana) in the west.  Suđurađ is the one facing Lopud and it is great option if you want to spend your day on the beach and just get lazy. You will find there great beach bars to refresh or have a coffee in a shade.

Šipanska luka, on the other hand, has great choice of excellent restaurants with delicious local specialties. Here you can be sure that fish and seafood came right from the sea to your plate. Beachfront restaurants are great places for nice romantic restaurants.

Do not get surprised when the waiter shows up without menu and give you only few options for your dinner. Actually, you can take this as advantage as then you can be sure everything is fresh and not kept in the fridge. Feel free to ask the waiter for recommendation. They always have some great tips for you what to eat, where to go and what to do! Bars and restaurants on Šipan Island have very reasonable prices considering the prices are usually much higher on islands. Locals live from tourism but also grow olives, figs, almonds, tomatoes and citrus fruits. You will find here vineyards with finest grapes so do not miss to try local homemade vine. This beautiful island is covered by palm trees more than any other place in this part of Croatian coast.

Šipan Island was inhabited in roman times so you can find many stone ruins from 11th century all over island. There are also few medieval Renaissance and Baroque churches and chapels as well as rustically palaces. Same as Koločep and Lopud, Šipan was the place to hide and relax for noble families of Dubrovnik Republic.

In Suđurađ you can see large summer palace from one of the wealthiest Dubrovnik Republic family – family Skočibuha. You will notice there two large towers. Those towers were very important in old times when the danger from pirates was part of their everyday life. Except its natural beauties, Šipan Island is most interested for those in love in history and architecture. Beautiful palaces of noble families, late-Gothic Rector’s Palace and ruins of archbishop’s palaces will tell you the story about the island.

If you decide to visit all those places and explore Šipan Island, be prepared to take a walk up the hill and make sure to bring bottle of water and wear comfortable shoes. Try to avoid long walks when the sun is strong so the best is to start early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The view from the top of the island is really something special. Beautiful landscape, vineyards and olive trees – and then the endless beautiful blue sea. The biggest advantage of this island is its peacefulness. If traveling with your loved one and want to spend some time together without being intruded – this is the place for you. Šipan Island is perfect place for a romantic getaway.

Long walks by the sea, romantic restaurants and beautiful beaches could be the great choice to run away from everyday life.

Locals are very friendly and will be happy to tell you the stories about the island but not annoying and loud at all.   If you want to have a bit more active holiday you can also rent a kayak, bike or even take diving lessons.

Šipan Island could be at least visited among Elafiti Islands but therefore at least spoiled by tourism too. You can visit Šipan Island as a part of one day tour popular called There islands cruise or fish picnic trip. This will give you 1 hour maximum to explore which is definitely not enough to get to know this island. But if this is the only option for you definitely do not miss it!

If you plan to spend more than one week on south of Croatia definitely consider to book your holiday home on Šipan Island for at least two or three days. You will leave wishing to stay longer!

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Greeks were the ones who first discovered its beauty so it was inhabited for centuries. At this moment, approx. two hundred citizens live there. Lopud Island has everything you might need: restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and ambulance. There is also a post office so surprise someone by old fashioned way – with postcard! There are few restaurants offering variety of local specialties, as fresh fish and seafood so do not miss to try!

While Koločep Island is bit Robinsonian, Lopud is true Mediterranean island. Whole Island is covered with beautiful wild grown bunts of flowers and orange and lemon trees. Lopud Island is perfect small sunny paradise surrounded by the sea. Sadly, this also means that more tourists visit Lopud then Koločep. This is why we rather recommend Lopud Island for those who do not mind full beaches and bit of noise from the bars.

Lopud Island is only inhabited on the part of the island closest to Šipan. There is small village called Lopud too. Across, on the other side of the island you will find beautiful sandy beach in bay Šunj. To reach Šunj from the village you just need to follow the small path across the island. If you want to avoid walking, in port in the village you can also rent a small car called buggy or a bike. Lopud Island is car free zone but has tiny road for this types of vehicles only. There is no classic road and cars so island is free from pollution.

Beautiful beach in bay Šunj is one of the favourite beaches for Dubrovnik citizens too. You will notice them jumping into the sea from their small boats, especially during the weekend.  As the sea gets deeper after 100 m this beach is ideal for children. There is also one great beach bar to hide from the sun and refresh. As all beaches on Dubrovnik coastline are pebble, Šunj will surprise you. On this island you will find 1,2 km of sandy beaches but you can also find one small beach in Lopud village too if you want to get quick refreshment.

In the middle of 15 century, Lopud Island was regional headquarter of Dubrovnik Republic with 80 ships in the fleet which is really large number for such a small island. As Dubrovnik, Lopud had its own rector’s palace too. Nowadays you can only visit it ruins.

Lopud Island was most inhabited in 16^th century. In that time there was more than 30 small churches and number of summer palaces whose owner was Dubrovnik Republic aristocracy. There were also few monasteries on island. Some of those places are well preserved and you can visit them too. If you book your holiday apartment in one of those small houses on Lopud Island do not miss to explore other parts of the island and those old stones ruins. Lopud is great for long walks in the evening when the sun goes down.

On the highest point of the island stands Spanish tower Sutvrač from 16^th century. From that point you will get magnificent view to whole Lopud, other Elafiti Islands and part of Dubrovnik. Beautiful landscape and sun sinking to the sea will take your breath away. Of course, ferry from Dubrovnik harbour and back goes regularly. It will take you approx. 50 minutes to reach Lopud. Just make sure to buy your ticket at least 1 hour prior to departure. Ticket price is 23kn in one direction.

Our tip: If you still want to stay in Dubrovnik, do not miss to visit Lopud. You can book one day fish picnic trip for approx. 250,00 – 300,00 knor kayak tour.

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The time when the sun and the sea were only thing to offer to the tourists passed long time ago. More and more tourist agencies are creating very interesting offers. Here are some options for what to do in Trogir and Čiovo Island for you.

Our tip: to enjoy every minute of your holiday explore the options before arriving. If you want to have some active holidays we recommend to check our offer and book apartment at Okrug Gornji on Čiovo Island.

What to do in Trogir and Čiovo Island

Kayaking

We suggest you two routes: kayak to the nearby islands or around town of Trogir.

Route around Trogir is 7 km (4,5 miles) long and takes 3 hours.
Route starts in Seget Donji. From Seget continues to Trogir and back to Seget.

Trogir is surrounded by the sea so you will have the opportunity to see the whole town from different perspective. Instead of following your guide through crowded streets, this way you can also get lots of interesting information. The atmosphere is very relaxing so you usually get more than rough statistics. You will get true lively story about the town history and cultural heritage.

If you are afraid kayak is to demanding for you, do not be! You will get the opportunity to stop for a while. You can have a rest on the beach and refresh in Adriatic sea. You can chose between morning or evening routes.

Second route starts from Port of Seget Donji  too. First goes one-hour boat drive to Drvenik Island. From there you will take your kayak for 7 km (4,5 miles) long tour.

While on Drvenik, do not miss to see beautiful Blue Lagoon beach and swim in crystal clear sea. You will feel like in tropical paradise in the middle of Adriatic Sea. A full day trip starts around 8:30am and finishes around 4:30pm.

Previous experience is not necessary, as the routes are not very demanding. Minimum age is 8, so this could be very nice family trip. The price is around 35€ – 45€. Most companies are providing a drink or even a light lunch in one of the many beach restaurants and bars. Both routes are available from middle of the May until the end of September.

Our tip: If you already have experience and prefer to go on your own, you can rent kayak and enjoy by yourself. Bring some water, sun protection and hat. You can find many beach bars and small restaurants to have a snack and refresh. If you are thinking about what to do while in Trogir and Čiovo Island, kayaking is wonderful option.

What to do in Trogir and Čiovo Island  

Biking

Trogir is one of the best places to visit in Croatia. Do not stop there and discover the whole area with the bike!

If your want to explore side areas and see the parts that you cannot visit by car, renting a bike is a good idea.

You can rent bicycles at many points in Trogir and Ciovo Island. It is even possible to order one to your apartment door. You can rent bicycles in different sizes and for all ages, so family holidays can be very fun. Most charming route to cycling on the island Ciovo is through Slatine and Okrug Gornji. You can also go all the way to Trogir and more forward to Seget Vranjica.

Price to rent a bike  goes around 15 – 20€ per day. Protective helmet is included but do not forget to bring some water, hat and protective cream.

By bike, you will get the opportunity to visit uninhabited parts of the island. There is nice route next to the 2 km long pebble beach in Okrug Gornji. It is full of beach bars where you can stop and refresh. You will also find many restaurants with traditional dishes and light lunches. It is not necessary to bring the food with you. Check our recommendations for your lunch and choose between some of the best Croatian dishes.

Our Tip: The beautiful landscape is there for you to discover. Do not hesitate to stop and talk to the locals. They will be happy to help you with advices.

If kayak is not your option for what to do in Trogir and Čiovo Island take your family to the unforgettable sightseeing by bike!

What to do in Trogir and Čiovo Island 

Multi sport Tour

Multi-sport tour combines bike and kayak. This is great opportunity to explore the area from the inside and the outside. Tour starts with 10 kilometers (6miles) bicycle tour and finishes with 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) kayak tour. The tour starts in the village of Zedno – few kilometers away from Trogir. From there you will bike to the top of the island. While on top, stop and look at the fabulous islands in front of you. Then turn around and on the other side, you will see beautiful mountains of Kozjak and Mosor. This route will take you to the Lady of Prizidnica. It is small sanctuary on a beautiful and unique location. Here you will feel nothing but tranquility.

After that, you will cycle to the small beach for a break and light lunch. Traditional Dalmatian food is on menu of course. If not hungry, you can just relax on the beach, take a swim or snorkel before jumping in your kayak.

After exploring Ciovo Island from the inside, paddling around it will make the picture complete.  Stunning cliffs and amazing sea caves shaped by the sea will show you all its beauty. On this tour, you will stop for a while and have a rest on small beach. This beach can be reached only from the sea. Here you will be served again with delicious traditional Dalmatian food.

After lunch, you will have enough time to enjoy the see, swim and snorkel before paddling back to the north side of Čiovo Island. You might be tired but you batteries will be full. This route takes around 8 hours and it starts in the morning around 9 am. Suggested minimum age is 12 years and the price goes around 100€ per person.

Our tip: Ask for family or group discount if there are more than three of you. Try not to drink too much of vine with your lunch. Under the strong sun it will make you feel dizzy.

If you are coming in July 2014 do not miss to visit Ultra Europe Festival in Split!

If you are coming with the friends this can be fabulous answer to what to do in Trogir and Čiovo Island. Definitely do not miss it!

The post What to do in Trogir and Čiovo Island? appeared first on Online Croatia.