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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Koločep Island is situated only 1km from Dubrovnik, which is approx. 25min by boat. The ferry from Dubrovnik port goes several times a day but we can also help you to organize private transfer too. Other Elafiti islands are two inhabited neighbour islands Lopud and Šipan, and ten more small islands that are not inhabited. Elafiti islands were some kind of oasis for Dubrovnik Republic noble families and their favourite place to hide from the heath and strong summer sun.

Koločep Island is definitely our favourite one.

We find it great for guests who prefer some type of Robinson holidays. It is covered with pine and olive trees and ideal for walking in shade of trees. There is no car on the island at all, so it is the perfect place to let your children run freely. There is no industry at all too, just clear Mediterranean air with scent of pines and the sea. The only road on Koločep Island connects two small villages: Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo and it is simply not wide enough for cars. This small trick possibly saved the island from noise and gases from the cars.

Koločep Island has only 150 inhabitants living there during the whole year. Most locals work in Dubrovnik or live from tourism. Name Gornje Čelo literally means Upper forehead and it is situated closer to Dubrovnik. Donje Čelo means Lower forehead and is situated in a small bay with harbour. You will also find bar and restaurant there. These two places are only 15min walking through pinewood surrounded by private properties. Those properties were used for planting in old times. Koločep Island was famous for corals that locals toked out from the sea and sell. Coral earrings or ring are great souvenir from this island. Island was also famous for its seaman’s and for ship building tradition.

Did you know that two members of Colombo’s crew on Santa Maria ship were from Koločep Island? There is one interesting small fortress worth of visit on Koločep Island in Donje Čelo. Fortress named Kaštio was built in 16th centuries when Adriatic Sea was filled with pirates so locals used it to hide during pirates attacks. Sadly, upper part of this fortress is ruined, but you can have a walk in its wide basements. The interesting part of old buildings is also small tower from where locals shaded warm oil or pine gum on intruders and pirates. While walking you will also get to the number of small stone churches and chapels.

In the only hotel on the island in Donje Čelo you can rent bikes and kayaks  and get to know the island from the outside too. You will love its cliffs and hidden caves.  Kayaking around the island will take approx. 3 hour. To walk the whole island around will take your approx. 4 hours. All in all, Koločep Island is ideal for families with children who want to enjoy family moments away from the crowd and in beautiful natural environment. It is also great for couples who want to escape from hustle and bustle of modern life.

So, if you want to escape from crowded places and rivers of tourist and truly enjoy, Koločep Island is a place for you. Do not miss to visit Dubrovnik, so spend one or two days there and take the first ferry to Kolocep. Book your place to run away and switch off your phone. You will not regret.

Our tip: no matter how hard it could be for you try to wake up early in the morning. Say hello to the rising sun. Walk through the pinewoods and take your first swim in beautiful Adriatic see. That one single morning on Koločep Island will be one of the memories you will keep for lifetime!

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