Elaphites - a small green paradise for sailors
Only half an hour from Dubrovnik and its magnificent walls lies a small, green slice of paradise made up of 8 islands, 5 islets and numerous of reefs, cliffs and shoals. The Elaphite Islands, or simply the Elaphites, are a group of islands that include the three inhabited islands Koločep, Lopud and Šipan, which were an important part of the historical Republic of Dubrovnik. Although deer are no longer prevalent, the islands owe their name to élaphos, the Greek word for deer, first mentioned by the ancient writer and scientist Pliny the Elder in Naturalis Historia.
The Island of Koločep is the closest to Dubrovnik, which holds the title of the southernmost populated Croatian island. The settlements Gornje Čelo and Donje Čelo are situated in the two largest bays. The eastern and western parts of the island are covered with thick pine woods stretching to the sea rocks. The crystal azure sea abounds with fish and shellfish. The dwellers of Koločep used to be the best-known coral divers in the Mediterranean. Numerous monuments including the remains of sarcophaguses, stone sculptures, chapels and churches are a testament to the civilizations of antiquity. “Kalamota“, as Koločep is referred to by locals, will not leave you indifferent. You will be intoxicated by its deafening silence, the scent of the Mediterranean foliage, and the blueness of the sea that washes its sandy beaches.
The Island of Lopud, situated in the middle of the Elephites, abounds with beautiful sandy beaches. From the settlement of Lopud , you can walk to the unique sandy bay of Šunj on the opposite side of the island, which is shared with naturists. The island also has many fortifications, chapels, summer residences and monasteries housing valuable works of art. Do not miss the an early evening walk to Cape Benešin while the sun sets into the sea, and visit the unique light installation and the Your Black Horizon art pavilion. Set in the rich renaissance environment of Lopud and preserved nature, it gives the landscape a new meaning.
The biggest and most inhabited Island Šipan has a large number of vineyards and olive groves, and is also known as the island with the largest number of olive trees per square meter, officially verified by the Guinness Book of Records. The largest settlements are Šipanska luka and Suđurađ, which offer every hedonistic pleasure, while the rich cultural and historical heritage can be explored through 42 old summer villas, among which is the elegant Skočibuh palace, 34 churches and numerous chapels. The island of Šipan is an intimate watercolor in which nature draws the most beautiful scenes with the stroke of a brush. On the inner side of the island, there are plenty of shelters and natural anchorages of immense beauty, where pine branches reach the surface of the sea. The islanders are known for their hospitality and are willing to share their lifestyle, offering you healthy food and golden drops from their fruitful vineyards.
The beaches on Šipan are less popular than those on Lopud, but there are numerous small pebble beaches along the coast. They are a favorite of boaters who adore its many small bays with adorned by a beautiful turquoise sea. Suđurađ on the east side and Šipanska Luka on the west side of the island are the main anchorages, while a good anchorage is available in the Harpoti passage, but boaters with large masts must watch out for the electric cable stretched above it. Visitors to the Elaphite Islands can visit by boat from the port of Gruž in Dubrovnik, which departs up to several times a day, or they can visit through organized excursions.
Photo: Ivo Biočina, Aleksandar Gospić
