Escape the cities of Croatia and visit some of the many beautiful Croatian islands sitting along the turquoise Adriatic Sea! Undoubtedly, these Croatian islands made for a peaceful break from the busy streets of Dubrovnik (check out my Dubrovnik post here). We stayed in Dubrovnik during September. Therefore, it was still pleasant and sunny though less crowded than High Season. The Croatian islands we visited were as follows (click to navigate directly to the section):
- Elaphiti Islands (Šipan, Lopud & Koločep): Day trip from Dubrovnik
- Lokrum Island: Half-day Trip from Dubrovnik
- Hvar Island: Overnight Trip
“An Ocean breeze puts a mind at ease”
1. ELAPHITI ISLANDS
There are several boat and yacht tours from Dubrovnik to the Croatian Islands. Additionally, some of these tours include kayaking, biking, lunch, and wine within the cost. Check out Tripadvisor for a list of some of the most popular. However, we selected a day tour to the three Elaphiti islands. Additionally, this included lunch and wine for the entirety of the day.
Even just sipping wine and sailing the beautiful Adriatic Sea made for an enjoyable day alone! The stunning colors of the sea were something that I was not prepared for! I visited Bermuda earlier in the year – the color of the ocean there was beautiful too! However, when docking at some of the Elaphiti Islands, I was taken aback by the impressive crystal clear aqua water. While sitting at some of the ports, we could easily see the bottom of the sea. I loved watching the fish swimming around below us!
Breakdown of the Islands
The Elaphiti Islands are composed of numerous islands. However, the main three islands (and those that are usually available for tours) are Šipan, Lopud, and Koločep. Upon our return to Dubrovnik, there was also a fantastic view of the impressive Franjo Tuđman Bridge.
There is a ferry service available to these Croatian islands. However, I would recommend a day tour if you want to fit a lot in during the day. If you prefer to be more flexible with your time, exploring more of an island or relaxing for the day on an island, the ferry is probably a better choice. Jadrolinija is the main ferry service in Dubrovnik (see ferry timetables). Note, cars may not disembark on Lopud and Koločep islands as they are pedestrian-only.
Šipan
Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti islands. This island is 17 km (11 miles) northwest of Dubrovnik. Firstly, we docked at the picturesque port in Sudurad. Thus, small fishing boats aligned the small and stunning port sitting on top of the crystal clear water. Also, the fort of Skočibuha Palace sits just a few minutes walk from here. It is the ruins of a 16th-century castle with a fort tower which acted as a guard against pirates. Though Šipan is the largest Elaphiti island, Lopud is the best known for its beaches.
Sipanska Luka is a larger town in Šipan. It is where the second port is on the island. It is about 5 km from Sudurad and, unlike many of the other islands, there is a road that connects the two towns. Sipanska Luka is where the ferry docks while many of the day trips dock at Sudurad. Kayaking and biking are popular activities while visiting the island. Also, you can bike between both ports. Thus, you could stop off to visit Gothic Rector’s Palace and travel through the green valley. Here, you will find olive, fig trees, vineyards, and citrus groves. Thus, Sipan is known for its wine and peaceful ambiance. Indeed, it is one of the most popular Elaphiti islands for a full-day trip.
Lopud
Though a smaller island than Šipan, at just 4.63 km (1.79 miles), it is economically the most developed Elaphiti Island. Here you will see a defense tower and walls surrounding the Franciscan monastery overlooking the bay. Also, there is a pleasant promenade along the bay (where our tour docked). Furthermore, the promenade has restaurants for a bite to eat (also, I spotted an ice cream stand to treat myself to!).
Lopud is very popular for its sandy beaches. Šunj Bay is a popular beach area here. ln fact, so popular, it is constantly referred to as the best beach in all of Dubrovnik! Though I found it a decent beach, I thought it was a bit over-hyped. However, for paddlers and non-swimmers, this beach is a good option due to its shallow shore. It only first becomes deep after going 70 meters in. Due to our limited time in Lopud (plus a 15 – 20 minute walk across the island to Sunji Beach), we decided to take the tuk-tuk ride over to the beach.
This beach also has beautiful clear blue water. It is important to note that there is no natural shade. Therefore, be careful with sunscreen if you intend to spend a day here! Also, there are two pretty cool beach bars (snacks can be bought there) along the edge of the beach area. I can imagine how busy it can get here during high season. Therefore, make sure to arrive early for a nice spot! There are also some nice sandy beach spots along the promenade if you wish to paddle here and stay close to the Port instead of traveling across the island to Šunj Bay.
Koločep
A smaller island yet again, at an area of 2.44 km (0.94 miles), is Koločep island. Also, it is the southernmost inhabited island of the Croatian islands. Here, you will again find beautiful turquoise sea water and another beach area (located close by the dock).
However, there is not much to do here. Nevertheless, if you are looking for quietness and relaxation, then a trip here is for you. Also, the coastline is known to have several hidden coves. Blue Cave is very popular and can be accessed by swimming in the south of the area.
2. LOKRUM ISLAND
Lokrum Island is just 600 meters from Dubrovnik. You can catch a boat to the island from the Old Port Harbour. It only takes about 15 minutes to reach the island by boat. However, it does not operate during the low season. The return fare is roughly €20 with frequent departure times (about every half hour). Also, many people choose the option to kayak over to this Croatian island!
After several days wandering the medieval streets of Dubrovnik, I enjoyed the contrasting scenery found on a trip to Lokrum. Indeed, parts of the island are a little secluded. Therefore, the island is full of greenery, nature, animals and many forest trail walks. Thus, there are peaceful areas overlooking the sea to enjoy a drink/picnic. Just a few minutes’ walk from where we docked we discovered a lovely outdoor bar; Snack bar Lacroma. Here we relaxed over a cocktail and sat in between the trees with peacocks wandering around by our table! Lokrum island is inhabited by families of peacocks brought over by Maximilian from the Canary Islands. Additionally, you will likely see many rabbits sunbathing around this Croatian island!
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones fans may recognize some of the Botanical Gardens and the remains of the Benedictine Monastery. These areas were used for shots as the city of Qarth in Game of Thrones! Moreover, there is even a GOT exhibition and a replica throne on the island! For more information on GOT scenes filmed in Lokrum, check out this GOT filming website.
Should You Visit this Croatian Island?
I have read some bad reviews of Lokrum island that I found surprising. I think these people expected too much from their trip to the island. True; there is not much to do except wander and explore nature. However, after a few days in the crowds on the tight streets of the Old Town (Dubrovnik), we found the greenery and sereneness of Lokrum island offered a pleasant and peaceful break to relax for an afternoon. See the above gallery for a map of the island. Or review the map/further info on the island.
3. HVAR
Hvar is one of the oldest Croatian islands towns in Europe. The island has beautiful architecture, a picturesque bay, spectacular views from Spanish Fortress, and a fabulous promenade walk. This walkway has plenty of points to stop off for a dip in the sea, sunbathe and enjoy a cocktail. Unfortunately, one popular tour we did not partake in was the Blue & Green Cave tour. This tour looks amazing – though I’m not sure I would be so brave to snorkel into this cave due to my claustrophobia!
It is roughly a 3 – 3.5 hour journey from Dubrovnik (by ferry) to Hvar. Thus, an overnight stay is required to explore the island. During Peak Season, Jadrolinija operates a daily ferry service between Dubrovnik and Hvar. Kapetan Luka is another ferry service available to the island (it operates during the High Season).
We visited Hvar for just one night. Although others recommended more time here, I found one night was sufficient time to gain a good overview of the island. However, we caught a very early morning ferry to the island! The ferry dropped us at the Port. It is right in the center, close to Pjaca Square.
Hula Hula Bar
After a quick lunch on the Square, we wandered by the Port along the promenade. Here we found the popular Hula Hula bar. This bar had a great outdoor area to sit by the sea and enjoy a cocktail. While here, a stag party approached us. Undeniably, the island is known for its hens/stags. Thus, you will likely come across some of them drinking during the day as well as evening time. The group wasn’t rowdy. Therefore we didn’t mind them chatting with us. However, be aware of the party image of the island if you are visiting!
Other Cocktail Bars
There are several outdoor cocktail bars scattered along the walk from Hvar Port to Hula Hula bar. We also stopped off at Splash Bar but found the staff rude. Also, I had the worst strawberry daiquiri I think I have ever had! I have spotted more bad reviews of this bar since our return home. Therefore, I would advise avoiding it and walking the extra few minutes over to the Hula Hula bar instead!
Or, if you are in the mood for treating yourself in an exclusive and luxury beach club with private cabanas (and massages on offer!) then Bonj Les Bains may be for you! It is also close to Hula Hula and Splash Bar. All of these bars are a short 15 – 20 minute walk from Hvar Port / Pjaca Square. Also, you will notice a lot of exclusive areas to drink, sunbathe, and beautiful yachts in Hvar. Subsequently, it is a popular spot for the rich and famous!
Spanish Fortress
During the 13th to 18th centuries, Hvar was an important naval base. Thus it built an impressive strong fortress. You will see surviving walls encircling the town along the walk up to it. The fortifications were commissioned by the Venetians in the 13th Century as a sanctuary for their fleet.
Pjaca Square
Pjaca Square is the hub of the town. It is where we had our lunch and dinner. We were hoping to eat at another restaurant nearby here. However, it was booked up when we arrived. Thus, we tried another popular restaurant nearby. Unfortunately, it was also booked up! Notably, this was during the off-season! Therefore, if you specifically want to dine somewhere, I advise booking before your trip. The restaurants along the Square seemed nice. Furthermore, they were central and appeared to have plenty of seating available. The Square had many seating areas located outdoors. Hence, we sat outside and enjoyed the warm evening air over a glass of Croatian wine while we dined.
The architecture of Hvar is quite similar to Dubrovnik. However, Hvar has a Venetian architectural style too. In the Square, you see St Stephen’s Cathedral and Bell Tower. Also, just by the waterfront, you will find The Loggia and Clock Tower and the Arsenal building.
On the second floor of the Arsenal Building is Hvar Theatre. It is the Oldest Theatre in Europe. In the lobby of this historic theatre, you will find The Gallery of Modern Art. We stumbled across this Gallery by chance and enjoyed walking around the free exhibition. There are some pretty small streets just off the Main Square to wander around too.
Dining
As mentioned, there are plenty of places in Pjaca Square and its surrounding streets to dine. We had breakfast in the lovely Central Park. The outside garden area of this restaurant is picturesque! Also, the food was great too! We were hoping to have our dinner in Black Pepper (my friend had recommended this restaurant). Unfortunately, it was booked up for the evening! This restaurant is close to Central Park. Also, the streets just off Pjaca Square are pretty, with several good places to dine. Another popular spot close by here is Lola Bar and Street Food. We ended up dining in a cafe at Pjaca Square. Here, there are several Italian restaurants (for example, La Bocca and Pizza Kogo). Both lunch and dinner were very reasonably priced.
Dalmatino is a well-known Fish and Steak Restaurant. Ko doma receives fantastic reviews too. If it’s Mexican you are after, Fig Restaurant receives fantastic reviews.
Party Island
Hvar has become known as the party island of the Croatian Islands. I have already mentioned some nice outdoor bar areas along the sea, such as the Hula Hula bar. At night time, we did indeed see plenty of people who were on the island to party! However, during the day, the streets were quiet and peaceful. For our night out, we started at the trendy modern bar Carpe Diem Bar. This bar is by the port area (close to the Square). We then made our way over to Central Park for a drink – it is also located just off Pjaca Square.
After Central Park, we wandered around the pretty streets close to where you will find several more bars. Such as the quirky and colorful Lola Bar and Street Food. Unfortunately, the streets were jammed with people drinking. Therefore, we ended up sitting outside on a curb to finish off our drink! Also, this was after I had my dress ripped by someone trying to push by! 😔 I would love to return here during the day when it would not be so busy, and fully appreciate Lola Bar and Street Food. Our Air BnB was away from the main bar and club area. However, we could still hear the music/crowds for most of the night while trying to sleep!
Clubbing
For clubbing, the owners of Hula Hula Bar recently opened Pink Champagne which is getting great reviews. Carpe Diem also has free taxi boats out to ‘Carpe Diem Beach.’ It is on Stipanska Island (note drinks can be pricey once you get out here)! Also, this island nightclub is not open during off-season months.
Should You Avoid the Party Island?
Since my trip, I have heard from locals that they are becoming quite frustrated with how the island is marketed (party island of the Croatian Islands). They believe it is evolving too much for locals to live there peacefully. I still found it a beautiful and peaceful island during the day. However, I hope it doesn’t continue to grow in its party image to a point where it ruins the sereneness and culture of the island.
Are there any more islands that you suggest visiting in Croatia? Please comment below! Thanks for reading!
Anita
xx
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