30.09.2016
Dino
All over the Adriatic Sea, from Istria to Prevlaka, stretch out magnificent island archipelagos. One of those heavenly archipelagos is situated on the far south of the Croatia, west of the city of Dubrovnik, well-known Elaphite islands. Elaphite islands are a group of 14 larger and smaller islands which boasts unspoiled nature, valuable cultural heritage and beautiful azure sea. Name Elaphite comes from the Greek word elaphos = deer, and according to historical data islands were once inhabited by Greeks and deers. The largest islands of Elaphite archipelago are Šipan, Lopud and Koločep which are also the only inhabited islands.
Šipan is the largest and most populous island of the Elaphite archipelago. During the 15th century many families from Dubrovnik built their summer residences and sacral object on Šipan, so that today, on island of Šipan is located approximately 60 grandiose summer residences and about 30 churches and chapels. Island Šipan has about 500 inhabitants who are mainly engaged in the production of olives, figs, carob and vines. The island has two villages, Šipan Luka on the western side and Suđurađ on the eastern side of the island. Šipan Luka and Suđurađ are adorned by old stone houses with paradise gardens, picturesque streets and squares and a few cozy taverns. Island Šipan is connected daily with ferry and excursion lines from Dubrovnik. Šipan Island has several beautiful bays and beaches such as the famous beach Bova with a restaurant on the northeastern side of the island.
Southeast from island Šipan is located the island Lopud. Lopud is an island of lush Mediterranean vegetation, beautiful beaches and sacral inheritance. According to founded archaeological sites, Lopud is inhabited for millennia. Lopud is the most developed tourist island of Elafiti, as evidenced by four hotels and numerous catering facilities. The population of the island of Lopud, in addition to tourism and hospitality industry, is engaged in fishing and agriculture. The only village on the island is Lopud on the northwestern side of the island. On the south side of the island lies the true island paradise, divine beach Šunj. Šunj is a sandy beach long nearly 1 km, certainly one of the most beautiful Croatian beaches. It is characterized by extremely shallow bottom, even up to a hundred meters from the shore. The island is also connected daily by ferry from Dubrovnik, as well as many excursion boats.
Koločep is Elaphite Island nearest to Dubrovnik, and is southernmost inhabited Croatian island. People of Dubrovnik also call it Kalamota. All over island Koločep are scattered remains of the old sacral objects, summer residences and towers. The only settlement on the island is a Koločep, that is a divided into two smaller hamlets, Gornje i Donje Čelo. Koločep used to be known as an island of fishermen and coral. Today's small population of Koločep cultivates olive trees and vines, and recently deal with and tourism. On the island there is a hotel, several restaurants, shop and post office. Koločep has two beautiful sandy beaches located between Gornje i Donje Čelo. From Dubrovnik to Lopud runs daily a ferry, and in the summer months tourist boats.
Among other small and uninhabited Elaphite islands should be mentioned Jakljan, Sv. Andrija and Daksa. Jakljan has a beautiful sandy beach and children's recreation. Sv. Andrija is a small island of lush Mediterranean vegetation and rocky coast. It’s habitat of many bird species and therefore has been declared as ornithological reserve. Daksa is a small island situated at the entrance of Dubrovnik harbor Gruž. Daksa was in history the gathering place of monks and pilgrims from across Europe.
The divine nature and the unseen beauty of Elaphite islands are an attraction for tourists and boaters looking for heavenly rest and enjoyment. Elaphite Islands are an indispensable part of our sailing routes, so rent a boat with or without skipper and make sure that they are truly untouched pearl of the Adriatic Sea.
We wish you safe sailing and calm seas...
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