Elaphite Islands
The Elaphite Islands of South Dalmatia are thirteen large and small islands, which are also called "deer islands" (from the Greek elafos - deer). They are called so because the outlines of these islands with bays and bays, when put together, will resemble deer antlers. Only three islands - Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan are inhabited.
KOLOCEP. Elafit is closest to Dubrovnik. You can get there from the port of Gruz in Dubrovnik by ferry Jadrolinija (round trip ticket price 46 kunas) in 30 minutes. You can, of course, take an organized tour that many agencies offer, but it seems to me that it is much better to go there on your own. You will manage your own time. Kolocep is a small island, but very green: with olive, pomegranate trees and other Mediterranean vegetation. There is no car transport on this island and it is considered an ecologically clean area.
There are only two villages on the island - DONJE CELO and GORNJE CELO and one hotel - Villa Kolochep 3 *, which is located right on the sandy beach.
The cleanest sea, with incredibly clear water, is located in the bay of the GORNJE CELO village. This place is also attractive because there are practically no people there.
Kolochep also attracts many tourists with preserved small churches that were built during the period of Roman rule.
On Kolocep there are several shops and cafe-bars where you can eat.
LOPUD. Located between Kolocep and Š ipan, it can also be reached by ferry Jadrolinija in about an hour from the port of Gruz. It is one of the most popular islands due to its sandy beaches. There is one hotel Lafodia 2 *, on the seashore. Lopud was called in the past the island of captains and sailors, because so many famous sailors and ship owners were born on this island.
The most famous sandy beach on Lopud is Sunj (Shuni). The beach is located in a small bay where boats and yachts moor. The sand on the beach heats up during the day to some incredible temperature, so it’s simply impossible to walk barefoot there. Sunbeds and umbrellas are paid - 25 kunas for a sunbed and 15 kunas for an umbrella. If you are going to spend the whole day there, it is better to get both. The sea is shallow, it takes about 5 minutes to go to the depth. There are bars and cafes on the beach, but my personal opinion is that you should only buy water and ICE CREAM there. Ice cream is generally a separate topic in Croatia. A huge variety of all kinds and tastes. I think in order to try everything that is there, you need to spend more than one week, trying something new every day.
There are many different souvenir shops on the embankment of the island, where they sell corals, which are very popular in Croatia, as well as restaurants (here they are called konoba, i. e. a place where food is prepared).
SHIPAN. This largest island is called golden. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by ferry from the port of Gruz. Vineyards and olive trees grow here, from which the famous Croatian wines and the best olive oil are produced. By the way, olive oil in Croatia, you can safely buy in supermarkets. There are two villages on the island - Sudjuradj, where the ferry sails, and Luka Sipanska, which can be reached by bus. In Luka Sipanska there is also the only hotel on the island - Sipan 3 *.
The best place for swimming, also located right in the shade of olive trees, is Luka Sipanska. There are a large number of small and large bays with clear and very warm water. If you have the strength to get there - you will not regret it.
Both Luka Sipanska and Sudjuradj have places where you can try seafood - from sea bream, sea bass, squid and ending with lobster.
