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Islands that you must visit if you are in Dubrovnik

Updated: Jun 26, 2021

If you are in Dubrovnik, you can visit beautiful destinations. The green landscape of the Mediterranean, the blue depths of the Adriatic, the white rocks of the coast, the scent of medicinal plants growing on the glades, national park, lush nature on the islands, historic gardens, an aquarium with the most interesting examples of the marine world are part of the heritage discovered and explored by coming to Dubrovnik and its surroundings.

Ecology is becoming an increasingly important segment of our lives, protecting the environment and living in harmony with nature are our obligations and duties. we are proud of the extraordinarily preserved monuments of nature, the blackest and cleanest seas in the world, unique plant and animal species, fascinating underground caves.

Arriving in Dubrovnik-Neretva County also means enjoying the sea of ​​skies and skies, the unique sunsets, and the natural sights of our region.

In this part of this piece of the world, you will truly see heaven on earth part, of old ruins, lush vegetation, and beautiful beaches, and many other rich sides of this country, it offers a relaxed atmosphere. But moreover, there are islands nearby that will definitely meet all your expectations.


ISLANDS



Lokrum Island



Lokrum is an island in the Adriatic sea just 600 meters off the coast of Dubrovnik. While its tale may be of fascination to you, it’s spectacular natural beauty is just a notch higher. The Dead Sea, fabulous parks, rocky beaches, and the Game of Thrones Centre are just some of its notable features. The is among the best islands near Dubrovnik and its only inhabitants are the peacocks and they sure do not shy away from the camera. Lokrum is a special reserve of forest vegetation under the protection of UNESCO.


HISTORY

Lokrum was once inhabited by Benedictine monks in the 11th century until greedy landowners banished them from the island. Legend has it that they sailed around the island placing a curse on all of those who spend the night here. It is said that many of the greedy landowners died of mysterious causes soon after. People to this day are still frightened by this myth which is why there are no permanent residents.


WILDLIFE

Lokrum is home to a large national preserve where local wildlife runs free. Well, if you consider hoards of bunnies and peacocks wildlife. Particularly after the many years and many visitors who have taken countless selfies with them while sharing a bit of bread or whatever else is on hand.


Is there any occasion that isn’t elevated by the presence of peacocks and bunnies? None that I can imagine! The resident peacocks were originally brought over from the Canary Islands by Maximillian and now roam freely around the island. They seemed to be perturbed by their over-fed bunny neighbors and were often spotted chasing them off. Perhaps to have a better chance of getting the hunks of bread

being offered by tourists without a rabbit competition.



Lokrum EXOTIC BOTANICAL GARDEN





In 1959 a Botanical Garden was founded on Lokrum which contains native and imported, tropical and subtropical plants, and other vegetation originating from Australia and South America, and today has in the region of 800 plant species.



Lokrum

DEATH SEA





During many million years the rocks were intensely tectonically disturbed, as indicated by fractures and faults, which were gradually widened by karstification and erosional activity of the sea. In this way, the ancient erosional depression in the relief has been filled with the sea during the youngest geological age, the Quarternary. Today “The Dead Sea” is the famous Lokrum beach.



Lokrum

SECRET PLACE






In addition to the lush nature, you can also find a hidden secret place, ideal for taking pictures. It is located on the southern part of the rocks. The whole island intrigues you with secrets that you have to find yourself, but at the same time, it brings you peace and tranquility.




Daksa Island






Nobody lives on Daksa anymore. The small island lies just 1.5 nautical miles from Dubrovnik, the tourism capital of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The island was the scene of a brutal massacre back in 1944, and ever since then it has been the subject of ghost stories and superstition, fishermen’s tales about angry spirits that roam the island looking for revenge.


Small, unassuming, and entirely uninhabited, Daksa is a mere stone throw from the mainland (from Valamar Dubrovnik President, to be more precise) its closest neighbors being the island of Kolocep (Kalamota) and the picturesque, lighthouse adorned Grebeni. Typical of almost all islands in Croatia, Daksa is not remotely unusual in its physical appearance, rocky and covered with evergreen vegetation and sturdy, old pine trees. A Franciscan monastery which was constructed at some point during the year 1281 is one of Daksa's only signs of life of any kind.



ELAFITI ISLANDS



The Elafiti islands are six islands, not including any small islets, although the three main ones to visit and stay on are Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan. Elaphiti islands are located nearby, northwest of Dubrovnik. Two of the three islands, Kolocep and Lopud, are entirely car-free, which means they’re an excellent place to base yourself on if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In total, the three main islands have a population of less than 1,000 people. (Sipan has around 450 people, Kolocep around 300 and Lopud just over 200.)


HISTORY


The islands get their name from the Greek word elafos, meaning deer; in ancient times the islands were apparently home to a large deer population. The islands are particularly famous as the most skillful mariners came from here. Given their strategic importance due to their location out to sea in front of Dubrovnik, you can perhaps imagine why. The Elafiti islands came under the control of the Republic of Dubrovnik from 1272. During this time, they were governed by a Rector whose base was split between Lopud and Sipan. In 1571, the islands were attacked by the Turks, after which all defenses on the islands were strengthened.





ELAFITI ISLANDS


Koločep Island



Of the three main Elafiti islands (along with Lopud and Sipan), Kolocep is the closest to Dubrovnik and the mainland. The two main villages on the island are Gornje (Upper) Celo and Donje (Lower) Celo. The island is also the smallest and has a population of around 300 people.



HISTORY


Once called Calaphodia (citizens of Dubrovnik likely to call "Kalamota"), Kolocep came under the control of the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) in the 11th century. During this time, the island was an important element of the republic due to its shipbuilding.

There are also a number of interesting churches on the island, some of which stem from as back as the 9th century. These include the Church of St Sergius, with the Church of St Nicholas and the Church of the Holy Trinity from the 11th and 12th centuries.



WHAT TO SEE


As the smallest of the islands, Kolocep must be considered as providing the ultimate in tranquility! The island is a good choice as a day trip from Dubrovnik, although is also a great, calm place to stay in its own right. Car-free (of course), it’s a great place for relaxation and taking leisurely walks on the paths that criss-cross the island through its pine forests, before retiring for a few hours on one of the island’s sandy beaches.

Keen swimmers will delight in the island’s crystal clear waters, exploring the coves and sandy bays that have arisen due to the indented nature of the island. The Blue Cave on the island can be explored by swimming to and in it





ELAFITI ISLANDS


Lopud Island



The “middle” island of the Elafiti trio (geographically and size-wise, at least), Lopud is home to just over 200 people although it is considered the most developed of the three islands. It takes take 55 minutes/1 hour to come on Lopud.


HISTORY


Its name stems from the Greek name for the island, Delaphodia, although it was also named Lafota by the Romans who once had a settlement there. The island became part of the Republic of Ragusa in the 11th century.



WHAT TO SEE


This small, car-free island is absolutely perfect for those wanting to get away from it all, seeking to spend a peaceful few days or a week having a quiet holiday in the sun. You can also enjoy your time walking the island’s paths through its lush vegetation (especially on a walk to Sunj bay to spend an afternoon there) – which is sandy – is located on the other side of the island. It is also possible to rent bikes to navigate the island tracks, or kayaks to spend some time doing something a little more active on the sea, like kayaks, jet-ski.


If you are searching for history, there are a few sights on the island, including a number of churches from the 15th and 16th centuries. The remains of the Rector’s Palace and the ruins of a Fortress are worth a peek; there’s also a Monastery that overlooks the village of Lopud which was built in the 15th century.


*Šunj beach (Lopud Island)

Šunj beach is located on the southern end of the island of Lopud and is the most famous sandy beach of the Dubrovnik region. It is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest. The beach is so shallow that you have to walk 100 meters to be able to swim.

Šunj beach is extremely suitable for playing ‘picigin’ which it is famous for.








ELAFITI ISLANDS


Šipan Island





Sipan is the largest of the main Elafiti islands, and there are two main villages on the island – Sudjuradj, on the southeastern tip of the island, and Sipanska Luka, on the western side, each centered around a bay. Unlike Kolocep and Lopud, Sipan isn’t car-free – although it is still a relatively quiet and peaceful island.


WHAT TO SEE


There are several churches on the island, including the 11th century St Peter’s Church and the Church of the Holy Spirit which was built in 1569. Some of the Dubrovnik aristocracies built their summer houses on Sipan, the remains of which can still be seen today.


For a chilled out afternoon, head to the BOWA Beach Club and lounge about in one of their cabanas, on the terrace, a great place to take pictures!


ISLANDS


Mljet Island


Mljet is 23 miles from Dubrovnik and is the southernmost of the larger islands. Over two-thirds of the island is covered by forest with the western part (about a third of the island) declared one of Croatia’s eight National Parks. Visitors must pay an entrance fee for the park, and adhere to certain rules. The main places on Mljet are Sobra, Pomena, which probably has the most tourist facilities, Polace and Govedjari. Babino Polje is the administrative center of the island.


HISTORY


Mljet came under the control of the Romans in 167 BC, when they took over much of the rest of the region. At first, Mljet was not utilized much in the Roman Empire. However, in the third century, a palace – also used a defense structure for Mljet – was built for the Roman governor of the island.



WHAT TO SEE


You can explore the National Park or go to the island within the island – St Mary. The nature of this island is simply breathtaking as the majority is left untouched. There are two salted lakes on the island: the Great and Small Lake and on the small island in the middle of the Great Lake (St Mary) you can find an old Benedictine monastery. You can also take a swim there as it is one of the favorite swimming spots.


Like a landscape from The Lost World, Mljet is a breath of fresh air. It is considered by most to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic, with pristine beauty, untouched nature, and incredible scenery to lure visitors of all kinds.


NATIONAL PARK MLJET


Veliko and Malo Jezero (Great and Small lake) are two saltwater lakes that are part of Mljet National Park. The lakes are interconnected by a narrow canal. They are also connected to the sea by a narrow passage. You also have the opportunity to spend time in the National Park and explore it by bike. Along the lakes are trails right next to the lake, and while driving you are enjoying the rich nature and clean air.



Islands that distract you from the crowded world, places where you lose track of time, nature that delights you, places that are of colorful nature, clean air, and beautiful landscapes.

Dubrovnik is truly adorned with islands and its rich natural resources. Of these, we have listed some of the closest, there are not many who go further than Dubrovnik. You won’t regret it if you opt for just one island. Each of them is special in its own way, and the proximity allows you to visit another day.






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