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| Kolocep, Elaphite Islands |
Tuesday 5th May, 2015
The boat departed from Dubrovnik Harbour at 10:30am, and it was an ideal day for sailing across the Adriatic Sea to explore the pristine, evergreen beauty of the Elaphite Islands, an archipelago just north of the city. As we drifted alongside Dubrovnik’s ancient walls, the city looked even more magnificent from this side of the water. Jack (my boyfriend) and I were visiting three islands today—Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud. Before we had even arrived at the first island, I knew that this excursion was well worth stretching our daily budget: for 230 Kuna (around 30 Euros) each, we got a day trip to three islands with a freshly 'caught' meal and unlimited drinks, even alcohol.
After about half an hour, we reached the first island, Kolocep. As the boat pulled into the harbour, the shallow water beneath us was crystal clear, offering a perfect view of the seabed. My eyes soaked in the beautiful blur of greens and blues, trying to take in all of the vegetation all at once, which seemed woven into every crevice of the island. We had just one hour to explore before heading to the next island, so I set off eagerly to embrace the hidden charm of this small Croatian village.
The next island on our itinerary was Sipan, about an hour's sail from Kolocep. With limited time to explore, Jack and I quickly disembarked and went our separate ways to cover more ground.
Sipan shared many of the natural characteristics of Kolocep, but it had a different vibe—more lively and slightly more populated. I wandered along the laid-back fishing ports and rugged coastline, enjoying the views at a relaxed pace. The village itself felt quiet and enchanting, with crumbling old houses and ancient ruins that added a unique charm to this small town, reflecting Sipan’s character and history.
After about an hour of exploring, Jack and I regrouped for lunch on the boat. I enjoyed a fresh sea bass (finally! I was able to indulge in the incredible seafood I had heard so much about!) a generous mixed salad, and plenty of bread, all of which were delicious. Jack opted for chicken instead of fish, and his meal was equally satisfying. Once everyone had finished eating, the boat set sail again toward our final stop of the day: the island of Lopud.
Lopud was just as stunning as Kolocep and Sipan, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This island, though more of a tourist destination, actually has the smallest population among the three. Its car-free charm added to the sense of natural paradise, making it even more relaxing. I loved strolling along the seafront, with the Adriatic on one side and an abundance of greenery and historic buildings on the other.
After a refreshing dip in the sea and a bit of sunbathing, Jack and I took a brief walk around the village. The heat eventually sent us to a beachfront bar, where we cooled off with a beer. With only a couple of hours to explore, we kept our wanderings nearby, making sure not to miss the boat back. Lopud’s beauty made it hard to leave, but it was the perfect end to our day exploring the Elaphiti Islands.
The journey back to Dubrovnik was refreshing and pleasant. With a glass of white wine in hand and my bare feet dangling over the boat's edge, my eyes fixed on the horizon and the warm glow of the setting sun on my skin, time drifted by. Before I knew it, it was 7:00pm, and we were back in Dubrovnik.
Visiting Croatia this year and trying to figure out where to go? Click here for more inspiration.
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