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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 01 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

Covered with pine forests and lush Mediterranean vegetation, and sprinkled with olive groves, vineyards and 16th-century villas, the pristine Elafiti Islands make for a fabulous day-trip from Dubrovnik. The water is crystal-clear waters and there are countless secluded coves to explore.

The three largest islands, Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan, are inhabited all year round, though it’s during the summer months that they come to life, offering a charming selection of laid-back cafés and seafood restaurants.

Beach-lovers should head to Sunj, on the lush green island of Lopud, one of the islands’ few sandy beaches, with warm, shallow waters ideal for children.

One of the best ways to explore the islands is by kayak; numerous tour operators offer guided kayaking day-trips or longer expeditions. If you prefer something a bit more relaxing, you can opt for one a sail- or speedboat, either on an organised tour or a private charter.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 3+ hours

Getting there & doing it

If you want to go independently, Jadrolinja run daily ferries from Dubrovnik to Kolocep (35mins), Lopud (55mins) and Sudurad on Sipan (75mins). The high-speed Nona Ana catamaran connects Dubrovnik to Sipanska Luka on Sipan (40mins).

Organised tours will often take in several islands, take you to hidden coves and good swimming spots, and include lunch. They usually last all day. Private charters give you the greatest flexibility in locations and duration, and the chance to find blissful seclusion.

When to do it

The best time to visit the islands is from June to September. In winter, the sleepy villages on these islands can be lonely and windswept and many venues close down.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Dubrovnik Elafiti Islands Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Dubrovnik

Spend a day on the boat trip to Elafiti Islands, Dubrovnik. Enjoy the boat ride, explore the islands, beautiful nature, swim, walk or just r...

€50 | Rating 4.40 / 5 [481 ratings]

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Fish picnic: Elafiti Island hopping with home-made lunch

Fish picnic: Elafiti Island hopping with home-made lunch

Dubrovnik

If you want to relax and enjoy sun, crystal clear sea and beautiful sandy beaches - this is the trip for you! We will take you to visit El...

€50 | Rating 4.63 / 5 [69 ratings]

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Experience full day active sailing from Dubrovnik to Elafiti islands on a yacht

Experience full day active sailing from Dubrovnik to Elafiti islands on a yacht

Dubrovnik

Imagine spending the day on a sailing yacht with professional skipper. You will sail, swim, snorkel, again sail, swim, than eat, sail again,...

€120 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [24 ratings]

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Elafiti Islands 4-Hour Fun Speedboat Tour

Elafiti Islands 4-Hour Fun Speedboat Tour

Dubrovnik

Half day trip to Elafiti islands A perfect option, if you are looking for a short and luxurious trip from a different perspective on a priv...

€300 | Rating 5 / 5 [55 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Bokun Guesthouse

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

Homely B&B, in a peaceful walled garden (with a pool) where breakfast is served, near Dubrovnik’s Gruž port.

Official star rating:

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

A luxury hotel overlooking a magnificent cove with its own a pebble beach, a fine dining restaurant and excellent spa, an easy 15-minute walk from Dubrovnik’s old town. 

Official star rating:

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

Dubrovnik, Dalamatia, Croatia

A stylish beachfront hotel that offers the perfect escape from the busy city, with a private beach, four restaurants and glorious sea views.

Official star rating:

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

Dignified 19th-century hotel, next to the old town’s main entrance, with a garden restaurant and spa with indoor pool.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Walk Dubrovnik’s City Walls

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

A 2km walk along these 13th-century walls is a feast of dazzling views over Dubrovnik’s old town rooftops and the Adriatic. 24m high and 6m wide, they’re are among the best-preserved city fortifications in the world.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 1 hour

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Lovrijenac Fort guards the northern harbour entrance. Dubrovnik. UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Fort Lovrijenac

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

Often referred to as Dubrovnik’s ‘Gibraltar’, the St Lawrence Fortress sits on an outcrop of rock just outside the City Walls, and took 600 years to complete. Originally built to protect against the Venetian fleet, its walls are between 4 and 12 metres thick.

Best for ages: 13+ | £6

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Aerial panoramic view of the old town of Dubrovnik with famous Cable Car on Srd mountain on a sunny day with blue sky and clouds in summer, Dalmatia, Croatia
Experience

Cable car to Mount Srd

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

Rising 415m above the city, topped with a historic fortress and accessible by cable car, Mount Srd offers spectacular views across Dubrovnik and beyond – on a clear day, the vista stretches for up to 60kms. The lower station is just ‘above’ the Old Town on Ulica Petra Kresimira IV, and it’s 3 and a half minutes to the top.

Best for ages: 4+ | £17 | 3.5 minutes

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Glass of white wine on a street bar table
Experience

Vinoteka Milicic

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia, Croatia

This small wine shop in the heart of the Old Town sells wines straight from the Peljesac peninsula, plus Croatian deli items including fruit spirits, preserves and sweets.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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