Wandering around the world in pursuit of a sanctuary on a well indented rocky shore surrounded by a crystal clear sea, beauty stopped and remained forever on Šipan, one of the Elafiti Islands.
This picturesque string of islands in the vicinity of Dubrovnik scattered within the Deer Archipelago consists of 13 evergreen islands, islets and rocks. Situated between Dubrovnik, the Island of Mljet and Pelješac Peninsula, and surrounded by the waters of Island Koločep and Mljet Channel, they were first mentioned as the Elafite Islands by Gaius Plinius Secundus Maior in his work Naturalis historia in the 1st century A.D.
Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and drinks
Hop on a shared boat and set sail for the enchanting islands of Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.
Relax on deck and soak up the sun and sea. At each island, enjoy leisure time to explore charming stone villages, pristine beaches, scenic footpaths, and historic landmarks. The cruise includes lunch with a choice of three dishes and complimentary drinks throughout the day.
Visiting Island Šipan
There are regular boat connections to Šipan from Dubrovnik, the ferry stops in Suđurađ and then continues to Luka Šipanska. However the return, especially during low season is sometimes not from Luka Šipanska, but from Suđurađ. Check the timetable: Ferry line from Dubrovnik to Elaphite Islands, connects islands Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. The price for a adult ticket from Dubrovnik to Šipan is 4,91 Eur.
The ferry departure in Dubrovnik is from Gruž Port, tickets can be bought at the Jadrolinija Office or online. We recommend taking one of the popular 3 Islands Cruises if you wish to see all 3 islands in one day. Check out the Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and drinks offer above.
Visiting Island Šipan with children
Šipan Island is children friendly, not only because of the low traffic, but also due to the fact that there are large areas on the island to explore together with your small ones. There are no sand beaches on Šipan Island, but both Suđurađ and Luka Šipanska have beaches suitable for children.
Find out more about the Elaphiti Islands and Island Lopud.
Staying on Island Šipan
Many choose to spend a night or two on one of the Elafiti islands while visiting Dubrovnik. The island offers limited hotel accommodations, with only two options: the 3-star Hotel Šipan in Šipanska Luka and the 4-star Hotel Božica in Suđurađ. However, visitors can find numerous private rooms, B&Bs, and apartments in both villages. Given the compact size of the villages, any location is convenient, and many properties provide sea views from at least one room. Especially during high season it can be hard to find accommodation on Šipan Island. We recommend that you book your accommodation in advance. Check availability and prices of hotels, apartments and rooms on Island Šipan
Beaches, best hikes/walks and cycling routes on Island Šipan
Whilst there are no sandy beaches on the island, there are some lovely bays to stop for swimming, as well as some excellent coastal paths to explore. Beaches on Šipan are less frequented than those on Lopud, but you'll find numerous small swimming spots along the coast with pebble patches that locals refer to as beaches. In both Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka, small gravel village beaches are centrally located. The entire coastline of the island offers secluded beaches and isolated spots perfect for bathing.
The highest peak on Šipan Island is only 243 meters, making all hiking, walking, and cycling trails easy to moderate. These well-marked routes often pass through vineyards and olive groves, as well as areas with low bushes and pine trees. One popular trail is the hike from Šipanska Luka to Velji Vrh. This 4-mile route starts in Šipanska Luka and leads to the island's highest hill, Velji Vrh (243m), offering breathtaking views of the village, the bay, the archipelago, and extending to Mljet Island and the Pelješac Peninsula.
Another favored trail runs through the fields between Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ. This network of ancient paths winds through fertile fields covered with vineyards, fig trees, and olive groves. If visiting between June and September, be sure to bring plenty of water and wear a hat and sunblock.
Šipan Island Cycling
At 6 square miles (16 square kilometers), Šipan Island is the largest of Dubrovnik's Elaphiti Islands, yet still easy to explore by bike.
On this convenient small-group tour, avoid the hassle of navigating or arranging bike rentals and travel by ferry from Port Gruž. Your guide will lead you through olive groves, vineyards, and along the coast, allowing you to experience the island's landscapes, history, and villages at a relaxed pace. Spend the day cycling around picturesque Šipan Island with a knowledgeable guide. Explore Šipanska Luka village, Suđurađ village, historic sites, and more. Stay safe with high-quality bikes and included helmets. The tour is limited to just 10 travelers for a more intimate experience.
All three islands have their fair share of day-visitors, but once they have returned to Dubrovnik with the last ferry in late afternoon, the islands become quieter and more relaxing for their local inhabitants and longer-stay guests.
Šipan - The golden island
Nature endowed these charming Mediterranean islands with lush subtropical vegetation, a mild climate, easily accessible coast and characteristic landscapes, whereas bygone centuries provided them with an architectural heritage.
A rarely preserved Mediterranean oasis, the islands used to be the favorable out-of-town residence and place of leisure of the Dubrovnik aristocracy, but they are also visited in the present time by those who wish to discover the primeval beauty of luxuriant nature, as well as hidden and forgotten history.
Covered by Mediterranean vegetation including the fragrant myrtle, laurel, thyme and rosemary and in the shadow of tall cypresses and thick pine trees that embrace their rocky shores, they plunge down into the sea, which foams and sweeps over the countless rocks carved by the waves, turning crimson at dusk and gold in the moonlight, and mirroring the beauty of hundreds of sparkling stars.
The largest and most densely populated among the Elafites is the Island of Šipan, called the golden island. It is also the most fertile island in the archipelago. Protect by the terraced hill slopes covered with dense Mediterranean scrub, the fruitful dolomite hill stretches along the entire island connecting two major settlements, Suđurađ in the southeast and Sipanska Luka in the southwest.
The narrow sea channel Harpoti, connecting Luka with the open sea, was the site of the fierce battle between the armies of Caesar and Pompey in 47 B. C. The secluded coves and groves hide many examples of the Dalmatian architecture: from fortress and Early Christian chapels to the most representative summer residences of maritime, merchant and aristocrat families of Dubrovnik; mysterious structures preserved from time immemorial.
The two most representative renaissance palaces of the famous ship-owning family Skočibuha are situated on the site of the former shipyard in Suđurađ, where many skips of the powerful Dubrovnik fleet were launched. The island of Šipan is abole all a promised land for lovers of unspoiled nature, who enjoy listening to the sounds of silence and the sea. It is an attractive oasis of peace and serenity, where, unlike anywhere else, the setting sun colors of the sky fire-red, waiting for the golden glow of the moon to rise behind the hills. There are few such virgin places left in this world.
Source: Dubrovnik Tourist Board
Publication: Welcome to Dubrovnik
Author: Tereza Buconić Gović
