The mild Mediterranean climate, the lush Mediterranean and sub-tropical vegetation - cypress, lemon, orange, pine and palm trees, the beautiful sand beaches, and the possibility of pleasant walks along the shoreline, contribute to making Lopud and exceptionally attractive destination in the vicinity of Dubrovnik.
Lopud, the only settlement, is located in a bay, and from there is a path that leads to the famous sandy beach Šunj on the far side of the island. Regular coastal ferry boat connections from Dubrovnik to Lopud are available during high season running 4 or 5 journeys per day. During high season (June to October), one-way ferry tickets are priced at 4.91 EUR for adults and range from 1.59 EUR to 2.26 EUR for children aged 3 to 12.
Šunj Beach is composed of fine, white sand and is backed by lush, green hills. Expect some larger crowds during high season, tour boats arrive daily to Lopud and the locals owning a boat also favor this spot. However, when the boats leave and during off-season, it's the Adriatic at its best. One of the most popular tours in Dubrovnik is the 3 islands tour with Lopud Island included. So if you wish to explore all three of the Elaphiti Islands (Koločep, Lopud, Šipan) we recommend that you join such tour.
Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch
Set sail on a full-day cruise to the enchanting Elaphite Islands from Dubrovnik.
Board a shared boat and enjoy a scenic voyage to the islands of Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep. Each island offers the freedom to explore charming villages, picturesque beaches, scenic footpaths, and historical landmarks at your leisure. Delight in a lunch with a choice of three dishes and enjoy unlimited drinks onboard.
Highlights:
- Cruise around the stunning Elaphiti Islands on a day trip from Dubrovnik
- Swim, snorkel, and bask in the warm sun throughout the day
- Enjoy an open bar onboard
- Lunch included in the excursion
- Benefit from complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik
The main settlement is the township Lopud, situated in the beautiful, calm Lopud bay. A number of cafes, restaurants, hotels and private accommodation is available to visitors, if you like the peace and harmony an island can offer you could also decide to spend a night or two on the island. There are 2 very nice sand beaches in Lopud bay. Lopud island was once an important seafaring center, boasting two monasteries, 30 churches and a number of noble palaces, some remains can be seen today.
Lopud is unique, with no other Croatian island with so many sacred, cultural and historical monuments on such small area. There are 33 chapels, 4 churches, 2 monasteries, the ruins of the Rectors Palace and of the Spanish Fort, as well as the local museum. That all tells us about its rich history and its great importance within ancient and famous Republic of Dubrovnik.
Today Lopud is an oasis of peace: with beautiful sandy beaches, walking paths and parks, where instead of the sounds of traffic, only pristine sounds of nature can be heard.
Visiting Lopud Island
Lopud Island is just perfect for families and couples looking for a getaway that is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you are the type of person who loves to spend a vacation by the beach, Lopud Island is the perfect destination for you. You will surely be getting your money's worth when you spend your holidays here.
There are regular boat connections to Lopud from Dubrovnik, the ferry stops in Lopud and then continues to Luka Šipanska. Adult one-way summer season tickets are available for purchase at the ticket office or online for €4.91. Children between the ages of 3-12 receive a discount, while those under three years of age travel for free. The ferry departure in Dubrovnik is from Gruž Port, tickets can be bought at the Jadrolinija Office or online. During high season (July and August) it is recommended that you arrive at least one hour prior to boat departure and buy the tickets.
Check the timetable: Ferry line from Dubrovnik to Elaphite Islands, connects islands Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.
Visiting Island Lopud with children
Imagine relaxing at one of the terraces, sipping a cold drink, while your children play on one of the large sand beaches only a few meters from you. Many families choose to stay on Lopud, visiting Dubrovnik as often as they choose with the regular ferry. For visiting the largest sand beach Šunj on the other side of the island a small electrical car is available, for a couple of Euros it will take you across.
If you plan to stay on Island Lopud a good option to consider are private accommodation. Especially when traveling with children private apartments can offer more family-friendly accommodation than hotels, including a better price tag. Check availability and prices for children-friendly hotels and apartments on Island Lopud.
Staying on Lopud Island
Many choose to spend a night or two on one of the Elafiti islands while visiting Dubrovnik, private accommodation are available on all of the islands, there are also 2 hotels on Lopud Island. 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. During high season (July and August) it can be hard to find accommodation on Lopud Island. We recommend that you find and book your accommodation in advance.
Our favorite places to stay on Island Lopud are Bed & Breakfast- La Villa Lopud, Boutique Hotel Tomić and White House Lopud. Check availability and prices of other hotels and apartments on Island Lopud.
Best Beaches and hikes/walks on Lopud Island
The beaches of Lopud Island, though small, are absolutely stunning. Year after year, the shallow, sandy beach of Šunj is celebrated as one of the finest on the Dalmatian coast. However, Šunj isn't the only beautiful sandy beach on Lopud Island. The charming Bay of Lopud boasts two smaller beaches that exude an authentic island vibe. This car-free, picturesque island offers an abundance of natural beauty to explore. Read more about Parks and Beaches on Island Lopud
Šunj Beach on Lopud Island
Šunj beach stands out as one of the few sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik area. It's situated on the far side of Lopud Island, requiring a scenic 25-minute walk from the main village and the beaches in Lopud Bay. Protected by a long breakwater, Šunj beach offers a calm bay that is perfect for families with children. Dogs are also allowed on the main section of the beach during the day. If you walk further west past a large rock, you'll reach the unofficial FKK nudist beach. Read more about FKK naturist beaches and campsites in Dubrovnik and Croatia.
The beach offers rentals for umbrellas and deckchairs, and you can relax with a coffee from one of the two beach bars. Public facilities include a toilet and a shower. Read our complete Šunj Beach guide, including what to do and see.
Lopud Bay beaches
Island Lopud is a popular destination among the Elaphite Islands, renowned for its stunning sandy beaches that visitors love. Despite the crowds from excursion boats, the lively atmosphere enhances its charm. Spend your day at Lopud Bay, enjoying the sandy beaches, or take a scenic 1.6 km walk to the other side of the island to reach the picturesque Šunj Beach.
Walk from Lopud town to Šunj Beach
Lopud is perfect for a day of hiking, combined with swimming, in the pristine surroundings and its spectacular Šunj Beach. Start from Lopud, the only town that has no more than a couple of hundred permanent residents, explore old houses of beautiful architecture, abundance of flowers and easy going life style. Your destination is the famous sandy beach, Šunj, where you get a chance to swim and enjoy a lunch break.
All Inclusive Private Boat Tour To Elaphiti Islands
Enjoy a stress-free day cruising along the Dubrovnik coastline on this private boat trip.
Discover the Elaphiti islands near Dubrovnik that are accessible only by boat, and experience a mix of beaches, caves and "Game of Thrones" filming locations. The itinerary includes Island Koločep, known for its blue cave; the car-free island of Lopud; the snorkeling paradise of Šipan; and the idyllic island of Lokrum. This private boat tour is a fantastic way to avoid crowded ferries. You can tick off multiple islands in one day.
Highlights:
- Private boat trip
- Explore beautiful islands near Dubrovnik accessible only by boat
- Visit Koločep, Lopud, Šipan, and Lokrum
- Avoid busy ferries and travel in comfort
- Drinks included on the boat, such as wine and beer
- Snorkeling equipment rental provided
Dubrovnik legends and tales
The Legend of the Lokrum Curse
This Lokrum legend is connected to the establishment of the Benedictine monastery on Lokrum Island.
Read more: The Legend of the Lokrum Curse
The wretched woman of Lopud
The legend of the forbidden tragic love between a nobleman and a commoner girl.
Richard the Lion-Hearted´s vow
Regarded as one of the most distinguished Renaissance playwrights and prose writers in Croatian literature.
Read more: Richard the Lion-Hearted´s vow
City Walls Legends and Facts Tour
Gain a genuine understanding of Dubrovnik's life across different eras through tales of legends and customs.