The Best Islands to Visit From Dubrovnik, Croatia
![Dubrovnik boasts a delightful array of islands to discover just off its coast](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/daria-andraczko-ws8ukxshjae-unsplash-e1592849589146.webp)
Dubrovnik is the ideal base for island hopping in Croatia, thanks to the archipelago that lies beyond the pristine coastline of this ancient city. There’s nothing quite like seeing the shoreline fall into focus from your ferry, or gliding past secluded islets on a sailboat, feeling the salt-breeze on your cheeks. Read on for Culture Trip’s guide to the best islands to visit off Dubrovnik.
Escape the crowds by hiring a boat from SamBoat to explore these secluded islands. Alternatively, book a multi-day sailing holiday with Dream Yacht Charter to venture further afield.
1. Lokrum
Natural Feature
![Swimmers paddle in a small inlet on the rocky coastline of Lokrum Island, near Dubrovnik.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/w5ht68.webp)
2. Kolocep
Natural Feature
![A ruggy, hilly stretch of coastline on Koločep island, with a small, terracotta-roofed house in the foreground that has its own small jetty.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bgwkwg.webp)
Only 20 minutes by boat from Dubrovnik, Kolocep is the nearest of the Elafiti Islands, making it a convenient day trip from Dubrovnik. The island is covered in swathes of dense pine forests and dotted with sun-drenched vineyards, olive groves and citrus plantations. There are just two villages on the island, Gornje Celo and Donje Celo, each with its own pint-sized beach. Donje Celo offers a few cafe-bars for a cooling refresher, and a naturist beach if you want to bare it all.
3. Mljet
Natural Feature
![Benedictine monastery and church on tiny St Marys island, in the middle of Big Lake in Mljet National Park, Croatia.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wbef90.webp)
4. Korcula
Natural Feature
![Aerial view over terracotta-roofed old buildings in the town of Korcula, with other small islands and the Croatian mainland visible in the distance.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2dey2xa.webp)
5. Sipan
Natural Feature
![A woman in a blue sundress strolls along the seafront promenade in Šipan, past small boats and traditional stone houses with shuttered windows.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2gpgj88.webp)
The largest and most developed of the Elafiti Islands, Sipan contains two settlements – Sudurad, on the southeastern cap, and Sipanska Luka, located on the western side of the island. Unlike its island neighbours, Kolocep and Lopud, Sipan isn’t car-free, but still offers peace and tranquillity in droves. There are several notable churches on the island; St Peter’s Church and the Church of the Holy Spirit, built in 1569, are recognised for their architectural splendour. Sipan is a two-hour ferry ride from Dubrovnik.
6. Lopud
Natural Feature
![Šunj bay, in Lopud, boasts a small sandy beach and calm sheltered waters where several small boats are moored.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/jem8p8.webp)
Car-free Lopud is arguably the most stunning of the Elafiti Islands, with handsome stone settlements surrounded by exotic gardens, and crumbling fortresses rising up from its forested hilltops. The town of Lopud offers a modest beach, but most visitors prefer to trek across the island to reach the beautifully sandy Sunj, a half-moon bay where a small bar serves grilled fish. From Dubrovnik, the journey time is just an hour – perfect day-tripping distance. Travellers often combine the three Elafiti Islands into one itinerary, as you can easily see all three in a day.
7. Hvar
Natural Feature
![Views of sailing boats moored in the clear water in front of the island of Hvar, with a small hill covered in red-roofed houses in the background.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/fb6mjg.webp)
This is an island for the haves and the have-yachts. Long geared up for accommodating international visitors, Hvar remains at the crest of Croatia’s current tourist wave, with a string of design-forward hotels and VIP nightspots. Elite partygoers also gather on the super-yachts of oligarchs and film stars, moored within reach of shore. The rest of the island is given over to vineyards and lavender fields, its coast sheltering the odd reclusive boutique hotel or picturesque eatery. The journey time is usually around 3.5 hours depending on the route, meaning it’s best experienced as an overnight excursion from Dubrovnik.
8. Lastovo
Natural Feature
![A small, rocky cove with clear water and a dinghy in Lastovo, Croatia.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/fcjk40.webp)
Island-hop in style by chartering a yacht through SamBoat, or book a multi-day sailing adventure with Dream Yacht Charter – no experience necessary.