Elafitski Islands

Elafitski Islands (Elafitski otoci) is a small archipelago consisting of several islands stretching north-west of Dubrovnik in the Adriatic Sea. The islands are covered with characteristic Mediterranean evergreen vegetation and attract many tourists during the summer tourist season due to their beaches.

Only three islands are permanently inhabited, each supporting a small tourist industry. They are connected to the mainland by daily ferries from Dubrovnik.

Sipan is the farthest and the largest island in terms of area (15.8 square kilometers) and population 436 people. It also has two settlements, Sipanska Luku and Sudurad, both served on the Jadrolinija ferry lines.

Lopud is the second largest and best known for its sandy beaches, it is located between the islands of Sipan and Kolocep. It is well developed in terms of tourist infrastructure.

Kolocep is the closest island to Dubrovnik, located 3 miles from the port of Dubrovnik. It was once an important shipbuilding center during the Republic of Ragusa. It is one of the most rugged and southernmost permanently inhabited Croatian islands with a population of 294. It has seven doman churches built during the time of the Croatian kings, from the 9th to the 11th century.