Šunj Beach on Lopud
The Elafiti Islands (also known as the Elaphiti Islands) are a stunning archipelago located west of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The name Elafiti (or Elaphiti) comes from the Greek word “elaphos,” meaning deer. Although there are no deer on the islands today, the ancient Greeks may have named the archipelago due to its shape or perceived abundance of wildlife. First mentioned by Pliny the Elder in the 1st century AD in his work Naturalis Historia. Archaeological remains suggest pre-Roman and Roman activity, especially on Šipan.
All inhabited islands are home to important historical landmarks:
On Šipan, there are 42 historic summer residences, 34 churches, and numerous chapels. The Pakljena chapel offers panoramic views of Šipan, nearby islands (Jakljan, Mljet), the Pelješac Peninsula, and even the skyline of Dubrovnik. Pre-Romanesque stone carvings can be found in Šipanska Luka, and prehistoric burial mounds lie among the olive groves. The Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor) from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic is a standout attraction.
Lopud – Located between Šipan and Koločep, it is also the most developed of the Elafiti Islands. On this island, you can enjoy several beaches, the most famous of which is the sandy Šunj Beach.
Some also consider Lokrum Island to be part of the Elafiti archipelago.
On Koločep, visitors can discover 17 significant monuments, including ancient churches and chapels, mostly dating back to the 16th century or earlier. Fortified houses and other dwellings showcase remarkable examples of traditional architecture.
In the early 21st century, the Vice Stjepović-Skočibuha Summer Residence, built in 1563 on Šipan, was restored, preserving a piece of Renaissance heritage.
During the Middle Ages, the Elafiti Islands became part of the powerful Republic of Ragusa (modern-day Dubrovnik), a maritime republic that flourished from the 14th to 19th centuries.
The islands were used as agricultural outposts, providing wine, olive oil, and fish to Dubrovnik
Monasteries, churches, and fortified summer residences were built, some of which still stand
The locals were often skilled sailors and shipbuilders, contributing to Ragusa’s fleet
Šipan was especially popular and had more summer mansions than any other island of its size in the Adriatic
The Rector’s Palace in Suđurađ and the Skočibuha summer residence are notable architectural gems
Churches like St. Mary’s on Lopud and St. Stephen’s on Šipan date from this period
Under Austro-Hungarian rule in the 19th century, the islands remained mostly rural and agrarian
In the 20th century, during Yugoslavia, they became modest tourist destinations
After Croatia’s independence in 1991, tourism to the Elafiti Islands slowly grew, especially as Dubrovnik rose in popularity
Following Croatia’s independence in the 1990s, the islands became a retreat for eco-tourism, heritage travelers, and those seeking a slower pace.
Restoration projects preserve 15th- and 16th-century villas, churches and dry-stone paths.
Modern visitors can walk the same trails once used by Ragusan nobles and priests.
Festivals and events celebrate the islands’ maritime and religious traditions, offering immersive experiences in Adriatic culture.
Among other interesting facts, it’s worth mentioning that two crew members of Columbus’s ship, the Santa Maria, were originally from Koločep.
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