The islands of South Dalmatia
The water around Dubrovnik is its quietest escape. The car-free Elaphiti, green Mljet, Marco Polo's Korčula and the nature-reserve isle of Lokrum each reward a day — or a slow week.
Elaphiti islands: car-free escape from Dubrovnik
Discover the Elaphiti archipelago — Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep — by boat from Gruž. Car-free islands, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear Adriatic waters.
Korčula: walled town, wine country, and island life
Korčula town is a medieval walled city with Grk and Pošip wines, great beaches, and a disputed Marco Polo connection. 2.5h from Dubrovnik by catamaran.
Mljet National Park: the greenest island in the Adriatic
Mljet is Croatia's most forested island, with two saltwater lakes, a 12th-century island monastery, the Odysseus Cave, and exceptional cycling and swimming.
Koločep: the closest island to Dubrovnik
Koločep (Kalamota) is the nearest Elaphiti island to Dubrovnik: car-free, home to the Blue Cave, and perfect for a half-day of swimming and quiet exploration.
Lokrum island: peacocks, ruins, and a Dead Sea lake
Lokrum island: forested nature reserve with a Benedictine monastery ruin, Dead Sea saltwater lake, Iron Throne replica, and wild peacocks.
Lopud island: sandy beaches and car-free calm
Lopud in the Elaphiti archipelago offers the best sandy beach near Dubrovnik, an abandoned monastery, and blissful car-free streets. Perfect for a day trip.
Lumbarda: sandy beaches and Grk wine on Korčula
Lumbarda is a small village on Korčula island with Croatia's rare Grk white wine, two sandy beaches, and a relaxed pace that contrasts with busy Korčula town.
Šipan: the Elaphiti island that time forgot
Šipan is the largest and quietest Elaphiti island: olive groves, two medieval villages, cycling paths, and almost no crowds. A half-day or full-day escape.
Island guides
Best islands near Dubrovnik: honest rankings for every type of traveller
Which island near Dubrovnik should you visit? Honest comparison of Lokrum, Elaphiti, Mljet, and Korčula for beach, culture, nature, and ease of travel.
Elaphiti Islands: the complete guide for visitors from Dubrovnik
Everything you need to know about the Elaphiti Islands — Lopud, Šipan, Koločep, ferries, beaches, and the best tours from Dubrovnik.
How to get to the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik: ferries, catamarans, and tours
Complete ferry guide to the Elaphiti Islands: Jadrolinija timetables, Krilo catamaran, how to reach Gruž Port, and what to expect on the crossing.
Island hopping from Dubrovnik: the complete practical guide
How to island-hop from Dubrovnik independently or on a tour — Elaphiti, Mljet, Korčula, ferries, timetables, and the best multi-day routes explained.
Koločep Island: the smallest Elaphiti island and the quietest
Koločep is the closest Elaphiti island to Dubrovnik — 20 minutes by ferry, a sandy beach, pine forest paths, and almost no tourism. Complete visitor guide.
Korčula Island: the complete guide for visitors from Dubrovnik
Korčula Old Town, Marco Polo connections, local wine, and the best beaches. Complete guide to visiting Croatia's most underrated island from Dubrovnik.
Lokrum Island: nature reserve, Iron Throne, and the best half-day from Dubrovnik
Lokrum is 15 minutes by ferry from Dubrovnik's Old Harbour — botanical garden, salt lake, peacocks, fort, and the Game of Thrones Iron Throne replica.
Lopud Island: the complete guide to Dubrovnik's sandy-beach island
Lopud has the best sandy beach near Dubrovnik (Šunj Bay), a car-free village, and good restaurants. How to get there, what to do, and where to eat.
Mljet National Park: the complete day trip guide from Dubrovnik
Mljet's salt lakes, island monastery, cycling tracks, and Odysseus Cave make it one of Croatia's best national parks
Šipan Island: cycling, olive groves, and authentic Elaphiti life
Šipan is the largest and quietest Elaphiti island — car-free, olive grove cycling between two medieval villages, and almost no tourists