Dubrovnik island hopping in 5 days: Elaphiti, Mljet, and Korčula

From Dubrovnik’s harbour to three extraordinary islands

This itinerary skips Dubrovnik’s city walls — you can see those on arrival day or departure day — and focuses entirely on the islands that stretch northwest into the Adriatic. The Elaphiti Islands are the closest: three small islands within 45 minutes by ferry from Gruž. Mljet is an hour and three-quarters by catamaran, with the national park as its centrepiece. Korčula is the furthest and the most fully realised destination: a medieval walled town, vineyards, and the best Pošip wine in Croatia.

Five days is enough to do each island justice without rushing. The moderate rating reflects ferry logistics — you need to plan connections, and some are infrequent. The reward is one of the most beautiful island routes in the Mediterranean.

Day 1: the Elaphiti Islands — Lopud and Šipan

Morning: Gruž to Lopud

Take the Jadrolinija ferry from Gruž port to Lopud. The crossing is approximately 50 minutes. Lopud is the most visited of the Elaphitis — a car-free island with a single main settlement, a convent, and several bays.

Full-day Elaphiti Islands boat trip from Dubrovnik covering all three islands with swimming and lunch

If you prefer an organised introduction before going independently, the full-day Elaphiti boat trip from Dubrovnik is a good first-day option: the guide provides context for the islands’ history and you get the swimming and fish picnic experience on day one.

Šunj beach on Lopud’s eastern coast is one of the only sandy beaches in the Dubrovnik region — a 20-minute walk across the island from the harbour. Worth the walk.

Afternoon: Šipan

Take the afternoon ferry from Lopud to Šipan (the largest and quietest of the Elaphitis). Šipanska Luka, the main harbour village, has a handful of excellent fish restaurants and almost no tourists by late afternoon. The 16th-century summer palaces of the Ragusan nobility are visible in the village — aristocrats used Šipan as a retreat from the city.

Stay overnight on Šipan for the most authentic Elaphiti experience. Alternatively, return to Dubrovnik and take the ferry back for day 2.

Day 2: Elaphiti to Mljet

Morning: the Elaphiti at a slower pace

If staying on Šipan, rent a bicycle and cycle to Suđurađ (the island’s second village, 6 km) through olive groves and past Ragusan villas. The pace of life here is genuinely different from the mainland.

Three-island boat trip with fresh fish lunch and swimming in the Elaphiti bays

Afternoon: Krilo catamaran to Mljet

The Krilo catamaran from Dubrovnik stops at Šipan en route to Mljet in summer — making the island-hopping transition straightforward. Check the exact schedule at the Krilo website before booking accommodation. The journey from Šipan to Mljet (Polače) is approximately 60 minutes.

Arrive in Polače on Mljet’s northwest coast by mid-afternoon. Polače is inside the national park boundary and has direct access to the lakes. Check into your accommodation and take an evening walk around Malo Jezero — the smaller lake, easily reached on foot from the village.

Day 3: Mljet National Park

A full day in the national park

This is the core of the Mljet experience. The national park occupies the western third of the island and contains two saltwater lakes (Malo and Veliko Jezero), a 12th-century Benedictine monastery on an island in the middle of Veliko Jezero, and dense pine and holm oak forest.

Buy your park ticket at the entrance (approximately €15–20). Rent a bicycle at Polače — the cycling infrastructure here is excellent and the flat lakeside circuit is one of the best rides in Croatia.

Mljet National Park guided day experience with cycling, swimming, and the monastery island boat

Morning: cycle the Malo Jezero circuit (5 km, flat, under pine forest). The lake water is clear, warm, and calmer than the open sea — this is the best fresh-ish-water swim in Dalmatia.

Midday: take the boat to the monastery island. The 12th-century St Mary’s Monastery is partially in ruins, partially converted into a restaurant and exhibition space. The island in the lake is one of the most atmospheric places in Croatia.

Afternoon: cycle around Veliko Jezero’s northern shore and swim at the Soline channel where the lake connects to the sea. The current here is strong at tide changes — swim upstream from the bridge.

Evening in Polače: dinner at one of the harbour restaurants. Grilled sea bass and local white wine; no other decision necessary.

Day 4: Mljet to Korčula

Morning: the eastern end of Mljet

Before departing, drive or cycle east along the main island road to Saplunara, a sheltered sandy bay at Mljet’s far eastern end — one of the best beaches in the region and far less visited than the national park area.

Mljet bike and boat beach day with access to remote bays on the island’s southern coast

Afternoon: catamaran or ferry to Korčula

The Krilo catamaran stops at Mljet (Polače or Sobra) en route to Korčula Town. Alternatively, Jadrolinija foot passenger ferries run from Sobra to Prigradica on Korčula’s north coast. Check current schedules — connections can be once daily in shoulder season.

Korčula Town is a revelation: a compact medieval peninsula town with a cathedral, Venetian-era palaces, a grid of narrow lanes, and some of the best restaurants in Dalmatia. Arrive in the late afternoon and walk the town before dinner.

The Marco Polo connection (disputed, but enthusiastically maintained by the town) adds an entertaining narrative layer. The town fortifications are modest compared to Dubrovnik’s but the intimacy and human scale feel even more alive.

Evening: dinner in one of the wine bars or restaurants in the lanes inside the walls. Order Pošip — you are now in its home territory.

Day 5: Korčula — wine, beaches, and return

Morning: Lumbarda and Grk wine

Drive or take a local boat to Lumbarda (6 km from Korčula Town) for Grk wine. Grk is one of the world’s most unusual white wines: grown only in the sandy soils of Lumbarda, it has virtually no clonal variation and produces a wine of distinctive minerality and texture.

Korčula island wine day trip visiting Pošip and Grk producers with tastings and local food

The beaches near Lumbarda (Bilin Žal, Przina) are the best sandy swimming on the island. Spend late morning here.

Afternoon: return to Dubrovnik

Take the Krilo catamaran from Korčula Town back to Dubrovnik (approximately 2 hours via Mljet). Alternatively, return via the ferry and Pelješac peninsula if the schedule suits.

Arrive in Dubrovnik in the early evening. If your departure is the next morning, the Old Town at dusk — now familiar from the first day — makes for a satisfying closing chapter.

Practical notes

Ferry planning: Download the Jadrolinija app and check Krilo’s website before finalising this route. The Šipan–Mljet connection relies on the Krilo catamaran stopping at Šipan — confirm this for your travel dates.

Accommodation: Book ahead everywhere. Šipan has limited guesthouses; Mljet has limited hotels in Polače and Pomena; Korčula Town has a broader selection but still fills in summer.

Park entry: Mljet National Park entry is approximately €15–20 (2026). Includes access to the lake area and the monastery island boat — fair value for a full-day visit.

Luggage: No cars on this route. A 30–40 litre backpack is the right choice. Wheeled suitcases are impractical on ferry gangways and island paths.

Frequently asked questions about this itinerary

Is this island-hopping route possible in 5 days?

Yes — the pacing above gives a full day on each main island with travel days carefully managed. Day 1 covers the Elaphitis, day 3 is the Mljet core experience, and day 4–5 give Korčula its due. It requires planning but is genuinely achievable without a car.

Which island is best for an overnight stay?

Mljet for natural beauty (the national park); Korčula Town for culture and food. The Elaphiti Islands (Šipan particularly) are the most authentic and quiet, but with the fewest services.

Do I need to book the Krilo catamaran in advance?

Yes, in July–August. The Krilo has limited seats and the Dubrovnik–Korčula route sells out. Book online at krilo.hr at least 3–5 days ahead.

Can I do this itinerary in reverse, starting from Korčula?

Yes. If you are travelling from Split or Hvar, starting in Korčula and working south to the Elaphitis before arriving in Dubrovnik makes equal sense. The Korčula-Mljet-Pelješac loop covers a similar route from a Korčula base.

What if I only have 3 days for islands?

Choose Mljet National Park and Korčula — these two offer the most complete experience. The Elaphiti Islands are excellent but work as a day trip from Dubrovnik (not worth an overnight unless you specifically want quiet).