Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and one of the easiest island escapes from Dubrovnik. With two small villages, quiet bays and a green interior of olive groves and vineyards, it is an ideal place for a relaxed day trip or a slow overnight stay. Ferries from Gruž Port run throughout the year, making it simple to visit Suđurađ or continue on to Šipanska Luka for swimming, walking and easy coastal views.
Šipan Island - what to expect
Šipan is part of the Elaphiti Islands, a small archipelago just northwest of Dubrovnik. The island has two main villages, Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka, linked by a fertile valley of olive groves, vineyards and citrus trees.
The island is close enough for an easy day trip yet quieter than the Old Town and the busier Elaphiti neighbor Lopud Island.
Šipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands, a small archipelago just northwest of Dubrovnik. It has two main villages, Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka, connected by a fertile valley of olive groves, vineyards and citrus trees.
Regular local ferries from Gruž Port and the Dubrovnik–Koločep–Lopud–Šipan ferry, as well as popular three-island boat trips, make it simple to visit Šipan on its own or combine it with Koločep and Lopud.
- Travel time from Dubrovnik: roughly 45 to 80 minutes by boat, depending on the type of ferry and intermediate stops.
- Main settlements: Suđurađ (east) and Šipanska Luka (west).
- Island feel: small harbours, stone houses and a rural interior rather than resort-style development.
- Best for: relaxed swimming stops, simple walks or bike rides, and slow evenings by the sea.
- Good to know: shops and services are concentrated in the two villages, so it is wise to plan ahead for cash and supplies.
This picturesque string of islands in the vicinity of Dubrovnik scattered within the Deer Archipelago consists of 13 evergreen islands, islets and rocks. Situated between Dubrovnik, the Island of Mljet and Pelješac Peninsula, and surrounded by the waters of Island Koločep and Mljet Channel, they were first mentioned as the Elafite Islands by Gaius Plinius Secundus Maior in his work Naturalis historia in the 1st century A.D.
Full-Day Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands Cruise with Lunch and drinks
Hop on a shared boat and set sail for the enchanting islands of Lopud, Šipan, and Koločep.
Relax on deck and soak up the sun and sea. At each island, enjoy leisure time to explore charming stone villages, pristine beaches, scenic footpaths, and historic landmarks. The cruise includes lunch with a choice of three dishes and complimentary drinks throughout the day.
Is Šipan Island worth visiting?
Yes, Šipan is worth visiting if you are looking for a quiet island close to Dubrovnik with an easy pace of life. It is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands but still feels small and low-key, with two harbors, stone houses and a green interior of olive groves and vineyards rather than large resorts.
The island is good for simple pleasures: swimming from small pebble beaches, walking or cycling between Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka, and eating fresh fish in harbour-side restaurants. Thanks to its many olive trees, Šipan is sometimes called the “golden island”, and it is noticeably calmer than nearby Lopud Island in peak summer.
- Best for: relaxed day trips, couples and families who like walking, cycling and quiet evenings by the sea.
- Good as: part of an Elaphiti Islands boat trip or a stand-alone visit using the Dubrovnik–Koločep–Lopud–Šipan ferry.
- Less suitable if: you want nightlife, shopping or large sandy beaches - in that case other destinations around Dubrovnik may suit you better.
Where is Šipan Island and how far is it from Dubrovnik?
Šipan lies northwest of Dubrovnik and is part of the small Elaphiti archipelago, along with Koločep and Lopud. It is the furthest of the three inhabited islands but still close enough for an easy day trip from the city.
The island is connected to Dubrovnik by regular ferries from Gruž ferry port. Depending on the route and stops, the journey usually takes between 45 and 80 minutes. Most sailings arrive at Suđurađ, the eastern harbor, while some services also continue to Šipanska Luka on the western side.
For current sailing patterns and islands served, see the Dubrovnik - Koločep - Lopud - Šipan ferry.
How to get from Dubrovnik to Šipan
Reaching Šipan from Dubrovnik is straightforward. Most visitors use the public ferry from Gruž Port, while others join organised Elaphiti boat trips that stop at multiple islands. Private boat transfers are also available for flexible departure times.
By public ferry from Dubrovnik (Jadrolinija)
The local ferry route between Dubrovnik, Koločep, Lopud and Šipan is the simplest way to reach the island. Ferries depart from Gruž Port and usually stop at the other Elaphiti Islands before arriving in Suđurađ. Some services continue to Šipanska Luka, especially in summer.
Travel time from Dubrovnik to Suđurađ on Šipan is about 1 hour and 20 minutes on the regular Jadrolinija ferry. An adult one-way ticket from Dubrovnik to Suđurađ costs around 5,40 EUR in high season and 3,40 EUR in the rest of the year, while children aged 3 to 12 pay about 2,10 EUR (summer 2025 prices). Returns are simply two single tickets. Prices and departures can change, so always check the latest timetable and price list on the official operator and on the Dubrovnik - Koločep - Lopud - Šipan ferry page before you travel.
Elaphiti Islands boat tours and day trips
Many visitors reach Šipan as part of a full-day Elaphiti tour. These trips usually include swimming stops, time on Lopud Island and a lunch on board, with a shorter stop on Šipan to explore Suđurađ. Tours leave from various points in Dubrovnik, mostly in the morning, and return in the late afternoon.
This option works well if you want to see more than one island in a day without planning ferry schedules.
Private boat trips and transfers
Private boats offer the most flexibility. They can take you directly to Suđurađ or Šipanska Luka without intermediate stops, and are useful if you are travelling as a family or group. Departure times and routes can be arranged to suit your plans, and travel time is usually shorter than the public ferry.
Villages on Šipan: Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka
Šipan has two main settlements. Suđurađ is the first harbor you reach on most ferries from Dubrovnik, while Šipanska Luka sits at the far western end of the island in a deep, sheltered bay. A quiet road and walking or cycling path run between them through fields of olives, vines and citrus trees.
Suđurađ
Suđurađ is a small harbour village with stone houses, a short seafront promenade and a central pebble beach next to the pier. It is the main arrival point for the local ferry from Dubrovnik, so you will usually start your visit here. Around the bay you will notice old summer villas and defensive towers that once belonged to Dubrovnik noble families, as well as several small churches tucked between houses and gardens.
The village has a few cafés and restaurants by the sea, basic accommodation and small shops for everyday supplies. From Suđurađ you can follow the road or paths into the interior or across to Šipanska Luka on foot or by bike.
Šipanska Luka
Šipanska Luka lies in a long, narrow bay on the western side of the island and is known as a safe harbor for small boats and yachts. The waterfront is lined with stone houses, a small church and a simple village beach, with green hills rising behind the bay. It feels quieter and more remote than Suđurađ, especially outside the main summer months.
You will find a few hotels and guesthouses here, together with several konobas and restaurants specializing in fish and local wine. From Šipanska Luka there are marked paths up into the hills and across the island, with views over the Elaphiti Islands and the open sea.
Best things to do on Šipan Island
Šipan is a small island, so most activities are simple and outdoors. Visitors usually divide their time between swimming, walking, cycling and exploring the old summer villas and small churches scattered around the villages and inland valley.
Beaches and swimming spots
Šipan has several small pebble beaches and clear water suitable for swimming from late spring to early autumn. In Suđurađ, the beach next to the ferry pier is the most convenient, while smaller coves sit a short walk away. In Šipanska Luka, the village beach offers shallow entry and calm water, with additional rocky platforms around the bay.
Because the island is not heavily developed, many swimming places are simple natural spots rather than organised beaches with facilities.
Hiking and walking routes
The inland valley between Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka is one of the easiest and most enjoyable walks on the Elaphiti Islands. The route passes olive groves, low stone walls and small hamlets, with opportunities to branch off on marked paths into the hills. The climb to Velji Vrh, the island's highest point, rewards you with panoramic views over the Elaphiti group and the coast.
Cycling on Šipan
Šipan is well suited for recreational cycling thanks to its light traffic and single main road. Bikes can be rented in Suđurađ during the warmer months, allowing you to ride across the valley to Šipanska Luka or explore smaller side paths. The distance between the two villages is manageable even for families, though some hills require moderate effort.
Historic sites, churches and summer villas
Šipan was once a retreat for Dubrovnik noble families, who built stone villas and small fortified residences around the island. Many survive in Suđurađ and in the valley towards Šipanska Luka. You will also find a number of old churches, including the Church of the Holy Spirit in Suđurađ and the Church of St. Mary in Šipanska Luka, some with simple interior frescoes and carved stone details.
These sites are generally open-air or viewable from the outside, making them easy stops during walking or cycling routes.
Šipan Island with children
Šipan is suitable for families who prefer quieter places and simple outdoor activities. The small village beaches in Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka have shallow entry and calm water, and distances on the island are short enough for easy walks with older children.
Facilities are limited compared with larger resorts around Dubrovnik, so it is useful to bring snacks, sunscreen and anything else you might need for the day. Strollers are manageable along the waterfront areas, but some inland paths are uneven. Boat travel time from Dubrovnik is also short enough for younger children to manage comfortably.
Where to stay on Šipan Island
Accommodation on Šipan is small-scale and mostly concentrated in Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka. Options include a few small hotels, guesthouses and private apartments, with most places offering simple rooms close to the sea. Because the island is quiet and rural, expect relaxed evenings and limited nightlife.
Suđurađ is convenient if you want easy access to the ferry, short walks to beaches and bike rental during the warmer months. Šipanska Luka suits travelers looking for a quieter base with a scenic bay, a couple of restaurants and direct access to walking paths into the hills.
In peak season, availability can be limited, so booking early is recommended, especially for weekend stays. Check availability and prices of hotels, apartments and rooms on Island Šipan
Where to eat and drink on Šipan
Food on Šipan is straightforward and based on local ingredients, with a focus on seafood, vegetables and island-grown olive oil. Most restaurants and konobas are small, family-run places along the waterfront in Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka.
Suđurađ has a few simple konobas close to the harbour, serving grilled fish, calamari, pasta and local wine. In Šipanska Luka, restaurants line the bay and offer similar menus, often with outdoor seating right by the water. Outside these two villages dining choices are limited, so it is best to plan meals around the harbour areas.
Cafés and small bars operate seasonally, mainly from spring to early autumn. During quieter months, opening hours vary, and some places close completely until the next season.
When to visit Šipan Island (seasons, crowds and weather)
Šipan can be visited year-round, but most travelers come between late spring and early autumn. The island is quiet outside the main season, with fewer ferry departures and limited opening hours in cafés and restaurants. From May to September the weather is warm, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and services operate more frequently.
July and August are the busiest months, especially on ferries and organised boat tours, but Šipan still feels calmer than Dubrovnik and less crowded than some other nearby islands. Spring and early autumn are popular with walkers and cyclists thanks to comfortable temperatures and quieter paths.
- Best for swimming: June to September, when sea temperatures are highest.
- Best for walking and cycling: April to June and September to October.
- Quietest period: late autumn through winter, when many seasonal businesses close.
When to visit Šipan Island (seasons, crowds and weather)
Šipan can be visited year-round, but most travelers come between late spring and early autumn. The island is quiet outside the main season, with fewer ferry departures and limited opening hours in cafés and restaurants. From May to September the weather is warm, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and services operate more frequently.
July and August are the busiest months, especially on ferries and organised boat tours, but Šipan still feels calmer than Dubrovnik and less crowded than some other nearby islands. Spring and early autumn are popular with walkers and cyclists thanks to comfortable temperatures and quieter paths.
- Best for swimming: June to September, when sea temperatures are highest.
- Best for walking and cycling: April to June and September to October.
- Quietest period: late autumn through winter, when many seasonal businesses close.
Practical tips for visiting Šipan Island
Šipan is easy to visit, but services on the island are limited compared with Dubrovnik. A bit of planning helps you make the most of your day, especially in peak season or outside summer when timetables and opening hours change.
What to pack and wear
Bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals, swimwear, a hat and sunscreen. The paths between the villages are mostly easy, but some inland routes are uneven, so light walking shoes are useful. In shoulder seasons a light jacket is recommended for the ferry and cooler evenings.
Money, shops and basic services
Šipan has only a few small shops and cafés, mainly in Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka. It is best to bring cash, as card payments are not accepted everywhere and ATM availability is limited. Stock up on snacks or water in Dubrovnik if you plan longer walks, as options are sparse once you leave the villages.
Safety, etiquette and local quirks
The island is generally very safe, with light road traffic and quiet paths. In summer, carry water and avoid longer hill walks during the hottest hours. Beaches are mostly natural spots without lifeguards, so take care with children. Respect private property, particularly around olive groves and vineyards, and follow any marked signs on walking routes.
Related Dubrovnik day trips and nearby islands
If you enjoy Šipan, several other islands and coastal towns around Dubrovnik offer easy day trips with similar low-key atmospheres. The Elaphiti group is the closest, with regular ferries and organised boat tours that make it simple to visit more than one island during your stay.
- Lopud Island - known for Šunj Beach, a long sandy bay suitable for families and relaxed swimming.
- Trsteno Arboretum - a short trip from Dubrovnik, combining gardens, viewpoints and coastal paths.
- Mljet Island - a bit further away but excellent for nature lovers thanks to its national park, lakes and walking trails.
- Lokrum Island - the quickest island escape from Dubrovnik, ideal for a half-day walk or swim.
- More Dubrovnik day trips - overview of islands, coastal towns and inland excursions reachable from the city.
Beaches, best hikes/walks and cycling routes on Island Šipan
Whilst there are no sandy beaches on the island, there are some lovely bays to stop for swimming, as well as some excellent coastal paths to explore. Beaches on Šipan are less frequented than those on Lopud, but you'll find numerous small swimming spots along the coast with pebble patches that locals refer to as beaches. In both Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka, small gravel village beaches are centrally located. The entire coastline of the island offers secluded beaches and isolated spots perfect for bathing.
The highest peak on Šipan Island is only 243 meters, making all hiking, walking, and cycling trails easy to moderate. These well-marked routes often pass through vineyards and olive groves, as well as areas with low bushes and pine trees. One popular trail is the hike from Šipanska Luka to Velji Vrh. This 4-mile route starts in Šipanska Luka and leads to the island's highest hill, Velji Vrh (243m), offering breathtaking views of the village, the bay, the archipelago, and extending to Mljet Island and the Pelješac Peninsula.
Another favored trail runs through the fields between Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ. This network of ancient paths winds through fertile fields covered with vineyards, fig trees, and olive groves. If visiting between June and September, be sure to bring plenty of water and wear a hat and sunblock.
Šipan Island Cycling
At 6 square miles (16 square kilometers), Šipan Island is the largest of Dubrovnik's Elaphiti Islands, yet still easy to explore by bike.
On this convenient small-group tour, avoid the hassle of navigating or arranging bike rentals and travel by ferry from Port Gruž. Your guide will lead you through olive groves, vineyards, and along the coast, allowing you to experience the island's landscapes, history, and villages at a relaxed pace. Spend the day cycling around picturesque Šipan Island with a knowledgeable guide. Explore Šipanska Luka village, Suđurađ village, historic sites, and more. Stay safe with high-quality bikes and included helmets. The tour is limited to just 10 travelers for a more intimate experience.
Šipan - The golden island
Nature endowed these charming Mediterranean islands with lush subtropical vegetation, a mild climate, easily accessible coast and characteristic landscapes, whereas bygone centuries provided them with an architectural heritage.
A rarely preserved Mediterranean oasis, the islands used to be the favorable out-of-town residence and place of leisure of the Dubrovnik aristocracy, but they are also visited in the present time by those who wish to discover the primeval beauty of luxuriant nature, as well as hidden and forgotten history.
Covered by Mediterranean vegetation including the fragrant myrtle, laurel, thyme and rosemary and in the shadow of tall cypresses and thick pine trees that embrace their rocky shores, they plunge down into the sea, which foams and sweeps over the countless rocks carved by the waves, turning crimson at dusk and gold in the moonlight, and mirroring the beauty of hundreds of sparkling stars.
The largest and most densely populated among the Elafites is the Island of Šipan, called the golden island. It is also the most fertile island in the archipelago. Protect by the terraced hill slopes covered with dense Mediterranean scrub, the fruitful dolomite hill stretches along the entire island connecting two major settlements, Suđurađ in the southeast and Sipanska Luka in the southwest.
The narrow sea channel Harpoti, connecting Luka with the open sea, was the site of the fierce battle between the armies of Caesar and Pompey in 47 B. C. The secluded coves and groves hide many examples of the Dalmatian architecture: from fortress and Early Christian chapels to the most representative summer residences of maritime, merchant and aristocrat families of Dubrovnik; mysterious structures preserved from time immemorial.
The two most representative renaissance palaces of the famous ship-owning family Skočibuha are situated on the site of the former shipyard in Suđurađ, where many skips of the powerful Dubrovnik fleet were launched. The island of Šipan is abole all a promised land for lovers of unspoiled nature, who enjoy listening to the sounds of silence and the sea. It is an attractive oasis of peace and serenity, where, unlike anywhere else, the setting sun colors of the sky fire-red, waiting for the golden glow of the moon to rise behind the hills. There are few such virgin places left in this world.
Source: Dubrovnik Tourist Board
Publication: Welcome to Dubrovnik
Author: Tereza Buconić Gović
Šipan Island FAQ
Can you visit Šipan Island on a day trip from Dubrovnik?
Yes, it is possible to visit Šipan on a day trip from Dubrovnik, especially in spring, summer and early autumn when there are several ferry departures in each direction. You should plan to take a morning boat from Gruž Port and return in the late afternoon or evening, and always check the latest timetable so you do not miss the last ferry back.
How long is the ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Šipan?
Depending on the route and type of boat, the journey from Dubrovnik to Šipan usually takes between about 45 minutes and 1 hour and 20 minutes. Some fast services go directly to Šipanska Luka, while the regular passenger ferry makes stops at Koločep and Lopud before reaching Suđurađ.
Do I need a car on Šipan Island?
No, you do not need a car on Šipan. The island is small, traffic is light and most visitors walk or rent a bicycle to get between Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka. The main passenger ferry from Dubrovnik is for foot passengers, so it is easier to leave your car in Dubrovnik and explore the island on foot or by bike.
Is Šipan Island suitable for children and families?
Šipan is a good option for families who like quieter destinations, simple beaches and time outdoors. The small village beaches have shallow entry and calm water, distances are short and there is very little nightlife, but parents should remember that many swimming spots are natural areas without lifeguards or large playgrounds.
When is the best time of year to visit Šipan Island?
The most popular time to visit Šipan is from May to September, when the weather is warm, the sea is suitable for swimming and ferry services and island restaurants run more frequently. Spring and early autumn are ideal for walking and cycling, while winter is very quiet with limited opening hours and fewer departures.
Can you stay overnight on Šipan Island?
Yes, you can stay overnight on Šipan in small hotels, guesthouses and private apartments, mainly in Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka. Places are limited compared with larger resorts around Dubrovnik, so it is wise to book ahead for summer stays and weekends.