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Lopud Island Day Trip
The second largest of the Elaphiti Islands, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik, known for the sandy bay of Šunj, a 15th-century Franciscan monastery and a quiet village.
At a glance
- Type
- Island day trip
- Area
- Elaphiti Islands, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Good to know
- Sandy beach
- Boat from Dubrovnik
- Walking
Why we recommend it
Lopud is one of the most popular day-trip islands from Dubrovnik and a good choice if you want sand rather than rocks and a slower pace than the Old Town. It is the second largest of the Elaphiti Islands, lying between Koločep and Šipan north-west of the city, and covers just under five square kilometres. Only a few hundred people live here year-round; the 2021 census counted 278.
The island's history is surprisingly rich for its size. Slavs settled here in the 9th century, and Lopud became part of the Dubrovnik commune early on. Its golden age came in the 15th and 16th centuries, when shipping, trade and shipbuilding brought wealth, and the Dominicans and Franciscans founded monasteries in 1482 and 1483. The Franciscan monastery still stands, and the old rector's palace in the village has been reconstructed in recent years. Napoleon closed the monasteries in 1808, and the island's population fell over the following centuries. Tourism became important from the late 1920s.
Most visitors come for the sandy bay of Šunj, the island's best-known beach. Reaching it means a walk from the village, so wear sensible shoes and carry water in summer. Near the beach is the small Church of Our Lady of Šunj. Bring a picnic or plan lunch in the village, and leave enough time to walk back for your boat.
Boats run to Lopud from Dubrovnik and from villages along the coast such as Trsteno, Orašac and Zaton. You can go by scheduled passenger boat or join one of the Elaphiti cruises sold in Dubrovnik, which typically combine Lopud with Koločep and Šipan in a single day. Timetables are much more limited outside summer, and some services stop in winter, so check the latest schedule before you plan a trip.
Allow a full day. Bring sun protection, swimwear and cash for smaller cafés. Lopud is calm and small, which makes it a pleasant contrast with the crowds of Stradun. If you visit outside the summer peak, the island is very quiet and some cafés and restaurants may be closed, so take a picnic and water just in case.
Lopud Island Day Trip FAQs
Where is Lopud?
It is one of the Elaphiti Islands north-west of Dubrovnik, between Koločep and Šipan.
How do I get there?
By passenger boat from Dubrovnik or from coastal villages such as Trsteno, Orašac and Zaton, or on an Elaphiti Islands cruise.
Does Lopud have a sandy beach?
Yes. Lopud is known for its sandy beaches, especially the bay of Šunj.
Which island group is Lopud part of?
The Elaphiti Islands, where it is the second largest after Šipan.
How many people live on Lopud?
278 at the 2021 census.
What historic sights are there?
A Franciscan monastery founded in 1483, a reconstructed rector's palace and the Church of Our Lady of Šunj.
Can I visit in winter?
Boats run less often outside summer and some services stop, so check timetables before going.
How long should I spend there?
A full day lets you combine the village, the walk and a few hours on the beach.