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Lopud: A perfect day trip from Dubrovnik

Boasting a sandy beach, car free status and a stunning setting, the little of Lopud is definitely one place you should visit when staying in Dubrovnik.

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How to get to Lopud from Dubrovnik

Located only an hour by ferry from Dubrovnik, Lopud is part of the Elaphiti Island archipelago; a set of islands (three of which are inhabited). The state owned ferry operator Jadrolinija, offers a number of departures from Dubrovnik’s ‘Gruz’ port (not the port located at the old town). Tickets are easily purchased from the ticket office and cost 23kn for a one way adult’s ticket. Children aged 3-12 is 50% discounted, whilst under threes are free. There are up to 5 departures per day (except for Sundays) which take 1 hour. Timetable for ferries to Lopud can be found here.

Arriving into Lopud

As the ferry draws close you’ll notice that Lopud is a small island. In fact it’s only around 5 square kilometres and only a 20 minute walk from one side to the other. At the port there’s a little shop for supplies and along the promenade a line of cafes and restaurants offer excellent cuisine and drinks. Around 200 people live on the island and is widely considered to be the most ‘developed’ of the three inhabited islands. This is mainly due to the excellent 4 star Lafodia Sea Resort Hotel situated on the island and 10 minute walk from the port.

History of Lopud

Inhabited since the 7th century, Lopud, has had its fair share of highs and lows. In the early days it was under the control of the state of Ragusa (Dubrovnik). During the 15th century, Turkish refugees arrived on mass, and the population steadily grew until the 17th century to 14,000 and home to 30 churches, two monasteries and a number of noble palaces. Dark days were to be had when in 1667, Lopud (like Dubrovnik) was wrecked from a devastating earthquake. Many were killed and most of the buildings were flattened. Unfortunately it never recovered from its heyday in the following centuries until Croatia as a whole became known as the place to go in the Mediterranean.

What to do in Lopud:

Lopud’s biggest draw is the sandy “Sunj” beach (pronounced “Shoon”) located on the opposite side of the island to Lopud’s main settlement (where the port and restaurants are located. White sand, backed by a lush green hill, it’s an ideal spot to come and relax and what better place to do this.The beach is great for children for its shallow depths and clear waters.

Lopud has a number of trails, encompassed by lush vegetation which can be explored by foot or hire bike. Kayaking is also a popular means of exploring the island. For your fix of history and culture, Lopud is home to a number of 15th and 16th century churches, including the Franciscan Monastery located next to the port. Photo Credit - Flickr: Damien Halleux Radermecker