Kolocep: Kolocep is the island in this group and it is closest to Dubrovnik; at less than a square mile, it is also the smallest. Less than 3.2km (2 miles) from Dubrovnik, Kolocep is scattered with a number of sacral buildings worth visiting. Its fewer than 200 residents live in tiny villages of stone houses like Donje Celo on the northwest side and Gornje Celo on the island's southwest side. You can cover the distance between the two villages in less than an hour on foot unless you are lured off the path between them to explore Kolocep's olive groves and church ruins.
Lopud: Lopud is the midsize island of the three and covers just under twice the territory that Kolocep does. It attracts more visitors than its sister islands because it is the most tourism-oriented and has the most attractions-the shell of a Franciscan monastery, a small ethnographic museum, the ruins of a small fortress, ancient churches in various stages of decay, and a wonderful sandy beach with a restaurant and bar. Fewer than 100 families live on Lopud and they are mostly involved in farming or in providing food and services to visitors.
Sipan: Sipan is the largest of the Elafitis, but it is also the least developed. Ferries deposit passengers at Sipanska Luka (Sipan Harbor) every hour and a half or so. You are then free to explore what's left of the island's 15th-century manor homes, and to relax on the island's tiny sand beach. There is a pleasant valley (Sipansko Polje) between Sipanska Luka and Sudurad, another village at the opposite end of the island, as well as assorted towers, houses, and a little church.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
