Day 1: Arrival and the Harbour Side
Lopud is a car-free island in the Elaphiti group, reached by ferry from Dubrovnik's Gruž port. The catamaran takes about 55 minutes; check current timetables as the schedule changes by season. Boats usually call at nearby Koločep and Šipan before Lopud. From the pier it is a five-minute walk to the main seafront promenade, where most guesthouses and small hotels sit. If you are coming from Zagreb, fly to Dubrovnik first, then take a taxi or bus to Gruž. Book your Lopud stay well ahead for July and August.
Spend the afternoon on the harbour front. The waterfront has a handful of konobas serving grilled fish, octopus salad and black risotto; expect reasonable prices compared to Dubrovnik's old town. Walk west along the shore to the small Franciscan monastery and its cloister, a quiet spot with shade. The sea is calm and shallow here, good for a first swim. Before dinner, climb the short path to the ruined fortress above the village for sunset views over the channel towards Šipan. Dinner back on the promenade, then an early night.
Where to stay: the harbour area suits first-timers. A seafront room in a small family-run hotel or guesthouse puts you within steps of the ferry, restaurants and the beach at the eastern end. Rooms in high season often book out weeks in advance, so reserve early.
Day 2: Šunj Beach and the Island Interior
Start early and walk or take the small electric shuttle to Šunj, on the island's south side. On foot it is about a 25-minute walk from the harbour along a paved path through pine woods; the shuttle runs in summer for a small fee. Šunj is a sandy bay, rare in Croatia, with shallow water that stays warm into October. Sun loungers and a beach bar operate in season. Go before 10am to claim a good spot; by midday in July and August it fills up. Bring water and sun protection as there is limited shade.
After lunch at one of the beach restaurants, walk back and explore the interior. The path to the old fortifications and the abandoned summer villas gives a sense of the island's quieter past. Birdwatchers should look for warblers and shrikes in the maquis. If you have energy left, take a kayak or paddleboard from the harbour and follow the coast towards the neighbouring islet. In the late afternoon, return to the harbour for a final swim and a relaxed dinner. ferries back to Dubrovnik run until early evening, so day-trippers clear out and the island becomes very peaceful.
If you are staying a second night, consider a room near Šunj for a quieter base, though the harbour has more dining options. For a two-day trip, I would book the first night near the ferry and, if staying longer, move to Šunj for the second. Check departure times the day before, as the last boat can leave surprisingly early outside peak season.
Getting There and Around
The main route is the catamaran from Dubrovnik's Gruž harbour. Crossings take around an hour and run several times daily in summer; in winter, service drops to a few days a week, so plan around it. Tickets are bought at the port or online; there is no need to book far ahead except on summer weekends. Cars stay on the mainland — Lopud is pedestrian-only, which is part of its appeal. Bring cash for small purchases, as some places do not take cards, and note that ATMs are limited on the island.
On the island, everything is walkable. The harbour to Šunj takes about 25 minutes at an easy pace; the shuttle is handy for those with luggage or young children. Golf carts and bicycles are the only vehicles you will see. Taxis do not exist, so rely on your feet. If you are combining Lopud with other Elaphiti islands, local boats connect to Šipan and Koločep, but schedules are seasonal and sparse. For a two-day visit, Lopud alone is plenty.
When to Go and What to Book
May, June and September are the sweet spots: warm sea, fewer people and lower room rates. July and August are hot, busy and pricier, with the harbour and Šunj at their fullest. October can still be pleasant for swimming, but some restaurants and the shuttle wind down. Winter is quiet, with limited ferry service and many places closed. If your trip is built around Dubrovnik, Lopud makes an easy overnight escape from the city crowds.
For a two-day stay, I would book a seafront room near the harbour for convenience, especially if arriving on an afternoon ferry. If you prefer beach time over dining choice, a guesthouse near Šunj is worth considering. Reserve directly with the property or through a reputable booking site; ask about luggage storage if you arrive before check-in. Given the island's small capacity, early booking is wise for summer. For a Croatia trip that includes Zagreb, add Lopud as a coastal contrast to the capital.
Good to know
Questions, answered
How do I get to Lopud from Dubrovnik?
Take the catamaran from Dubrovnik's Gruž harbour. The crossing takes around 55 minutes and runs several times daily in summer, less often in winter. Buy tickets at the port. Lopud is car-free, so you will walk from the pier.
Is two days enough for Lopud?
Yes. Two days let you see the harbour, swim at Šunj and walk the interior at a relaxed pace. One night is enough for a taster, but two nights give you quieter evenings after day-trippers leave.
What should I pack for Lopud?
Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, a refillable water bottle and cash for small purchases. Some places do not accept cards, and ATMs are limited. A light layer helps for breezy ferry crossings.
Doing good is the business: every booking through Stay Dubrovnik funds one verified tonne of carbon removal — same room, same price, no markup.
Search stays