Scents of wild rosemary, fennel and sun-warmed pine waft by, instantly relaxing me as I walk past olive groves and vineyards. It’s obvious why the tiny island of Šipan became such a magnet for Dubrovnik aristocrats, who came here in the 15th and 16th centuries in search of a quiet place to build their summer palaces.
About eight nautical miles north of Dubrovnik, Šipan is the furthest of the three inhabited Elaphiti Islands, with another 10 islands and islets making up the archipelago. There’s little to do here but walk, swim, eat and unwind – all the ingredients for an island escape.
Day-trippers get a brief taste of Šipan on busy boat trips that also take in Lopud and Kolocep, the other two inhabited islands. I’ve done it myself. This time, I’m slowing things down and island-hopping using cheap ferries that don’t require the income of a Dubrovnik duke – each costing €3-€5 (£2.50-£4.30).
Shorts
The ferry to Kolocep costs just a few euros (Photo: Alphotographic/Getty Images)
