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Scattered across the Croatian coastline on the beautiful Adriatic sea are a collection of islands from the large to the small. Car-free and some uninhabited, these are a beautiful slice of Croatia that shouldn’t be missed. A number of boat-owners offer day trips for those wanting to explore these islands starting at Dubrovnik’s breath-taking port but we recently got the chance to stay on one of the islands ourselves, spending the week basking in the captivating views and unbeleivable waters of Koločep. Here’s what we got up to whilst we were there.

Having left our holiday booking until the very last minute (again), we watched eye-wateringly expensive school-holiday prices become even more painful to look at. To give you an idea, we saw cheaper Europe B&B’s rocket up to what a week in the Caribbean would be usually, and then some. Ouch. Hope was fading fast until we spotted this little gem. Neither of us had been to Croatia before and we had no idea what to expect. Having been drawn in by its no-car-island position (and an absolute determination to try something ‘a bit different’) we got ourselves all booked up and ready to go.

Diving over countless islands on the way, our plane rocked up at Dubrovnik airport and we hopped on the coach along with all of the other happy holidaymakers. Catching our first glimpse of the country, we arrived at our very own stop, the port. Once there, we were greeted by the cutest little tugger as we wondered how on earth we were going to get both ourselves and our cases onto the boat without dropping something in! Thankfully, help was at hand. A lovely man hopped off and created what I can only describe as suitcase Jenga onboard.

Tugging Along…

Pulling out of the harbour, we were treated to some of the most incredible sights of Dubrovnik and the surrounding scenery. If you ever get the chance to take a boat ride here, do it. The sights will really take your breath away, they did mine. Sailing through the Elaphiti Islands, it really struck me just how many there actually are. Some inhabited, some not, they all have striking features and beautiful nature tumbling over their edges. Pulling up at the little jetty of our island, Koločep, we couldn’t quite believe just how clear the water was. We may have taken quite a few pictures to capture it. That was when we were met with this.

Yep, that was our view every morning, just off the beach was heaven. A beautiful dip in the surrounding hills to nothing but the blue sky and ocean. Not many of the beaches in the Dubrovnik area have sand beaches so we really struck lucky with this one. Packed with lounge-worthy bali beds and a nearby bar, we were in our element.

The Island

Serviced a few times a day by the ferry that makes the rounds of the Elaphiti Islands archipelago along Croatia’s coastline, the island of Koločep houses no cars and as such carries no roads, and no traffic noise to contend with. The result is a serene escape just out from the mainland.

Wander the coastline around Dubrovnik and you will find only shingle beaches, this island however is home to a beautiful sand beach complete with jaw-dropping views you won’t be able to take your eyes off. It’s due to this that the occasional tour boat will temporarily stop off for a few minutes respite before carrying day-trippers on to the further islands.

Whilst small, Koločep is perfect for those who, like us, love a good walk to get their appetite up. Full of hidden pathways and spots to discover, the island has its own lighthouse and the most beautiful 15th century chapel to wander up to. Just remember you have to walk back the full way you came, there are no taxis on Koločep save the golf buggies ridden around by the islanders. 

The Hotel

Stepping into our room we found our own little refuge complete with the cutest terrace and everything we needed for a sleepy week away (whilst we were at the hotel at least). Out on the terrace was our own little area to enjoy the sun with some pretty cool egg swing seats to relax in.

Let’s be honest here, we’re all interested in the food. Piling our plates high for each and every meal it’s a wonder we didn’t come back a few stone heavier than when we left. The fish-lover was in his element with a night dedicated to that whilst evening visits to the a la carte restaurants meant drool-worthy dishes in dreamy surrounds, one just a short walk along the seafront.

The cutest part? Blankets were provided in the bar area! Perfect for snuggling up for a lazy evening without having to go back to your room. You could even take them with you when you left leaving lots of blanketed wanderers of an evening around the grounds.

Off to Croatia yourself? Check out my Dubrovnik survival guide before you go and be sure to check out my guide to the island of Lokrum.