July the 21st, 2022 - The Dora catamaran is set to connect the City of Dubrovnik and the mainland with the nearby Elaphite islands (Lopud, Sipan and Kolocep/Kalamota) as of next week as the connections between the Pearl of the Adriatic and the islands continues to improve.

As Morski writes, as of next week the Elaphite islands which lie just north of the city and Dubrovnik will be connected by the Dora catamaran, as was recently confirmed to local portal DuList by the Croatian ferry company Jadrolinija.

''At the request of the local population for the use of fast vessels on passenger lines of transport, and with the consent of the Agency for Coastal Liner Maritime Transport, a temporary approval was obtained to put the Dora catamaran on the aforementioned line. Travellers and islanders alike can expect Dora to start performing this task as of next week,'' stated the official answer signed by Jadrolinija Rijeka, as reported by Dulist.

There has otherwise been no answer to the question as to whether the old Premuda vessel which traditionally maintained this line will go in for overhaul and when that will happen. In addition, a question was asked about another ferry, Postira, and whether or not this vessel is still undergoing overhaul, and if so, why did it take so long to start the process and why is it taking so long so complete it.

Better connections between the Dubrovnik region's mainland and the nearby islands...

Furthermore, in the answer from Jadrolinija, they explained that connecting Dubrovnik with the Elaphite islands is being maintained via two state ferry lines.

''One is a ferry and is intended for the daily transport of both passengers and cargo. The second line is a passenger line maintained by the Postira ferry. Given that the pier on the island of Kolocep was reconstructed last year, the ferry line was redefined, which until now didn't have the possibility to dock at the island of Kolocep, so the cargo had to be transported by our passenger line.

With the reconstruction of the pier on Kolocep, the conditions have been created for all of the islands to be connected with a ferry line, so the sailing times of the aforementioned line will be changed in such a way that it will be able to dock at all ports on both departure and return trips in accordance with the requirements of the local community. The aforementioned change will greatly enable a better connection between the mainland and the islands,'' they pointed out from Jadrolinija.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.

June 17, 2022 - Continuing the new TCN series, Beyond the Dubrovnik Walls, yet another magnificent reason to explore beyond the historic old town UNESCO World Heritage Site - the island of Sipan. 

So you think Croatia's islands are more or less the same?

It can be hard for a tourist looking at the map trying to differentiate between all the different islands, to see which one might be the most suitable. But delve a little deeper, and you can find some rather extraordinary things - the oldest public theatre in Europe (Hvar), the oldest cricket club in mainland Europe (Vis), the birthplace of Marco Polo and the first abolition of slavery in 1214 (Korcula), and the birthplace of naturist tourism in Croatia after an abdicating British king went skinny-dipping (Rab). 

And an island which is in the Guinness Book of Records for the highest density of olive trees per square metre in the world, more than one million trees. That is a lot of natural gourmet goodness, and perhaps one of the clues for one of my favourite images of luxury Croatian tourism - the super yacht meets the simple and delicious way of life.

Given its proximity to Dubrovnik and the first islands near the Montenegrin border, the Elaphiti islands - and Sipan in particular - have proved to be very popular sailing destinations, particularly among the super-rich, who enjoy a more anonymous visit generally away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. And they are rewarded by some of the best fish on the Adriatic, which Sipan is known for, as well as a number of excellent restaurants focusing on the finest local ingredients. And when you start with the finest fresh fish and abundant quality olive oil, combined with the freshest local produce, it is not hard to see why Sipan's restaurants have become a hit for the luxury tourism market. 

Not that having lots of money guarantees you a place at dinner. One of my favourite stories during my visit concerned a very well-regarded restaurant in Sipanska Luka, whose simple quality Dalmatian fare is much sought after. The owner is very particular and insists on reservations only. No reservation, no place at the table, even if there is room. The story goes that on one unusually slow evening, a particularly wealthy gave entered the restaurant and tried to sit at one of several empty tables, only to be told that if he did not have a reservation, then he could not sit for dinner.

"But you are almost empty. Why would you turn away paying customers when you have empty tables, just because we don't have a reservation?"

"When I have reservations, I know exactly how much food I need to prepare, and I do not need any extra stress." Ah, Dalmatia... 

Of course you don't need to be a multi-millionaire to visit the island of Sipan, far from it, and the regular daily ferries to Sudurad, via the other Elaphiti islands of Lopud and Kolocep, will get you there in just over an hour from Dubrovnik if direct, and 10-15 minutes longer if they stop at the other islands. 

The furthest of the Elaphiti from Dubrovnik, Sipan is also the largest and the grandest, and some of the architecture is simply astonishing. In all, there are some 39 churches on the island, which cater to the present population of about 450, but the most impressive building for me was located right at the heart of the Sudurad bay -  a Renaissance palace dating back to 1563. 

The palace is equally impressive on the inside, with many original features on display - and still functioning, as well as a very well-maintained Mediterranean garden. The property sold a couple of years ago and is not in private ownership, but a private tour is possible to arrange. To get a flavour of what awaits you, Dalmatian Island Heritage: The Stunning Sipan Renaissance Palace in Sudjuradj.

The impressive Renaissance palace is by no means an exception, and the grand stone buildings dotted around are testament to the island's history as a summer retreat for the aristocracy in summers gone by. with its fertile land, water source, and peaceful setting, Sipan was an ideal escape for the rich and famous. Just as for the aristocracy in the 16th century, so too for the celebrities and superyachts today. 

And yet, despite Sipan being attractive to the rich, it also has the chilled Dalmatian vibe of another gorgeous island, with pretty waterfront settlements offering the relaxed cafe lifestyle.  

After visiting the two car-free islands of Kolocep and Lopud, it was something of a surprise to find cars on Sipan, as well as a decent paved road. The drive through the heart of the island between the two main settlements of Sudurad and Sipanksa Luka was magical - vineyards, and olive groves, those Guinness Book of Records olive groves. The land looked SO fertile and reminded me very much of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stari Grad Plain on Hvar, where little has changed with the agricultural process since the arrival of the Ancient Greeks almost 2,500 years ago.  

Sipanska Luka (which literally translates as Sipan Harbour) also has its own ferry once a day in season (although not with Jadrolinija) and is a much deeper bay than at Sudurad. It is popular for the sailing community for those excellent restaurants and relaxed way of life, and it also has more than its fair share of historic buildings. 

The island of Sipan has been gaining local acclaim as a very serious dining destination, especially when it comes to fresh fish and olive oil. It helps that chartered boats and Three Island Cruises (Elaphiti Island Tour from Dubrovnik) stop for lunch on Sipan. Places like Kod Marka or Tauris have long lists of satisfied customers singing them praises. A recent addition, Bowa, is nothing less than spectacular. It is a restaurant in a secluded bay. It is accessible mainly by boat and it features seating on the wooden pontoons over the water. The owner is an avid big game fisherman and the resulting food is fresh, delicious and above all – local. 

Hotels on Sipan are Hotel Bozica in Sudurad and Hotel Sipan in Sipanska Luka. Hotel Bozica is a 4-star property, highly rated and situated in a beautiful location in the bay of Sudurad (Read more from my visit in Hotel Bozica on Sipan: An Elaphite Delight in Sudjuradj). Consequently, it overlooks the bay and surrounding islands. It is built in a typical Mediterranean style fitting in nicely with the local houses. At the same time, Hotel Sipan is in the middle of Sipanska Luka bay and is a great choice for those wishing to be centrally located with easy access to great restaurants, bars and beaches. Private accommodation is also available but not in plentiful supply, so you are advised to book early. 

Sipan is also a great walking, hiking or trekking destination. The island houses 39 old churches as well as 42 medieval residences of varying degrees of upkeep. Apart from examples of old architecture, hiking across Sipan means walking through olive orchards and shrubs of Mediterranean aromatic herbs, a wonderful aromatic experience. The highest peak of Sipan is Velji Vrh at 243 metres above sea level. Hiking up to it is not too strenuous, but you should bring water and sunscreen along. From there you will have a great view over the island and the surrounding archipelago.

Dubrovnik beyond the walls, a new way to look at the Pearl of the Adriatic. And with so many different options available, tailor your Dubrovnik experience to your specific needs. 

To learn more about the Beyond the Dubrovnik Walls series, follow the dedicated section. 

February 20, 2022 - The old summer house called Villa Katino, a monument of historical and cultural significance on the island of Šipan, has been restored to its original appearance, while three new, modern five-star villas have been built on the surrounding land intended for guests of high spending power.

Villa Katino, which was built back in 1908 on a large estate on the island of Šipan, and which was completely neglected, dilapidated, and overgrown with vegetation and olives until ten years ago, is today a residential building of the highest category in this area.

Namely, the hundred-year-old estate has developed into a complex for elite tourism. The initial investor had been looking for an ideal location for vacation for years. Privacy, security, excellent quality, and the possibility of hosting the most distinguished guests were needed, as well as the proximity of the airport and the possibility of receiving mega yachts in front of the facility. All this was found in the Port of Šipan on an islet that belongs to the group of Elaphite Islands not far from Dubrovnik.

The old mansion with the surrounding land, which once also housed the servants' house, was bought in 2009 by the Croatian company Mikado, whose shares were later taken over entirely by a Swiss investment fund. The design of the complex itself began in 2011, and the entire project was realized in 2017.

The luxury complex of Villa Katino covers 5.5 hectares of land and consists of four five-star villas, each of which covers over 1,000 square meters and ancillary facilities, with a total accommodation capacity of nine bedrooms for a maximum of 18 people.

- Renovation and construction followed the natural appearance and development of the island. Villa Katino itself, otherwise a monument of historical and cultural significance, has preserved its original appearance, as it had during the previous owners, the noble family Stjepović - the management of Mikado says.

Three new, modern villas, on the other hand, were built on the overgrown terrain of an old summer house. Each is different in terms of architectural design and interior design, and each is equipped with the most modern designer furniture and unique lighting fixtures. The interiors are decorated with paintings and works of art of prominent Croatian masters, and the 80-square-meter presidential suite is particularly impressive. The premises of the complex have underfloor and ceiling heating and cooling, ventilation, and the functions of all facilities are managed by the smart home system.

- The program of stay is designed as a recreational and educational vacation with active acquaintance with the natural, historical, cultural, artistic, and gastronomic beauties of Croatia - says the management of Mikado.

Guests have at their disposal three swimming pools with counter-current swimming and underwater massage, geysers and waterfalls, outdoor sunbathing areas, saunas and steam and ice baths, showers with cold mist and tropical rain, beauty salons, fitness, billiards, tennis courts, a cinema and mini-amphitheatre for outdoor music and theatre performances. There is also a private wine cellar that stores thousands of bottles of premium, mostly Croatian, wines and an olive grove with about a thousand trees from which up to 3,000 litres of its own olive oil is produced each year at local oil mill, depending on the harvest.

The entire investment into the project was done in accordance with the laws and all the rules of the Republic of Croatia which has been confirmed by independent auditors and lawyers. The management of the company further emphasized that the project was also accompanied by large investments in infrastructure that is used by all residents of the island. One of the most substantial contributions is the construction of a local road on the island which improved substantially the infrastructure. Among other things, a substation was built, and the reconstruction of a MV power line has been completed, which has enabled a better supply of electricity to the entire town. Moreover, Mikado provided plans to the local authorities for a sewerage system on island. Mikado has created additional working places and contributed to the economic prosperity of the local area.

Villa Katino is one of the few buildings in Croatia built using the golden ratio method. The Greek Parthenon, the French Notre Dame, and the Taj Mahal, for example, were built using this method.

The golden ratio is a compositional law that represents a unique ratio of parts to the whole, in which the ratios of the parts to each other and each part to the whole are equal.

Learn more about the magical Elaphiti islands in the Total Croatia Elaphiti Islands in a Page guide. 

September 23, 2020 – Following incredible success with Game Of Thrones, Mamma Mia and others, Croatia filming locations prove to be the best again as HBO's Succession wins 7 Emmys

Historic Dubrovnik was always pretty enough to attract people from far and wide. Dubrovnik has a lot of sights to visit. In addition, it offers many activities such as hiking, cycling, sailing, boat ride, Seabob experience etc. But, following its appearance in TV show Game Of Thrones, interest in visiting the walled city went through the roof. Tourists were not the only ones who wanted to come.

HBO drama Succession is just the latest hit to take advantage of the spectacular scenery while filming in Croatia. The show has just bagged no less than seven prestigious Emmy awards for the season partially filmed in Croatia. In the drama series category, it picked up Emmys for Best Leading Male Role, Best Guest Role, Best Casting, Best Directing, Best Screenplay and Best Picture Editing.

Cast members filmed aboard a yacht with beautiful Croatia and its Adriatic waters as the backdrop © HBO

The shooting took place over 12 days in July 2019, primarily on a yacht on which the show's central characters, the Roy family, were taking a holiday. The Croatia filming locations used were the waters around Cavtat, Korcula, Mljet and Sipan. The series ventured into more urban areas of Croatia and, for those scenes, filming locations in Zagreb and Rijeka were sourced. The German-built Solandge was the yacht used in the filming and costs as much as $1.1million (£850,000) to rent for one week.

The Roy family aboard the yacht Solandge in Croatian waters © HBO

Now in its third season, Succession centres on the dysfunctional Roy family, owners of a global media and hospitality empire. It stars British actor Brian Cox as the ailing family patriarch with Kieran Culkin heading up the otherwise all-American cast. A total of 613 people worked on the shooting of Succession in Croatia, of which 595 were Croatian (161 film workers, three trainees and 431 extras).

Solandge is currently one of the most luxurious yachts in the world © Moran Yachts

In recent years, major movies such as Star Wars, Robin Hood and one installment in the long-running James Bond series have joined the likes of Game Of Thrones and Mamma Mia in enjoying Croatia filming locations. However, filming in Croatia goes back much further than that. During the 1970s and early 1980s, no less than three Oscar-winning movies used Croatia filming locations - Fiddler on the Roof (1971), The Tin Drum (1979) and Sophie’s Choice (1982).

You can read more about filming in Croatia and Croatian filming locations by reading our dedicated section here

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

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September 13, 2020 - Continuing the recent TCN tour of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik, a quite spectacular Sipan Renaissance palace to finish. The glory days of the Dubrovnik Republic must have been glorious indeed!

Croatia has more than a thousand islands, and while it would be natural to assume that they are all very similar, nothing could be further from the truth. A few years ago I wrote an article to that effect called Croatian Islands: 25 Things to Know about the Gems of the Adriatic.

(Photos by Taliah Bradbury)

The oldest public theatre in Europe, the birthplace of cricket in Europe outside the UK, the bay where an abdicating British king started a naturist movement, the place were slavery was first abolished more than 500 years before the birth of the United States - the list goes on. One thing was very clear to me - no two islands were the same, and each had its own magic to contribute. 

One of the big holes in my knowledge of Croatia was filled this summer, as I finally got to visit the three Elaphiti islands close to Dubrovnik.  I knew that they were special, but I had little concept of what one could experience there.  

It turns out that they are very special indeed. 

My discovery was island by island, starting with the closest, Kolocep (Arise Kalamota! Kolocep, 30 Mins from Dubrovnik But a World Away), followed by Lopud (Lopud: Carless, Timeless, Carefree Dalmatian Sunset Heaven). And, after the perfect introduction to the final - and largest - island with lunch at Hotel Bozica on Sipan, it was time to wander down to the village of Sudjuradj, where some of the secrets of the island were revealed. 

There are only about 50 islands which are inhabited today, and their numbers are much, much less than they were 200 years ago. Emigration in search of economic opportunity is the main reason, and visits to islands such as Sipan are a reminder of the glory days of yesteryear. I was not sure what to expect on Sipan, but it was certainly nothing quite like this - a Sipan Renaissance Palace which must be among the most elegant buildings on all the islands.

Several weeks later, as I come to write this article, there was perhaps an even bigger surprise - almost no information online at all about this wonderful complex, especially in English. Easily the most impressive building on the island, but almost no information whatsoever. Indeed, the most comprehensive introduction was on the buying and selling website, Njuskalo, which was selling the property last year for a cool 2.5 million euro:

The summer residence / castle of Vice Stjepović-Skočibuhe on the island of Šipan from 1563 is a protected cultural monument in Croatia. It has an area of 800 m2 and the land of 3000 m2.

The larger one-story building is intended for family housing. It is made of worked stone. The smaller house was built for a family monk (main and auxiliary building). The chapel along the southern part of the family building was dedicated to St. Thomas.

Completely completed at the end of the 16th century, it consisted of a family house, two towers on three floors (to defend against pirates), a front and back garden with a rectangular promenade, the church of St. Tom, lodges, mill, cisterns in the house and in the tower, storage rooms, pavilion on the terrace, bridge and fortified entrance.

The mansion houses a renaissance rectangular fireplace with preserved stucco hood decoration (which is an exception in the Dubrovnik area!), An elegant Renaissance stone sink with embossed edges and a rare example of the only preserved wooden balcony (balatur over the staircase of the Lodge fence 16). century.

The mansion has all the characteristics of Dubrovnik countryside architecture. It is the only and completely preserved country house of its kind in Croatia.In the 2000s, it functioned as a museum.

The property did sell, and I managed to find a video tour of the property from the previous owner, a prominent dentist - see below.

How the Dubrovnik aristocracy must have lived at the height of the Ragusa Republic!

A visit and tour of the palace is possible by private arrangement, and we entered into a world gone by. A faded beauty which had seen better times, perhaps, but a beauty nonetheless, fully functional as a modern-day house (complete with televisions in the bedrooms) but firmly rooted in the authentic artifacts which make this an even more interesting heritage treasure. 

A gorgeous Mediterranean garden and courtyard to welcome the guests. 

Inside was a true journey back in time, the walls and furniture seemingly untouched for hundreds of years. 

The most magnificent room was on the top floor, a grand living room, as well as event hall, where singers would perform from behind the raised wooden platform.  

I didn't get a chance to check out the modern plumbing, but one would hope the toilet facilities were an upgrade on Renaissance times. 

The most fascinating room for me, however, was the kitchen - still fully functioning today. 

An outstanding collection of original kitchen and cooking tools, all of which were expertly explained by our guide.

A little video atmosphere of the heartbeat of the house, above. 

The palace was no less impressive outside, with plenty of additional features in addition to enjoying the summer terrace view, above. 

A private chapel, as one might expect for such a distinguished property, with a room for the priest nearby. 

And what would a rich Dubrovnik aristocrat be without his own source of quality olive oil?

The palace mill is still in existence today,  filled with original features, just like the rest of the complex. 

The Elaphiti islands. Magical and well worth the wait for my first visit. It will certainly not be that long until I return. 

And for those of you wanting to visit Dubrovnik but not be faced with the crowds, the Elaphiti islands offer a perfect alternative. All three are connected by regular ferry to the city (ranging from 30 to 60 minutes) and all three are a world away from the hustle and bustle of a major tourist destination. The best of both worlds.  

(If you would  like to have a tour of this wonderful Sipan Renaissance palace with excellent local guide Marija Goravica - and be sure to check out her carob flour and virgin olive oil, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject Sipan, and we will put you in touch). 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

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September 12, 2020 - Continuing the TCN tour of the Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik, a slice of heaven on Sipan - Hotel Bozica in Sudjuradj. 

I had forgotten how addictive the feeling was. A feeling so strong that it renders you literally immobile. 

For hours. 

The perfect waterfront terrace in Dalmatia, watching the waves gently lapping against the rocks under the gaze of yet another azure sky. 

That tricky moment after a sumptuous lunch of fresh healthy products and - in this case at least - some quite sublime desserts. 

If you don't move now, then the danger is you will succumb to that inertia and still be in the same position hours later. 

In Paradise. 

The terrace at Hotel Bozica in Sudjuradj on Sipan is one such terrace where you may succumb to that addictive feeling. You have been warned. 

As I wrote previously, the Elaphiti islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan are ones I have somehow not managed to visit during all my wanderings in Croatia with TCN. That all changed this summer, as I finally discovered what I had been missing all this time. I have been missing a lot. The perfect introduction was the island of Kolocep, aka Kalamota, the closest of the three to Dubrovnik (read more in Arise Kalamota! Kolocep, 30 Mins from Dubrovnik But a World Away). This was followed by a visit to Lopud under the expert guidance of Kresimir Macan, who managed to show more of the island in 24 hours than most people discover in a week (Lopud: Carless, Timeless, Carefree Dalmatian Sunset Heaven). 

Kalamota had charmed me with its simplicity (we have no need for music, for our music comes from the sea and the trees), Lopud by its heritage and relative sophistication, and I was curious to see what Sipan, the largest of the three islands had to offer by comparison. 

A short speedboat transfer from Lopud to our first stop on Sipan, Hotel Bozica in Sudjuradj, had me smiling as I heard its history.  

It never ceases to amaze me as I travel the Croatian coast and islands just how many of its finest tourism businesses are the result of a private dream and initiative. Doing business in Croatia at the best of times is a challenge, but to do attempt a major building project on an island - with all those additional challenges - is another class of achievement altogether. 

And here, as we approached Hotel Bozica's jetty, was another fine example. 

The Kristic family is from the island and had a dream to build a quality hotel in Sudjuradj. The year was 1987, and a rocky waterfront plot was purchased with a phenomenal view out to the open sea, and a short walk from the historic village and its impressive palaces. The Homeland War delayed the start of construction until 2000, and Hotel Bozica, the first hotel in Sudjuradj, opened in 2006.

It is a divine spot.

And a lot more accessible than it might appear at first glance. As the official hotel promo video below shows, the transfer time from Dubrovnik Airport is under one hour - 45 minutes by transfer to a spot on the mainland close to Sipan, then a few minutes by speedboat directly to the hotel and your first welcome drink on that unforgettable terrace. Why fight with the crowds in the city when you can have such a seamless arrival experience in Paradise?

And if - as you should - you plan a trip into Dubrovnik, a short walk down to the village will bring you to the Postira ferry from Jadrolinija, which has faithfully transported passengers between Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti islands for more than half a century. The journey takes just over an hour and is one of the most picturesque you will experience. 

We only stayed for (an extended - thanks to that terrace) lunch, but if you are planning an overnight stay or two, there are worse views to wake up to than this one. 

Given its isolated location, Hotel Bozica effectively has its own private beach, which is only used by hotel guests. And it will not be long before you are taking a dip - that water is hard to resist!

One of the things I appreciated most on my two visits to the Elaphiti Islands was that sense of detachment from the madness of 2020 which follows us everywhere. The Elaphiti are timeless, idyllic havens of natural beauty and relaxed living.  There are no cars even on Kolocep or Lopud, and very few on Sipan, which exist mostly to connect the two main settlements.  

A world away from the realities and worries of life. A perfect place for yoga, a massage, or healthy activities such as kayaking or cycling, all of which can be arranged at the hotel. 

As a parent of two teenage kids, one feature I liked was the compromise between this escapist lifestyle and the realities of modern family life. You can only keep the kids occupied with beach and swimming and natural beauty for so long these days. 

Playstation may not be the first choice of holiday activity for parents planning a holiday to a Dalmatian island, but having the option on occasion is a nice backup - especially if you end of being seduced by the terrace and the view. A mutli-purpose living room with small library and computer games was perfectly quiet when we entered, with two very engaged youngsters enjoying a break from the beach in their own way while their parents relaxed outside. 

One thing which surprised me on Sipan was the expansive fertile field which dominates the centre of the island along the road from Sudjuradj and Sipanska Luka. A fertile plain similar to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stari Grad  Plain, on Hvar. 

Fresh, local, seasonal produce. Dalmatia at its finest. 

The hotel grows much of its own food, and it works with local fishermen to source the finest and freshest seafood to complement the healthy vegetables from the local fields. A winning combination. And when you add that terrace... 

Fresh seafood delivered by the best local fishermen certainly sounded tempting, and it was in my plan as we sat down for lunch. A shared mixed platter to start would be a nice combination, and I was warned to make sure I kept enough room for dessert, as there were some rather special  offerings in the kitchen.

The mixed platter was outstanding, a lot more than I had bargained for, and I decided to forego the fish to keep enough room for the celebrated desserts.  

(Photo credit - Taliah Bradbury)

It proved to be a wise move - wow!

Desserts with a view! That feeling of terrace inertia was setting in again. 

The desserts, of course, were not all for me, but we all sampled a little of each. From left to right - apple pie, chocolate cake, carrot cake (the star performer), cheesecake, and vanilla ice cream. 

On a gorgeous terrace with a perfect view overlooking the water in Dalmatia. I was finding it difficult to move... 

Others in the group were a little more active. What better way to chill after lunch than a dip in the pool next to the restaurant?

It was time to take our leave and discover a little more of Sipan, starting with the village of Sudjuradj a short walk away.

A spectacular protected bay.

The Elaphiti islands blew me away for the richness of their historic buildings, the legacy of the glory days of shipbuilding in the Dubrovnik Republic, when the islands were much more inhabited with wealthy sea captains as property owners and a thriving shipbuilding industry.  And nowhere  was the opulence of those former times in greater evidence than in the palaces in Sudjuradj. 

But that is a story for the next installment in this series of Elaphite delights. 

For now, let us reflect and celebrate one more realised private dream on a  Croatian island - magical Hotel Bozica and THAT terrace. As close to Dalmatian perfection as one can find. 

Just make sure you plan to allocate a few hours to your visit, as it is really hard to leave. 

For more information on Hotel Bozica, visit the official website.

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

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Something new in the works for the gorgeous island of Šipan in the extreme south of Dalmatia.

Croatia's islands are a sure way to get transported into the past and turn the clock back a few decades, especially in winter. While beautiful and alluring to every man and his dog, they don't always have everything one might expect (and indeed require) that they're used to when back on the mainland. One of those things is adequate lighting.

As Morski writes on the 1st of September, 2019, work is still ongoing on the installation of brand new modern public lighting in the area of Priježba in Šipanska Luka, on the island of Šipan which makes up part of the Elaphite (Elafiti) islands which lie just north of the popular City of Dubrovnik.

A total of ten new pillars will be installed in this Šipan location, equipped with LED lamps on a section which stretches to about 280 metres long. The works should be completed in early September, and the total investment stands at around 250,000.00 kuna, with VAT included.

The works are being carried out in accordance with the annual plan for the investment maintenance of the public lighting system of the administrative department for communal services and the local self-government unit of the City of Dubrovnik, which is responsible for Šipanska Luka on the island of Šipan.

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page for much more.

Continuing our look at the luxury real estate on offer in Croatia through the portfolio of Croatia Sotheby's International Realty on November 11, 2017, a truly unique Dalmatian island Renaissance gem. 

Firefighters reacted quickly to the outbreak of a wild fire on the island of Sipan.