Koločep and Lopud in One Day: A Simple Ferry Plan

A car-free island-hopping day from Dubrovnik, with ferry times, walking distances and where to stay to catch the early boat.

The ferries and the plan

Start at Gruž harbour in Dubrovnik, where Jadrolinija’s local line runs south to Koločep, Lopud and Šipan. Boats typically leave mid-morning (around 10:00) and call at Koločep’s Donje Čelo about 30 minutes later, then Lopud after 15 more. Buy a one-way ticket to Koločep and a separate ticket from Koločep to Lopud on board; returns from Lopud run late afternoon (check the day’s schedule at the port). In July and August, boats fill early; arrive 20 minutes before departure.

The order matters: do Koločep first. It is the smaller island, with two villages (Donje Čelo and Gornje Čelo) linked by a 20-minute footpath over a low ridge. Lopud has the sandy beach at Šunj, a 25-minute walk from the harbour, and a seafront promenade. Reversing the order leaves you rushing the quieter island. From June to September, the sea is calm and the crossing smooth; May and October are quieter but some cafes close and the boat schedule thins.

Koločep: the quiet first stop

Disembark at Donje Čelo and walk the 1.5-kilometre path to Gornje Čelo, passing small gardens, fig trees and the blue dome of St Nicholas’ Church. The path takes 20-25 minutes at an easy pace. Both villages have a handful of konobas serving grilled fish and octopus salad; expect to pay around 150-250 kuna per person for lunch with a drink. There is no bank or ATM on the island, so bring cash. The pebble beach at Donje Čelo is calm and shallow; the one at Gornje Čelo is rockier but often empty.

Skip the temptation to linger past 13:30 if you want a full afternoon on Lopud. The ferry from Koločep to Lopud is short but infrequent; missing it could mean waiting two hours. If you have children or prefer a lazy day, stay on Koločep and return to Dubrovnik on the afternoon boat—a wise choice in peak season when Lopud’s Šunj beach gets crowded by midday. There are no hotels on Koločep, only private rooms; most visitors return to Dubrovnik.

Lopud: beach, walk and late lunch

From Lopud harbour, follow the signed path to Šunj beach: 2.5 kilometres, 25-30 minutes on a shaded track. The beach is sandy, shelves gently and has two seasonal cafes; sun loungers are limited, so bring a towel. If you prefer a shorter walk, the Franciscan monastery and the ruined church of St John the Baptist are five minutes from the harbour. The promenade has a few small galleries and a bakery. A late lunch at one of the harbour restaurants runs 200-300 kuna per person, similar to Koločep.

Catch the return ferry from Lopud to Dubrovnik in the late afternoon (typically 17:00-18:00; confirm the day’s timetable at the kiosk). The crossing takes about 45 minutes. If you miss it, there is no water taxi after dark; you would need to call a private boat, which is expensive. The safest plan is to check the return time when you buy your morning ticket and set a phone alarm. In shoulder season, the last boat can leave as early as 16:00.

Where to stay and when to go

For an early ferry, base yourself in Dubrovnik’s Gruž district, within 10 minutes’ walk of the ferry terminal. Hotels and guesthouses here cost less than in the Old Town, with double rooms from around 600 kuna in June and 900 kuna in August. The Old Town is a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride away, but you would need to leave 45 minutes before departure. Avoid staying in Lapad if you are catching the 10:00 boat; the bus journey can take 20 minutes in traffic.

The best months for this day trip are June and September: warm sea, manageable crowds and a full ferry schedule. July and August are hot (30°C+) and busy; start early and carry water—taps are scarce on both islands. May and October are quieter but some cafes and the Šunj beach bar may be closed. If you have only one day, I would book a hotel in Gruž, take the 10:00 ferry, spend two hours on Koločep and three on Lopud, and return on the 17:00 boat. It is a full but unhurried day.

Questions, answered

How much does the ferry from Dubrovnik to Koločep and Lopud cost?

A one-way ticket from Dubrovnik to Koločep is around 40 kuna; Koločep to Lopud is similar, and Lopud to Dubrovnik about 50 kuna. Buy on board or at the Gruž ticket office. Prices are set by the operator and can change.

Can I visit both islands without a car?

Yes. Both islands are car-free and compact. Koločep’s villages are linked by a footpath, and Lopud’s beach is a 25-minute walk from the harbour. The ferry is the only transport you need.

What should I bring for the day?

Cash (no ATMs on the islands), water, sun protection, a towel and comfortable shoes. There are limited shops, so pack snacks if you have dietary needs. A light rain jacket is useful in shoulder season.

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