Šipan with Kids: Family Activities and Tips

A quiet Elaphiti island where kids can roam car-light lanes, swim in sheltered coves, and learn about island life at a gentle pace.

Getting There and Getting Around

To reach Šipan from Dubrovnik, take the local bus from Gruž harbour to the ferry terminal, then a Jadrolinija car ferry to Suđurađ or a faster passenger catamaran to Šipanska Luka. The car ferry takes about 50 minutes; the catamaran about 35. In summer, services run several times daily, but schedules thin out in spring and autumn, so check timetables before planning day trips. If you are driving, book the car ferry in advance for July and August, when vehicles fill up quickly. Taxis on the island are limited, so most families rely on the ferry, bicycles, or their own car.

Once on Šipan, the two main villages are Suđurađ and Šipanska Luka, connected by a 5 km road that is mostly flat and shaded by olive trees and stone walls. This makes it easy for children to cycle or walk between them, although there is no dedicated bike lane, so stay alert for occasional cars. Local buses meet some ferries and run between the villages for a small fare; you can also rent bikes from a few places in Šipanska Luka. A stroller with sturdy wheels works on the paved paths, but the side lanes are gravel, so a carrier is better for babies.

Beaches and Water Play

The island’s coastline is a series of small coves and pebbly bays, with the clearest water at Šipanska Luka and around the islet of Ruda. The main beach in Šipanska Luka has a shallow entry and a pine-shaded edge, making it a good spot for toddlers to splash while older kids snorkel. A 15-minute walk south brings you to Plaža Pod Dolinom, a quieter pebble beach with a natural shade from tamarisk trees. There are no lifeguards on most beaches, so keep young children within arm’s reach. Water shoes are useful because the seabed is pebbly and sometimes has sea urchins.

For a change of scene, take a short boat taxi to the neighbouring island of Lopud, where the sandy beach at Šunj is one of the few sandy stretches in the Elaphiti islands. The ride from Suđurađ takes about 15 minutes and costs around 50–80 kunas per person each way, depending on the boat and season. Lopud also has a promenade with cafés and a small playground. If you prefer to stay on Šipan, the rocks near the old stone pier in Suđurađ are popular for jumping, but only for strong swimmers and when the sea is calm.

What to Do on Land

Away from the water, Šipan is a place for slow exploration. The two villages have stone houses, small churches, and a few konobas serving simple seafood and pasta. In Šipanska Luka, the remains of the Archbishop’s summer residence and a Franciscan monastery give a glimpse of the island’s history; entry is free or by donation. Children might enjoy spotting the donkeys and goats that graze in fenced plots along the roads. The island is car-light, so walking and cycling are the main activities; a loop from Šipanska Luka to Suđurađ and back takes about two hours at a child’s pace, with benches for rests.

For a rainy day, there is not much indoor entertainment, so bring books, card games, and perhaps a tablet with downloaded shows. The villages have small grocery shops for essentials, but for a wider choice of activities, plan a day trip to Dubrovnik, where the aquarium and the cable car are popular with families. Back on Šipan, the evenings are quiet; a favourite ritual is a walk to the pier to watch the fishing boats and the sunset. If your children are interested in nature, the olive groves and dry stone walls are home to lizards and butterflies, and the night sky is remarkably clear.

Where to Stay and When to Go

Accommodation on Šipan is mainly private rooms, apartments, and a few small hotels, mostly in Šipanska Luka and Suđurađ. There are no large resorts, which is part of the island’s charm. For families, an apartment with a kitchen and a terrace is practical, as eating out every meal can add up. Many apartments are within a 5–10 minute walk of a beach or the village centre. If you want a pool, you will need to look at the few hotels that have one, but they are limited. Book early for July and August, as the island fills up with repeat visitors.

The best months for a family trip are late May, June, and September, when the sea is warm enough for swimming, the ferries run regularly, and the villages are not crowded. July and August are hot, with temperatures often above 30°C, so plan beach time for mornings and late afternoons. April and October can be pleasant for walking but may be too cool for extended swimming. Note that some restaurants and shops close outside the main season. If you are coming from Zagreb, direct flights to Dubrovnik take about an hour; from there, allow two hours to reach Šipan with the ferry. Given the current demand for Zagreb hotels, you might consider a night there before flying south, but for a Šipan stay, I would book a seafront apartment in Šipanska Luka for easy access to the beach and the ferry.

Questions, answered

Is Šipan a good destination for families with young children?

Yes, if you want a quiet, car-light island with shallow coves and safe walking paths. There are no large resorts or organised kids’ clubs, so families who enjoy simple outdoor days and self-catering will get the most out of it.

How do we get to Šipan from Dubrovnik?

Take a local bus or taxi to Gruž harbour, then a Jadrolinija car ferry (about 50 minutes) or a passenger catamaran (about 35 minutes) to Suđurađ or Šipanska Luka. In summer, there are several daily departures; in shoulder season, check timetables.

What should we pack for a family trip to Šipan?

Bring water shoes for pebbly beaches, sun protection, and entertainment for rainy days. A stroller with sturdy wheels works on paved paths, but a baby carrier is better for gravel lanes. Also pack a refillable water bottle and a basic first-aid kit, as shops are small.

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