Hideaway holiday on Šipan Island in Croatia
December 15, 2009 by Guest Author
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My Guest post today is from Anja Mutic, a travel writer who also blogs at Everthenomad and takes us to one of the gorgeous islands off the coast of her native Croatia.
Today’s memory takes me back to the five-day solo hideaway on Šipan Island near Dubrovnik in Croatia that I took two summers ago. I had heard about the island through several friends who all brought it up as one of the least spoiled spots along the Adriatic coast. So I decided to see for myself.
Harbour on Sipan Island in Croatia
During the peak summer season – July and August – sailboats and yachts dock here and tourists from afar drop by for a holiday. Still, the island, which is part of the Elaphite archipelago, has managed to ward off big-scale tourism and keep its authenticity and magic.
Šipan can be easily visited on a day trip from Dubrovnik, as the boat ride is a quick one-hour jaunt. However, I highly recommend an overnight stay in one of two fishing villages – Šipanska Luka or Suđurađ. If you really want to hide away, renting a private room or apartment is the best thing to do. Those are quite affordable but few so book in advance; the tourist office on the island has details (call 020-758 084). The only two hotels on the island, Hotel Šipan in Šipanska Luka and Hotel Božica in Suđurađ are for those with some cash to splash.
Sunset on Sipan Island in Croatia
Things I loved about Šipan in Croatia: Renaissance villas, fragrant winds (the island is famous for its herbs), clean seas, coastal paths, fishermen weaving their nets and colorful sunsets. Things I could have done without: a tourist or two (was expecting a half-deserted place), the aggressive wasps (the island swarms with them when it hasn’t rained for a while) and the sea urchins (although it’s a sign the sea is clean, watch out for those when getting in and out of water!).
I imagine staying in Šipanska Luka out of season (in late September/early October) and feeling like I’ve stumbled straight into Macondo from One Hundred Years of Solitude. Šipanska is a mythical type of place, full of legends, crazy winds, interesting characters, a long history… If you tune out the chatter and tune into the island’s natural rhythms, you can still feel it.
Many Thanks to Anja for sharing with us some sunshine moments from her homeland of Croatia – do check out Everthenomad for more travel stories.
Other Croatia posts to enjoy
My Istria Travel Diary – Podcast
Visiting the hill towns of Grozjnan and Motovan in Istria, Croatia
Cycling by the sea in Istria, Croatia
Read more travel articles at Travel Blog Home
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Barbara at Hole in the Donut Travels on Tue, 15th Dec 2009 10:42 pm
Every time I read another article about Croatia I get more determined to visit this lovely country.
Anil on Mon, 21st Dec 2009 12:49 pm
Same here Barbara, I’d like to go before it becomes a popular European destination. It seems it’s still hiding below the radar of most travelers.
Donna Hull on Sat, 26th Dec 2009 8:04 pm
I’ve been to Dubrovnik but would enjoy returning from island-hopping, thanks to this post.
Davor¸ on Mon, 28th Dec 2009 1:06 pm
Nice blog, very good content
and nice info
I have also decided to start travel page two years ago
didn´t had time to do it then
and now decided to put some time and effort into it
In the next month we plan to cover all regions of Croatia
with pictures and travel info and tips
Looking forward in connecting with you
added you on twitter
Take care and keep up the good work
Heather Cowper on Mon, 28th Dec 2009 2:49 pm
@ Davor – Good luck with your new venture, you may also enjoy some of my Istria posts – we had a great few days there in August. Also, as I see you’re using a similar theme to me, you may be interested in some of ‘My Blogging Journey’ Posts where I talk about how I set up the theme, featured content gallery, headers etc – just go back through the archives and you’ll find them.
Dan at Spain Travel Deals Blog on Fri, 26th Mar 2010 5:34 am
Wow, the island certainly looks beautiful. I’ve traveled throughout Europe, but have never done a holiday in Croatia. Your photos have convinced me that it may be time to look into a trip there. Thanks for sharing.
Dan