It's the deep blues of the Adriatic Sea and the fresh greens of the abundant pine forests that make Croatia's Elaphiti Islands so inviting as you cruise to their quiet bays and sandy shores. You can expect to take things at a leisurely pace on this afternoon boat trip, as local guide, Ivan explains, “the locals treasure these islands for their ‘old Adriatic rhythm'. You'll find fishing villages, forest paths and tiny populations with a strong sense of community – oh and no cars.”
Make your escape from Dubrovnik's hustle and bustle at Lapadska Obala Pier and board a traditional wooden boat called a leut – the owners built it themselves and you'll only find this kind of boat in Croatia. Your first port of call is Koločep Island. As you approach the bay on the north of the island, you'll see rugged, green cliffs and a smattering of terracotta-topped houses – not a bad view as you drop anchor for your first swim stop.
Heading northwest, you'll cruise over to Lopud Island next – drinks from the bar are included along the way. You're in for a treat here, as Sunj Beach on the southeast of the island boasts a rare golden stretch of sand, as opposed to the pretty, but pebbly beaches that the region's known for. After around an hour of swimming and relaxing, you'll head to the Blue Cave, back on Koločep. Your captain was raised on these islands, so they know the best spot to anchor while you swim into the cave. Once inside, the name of the cave becomes obvious as the whole cavern is filled with a blue hue from the light reflecting off the water. Top tip – bring a waterproof camera to catch the surreal colours of the cave before you cruise back to the harbour.
