Probably the most peaceful and the best-preserved island of the Elaphiti Islands, Šipan is a place to relax and restore one’s strength for new life challenges
Beyond Dubrovnik: Untamed Beauty Awaits on Šipan Island
Forget Dubrovnik’s glitz and Hvar’s bustle. There’s a new Croatian island on the horizon, and it’s shrouded in an alluring veil of tranquility – Šipan. This emerald gem, nestled amidst the Elaphiti archipelago, has long been a whispered secret amongst locals and yacht charters, but its charm is finally starting to purr its way onto the travel radar.
Charter Your Yacht to Šipan Island Paradise
Step Back in Time: Unveiling Šipan’s Medieval Marvels
Forget the tourist throngs and predictable itineraries. Šipan Island beckons with an intoxicating blend of untouched beauty, captivating history, and the gentle serenade of the sea. Imagine sprawling vineyards whispering tales of ancient dynasties, hidden coves shimmering like sapphires, and medieval fortresses guarding forgotten battles. This isn’t just an island; it’s a time capsule waiting to be unveiled, an escape for the senses woven with nature’s vibrant tapestry. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, savor the island’s culinary treasures, and let the whispers of the past guide you.
Šipanska luka
Arrival at the Šipanska luka at sunset is a special experience which makes almost every visitor think about buying an old stone villa or a summer house and settling down in this little paradise on Earth. In fact, the Šipan port (42° 43.8′ N, 17°52′ E) used to be the favourite spot of Dubrovnik’s aristocrats and, luckily for the locals, as well as for seasonal visitors, it has to date remained preserved from mass tourism.
There are 42 old summer houses, 34 big and smaller churches and numerous chapels on Šipan, and you should definitely stroll down to the Rector’s Palace which is situated somewhat above the place, visit the summer houses of the Sorkočević and Katina families, as well as the parish church of Saint Stephen First Martyr.
Suđurađ
If you decide to go on a trip to Suđurađ, be sure to visit one of the most beautiful villas in the Dubrovnik area – the old Skočibuha palace, and take a stroll down a Mediterranean garden, visit the two towers that were used as protection from pirates, the windmill, as well as the only preserved example of the ancient balcony from the Renaissance.
Discover Your Perfect Anchorage on Šipan
At the bay, you may moor by the stone waterfront situated on the eastern coast, where sailors have 10 berths at their disposal; and considering the fact that the mooring base is far from the waterfront, make sure that your propeller does not get tangled up in the mooring.
In the south-western part of the Šipan bay, there is a twenty-meter long dock over the 2.5 meter deep sea where one sailboat can be laterally moored, as well. Boats can be anchored along the entire port; however, there should be enough space left to manoeuvre the passenger boat moored by the inner side of the dock.
During jugo, strong gusts of wind are felt in the entire bay, but they do not pose a threat to boats. However, the most dangerous of all winds is tramontane which emerges after the summer storms. Due to anticyclone, during nights at the bay, the local thermal wind of stončica may blow in gusts of a strength characteristic for thunderstorms – it comes from the direction of Ston on Pelješac (NW), and you may find out the reason behind it if you consider the massiveness and altitudes of the nautically, but also gastronomically inviting peninsula.
In a brightly coloured small lagoon closed on one side by the northern shores of Šipan, and by islet Mišnjak on the other side, only few boats are anchored, as well as in the private coves situated on the north-eastern side of the Jakljan island. In those coves, pines literally embrace the sea, and the colours have iridescent glow ranging from dark green to cobalt blue. No matter which cove you chose from Crkvina to the safest cove of Veli Jakljan, you are sure to enjoy your privacy and ambience.
Escape to Šipan’s Private Shores by Yacht
To je to
Benetti Classic 115′ “TO JE TO” is a classic yacht built by the Italian shipyard Benetti. She had an extensive refit in 2012, 2020 and April 2022 and now shines in full splendor, making her an ideal charter yacht. “TO JE TO”, a classic luxury 3-deck yacht has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 ensuite cabins and she can carry up to 6 crew onboard.
If jugo is not expected, you can spend the night on an impressive place – in a passage bordered by tall rocks between the Šipan island and the neighbouring Jakljan. Watch out for the ledge, drop the anchor and moor two aft moorings to the cliff, and you can be sure that it will not be easy to find another place like this again. When your yacht is well anchored, relax with a glass of cool beverage and witness one of the most beautiful sunsets.
Restaurants in Šipan Island
In addition to peace and quiet, the gastronomic offer in restaurants is also one of the reasons why the island of Šipan is becoming an increasingly popular nautical destination.
For someone who comes to Konoba Kod Marka for the first time in the Šipanska Luka, there is a high probability that he will return every year. Because what father Marko started, and today his son Đino continues heartily, the kitchen is worthy of (real) princesses and celebrities, but also of ‘ordinary’ sailors who appreciate the completely relaxed atmosphere on the terrace that seems to spring from the sea and is on the opposite and the quieter side of the place.
Bowa restaurant
Near Suđurađ, there is also the Bowa Restaurant. A gastronomic fantasy awaits you in a small cove with a late beach and turquoise sea.
There are few restaurants in Croatia, so relaxed in the atmosphere, and so serious in the preparation of food as Bowa on the island of Šipan, and therefore fully deserves a place in our category of ‘adventurous’ fine dining.
Photos Mario Jelavić
