Sipan

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General

The island Šipan, which is situated between Dubrovnik and the peninsula Pelješac and just only one hour by Ferry from Dubrovnik. It is 16.5 sq. Km and it is the biggest of the seven islands of the archipelago Elaphit (in Greek meaning Deer Islands). It has a length of 9.1 Km and a width of 2.6 Km.

It has been called the golden island because of its big and small crystal-clear bays, overcast with luxurious semitropical vegetation, olive plantations, small vineyards, fields with citrus fruits, figs, carob, almonds and oranges. Holiday-makers like this very much because the nature her is still untouched.

In the Middle Ages Šipan has more than 30 churches but today only about half of that remains. In the old Roman times people used the island for their summer residences and in the Middle Ages it was a popular place for the nobility and clergy of Dubrovnik.

Two mountains dominate the island. The higher one in the north-east ( 234 meters above sea level) and the lower one in the southwest. There is a fertile valley between this two montains.

The sea around Sipan is very rich in fish, so deep-sea fishing is a popular sport. It is also possible to go fishing, go biking, go diving or go kayaking.

The most important places are Sipanska Luka (Luka) and Sudurad which have existed since the Roman time. There are some small villages (Fraiga, Od žak, Pakljena, Dubrava, Čemprijesi) on the island).

Other than the holiday boats there are also regular boat and ferry connections to the island of Šipan. During the summer months, there are several boat connections everyday from Suđurađ and Luka Šipan to Gruz ( Dubrovnik) and to the other inhabited islands (Elafiten) Lopud and Koločep. A more irregular boat connection exists between Dubrovnik, Suđurađ and the harbour Sobra on the Mljet Island. In addition, there is a bus line between Sudurad and Šipanska Luka.

The clear sea and many walking trails makes the one’s stay a very pleasant one from spring till late autumn. Here everybody finds his paradise, the untouched nature off congested tourist paths and is ideal for those searching for peace and quiet.

Approaches

SIPANSKA LUKA (42° 44'N; 17° 52'E), village (pop. 279 in 1991) and cove in the NW part of the island of Sipan. Approach: The cove can be entered either through the Mali Vratnik passage, between the SE extremity (Vratnik point) of the Peljesac Peninsula and the island of Olipa, or through Veliki Vratnik (between Olipa and Jakljan). It can also be entered through the Harpoti passage (between Jakljan and Sipan). Yachts approaching through Veliki Vratnik should navigate past the SE extremity of the islet of Olip (square masonry tower, white light) and the three islets off the NE coast of Jakljan: Tajan (round red tower with a column and a balcony, red light), Crkvina and Kosmec (between them is Golec rock). The harbour light: a white iron column (red light) on the molehead.

Marinas and Anchorages

SIPANSKA LUKA (42° 44'N; 17° 52'E)

Mooring: The harbour is sheltered from all winds with the exception of lebic (south-westerlies). The anchorage it affords is one of the best sheltered in Kolocep Channel. Smaller yachts can use the four-point moor along the waterfront in the inner part of the cove. Depth along the mole 13 m. Larger vessels will find good anchorage between Misnjak point and the small peninsula of Brag (depths 3060 m).

Facilities

• Post office;
• Hotel and medical service;
• Food supplies at local shops;
• Limited quantities of water.

Sights: Summer residence of the Sorkocevic family (15 C), remains of the Rector's Palace (Gothic, 1450), Sv Stjepan church (St Stephen, 10 C, later reconstructions

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