Koločep is one of the most picturesque islands of the Elaphite archipelago. Here you can enjoy magical night diving in four connected underwater shallow caves with high ceilings and sandy and gravelly bottoms at a depth of only 12 meters. Elaphites are a group of 13 islands and islets, the largest of which is the island of Šipan, along with Koločep and Lopud, Jakljan, Ruda, Goleč, Crkvine, Daksa, Sv. Andrija, Mišnjak, Kosmeč, Tajan and Olipa.
Koločep is only five kilometers away from the port of Gruž, from which ships regularly go to this paradise island. There are only two settlements on the island, located in the two largest bays on the island. Settlements Gornje Celo and Donje Celo connects interestingly three kilometer long promenade. Koločep or as it is also called Kalamota is covered with pines and carob trees and is unique a Mediterranean haven for lovers of nature, sandy beaches and fishing. This islet is one of the most indented islands in the Adriatic with numerous hidden coves. There is also a beautiful blue cave here, which you can enter by swimming. The crystal clear sea is abundant with fish and shellfish and delights bathers and divers who find interesting scenes of the underwater world here.
Unlike most other Adriatic islands, Koločep is rich in fertile land and water, and is full of various plants and tall trees. Even the first encounter with the island of Koločep leaves no one indifferent. It is ideal for everyone who wants peace with the irresistible smell of Mediterranean plants and the turquoise color of the sea. Since ancient times, this has been an island of fishermen, but also of coral reefs, since the fishing area here abounds lobsters and vapors. The islanders traditionally spend their evenings on the pier, catching fish and squid from the shore that practically come to them on their own.
The beaches that await you here are sandy and pebble, you have two larger bays Sapluni and Porat. For those who enjoy an active vacation, cycling or walking is definitely recommended, because on the island you will find about ten kilometers of trails and forest roads. Kolocep has over 250 sunny days per year, and a mild climate prevails, and due to the indented coast and small area of the island.
Koločep - an island with a rich history
During the time of the Dubrovnik Republic, ships were built on Koločep, and even two members of the crew of Columbus Santa Maria were just famous sailors from Koločep. Archaeological remains of old European conquerors were also found here - from Greece and Rome, all the way to Napoleon. On an island with a size of only 2,3 square kilometers, there is even seven pre-Romanesque churches from the time of Croatian kings.
