Vrh Olipa

Vrh Olipa is the highest point of the small island of Olipa, part of the Elaphiti Islands archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik. The hill itself rises only a couple of hundred meters, but its appeal comes from the setting around it — an uninhabited, rocky island covered in Mediterranean scrub and surrounded by the deep blue of the Adriatic.

Where is Vrh Olipa located?

Olipa is the westernmost island of the Elaphiti archipelago, the chain of islands stretching between Dubrovnik and Šipan. The island itself has no permanent residents — the only fixed structure is a lighthouse standing on its southern tip. This contrast between an empty, wild island and the busy Dubrovnik coastline nearby is exactly what draws travelers looking to get away from the crowds for a few hours.

How do you get to Vrh Olipa?

Olipa has no scheduled ferry service, so reaching the island means arriving by private or chartered boat, sea kayak, or as part of an organized sailing trip through the Elaphiti Islands. Most trips start from Šipanska Luka on the neighboring island of Šipan, or directly from Dubrovnik's harbor, where boats and sailing charters regularly pass through the archipelago. For kayakers, Olipa is a popular stop on multi-island routes around the uninhabited Elaphiti islets, thanks to its calm waters and complete lack of development.

What will you see there?

The landscape of Olipa is defined by a rocky shoreline, small coves, and dense Mediterranean scrub covering the slopes that lead up toward Vrh Olipa. On the southern edge of the island stands a stone lighthouse roughly eleven meters tall, now converted into a small private guesthouse — the only permanent building on the entire island. From the higher ground near the peak, views open out across the neighboring Elaphiti islands and the open sea to the west. The island's name is thought to come from an old word describing an extreme or outermost position, a fitting description for its role as the westernmost point of the archipelago.

When is the best time to visit?

The ideal window for visiting Vrh Olipa runs from May to October, when the sea is calm and conditions favor sailing and kayaking. July and August are peak season on the waters around Dubrovnik, so travelers seeking a quieter experience should aim for June or September, when boat traffic thins out but the island looks just as good. Since there are no shops or facilities on Olipa, it's worth bringing your own water and food for the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Can you stay overnight on Olipa? Yes, the only accommodation is the former lighthouse on the island's southern tip, now converted into a private villa available for rent.

Is Olipa inhabited? No, the island has no permanent population. The lighthouse and its adjoining buildings are the only structures on the island.

How can you visit without your own boat? The easiest option is booking a sailing excursion or kayak tour around the Elaphiti Islands, typically departing from Dubrovnik or Šipanska Luka.

Is it worth climbing to the top of Vrh Olipa? Yes, for travelers who enjoy coastal hiking, reaching the hilltop offers panoramic views over the Elaphiti archipelago and the open sea, although the route isn't marked like a formal trail.