Šunj (often written Sunj) is the beach people mean when they say “there is a sandy beach near Dubrovnik”. It lies on the far side of Lopud, a small car-free island in the Elaphiti archipelago, and the only way to reach it by land is on foot – over the island, through pine woods and old olive terraces.
I’m Jovanka, a local hiking guide, and Lopud is one of my favourite days out. Here is how to get there, the two walks from the harbour to the beach, and how to plan a perfect day on the island.
| Where | South-east side of Lopud, Elaphiti Islands |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Boat from Dubrovnik (Gruž) to Lopud, then a walk or golf cart |
| Walk from the harbour | 20–30 min direct, about 1.5 h via the fortress |
| Beach | Fine sand, long shallow bay, pine shade |
| Best for | Families, swimmers who like shallow water, a walk-and-swim day |
How to get to Lopud from Dubrovnik
The public passenger boat (Jadrolinija, line 807) leaves from the ferry port in Gruž and stops at Koločep before Lopud. The crossing takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and a one-way adult ticket costs only a few euros – around €3 out of season and around €5 in summer. (*Note that prices may change) There are several departures a day in summer and fewer in winter, so check the current timetable on the Jadrolinija website the day before.
Excursion boats to the Elaphiti Islands also leave from the Old Port and Gruž in season, usually combining Koločep, Lopud and Šipan in one day. They are convenient, but you will only have an hour or two on Lopud – not enough for the walk and a swim.
Local tip: Lopud is car-free – the car ferry does not unload vehicles here. Leave the car in Dubrovnik and take the morning boat; the island is quietest before the excursion boats arrive.
From the harbour to Šunj: two walks
The direct path (20–30 minutes)
From the harbour, follow the signs for Šunj up through the village and over the low ridge in the middle of the island. It is about 1.6–2 km each way on a wide, mostly shaded path, so you can walk it in flip-flops – although I wouldn’t. In the main season electric golf carts also run between the village and the beach if you would rather ride.
The long way, over Sutvrač Fort (my favourite)
If you have the energy, take the old path that climbs from the village to the ruins of Sutvrač Fort, on one of Lopud’s highest points. It was once one of the island’s main defences against Ottoman raids and pirates. The climb is steep and rocky in places and takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending on the heat, with red markings at the junctions, so wear proper shoes and go on a dry day.
From the walls the whole Elaphiti archipelago opens up beneath you: Koločep, Šipan, the open sea and, on a clear day, Mljet. From there the path continues across the island through shaded groves and old stone walls and comes down to Šunj – exactly where a swim feels best.
Walk it with a local guide
The Elaphiti Islands: Hiking on Lopud
The long way over Sutvrač Fort to Šunj, with time for a swim · about 3 hours of walking · transfer, boat tickets, water and a snack included · from €70 per person.
Šunj beach itself
Šunj is a wide, crescent-shaped bay, roughly 200 metres long, backed by pine trees. The sand is fine and the water stays shallow for a long way out, which is why families love it – children can play safely and the water is warm early in the season. The bay faces the open sea, but it is sheltered enough to be calm on most summer days.
In summer you will find sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, showers, toilets and a couple of beach restaurants right behind the sand. Out of season it is just you, the pines and the sea.
More to see in Lopud village
Don’t rush straight from the boat to the beach. Lopud village curves around a calm bay with a long waterfront promenade, stone houses and gardens full of palms and agaves. For such a small island it has a surprising number of churches – a reminder that in the time of the Dubrovnik Republic Lopud was home to wealthy shipowners and captains.
Above the harbour stands the old Franciscan monastery, with its fortified tower watching over the bay. In the village you will also find a few cafés for a coffee before the walk or a fish lunch after it, and a small shop for water and snacks.
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes – trainers are fine for the direct path, light hiking shoes are better for the fortress
- Swimsuit, towel and sunscreen
- At least 1 litre of water per person, more if you climb to the fortress in summer
- A hat and sunglasses – the fortress path is in full sun
- Some cash for the boat, sunbeds or the golf cart
A perfect day on Lopud
- Morning: the first boat from Gruž, coffee by the harbour.
- Late morning: climb to the fortress while it is still cool, enjoy the view.
- Midday: walk down to Šunj, swim, lunch at the beach.
- Afternoon: the shady direct path back to the village, a walk along the waterfront.
- Evening: the boat back to Dubrovnik with the sunset over the islands.
When to go
For swimming, June to September; the sea is still warm well into October. For walking, spring and autumn are perfect – in July and August take the first boat and do the fortress climb before 11 am. Outside the season some restaurants close and there are fewer boats, but the island is wonderfully quiet.
Looking for more walks around the city? Read my guide to hiking in Dubrovnik, with seven trails from easy island strolls to Sniježnica.
FAQ
How do I get to Šunj beach from Dubrovnik?
Take the passenger boat from Gruž to Lopud (about 45–60 minutes), then walk 20–30 minutes over the island or take a golf cart in summer.
Is Šunj a sandy beach?
Yes – it is one of the few sandy beaches near Dubrovnik, with shallow water that is great for children.
Can I drive on Lopud?
No. Lopud is car-free; you walk, cycle or take a golf cart.
How long is the walk from the Lopud ferry to Šunj?
About 20–30 minutes on the direct, mostly shaded path (1.6–2 km). The longer route over the fortress takes about an hour and a half with stops.
Is Lopud worth a day trip?
Absolutely. With a short walk, a great view from the fortress and a sandy beach, it is one of the easiest and most relaxing day trips from Dubrovnik.
