 | Island Sipan Dubrovnik |  |
The island of Šipan is the largest of the Elaphite islands and has the most inhabitants. The surface area of the island is 16, 5 km2 and the highest point is Velji Vrh and goes up to 243 meters. Šipan is a long-stretched island with two villages. Both are sheltered from the wind by deep-settled bays. The village Su?ura? has about 250 inhabitants, but has a very important harbour, where a car-ferry can dock. The other larger village is Šipanska Luka with over 300 inhabitants.
Between these two settlements lies a motor-road of approximately 5 km. in length, which leads to beautiful large fields and planes inland which have a lot of orchard sand vineyards. The name motor-road is only because of its function. This road is made for the bus-connection between the two settlements. Taking a stroll of at least an hour from one to the other village we met three cars and the bus.
The myths, the rich history of island gentry, the summer-residences of Dubrovnik's landed gentry, dense Mediterranean vegetation, crystal clear waters, still summer nights, make the perfect ambience for the escape from the rhythm and stress of the city life. The proximity of Dubrovnik (one hour by local ship or ten minutes from the coastal village Slano) makes possible everyday frequenting of culturally historical monuments in Dubrovnik and its neighbourhood.
By the Kolo?ep-canal, which is 1500 meters wide, Šipan is divided from the shore and is surrounded by several small islands. Most visitors are attracted by the various bays of this island. The clear swimming water and the abundance of fish in this area attract a lot of tourists, daily-tripers, excursions and fish-picnics organised by ship-owners of Dubrovnik.
The island consists of a fruitful and fertile valley, Šipansko Polje surrounded by two lime-reefs. Here there are lots of grapes and olives cultivated, but also St. Johns-bread, figs and almonds are frequently grown. Further there are fir trees, cypresses, palm trees and of course Mediterranean plants and bushes.
Šipan has long been inhabited. In old documents of held in Dubrovnik the old names used for the island were: Jupana, Zupana and Supana. The present name of Šipan was first used in the year 1371. Much is not known about the history of Šipan, but a defence-wall dated from the Illyrian times was found and Romans have been here. Proof of this is de villa Rustica in Šipanska Luka and the preserved stones with inscriptions. The history of Šipan is strongly woven with the history of nearby city of Dubrovnik.
