August 16, 2020 – Continuing our look at the Elaphiti islands close to Dubrovnik, how the boat and buggy tours of Kolocep bring out the best of the island.
It is just 30 minutes by ferry from the port of Dubrovnik, but a world away.
Kolocep, better known locally as Kalamota, is the closest of the three Elaphiti islands to the Pearl of the Adriatic, and it was love at first sight when I arrived as a guest of the TUI BLUE Kalamota Island resort at the end of July.
With its enchanting sunsets, sandy beach and pristine waters, it was pretty hard to move from the hotel. And many guests don’t which is perfectly understandable, but also a missed opportunity to explore the real magic of Kolocep. The real treasures of the island can be explored in two 1-2 hour-long tours. One by golf buggy through the narrow streets of Kalamota (there are no cars on the island), and one by boat touring its spectacular coastline.
First up, a tour of the island and its interior, and it didn’t take long for the first surprises to show once we had passed the inviting sandy beach in front of the hotel.
There may be no cars on Kolocep, but there are streets on the island. Very narrow, with the majority of them protected by immaculate stone walls on either side. Really impressive stuff.
But the impressive sights were not confined to the stone walls. Some of the churches were incredible. The current population of Kolocep is just 120, on an island which has no less than 15 churches. None was as striking at this 10th-century beauty, with an implausible narrow front door. I will have to stay off the beer for a couple of months before contemplating entering.
One of the things I have come to learn during my time in Croatia is never to judge a book by its cover. I have lost count of the number of times my jaw has hit the floor on walking through what seems to be an innocuous door. And so too on Kolocep – the parish museum was tiny, but mightily impressive – see the video above.
The future direction of Croatian tourism should focus on authentic experiences in my opinion, something Croatia has in abundance. And the inland tour included an extended stop with these two fabulous ladies from OPG Matijevic. A tour of their family fields exploring the various fruits, vegetables and herbs that they grow, followed by an explanation of the production process, and finally a tasting selection. OPG Matijevic offers not only a wide selection of outstanding authentic products, but also a great connection between the visiting tourist and the local community. This escape to nature and traditional production methods is often taken for granted by locals, but many tourists find such connections among the holiday highlights.
The tour includes a little bit of walking as well, to take in some of the wonderful clifftop views.
A perfect backdrop for a spot of yoga.
And after the yoga, a few more incredible clifftop views.
All good things must come to an end, and what a way to finish, descending those tiny streets to the sea, that beach and the relaxation of the waterfront hotel.
And, as one tour ends, another adventure begins. Time to explore the island from the water with a tour of the island by boat, beginning with a gentle pulling out of the picturesque harbour.
A chance to enjoy the magic of Villa Ruza from the sea. Learn more about this Dalmatian slice of heaven in Villa Ruza on Kolocep: Gourmet, Sunset, Wedding, Escape from Dubrovnik Heaven.
Around the lighthouse.
And a different perspective on those cliffs we had stood on top of earlier. The sheer cliffs of parts of Kolocep are quite unusual for Dalmatia, and one rarely sees such formations (Red Rocks on Hvar’s southern coast is an exception). And the closer one looked, the more one saw the emergence of another phenomenon.
Caves.
With one very special cave in particular – the Blue Cave of Kolocep. Not as famous or as busy as the Blue Cave of Bisevo close to the island of Vis, Kolocep’s Blue Cave is also free to enter. When we arrived, there were only four other boats around.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MrCW_ZvPWA
Leaving the cameras behind, the swim under what seems to be a very narrow entrance reveals a large cave penetrated by sunlight, which has the effect of turning the water (and all those who swim in it) a turquoise blue. An amazing experience, which is partially done justice in this YouTube video above.
A refreshing swim and short transfer back to the hotel and time for dinner and another perfect timeless sunset to the sound of lapping waves and cicadas.
The formula of Eat. Sleep. Beach. Repeat. certainly works as well if you are too lazy to explore on the two tours.
Whatever you decide, Kolocep is an enchanting place of total relaxation just half an hour from Dubrovnik. Learn more in Arise Kalamota! Kolocep, 30 Mins from Dubrovnik But a World Away.
