Koločep, Mediterranean island near Dubrovnik, Croatia
Koločep is a small island off Dubrovnik's coast with less than 2.5 square kilometers of land and two villages called Gornje Celo and Donje Celo. A network of forest paths connects the two settlements and runs through the island in different directions.
The island became an important shipbuilding hub from the 11th century during the Republic of Ragusa's rise to power. These maritime traditions shaped the economy and character of the communities for generations to come.
The two village cores developed slowly over centuries and still define island life today with their stone houses and small chapels. People use the paths between settlements regularly for daily routines and gather within these tight-knit communities.
Ferries connect the island regularly to Dubrovnik with crossings taking about 35 minutes. Since there are no cars on the island, wear comfortable shoes and plan time for walking between areas.
A sea cave on the southern coast with blue water invites swimming and reveals the island's geological variety. The surrounding waters also harbor many small coves and marine habitats that snorkelers can explore.
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