Šunj Beach (Lopud)

Šunj Beach is a sandy bay on the car-free island of Lopud, part of the Elafiti Islands off Dubrovnik, Croatia. It is one of the few genuinely sandy beaches near Dubrovnik, and the water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it a favourite with families and young children. The sea is typically clear and turquoise, and the bay is sheltered on the island's southern side, though it can be exposed to open-sea swell on windy days. The setting is rural and unhurried, with pine woods behind the sand and no traffic. A nudist area lies on the northern side of the bay, so other visitors should expect it in that part. In peak season there are toilets, showers and changing areas, sunbeds and umbrellas rent for about EUR 5 to 10 (around $5.75 to $11.50) per item per day, and a beach bar serves drinks and simple meals. Natural shade is limited, so a hat and umbrella are useful, and lifeguard hours are not published. Getting to the beach takes some effort. Jadrolinija ferry line 807 runs from Gruž to Lopud, with two sailings daily in winter and four to five in summer; a one-way fare is roughly EUR 3 to 4 (about $3.45 to $4.60), and visitors should confirm fares and times at jadrolinija.hr. From Lopud harbour the beach is about 1.6 to 2 km away, a 20 to 30 minute walk over the pine ridge, or a seasonal electric golf cart can be taken from the harbour. Because the final ferry back is limited, timing the return matters. The best period is June to September, when services operate fully. Midday is warmest and busiest, while the late afternoon is quieter and the light softer.