Krapanj island - the island of sponge divers

The Krapanj island, certainly is not one of well-known Croatia’s islands like Hvar or Brac but it has something particular regarding its inhabitants’ activity. It is an island of sponge divers and female fishermen. I still remember my father’s words each time we saw their boats near Hvar island collecting sea sponges: “They are famous sponge divers from the small sponge fishermen village near Sibenik”. Island map.

Krapanj is an island of Croatia in the central Dalmatian county of Sibenik-Knin. It is the smallest inhabited island of the Adriatic Sea covering 0.36 km². It is also the most inhabited island (per square metre) and has the lowest elevation of 1.5 m above sea level. It is only 300 m offshore at its closest point from the mainland town of Brodarica connected with it by boats running almost every hour.

The men of Krapanj have been diving for sponges for over 300 years, while their wives used to work in the fields in Sibenik's interior, used to row and go fishing, even though they did not know how to swim.

Krapanj, island of sponges divers

On the Krapanj island, the women were field labourers, fishermen, housewives and mothers, while their husbands, sons and fathers used to dive for sponges every day, using primitive tools such as harpoons. Since they used the breath-hold (free) diving method, many of the divers never surfaced.

If you happen to be near Sibenik , I warmly recommend you to visit this small island but keep in mind that no car is allowed on the island. If you are looking for private accommodation you can find it on this page. Read more about history of sea sponge in Krapanj.

The newly built Hotel Spongiola is located on the Krapanj island and is surrounded by a beautiful pine forest. It was built on the property of an old sponge cooperative. With its authentic architectural design, it fits perfectly into the scenery.

The Spongiola Hotel is a four-star hotel which offers accommodation in 5 suites, 9 double rooms and 9 triple rooms with a total of 65 beds. All rooms and apartments are air-conditioned, luxuriously furnished and include a mini bar, a satellite TV, central heating, a direct telephone line, the Internet access, a safe deposit box, and a hair-drier.

In addition to private accommodation, and Hotel Spongiola. Or you can stay in the three-star Villa Daniela in Brodarica or three-star Guesthouse Zlatna Ribica (Golden Fish) also in Brodarica. All hotels in nearby Sibenik.

Krapanj island - island of sponge divers