The Elaphite Islands are a popular tourist destination located northwest of Dubrovnik. The islands are technically an archipelago, and large parts of them remain green all year round. The area attracts large numbers of visitors from all over the world, most of whom are drawn to the island's pristine beaches and stunning landscapes; The islands provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life; The islands also offer great examples of pre-Romanesque architecture, with Colossop Island home to no less than seven churches dating back to the 9th and 11th centuries.