
The island is named after the remains of the ancient Church of St. Stephen, built from finely carved stone. Interestingly, Stipanac was not an island in Roman times; it was connected to the mainland by an 8-meter-wide stone causeway, which is now registered as an underwater archaeological zone and is visible during low tide. Among the local population, the island is better known as Gavanovi Dvori (Gavan's Courts), named after an ancient folk legend about a haughty rich man named Gavan whose palaces sank to the bottom of the lake. The calm and sheltered surface of Prokljan Lake makes the waters around Stipanac ideal for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or family kayaking tours, offering a sense of exploring hidden, ancient worlds. The area around Stipanac is part of the "Dalmatia Šibenik Outdoor Festival" route, attracting numerous runners, kayakers, and swimmers. The islet can only be reached by private or rented boat, kayak, or SUP, with Raslina being the closest departure point. There are no restaurants or developed beaches on the islet, making it an ideal retreat for guests seeking absolute peace, quiet, and a Robinson Crusoe-style experience, with the opportunity to dive over the submerged Roman causeway.