The paper contains essential interaction determinants of the spatial position and naturalgeographical bases with the development of Elafiti islands in the past and nowadays. Coveringan area of about 27 km2 and with 873 inhabitants (after preliminary result of 2001 census)they form a small separated group in the southernmost part of the Croatian islands belonging to the Dubrovnik archipelago. Special consideration is given to the characteristics of theirgeological origin and structure, to geomorphological features, climatovegetationalcharacteristics and influence of soils. Sporadic water appearances were essential for thepreservation and continuity of life and economic development. In these times the water supplyproblem has been solved by conveying water from land. The authors point out the importanceof physicogeographical components in historiogeographical development and also thenecessity of valuing them in the modern socioeconomic development conditions.