Lopud Island

A small island located on the other side of Sipan Island, it has just a single settlement on it called Lopud, situated in a bay. The island itself measures just 4.6 kilometres and is famous for its majestic beaches, foremost of which is Sunj Beach, whose turquoise waters and tranquil cove make it one of the best beaches in Croatia.

Lopud Island is blessed with a Mediterranean climate giving it hot dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is between May and September, when the temperature averages more than 25 degrees and the seas around the island are pleasant. Like many smaller island destinations, it is seasonal, and visitors may find that things are closed if they visit in the winter.

Historically the island has been used as a base for the sea-captains of the Dubrovnik Republic, with Miho Pracat, one of the island’s most famous sons. He is known for being the only commoner of the Dubrovnik Republic to have a statue built in his honour. Apart from that, the island was a fishing village and a holiday destination for the people of Dubrovnik.

Sharing similar food culture to Dubrovnik, seafood is at the top of every menu on Lopud island. Visitors can enjoy exceptional dishes, such as Crni rižot (Black Risotto), made with squid ink; Mušule na buzaru (stewed muscles), which are generally flavoured with garlic, parsley and white wine and other fish dishes like sword fish, scorpion fish and scampi. The island also has an excellent range of local wines that are exported from the mainland.

Dominating most visitors’ list of attractions is the magnificent Sunj Beach, whose shallow waters and golden sands make it a sight of pilgrimage for lovers of excellent beaches. The island’s harbour is also beautifully located, offering the chance to visit some of Croatia’s other sites, including the Medieval city of Dubrovnik and the Elafiti Islands. Another great spot is the Franciscan Monastery that is perched over the Adriatic Sea and has some majestic renaissance art within its walls.

Considered a quiet and secluded place, the island does not have an especially vibrant nightlife. It is the kind of place where you find a great local restaurant and sit outside, enjoying spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea, with excellent company.