Once the home of Dubrovnik’s naval fleet, Lopud has a rich and varied history dating back to Roman times. Today, the island is home to under 300 inhabitants, many of whom make a living through organic farming, fishing and wine making – enjoying the island’s slower pace of life. With no cars permitted on the island, Lopud’s natural environment has remained unspoilt and the island’s quiet villages and historic ruins make for an interesting day of exploration. The main settlement on the island surrounds the port of Lopud, overlooked by the monastery’s imposing bell tower and the atmospheric ruins of the fortress. Cycle across the island and spend a day on the sands of Šunj Bay, Lopud’s best beach, or spend time in the company of a local historian, exploring the numerous church ruins that dot the island – relics from an earthquake in 1667.

Bringing contemporary art to this quiet corner of the Adriatic, Your Black Horizon Art Pavilion is an interdisciplinary project by artist Olafur Eliasson and architect David Adjaye, commissioned by Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary. Nestled amongst the sloping terrain of cypress trees, cacti and olive groves, Your Black Horizon Art Pavilion merges the fields of art and architecture into an “interlocking equation”, wherein ephemeral visual images and architectural formulations exist simultaneously.

A private staircase descends the monastery’s sea wall, leading to the waters of the Adriatic. Start the day with a refreshing open water swim, or explore the coastline by stand-up paddle board. Discover Lopud’s unspoilt bays on a speedboat or yacht charter, anchoring in a deserted cove for a picnic lunch. As night falls, retire to the atmospheric ruins of the fortress for an open-air cinema experience.

Take to the water and explore Croatia’s rocky coastline by sea kayak, join an expert guide to fish the waters of the Adriatic or embark on a romantic sunset cruise along the Dalmatian coast. Back on land, our team can arrange horse riding or mountain biking in Konavle, exploring the local villages and shaded orchards of Croatia’s stunning countryside.