Stretching over 4.63 km², Lopud is a relatively compact, permanently inhabited island. About 250 inhabitants are living there, and the island advertises with more than 2,584 hours of sunshine per year, which makes it an idyllic place for the natives as well as a perfect getaway place for sun-hungry holidaymakers. In addition to typically lush and fragrant Mediterranean vegetation covering most of the island (Aleppo pines and dense macchia), there are also palms lining the promenade, many lemon, orange and olive groves surrounding the houses and hotels, colourful flowers, parks and even a botanical garden abundant in eucalyptus, bamboo and cacti.
The island of Lopud has been a famous seaside resort since the 19th century. There are two sandy beaches – a smaller one in the centre of the village, just a few minutes away from the port, and the popular and large Šunj beach on the other side of the island (accessible on foot, with shuttle service – golf carts, or by sea), as well as many smaller pebbly and rocky beaches, including a wonderful beach of the Lafodia Hotel.
Among other interesting places to visit on the island is the light-receptive installation by Olafur Eliasson and David Adjaye called Your Black Horizon Art Pavillion. Inaugurated in June 2005 at the 51st Venice Biennale to great international acclaim, it migrated to its now permanent home on Lopud in 2007.
With a number of summer residences, various accommodation units, parks, several hotels, fortresses, churches, hiking trails, bike and kayak rentals, restaurants, taverns, an art pavilion, sandy, rocky and pebbly beaches, and other public and privately owned spaces, this car-free island caters to both young and adult visitors alike.
Restaurants and taverns offer predominantly Mediterranean cuisine on their menus, which are based on dishes prepared from freshly caught seafood (many types of Adriatic fish, mussels, octopus, etc.), fresh herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary, etc.), olive oil, fresh seasonal vegetables, meat, traditional desserts and a great selection of cheeses and famously tasty regional wines (grape varieties Pošip, Grk, Malvasia Dubrovačka, Plavac mali etc.)