Lopud Island

Croatia

After Lopud's 15th-century Franciscan monastery became the seat for the Governor of the Republic of Dubrovnik in 1459, many nobles, merchants and sea captains chose this charming island as the location for their summer villas, setting in motion a vogue for relaxation in this peaceful retreat. Today, this tranquility is maintained by the complete lack of cars on the island - hand-pulled wooden cart is the favoured method of transportation these days. The village of Lopud's beautiful stone architecture is arranged around a wide crescent with stunning views across azure waters towards the rolling hills of the mainland.