09.09.2023.
Lokrum Island is a wonderful retreat to find offshore from Dubrovnik that bursts with stunning views and botanical treasures.  It’s an uninhabited place of peace where peacocks and rabbits find their home. If you’re looking for other car-free islands in Croatia, I would suggest Silba, a lovely and artistic island with a small population. Upon mentioning inhabited, miniature islands let’s see what the world offers.
This beautiful island offers plenty of things to do spiced up with the historical charm. Intertwining the unique swimming spots and hiking trails, Lokrum is your perfect day trip from Dubrovnik.
So elegant in its essence, Lokrum is a nature reserve where the lush forest takes the rule. There are few restaurants on the island, but be prepared to take some snacks and enjoy the allure.
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Floating in the Dead Sea
Like the small version of the famous lake in Jordan/Israel, the Dead Sea is a fun experience on Lokrum. It’s also a salty lake where crystal clear waters make it so picturesque.
Though being a tranquil place to relax, it gets pretty crowded during the summer. Arriving early at Lokrum secures you a free spot. Taking place at the central point of the island, it’s not just a seaside lake. The water actually comes from the sea through erosion from millions of years.
Admiring the peacocks
Amid the exquisite treasure of the Botanical Gardens, the peacocks will allure your view. The abundant wildlife, including the lovely rabbits, will also give you stunning photo opportunities.
Lokrum was a holiday home of the Archduke Maximillian Ferdinand of Habsburg, so he brought several peacocks from the Canary Islands here. Enriching not only the Botanical Gardens, you can see plenty of them around the Monastery and in the Rajski Vrt restaurant.
Enjoy the Botanical Gardens
Since the Archduke Maximillian Ferdinand of Habsburg created the Botanical Gardens, its blooming led to its official recognition in 1959. The Botanical Gardens will captivate your senses with over 800 species in the small area.
Through the fragrant aroma of lavender, sage and rosemary palm trees and cacti feel the air. Shining in all its beauty, the roses will take you to the fairy world and royal charm. More than this, the exotic plants speak the stories of Australia and South America.
Hike to the Fort Royal
With the panoramic views of the Dubrovnik coast, it’s a privilege to explore Lokrum from the Fort Royal. Walking to the Path of Paradise will lead you to Fort Royal, the island’s highest point. The Path of Paradise is one of the three lines that exist on Lokrum.
Belonging to the French Army since 1806, the Fort Royal came under Austrian rule after its completion.
This moderate and slightly steep path brings incredible tranquility and gorgeous views from the top. Hiking to Fort Royal will reward you to experience Lokrum in all its beauty. The interior of Fort Royal doesn’t offer much to see though.
Visit the Island Monastery
The ruins of the Benedictine Monastery will take you to the historical heritage of Lokrum which stretches in the 12th/13th century. Currently under renovation, you can testify the first traces of Lokrum at these ruins.
Seeing the peacocks within this impressive architecture will entice your visit to Lokrum even more. According to the legend, the monks who built the Monastery cursed the island of Lokrum. That’s why it’s forbidden to spend a night on the island
Enjoy the beach
Bathing in the sea and absorbing the island atmosphere is a fantastic way to chill and make the most of your trip. Most of the Lokrum beaches are rocky so you’ll need suitable shoes.
Climbing the Rock formations will let you discover the incredible art of nature that lies in the years of history. You’ll get a chance to explore the creativity of photography in an unusual setting.
Lokrum Portside Beach is a convenient spot to relax on the rocks close to the port. Galija is a secluded beach and a perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of Lokrum.
A nudist beach or FKK Rocks Lokrum depicts the fantastic offer of Lokrum.
Chill out with the drinks
Besides eating at Lokrum’s restaurants, why don’t you recharge your batteries with amazing drinks and cocktails? If you want to enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine on Lokrum, opt for Lakroma Restaurant, Rajski vrt or Snack Bar Lakroma.
Lake Cocktail Bar above the Dead Sea offers a stunning ambiance in the lovely shade. Let your vacation become an incredible experience thanks to the local bars and delicious cocktails.
Kayaking Around and Visiting the Golub Cave
Arriving at Lokrum with a kayak gives you a deeper encounter with this enchanting island. With the crystal clear waters soaking the peaceful retreat on Lokrum is inevitable. Booking a kayak tour on Lokrum will let you enjoy the stunning Golub Cave and its mystical allure. Blending perfectly the charm of Dubrovnik and the oasis of Lokrum, the kayak tours hold an unusual way to experience the city.
Buža na Lokrumu
The incredible rock formation brings a perfect frame for the seaside atmosphere. This fantastic arch at the southern corner of the island is your chance to snap some Instagrammable photos. Exploring the rocks around also pulls out your creative photography skills.
Discover the Iron Throne
Visiting the Game of Thrones locations is a fun way to feel like a king, especially if you’re a movie fan. Inside the Visitor’s Center, you’ll get all the info about filming and the honour of sitting on this fantastic replica.
How to get to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik
I visited Lokrum at the end of the season, precisely at the beginning of October, and got a free ticket to celebrate this closing.
Taking a ferry from Dubrovnik is the most popular way to visit Lokrum, which departs every 30 minutes. At the Old Port of Dubrovnik, you’ll find docks and voila- in 15 minutes you’re on Lokrum.
The return tickets cost 27€, which you can buy at the ticketing booth „Lokrum Ferry“ or online. The official site of Lokrum is a fantastic source to get all the info about the timetable, tickets and sights to visit. These small boats can be quite crowded during the summer so you’ll need to wait for the next one.
If you’re staying in Cavtat, you can also take a boat from there. Within one hour you’ll be on Lokrum and the ticket costs 5€ both ways.
The ferry ticket also includes the entrance ticket.
The practical tips
There’s no accommodation on Lokrum so stay in Dubrovnik or Cavtat.
Bring comfortable shoes- the only way to explore the island is on foot.
Take the picnic or snacks- as restaurants tend to be pricey.
Wear the suncream- if you’re coming in summer the whole day.
Staying in Dubrovnik
Best Offer Hostel Dubrovnik– it’s surprising that there are no bunk beds here and prices are very affordable. Located close to the sea, you can enjoy amazing activities in the bar nearby.
Hostel Angelina– fabulous hostel in the stone house right in the historical center and fully equipped kitchen.
Mid-range:
Hotel Vis– lies in the beautiful forest in Lapad with excellent views and great food;
Luxury:
The Pucić Palace– with the beautiful antique decor, you can enjoy the closeness of Banje Beach;
Final thoughts
Lokrum is a fabulous island where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik within only 15 minutes. Experiencing royalty feelings exists in the Botanical Gardens rich with heritage and the Game of Thrones locations. The gorgeous views will reward your visit as you explore the pretty, little hikes and admire Dubrovnik in the distance.
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I love the peacocks and rabbits!
Floating in the Dead Sea is on my bucket list.. would love to visit someday and check out the Botanical Garden
Lokrum Island looks so interesting. it’s cool to read about something different to see near Dubrovnik.
I visited Dubrovnik, but have never heard of Lokrum Island – what a hidden gem! Kayaking there would be a bucket-list plan for me!
I spend a lot of time walking around botanical gardens where I live, and I absolutely love them. It would be amazing to wander around the ones here—what a great time to have in nature. This sounds like the island for me!
Woah!!! What an exotic island. Glad you enjoyed your visit there. Thank you for sharing.
We have never been to Croatia, but it’s on our list. It looks stunning—especially the gardens at Island Monastery.
Hello! How many species can be found in the Botanical Garden?
This looks like such an adventurous vacation destination! I have always wanted to float in the dead sea. I grew up in SLC and living near the great salt lake we would go float in the salty water every once in a while.
I’ve never heard of this place before, it’s so great to learn about it! I would love to visit the area where Game of Thrones was filmed. The fact that it is only 30 minutes ferry ride away is a huge bonus.
Never heard of Lokrum Island but it looks like a pretty adventurous place to explore with lots of fun activities.