Located less than a 15 minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island is the perfect escape from the crowded city. You can spot it from many points, such as from the Old Town Walls, Mount Srđ, or the cable car.
This green oasis in the Adriatic is full of lush vegetation, plant life, and wildlife and has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Keep reading to discover its history, the most popular attractions and activities, amenities on the island and more.
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How to get to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik is by boat. There’s a regular, timetabled boat service that departs from Dubrovnik Old Town port, near the Ploče Gate. Boats run daily from April to November each year, and during summer months (May-September) boats depart every 30 minutes.
The journey time is around 15 minutes, and the ticket price is about 5 euros for adults and about 2.50 euros for children. The ticket also includes the entrance fee to the island, which is a nature reserve. You can buy the tickets at the booth near the port, or on the boat itself.
The last boat back to Dubrovnik is usually around 6 pm, but check the schedule before you go. It’s forbidden to stay on the island overnight, so make sure not to miss the last ferry, as there isn’t any accommodation available.
Alternatively, you can also join a kayaking tour and kayak over to the island. There are several companies that offer kayaking tours to Lokrum. Get Your Guide has a number of tour options and activities that take you to Lokrum, including kayaking and swimming tours, dinner cruises and Game of Thrones themed tours.
Tours usually last for about 3 hours, and include a guide, equipment, and a snack. The prices vary depending on the season and the company, but expect to pay around 30 euros per person. You can find out more information in our article Dubrovnik Walking Tours: Types and Tips.
The best time to visit Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is open to visitors from April to November, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the island in peace, you should visit during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). The weather is still pleasant, the flowers are blooming, and the island is less busy.
However, if you want to swim and sunbathe, you should visit during summer (June-August). The water temperature is warmer, the sun is shining, and the island is more lively. However, be prepared for more tourists and higher prices.
No matter when you visit, you should try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the island can get very hot and crowded around midday. The Dead Sea and food places get very busy around lunchtime, so be prepared for this when planning a trip.
History of Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island has a long and interesting history, spanning over a thousand years. The island was first mentioned in 1023, when the Benedictine monks built a monastery and a church there. The monks owned and lived on the island until 1798, when they were forced to leave by the French army.
According to legend the monks left a curse on the island so that anyone who tried to own it would suffer misfortune and tragedy. The curse seemed to work, as many of the subsequent owners of the island met with unfortunate ends, such as death, bankruptcy, or exile.
While under French rule, Fort Royal was constructed due to the island’s strategic importance. The Fort was also used by the Austrian army during the nineteenth century, before the island was bought in 1859 by Maximilian of Habsburg, the archduke of Austria and the emperor of Mexico.
After buying the island, Maximilian built a summer residence next to the monastery and planted many exotic plants and trees, creating a beautiful botanical garden. He also brought peacocks from the Canary Islands, which still roam freely on the island today. However, his fate was not happy, as he was executed in Mexico in 1867.
Another notable visitor of the island was Richard the Lionheart, the king of England and the leader of the Third Crusade. According to legend, he was shipwrecked near the island on his way back from the Holy Land in 1192. He was saved by locals, and vowed to build a church on the island in a show of gratitude. However, the people of Dubrovnik persuaded him to build the church in the city instead, which is now the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Popular activities and attractions
There are plenty of things to do and see on Lokrum Island. The island is a nature reserve, and is home to many animals and plant species (more on that later). Many of the plants can be seen in the Botanical Garden, which is home to species such as palm trees, cacti and eucalyptus to name a few.
There are also a number of historical sites. Fort Royal is a great place to get views of the island and the Adriatic, while the Visitor Centre provides information about the island as well as being home to the original Game of Thrones Iron Throne. Meanwhile, the previously mentioned curse on the island can supposedly be traced back to the Benedictine Monastery ruins, and the Lazaret quarantine hospital also provides a sobering experience.
As far as activities go, Lokrum is a fantastic place for hiking and water sports. The island is covered by dense foliage, providing ample shade for hikers. The calm waters are fantastic for swimming and snorkelling, with the Dead Sea, a natural salt lake connected to the sea, being a particularly popular spot with tourists and families.
Cliff jumping on the south side of Lokrum as well as kayaking tours from Dubrovnik are also popular options. The island’s numerous beaches and coves are great alternatives to busy beaches on the mainland, although be aware that FKK is a nudist beach- prepare for the prospect of naked people!
Amenities on Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is not a developed tourist resort, but rather a natural and cultural heritage site. Therefore, you should not expect too many amenities on the island. However, there are some basic services and conveniences that you can find, such as food spots, toilets and changing areas.
There are a few restaurants on the island near the port and the monastery. They serve a variety of dishes, from pizza and pasta to salads and seafood. The prices are reasonable, but not cheap. There are also a few snack bars and kiosks, where you can buy sandwiches, ice cream, drinks, and souvenirs.
You can also bring your own food and drinks, and have a picnic on the island. There are plenty of benches and tables, as well as rubbish bins. However, do not feed the animals, especially the peacocks, as they can be aggressive and harmful to the ecosystem.
There are several public toilets on the island, located near the port, the monastery, the botanical garden, and the Dead Sea. They are clean and well-maintained, and free of charge. There are also toilets in the cafes and restaurants.
There are also changing rooms and showers near the port, for changing into your swimsuit or rinsing off after swimming. However, they aren’t very spacious or private, so consider bringing a towel or a sarong to cover yourself.
There are no lockers or storage facilities on the island, so you’ll have to carry your belongings with you. If you take a private tour, you can leave your bags on the boat, but at your own risk. You should also be careful not to leave your valuables unattended on the beach or elsewhere, as there might be thieves or curious animals around.
Lokrum Island Safety
Lokrum is very safe, with an almost non-existent crime rate. The only real safety concerns are due to nature. Although the foliage on the island provides ample shade, heat stroke is a real risk during summer when temperatures can reach over 30° Celsius. Make sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and a hat.
There are no safety nets on the island and lifeguards aren’t always available at every beach, so you should swim at your own risk and within your limits. You should also avoid swimming near the boats or the rocks, as they can be dangerous.
Also be very careful when cliff jumping, as it can be very risky. You should check the water depth and the tide before you jump, wear protective shoes and a helmet (if possible) and have someone to watch over you.
If you require emergency assistance on Lokrum Island or anywhere else in Croatia, dial 112 to contact emergency services.
Conclusion
Lokrum Island is a wonderful place to visit and makes an enjoyable day trip from Dubrovnik. It provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the history, culture, nature, and adventure of Croatia, and where you can relax and recharge your batteries. Ultimately, the island is a must-visit if you’re planning a trip to Dubrovnik, no matter your interests.
CTA: Check out our articles Dubrovnik Uncovered: Exploring the Pearl of the Adriatic, Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Dubrovnik and From Hiking to Water Sports: Enjoying Outdoor Activities in Dubrovnik for more ideas if you’re planning a trip to the region.
