Lokrum Island | The Perfect Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Last updated on March 30th, 2023 at 08:37 pm
Looking to venture beyond the city walls of Dubrovnik? Lokrum Island is just a hop skip and ferry ride away from Old Town Dubrovnik, so make sure to dedicate a full day or afternoon to this mystical island!
In this Lokrum guide, you’ll discover how to get to Lokrum Island, the best things to do there, and where to go swimming so that you can plan the perfect day trip to Lokrum Island.
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Getting to Lokrum Island
Getting to Lokrum Island is quick and easy from the Old Port of Dubrovnik (at the southeast corner of the old walled city). Once you reach the docks you will find that the Lokrum ferry departs every 30 minutes or even more frequently in the summer months, and is just a quick 10-minute ride to the island. You can find the Lokrum Island ferry timetable on the official Lokrum Island website.
It is also possible to take a ferry from Cavtat to Lokrum Island. The boat to Lokrum Island from Cavtat takes about an hour and will cost you around 100kn for a roundtrip ticket.
You can purchase your ticket for the ferry to Lokrum Island at the port. Lokrum ferry tickets cost 40kn per person for a roundtrip ticket. The ferries are more or less small transport boats that can hold a few dozen people, so in the summer months, you may have to wait for the next ferry to arrive if there are a lot of people visiting Lokrum Island that day.
Once you arrive to the island, you must go straight to the Lokrum Visitor Center to pay the admission fee to enter the nature reserve. Tickets cost 96kn per person and payment is only accepted in cash, so be sure to have enough on you. Upon purchasing your ticket you will also be given a Lokrum map so that you can easily find your way around the island.
Now that you’re ready to explore, let’s dive into the Lokrum reserve!
Things to Know About Lokrum, Dubrovnik
The island of Lokrum is a nature reserve. Therefore, there is limited infrastructure on the island in order to protect the animals, the foliage, and the ancient cultural sites that exist on Lokrum. So that means there is no transportation, only rocky trails to walk on so be sure to wear comfy walking shoes since you can only explore the island on foot!
Before you venture to Lokrum you should plan to pack a bag full of necessities to last you for the day. Most importantly food. There are limited options when it comes to Lokrum Island restaurants so it’s a good idea to pack water and snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy in a sunny corner of the island. You should also bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a beach towel or blanket, a hat, sunglasses, and a portable charger to keep your phone alive since you might be on Lokrum for the day and taking lots of photos, which leaves your battery in danger of getting low.
Lokrum beaches are rocky. But a few areas of the island have great large flat top boulders to sunbathe on or set up a picnic on, right next to the water. There is also a small “beach” (it’s really just more of these sea-level flat top rocks) at the Dead Sea which is a gorgeous spot to relax, swim, and sunbathe. You can read more about the Dead Sea below!
While you’re exploring the Island it will almost be impossible not to see all of the Lokrum Island animals running around! Peacocks and bunnies are the only permanent residents of the island, and the peacocks have no fear getting a little close to the visitors sometimes. It is quite the sight to be walking through Monastery ruins only to be led by a flock of peacocks which have made the Lokrum Monastery their home! Just make sure to protect your food and snacks when you’re relaxing or sunbathing, so a sneaky peacock doesn’t go running off with your sandwich.
What to Do on Your Lokrum Day Trip
There is no shortage of things to do on Lokrum Island. While you could do a Lokrum Island tour, it is totally possible to explore on your own. Below, you’ll find ten different things to do in Lokrum ranging from sunbathing on beautiful beaches to more adventurous activities like Lokrum Island cliff jumping!
Whatever your preferences are, there is something for everyone when you visit Lokrum Island.
Float in the Lokrum Island Dead Sea
Lokrum Croatia, has its very own “Dead Sea”. The reality is this lake formed over time as the result of tectonic shifts and erosion, which created this idyllic, highly salty oasis with calm crystal clear waters perfect for swimming in. If you want to claim a spot right next to the water, it’s a good idea to arrive to Lokrum early.
Hike to Fort Royal Lokrum
At the top of the highest point on the island, you’ll find Lokrum Fort Royal. Dating back to the 1800s this military fort ruin hosts impressive views over the island and the sea.
Check Out “Lazaret”
During your Lokrum Island trip, you can’t miss visiting “Lazaret”. The Lazaret on Lokrum was actually one of the first-ever quarantine facilities for travelers in Europe during the Black Plague. At the end of the 16th century, there was not much need for this anymore and some of the structure was torn down to resecure the walls around Dubrovnik. But it’s still fun to check out the ruins!
Visit the Lokrum Island Monastery
No trip to Lokrum is complete without a stroll around the Benedictine Monastery. According to Lokrum Island history, the monastery was first referenced in 1023 and holds a somewhat sinister and eerie myth. In the 1500s the monks were forced to leave their home on Lokrum and it is said they placed a curse in retribution, on whoever would own the Island after them. In years to follow unexplainable deaths befell on the family of the Croatian King. Thanks to the Lokrum Island curse, it is forbidden to spend the night on the island!
Today the Monastery serves as a beautiful exhibit to walk through and includes a small visitor center and the Game of Thrones exhibit (more on that below).
Check Out the Lokrum Island Game of Thrones Exhibit
It’s true. The high seat of Westeros is actually on Lokrum Island, Croatia. As in, the actual Iron Throne from Game of Thrones lives in this exhibit on Lokrum Island. Experience the exhibit and you can sit in the seat yourself. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, I highly suggest booking a Game of Thrones Tour where you’ll learn about filming secrets, gain insight into the production of Game of Thrones, and learn fun facts and stories from local guides who were on set!
Walk Through the Lokrum Botanical Garden
The Lokrum Island Botanical Gardens host hundreds of exotic plant species and is the perfect place to stop and smell the roses – literally! Notes of lavender, rosemary, sage, and pine fill the air, creating a tantalizing Mediterranean perfume. The Lokrum botanical gardens are such a gorgeous and lush place to stroll during your day on the island.
Enjoy a Drink at “Lake Cocktail Bar”
When it hits 5:00, (or 5:00 somewhere) it’s time to grab a refreshing beverage from Lake Cocktail Bar. This bar is located just above the Dead Sea and hosts gorgeous cocktails, ice cold water and other refreshments.
Take a Dip at a Lokrum Island Beach
Lokrum is a fantastic place to go for a swim! Lokrum is filled with rocky cliffs of all sizes that are perfect for jumping off of into the sea. “Lokrum Main” is the best beach on Lokrum Island for jumping and diving. But if cliff jumping isn’t your thing, don’t worry there are plenty of gentle sloping areas to wade into the sea. Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled for sharks in the Adriatic Sea!
If you fancy a clothing-optional beach paradise, you’ll find the Lokrum Island nude beach on the southeastern part of the island. The large rocks that surround the beach create a natural, secluded bay for additional privacy. You can find this beach by searching “FKK Beach” in Google Maps.
Snap a Photo at “Buža na Lokrumu”
Get the perfect Instagram shot at this naturally occurring rock formation. Traverse over the rocks and boulders at Buža na Lokrumu, and explore all the beautiful nooks and crannies.
Be careful though, as some of the rocks can be quite sharp!
Kayak Around the Island
Check out Lokrum by sea! Book a Lokrum kayak tour and get a unique perspective of the lush hills and rocky coastlines.
If you’re up for a real adventure, you can even kayak from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island! This is a fun, alternative way to reach the island instead of taking the usual taxi boat to Lokrum from Dubrovnik. Kayak tours are available through various providers and range from around 200-300kn per person.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to plan the perfect Lokrum Island day trip! From how to take the ferry to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik to the best things to do in Lokrum (including the best beach on Lokrum Island!) you should be well-prepared for your excursion.
When you’re planning your visit to Croatia, definitely dedicate one day out of your itinerary for a trip to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik – this place simply cannot be missed!
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