Lokrum Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik

Looking to venture beyond the city walls of Dubrovnik? A Lokrum Island day trip is one of the best ways to spend a day in Croatia. Only a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland, Lokrum Island is a peaceful oasis away from the crowds that offers a perfect mix of nature and history.

I’ve been living in Croatia since 2014 and have visited Lokrum a few times. Any time I’m in Dubrovnik, I always make a point to hop over to the island for some relaxation and exploration.

Throughout my visits, I’ve discovered the best things to do on Lokrum Island including the most incredible swimming spots, lookout points, and hiking trails.

Read on for everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip to Lokrum from Dubrovnik!

Where is Lokrum Island?

Lokrum Island is situated just south of Dubrovnik, and is about a 15-minute ferry ride from the Old Town Port. To get a better idea of its location, take a look at the map of Lokrum Island below.

How to Get to Lokrum Island From Dubrovnik

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 15-minute ride to the island. You can find the Lokrum Island ferry timetable on the official website.

It is also possible to take a ferry from Cavtat to Lokrum Island if you happen to be staying there. The boat to Lokrum Island from Cavtat takes about an hour and will cost you around €15 for a roundtrip ticket. I used the company Adriana Cavtat and can recommend them! You can also book your tickets online.

You can purchase your ticket for the ferry to Lokrum Island at the port. Lokrum ferry tickets cost €27 per person and include the entry fee to the Nature Reserve of Lokrum. Upon purchasing your ticket you will also be given a Lokrum map so that you can easily find your way around the island.

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.

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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.

FAQs About Visiting Lokrum Island Croatia

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!

Before you go…check out these other amazing day trips from Dubrovnik!

Go Beyond Lokrum Island:

• 15 Boutique Hotels in Dubrovnik You’ll Love
• Is Dubrovnik Expensive? (Local’s Guide)
• Parking in Dubrovnik: The Best Places to Park
• 15 Reasons You NEED to Visit Dubrovnik
• The Best Rainy Day Activities in Dubrovnik
• Exactly How to Drive From Split to Dubrovnik
• Is Split or Dubrovnik Better? What City to Choose
• How to Visit Pasjaca Beach Near Dubrovnik
• Are There Sharks in Croatia? (Local’s Guide)
• Must-See Hidden Places in Croatia
• What to Pack for Your Croatia Trip – Based on 25 Years of Experience

Croatia Travel Planning Guide

💸 What is the currency in Croatia?
As of January 1st, 2023, the official currency of Croatia is the Euro and NOT the Kuna (which is also the name of the national animal of Croatia).

🇭🇷 What language do they speak in Croatia?
Croatian is the official language of Croatia. Learn some phrases in Croatian before your trip with the Ling app!

🚑 Should I buy Croatia travel insurance?
10000% YES – Seriously, don’t leave home without it. You never know what can happen on the road. I like SafetyWing because they provide excellent coverage for as little as $1.50 a day.

📱 Will my phone work in Croatia?
Maybe – check with your provider to see if you’ll have service while traveling Croatia. If you don’t have service (or it’s too expensive) I recommend getting an eSIM like Airalo. Airalo allows you to have data while traveling without the high costs of roaming. They have super affordable plans available for 190+ countries, including Croatia. Download the app and get your plan before you leave home so that you have data as soon as you touch down in Croatia!

🏨 What’s the best way to book my Croatia accommodations?
For Croatia hotels, Booking is by far the best site.

🛫 What’s the best site to buy Croatia flights?
I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.

🚗  Is it safe to rent a Car in Croatia?
Yes! – In fact, renting a car in Croatia is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend Discover Cars because they check both local and international rental companies to ensure you get the best deal. (Get your Croatia road trip itinerary here)

💦 Is it safe to drink the water in Croatia?
Tap water in Croatia is completely safe to drink, so bring your reusable water bottle and fill up!

🪪 Do I need a visa for Croatia?
Depending on where you are coming from you may or may not need a visa to enter Croatia. Check the official Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information on who should apply for a visa.