Ditch Dubrovnik’s crowds: Visit this stunning natural paradise instead!

Lokrum Island is only about a 15-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik’s Western Harbor. As soon as you arrive on the island, you’ll be captivated by the atmosphere:

A heavy, almost honey-sweet scent of orange blossoms envelops me—it is the Chinese privet, which has taken over every corner of the island here. In the cool, stone corridors of the venerable monastery, the sun creates a play of light and shadow. And in the distance, the sea glitters like a colorful diamond, while a peacock next to me calls out loudly, spreading its majestic plumage.

from my travel notes

Lokrum has a certain exotic charm that even the creators of “Game of Thrones” recognized, which is why they chose the island as a filming location for several scenes in the series, mainly those set in the city of Qarth.

And even though boats full of tourists arrive here every 15 minutes during the summer, the hustle and bustle at the harbor soon dissipates along the island’s many winding paths, so you’re sure to find a fantastic spot in nature all to yourself.

Compared to other islands in Croatia, Lokrum is on the small side, so it’s perfect for exploring in a single day, yet it’s packed with sights, so you’ll never get bored.

How do you get to Lokrum?

The only way to get to Lokrum is by ferry, which always departs from the Old Port. A round-trip ticket costs €30. With the Dubrovnik Pass, you can even save a few euros on the purchase. You can buy a ticket to Lokrum at the official ticket counter at the Old Port or online in advance.

There is no maximum stay. You can stay on Lokrum all day, even if you take the first ferry to the island and the last one back.

• During the summer, the buses start running every morning at 9:00 a.m. and depart every 30 minutes.
• The last ferry back to Dubrovnik leaves at 7:00 p.m.

1. The Port of Portoč

The harbor with the pink house (Forester’s House) is the first thing you’ll see when you arrive on Lokrum. The house also houses the visitor center, which sells souvenirs and maps.

2. The old monastery with its garden

The main attraction on Lokrum is the old monastery complex, which was first mentioned in 1023 as the first of many Benedictine monasteries in the territory of the Republic of Dubrovnik. The complex consists of several sections:

• The remains of a basilica (from the 12th/13th century)
• A monastery with a cloister garden (from the 15th/16th century)
• The summer residence of Maximilian of Habsburg, with gardens and a park (mid-19th century)

3. The Iron Throne from *Game of Thrones*

Inside the monastery, there is a small museum featuring an official, original replica of the Iron Throne from the HBO series (a gift from the production company to the city). You can sit on it for a photo at no charge.

In addition, the museum offers a wealth of interesting information about the series and its filming locations, as well as the history of the island. It’s well worth a visit.

4. “Mrtvo More” Salt Lake

In the southern part of the island, there is a small salt lake connected to the sea by underground channels. The water here is very calm, which is why many visitors come here to swim with their children. The name Mrtvo More translates to “Dead Sea” (in English, “Dead Sea”).

5. Hidden Cave

At the southernmost tip of the rocky Lokrum plateau lies Buža—a natural stone arch spanning a pool filled with seawater. This unique “hole in the rock” is often overlooked by visitors, but with its stunning view of the open sea, it makes for a great photo spot.

6. Olive Grove

The garden, filled with olive trees, dates back to the time of Benedictine rule over the island and has been preserved to this day. Some of the olive trees are over 300 years old!

7. Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is located right next to the monastery complex. It was founded in 1959 to study how non-native plants adapt to the climate on Lokrum. Here you can discover around 800 exotic plant species from all over the world, including giant cacti, eucalyptus trees, and rare palm trees.

8. The Path to Paradise

This paved path, lined with pine trees, leads from the monastery complex straight to the highest point on the island.

9. Fort Royal

The star-shaped fortress, which you can already see as you approach by boat and which stands at the highest point of the island, was begun by the French army after the conquest of Dubrovnik in 1806 and completed under Austrian rule around 1835.

A visit to the fortress is well worth it, as its roof offers the best view of the island as well as Dubrovnik’s city walls.

10. The Old Military Hospital

When the so-called Black Death spread across Europe in the 14th century and eventually reached Dubrovnik, the city’s inhabitants sought to keep trade going and decided to quarantine people, livestock, ships, and goods for forty days before allowing them to enter the city. As a result, numerous quarantine stations were established in the region, including the large one on Lokrum, which, however, was never completed.

Restaurants and Bars on Lokrum

There are two restaurants and two bars on the island:

1. Eden Garden Restaurant (Rajski Vrt): Idyllically situated in the monastery garden, it’s, in my opinion, the most beautiful place on Lokrum to eat and drink.
2. Lacroma Restaurant: In the island’s event area.
3. Lake Bar: Relax with cocktails by the lake.
4. Lacroma Snack Bar: Located near the harbor. Many guests stop by while waiting for their boat.

Other amenities on Lokrum

In addition to the Lokrum attractions, bars, and restaurants mentioned above, there are also the following public areas:

• A large playground
• A small soccer field
• A volleyball court
• plenty of picnic areas
• Hammocks and lounge chairs
• Public showers at the main swimming spots in the south
• 2 restrooms
• Several drinking fountains where you can refill your water bottles

Important: Do not leave any trash on the island (this is strictly prohibited). Although there are a few trash cans, it’s best to take your trash back with you to the mainland.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lokrum Island

Lokrum is a unique island just off the coast of Dubrovnik and a welcome break from the huge crowds of tourists in the Old Town. Have you ever been there yourself? What did you think of it? Feel free to leave a comment.