Lokrum is a small island and nature reserve, very close to the wonderful Dubrovnik. It’s easy to spot this island from many vantage points in the city, such as from the Old Town Walls or from Mount Srd. It’s a very pleasant way of spending a day or afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik!
The island is covered in lush vegetation with a number of interesting plant species located here, including those specially imported (e.g. tropical varieties). Lokrum is entirely uninhabited, although it was bought by Austrian archduke Maxilimilan I in 1858, and much of the botanical plant life is owed to his grand gardens created during his ownership.
Lokrum is also famous as one of the filming locations of the epic Game of Thrones TV series. Many fans of the show head to the island for this reason.
Getting to Lokrum
There is a regular, timetabled boat service to the island that departs from Dubrovnik Old Town port. Boats run daily from April to November each year, with a higher frequency of service in the peak summer months. You can see the timetable on the Lokrum Island website. Journey time is only 10 minutes.
Out of season, it is still possible to visit Lokrum until around mid-December. The island is then closed to visitors until around February, when boats normally depart on weekends before returning to daily service in April.
During the summer months, there is also a small boat service connecting Dubrovnik (the main port) with Trsteno (home to the Arboretum) and then Lokrum. It’s a great way of seeing two fascinating local sites in one day. Again, you can find the timetable on the Lokrum Reserve website.
For the more active amongst you, you can also join a local kayaking tour group and kayak over to the island!
Entry Tickets
Tickets cost €30 for adults, €10 for students and €5 for children aged 7 to 18 years. (Children under 7 go free.) There are discounted tickets for large groups.
You can purchase tickets ahead of time online on the Lokrum Reserve website or at the ticket office at the Dubrovnik Old Town harbour prior to boarding a boat. Should you reach Lokrum without one of the official boats, you can buy entry tickets at the visitor centre on the island.
What to see and do on Lokrum
Most visitors to Lokrum check out a few of the points of interest on the island, and then spend a lazy afternoon relaxing on the rocks by the sea and swimming in the waters.
Do be mindful that, as a nature reserve, there are certain rules for visiting Lokrum. Smoking is not allowed, and you absolutely need to collect and properly dispose of any rubbish you have created.
Botanical Garden
Although the garden itself was founded in 1959, many of the items seen today were planted during the 19th century when Maximilian I was the owner of Lokrum. The Garden is home to a variety of plant life, including palm trees, cacti and eucalyptus trees.
The Monastery
The monastery on the island was originally built during the 11th century, although the parts that can be seen today hail from the 15th/16th centuries. (The Monastery was badly damaged during the 1667 Dubrovnik earthquake.) In the 19th century, Maximilian of Habsburg had his palace constructed next to the monastery.
The Dead Sea
Not really like its far more famous namesake in the Middle East, this is still a salt lake. Located inland in the south of the island, this is a popular spot for visitors who enjoy bathing in the calm and peaceful waters.
Charlotte’s Well
This pool stems from the time of Maximilian I. It was likely used for bathing and to maintain the vegetation on the island.
Fort Royal
Built on the highest point of the island by the French (during a brief period of occupation in the early 19th century) and then the Austrians, there are gorgeous views from the top. Just make sure you’ve got your proper walking shoes on for the uneven path on the way up!
More points of interest
The Lokrum Reserve website has a very useful Map of Lokrum that shows all points of interest that can be visited.
Can I stay overnight on Lokrum?
No, as a nature reserve, there is no accommodation on Lokrum. It is forbidden to stay overnight on the island. Seeing as it’s so close to Dubrovnik, you can easily visit for several days in a row if the island has really taken your fancy!
Eating and Drinking on Lokrum
Some visitors enjoy taking their own provisions to enjoy a nice picnic during their day trip; if you don’t want to be caught out spending loads on a bottle of water, this is certainly a good idea! However, there are a few cafes, bars and restaurants on Lokrum at which you can grab a quick bite to eat (or a cooling beer or cocktail) or enjoy a more leisurely lunch. Consider some of the following places:
- Snack Bar Lacroma – A good place for a light lunch, drinks or dessert; located close to where the boat drops you on the island
- Lacroma Restaurant – The best choice on Lokrum if you want a proper sit-down meal (as opposed to a ‘quick bite to eat’). This is a popular venue with some excellent choices for mains
- Konoba Rajski Vrt – By the monastery, this is another good option for a quick and tasty lunch
- Lake Cocktail Bar – by the Dead Sea, a laidback place for a coffee or a drink if you’ve made it down to this part of the island
More info
You can find plenty more information on Lokrum, including a detailed history and details of all the points of interest on the island, on the Lokrum Reserve website.