Introduction

You’ve probably heard of Dubrovnik if you’re thinking of spending some time travelling in Croatia, but have you ever heard of Lokrum Island? Before I arrived in Dubrovnik, I certainly hadn’t! 

Are you looking to get away from the crowds in the city, be immersed in nature and discover a truly magical island? If so, you need to visit Lokrum! Lokrum Island is the emerald jewel of Dubrovnik. A little slice of paradise set back from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

I spent just 2 days in Dubrovnik and didn’t have any plans for my trip, other than to explore the city and soak in the sun. After my first day in Dubrovnik, I had seen the entire Old Town! It’s super small and easy to see everything in one day. I saw ferries leaving the harbour to go to Lokrum Island and decided on a whim that I was going to visit the next day rather than stay on the mainland. It was the best decision I made and turned out to be the highlight of my trip!

History of Lokrum Island

The Island of Lokrum has a long and interesting history. The name ‘Lokrum’ actually originates from Benedictine times, when they began the tradition of cultivating exotic plants on the island. The name ‘Lokrum’ comes from the Latin word ‘acrumen’ meaning sour fruit. The most notable point of interest on the island is the Benedictine Monastery, which was likely built around 915 A.D. At one time, the entire island was owned by the Monastery. 

In the 15th century, the Benedictine Monks were forced to leave the island. There is an unnerving local legend suggesting that the island was cursed upon their departure… 

Local Legend

Legend states that the Benedictine monks were forced to leave the Island by someone of power. On the night of their departure, it is said that the monks walked across the Island dripping a trail of candle wax as they left. Cursing the Island and anyone who sought it as their own. The last of the Benedictine monks left the island in 1808.

The Benedictine Monastery

The ruins of the Monastery are comprised of three parts. Including some ancient remains of the Romanesque-Gothic basilica. The remains of a newer 15th and 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance-style monastery, which was partly destroyed during the tragic earthquake in 1667. On one of the arcs of the monastery, you can make out a meaningful, timeless message inscribed in the stone:

“Concordia res parvae crescunt, discordia maximae dilabuntur” 

 “Harmony makes small things grow, lack of it makes great things decay.”

I believe this goes to show how much the Benedictine monks valued their beautiful home on the island. 

Lokrum Today

Today, a section of the Monastery has been converted into a restaurant and another into a museum. Here you can find the original Iron Throne from the famous series ‘Game of Thrones’.

The Iron Throne is free to sit on and take a picture. At the end of April when I visited, there was only a 1-minute wait. However, in the high season, you can expect long queues of fans waiting for their place on the Throne. 

Nature Reserve

The entire island of Lokrum is a nature reserve. Therefore there are strict rules in place to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the island. Smoking is prohibited, no dogs are allowed, and you cannot light fires or litter on the island. It is also prohibited to stay on the island overnight.

What To See And Do In Lokrum?

1.   The  Dead Sea

The ‘Dead Sea’ of Lokrum is a small saltwater lake, perfect for swimming in and a true natural wonder. This is my Number 1 thing to see! It was the highlight of my visit to Lokrum Island. It is a sparkling emerald green saltwater lake. There are lots of little fish to spot and a dark, grotto-like cave on the far side of the lake under the pine trees.

The ‘Dead Sea’ was formed over many millions of years as the rocks were tectonically disturbed. This created fractures and weakness in the rocks, eventually forming the lake as we know it today. During the youngest geological age, the Quarternary, the lake was filled with seawater. 

The lake is fed by subterranean tunnels, connecting it to the Adriatic. During your visit to the Dead Sea, you may notice small movements of water in the lake as the swell from the Adriatic surges through the tunnels. When the sea is rough or there is a storm, you can hear the low rumbling of the water heaving through the tunnels. 

The Dead Sea is the perfect swimming spot on the island, especially if you have children, as it’s safe to swim in. It is shallow near the shore and sheltered from the wind. Take care as there is no sand, only rocks. I would suggest bringing water shoes to make entry and exit to the lake more comfortable.

As there isn’t any sand, the rocks can become quite uncomfortable to sit on. However, there are benches around the lake where you can sit and enjoy an ice cream while taking in its beauty. I spent over 3 hours here, basking in the sun and dipping in and out of the crystal waters.

2. Botanical Gardens and Peacocks

For nature lovers, there is a grand botanical garden with hundreds of species of plants and flowers waiting for you. The botanical gardens were initially planted in the 19th century and there are around 200 species of plants thriving there today. 

When I visited Lokrum at the end of April 2022, the gardens weren’t fully flourishing. I expect that the Botanical gardens are best enjoyed in the summer months when more species are blooming. The entire Island is blanketed in thick Mediterranean flora and forest. Including oak, pines, olives, cacti, palms and many more species. 

You’ll also find many peacocks flaunting their bold, beautiful feathers on the island and screeching their mating call from the treetops. They seem very tame but be sure to keep your distance and let them go about their business. Avoid feeding the peacocks, as they won’t leave you alone once you do! The peacocks truly encompass the natural beauty of the island.

3. Fort Royal

Fort Royal is located on the highest peak of the island. The Fort’s construction started in 1806 by the French army after Dubrovnik was occupied and was completed in 1835 during the Austrian administration. 

Hiking up to Fort Royal:

I highly recommend hiking to the Fort as you certainly won’t be disappointed with what you find! 

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring some water with you to hike up to the Fort, it should take between 20-30 minutes to reach the peak and take in the views. The climb is steep and uneven in many places, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the Old Town of Dubrovnik. 

The route to Fort Royal is signposted, just like all of the other attractions on the island, so it’s super easy to find!

Are you planning an upcoming trip to Dubrovnik? Check out my 2-Day Dubrovnik Itinerary here!

Where To Eat And Drink In Lokrum

There are cafes and restaurants dotted around the island, boasting relatively good prices for food and drinks. The bar next to the ‘Dead Sea’ is the most expensive.

I would highly recommend bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic as you can sit at one of the many stunning spots on the island to enjoy your lunch. We took a small picnic of bread, cheese, cured meats and fruit and ate it whilst we sat by the Dead Sea.

Lokrum is first and foremost a nature reserve, so all visitors are encouraged to treat the island with care and respect. Make sure to take all your rubbish with you, leaving nothing behind.

How To Get To Lokrum

Ferries run from Dubrovnik Old Town port. You can buy return tickets from the ticket booth located just next to where the ferry departs from.

The price is 100 Kuna (£11) for an adult return ticket. In peak season, the prices double, so expect to pay £22 per adult.

The journey is short, taking only 15 minutes to arrive in Lokrum. Ferries depart between 2 to 4 times an hour, depending on the season. The last ferry returns from Lokrum at 6 pm or 7 pm, again depending on the season.

Is Lokrum worth visiting?

As you can probably tell from my raving review of Lokrum Island, I couldn’t recommend this day trip more! Lush greenery blankets the island, making it the perfect place to get into nature and away from the crowds of the Old Town. It is beautiful, tranquil, and full of hidden treasures! Be sure to add the Island of Lokrum to your Croatia Bucket List!

If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out my other Croatia blogs here!