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Taking a day trip to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik offers everything you need for a fun and relaxing day out along the Adriatic Coast of Croatia.
Imagine landing on a tropical paradise, with colourful peacocks roaming everywhere and crystal clear waters, subconsciously making you want to dip at every turn. That’s what you can expect.
Having visited Lokrum Island numerous times, I’ve developed little rituals;
Like relaxing at the Dead Sea with one of the delicious cocktails from the local cocktail bar. Or walking around the lush grounds of the Benedictine Monastery.
Since Lokrum is under UNESCO protection, there are no cars on the island, allowing you to wander freely to the sound of nature, far from the noise of traffic and car horns. It is the perfect place to escape Dubrovnik’s hustle and bustle.
Continue reading to find out all you need to know about your day trip to Lokrum Island, including how to get there, the best times to visit, and what to see and do.
Where is Lokrum Island?
Lokrum Island is a tiny little island located 600m from the coast of Dubrovnik.
It is the perfect distance to jet off for an adventure day out from Dubrovnik quickly and offers a more peaceful, serene retreat away from the busy city.
Is Lokrum Island worth visiting?
Absolutely! Lokrum Island is one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik, as it has many fun-filled activities and attractions to keep you busy and excited throughout the day.
Walking around and covering everything on the island takes less than half a day, but I recommend experiencing the island’s attractions at a slower pace so you can best appreciate your time there.
What to pack before your visit
Here’s a list of essentials you’ll need to bring for a great day out when visiting Lokrum Island;
- Walking/hiking shoes – The island will require you to walk short or long distances to get from attraction to attraction, so a good pair of walking shoes is essential.
- Sun lotion – Dubrovnik and Lokrum share the Mediterranean weather, so sun lotion is required during the warmer months.
- Swimwear and towels – Lokrum boasts lovely relaxing areas where you can swim and nap in the sun. Lokrums beaches are also rocky, so towels are recommended for a more comfortable experience.
- Portable battery pack – There is limited access to plugs as it is remote, so prepare for extra battery, as you’ll be taking plenty of photos!
- Plenty of water and snacks – There are limited restaurants on Lokrum and few opportunities to fill up your water. I would save your euros and bring plenty of water and snacks if you don’t plan to spend any money while you’re there.
How to get to Lokrum Island From Dubrovnik
There are a few ways to get from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island.
The main transport to get to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik is by ferry. You can also kayak there alone or through a kayaking tour, although these sometimes don’t include the chance to step on the island.
How to get to Lokrum Island by ferry
To get there by ferry, you’ll need to make your way to the Old Town Port of Dubrovnik. Head by Sponza Palace and through the little passageway to find the port. This path will lead you towards the promenade.
During the summer, the ferry leaves every half hour on the clock, with the last departure going at 7.15, but this can differ during the off-season. Check the current schedule here.
Note: It takes less than 15 minutes to get there by ferry.
How to purchase ferry tickets
To get your tickets to Lokrum, you can purchase them online or in person at the Dubrovnik Tourist Information Centre right next to the bell tower on the Stradun or opposite Poklisar Restaurant near the dock.
How much does the ferry ticket cost?
Tickets cost €27 (concessions available) for a return ticket and entry to the island.
If you have the Dubrovnik pass (3-day or 7-day minimum), you are entitled to a 20% or more discount on your Lokrum ticket.
Best tours to get to Lokrum Island
There are many brilliant tours to Lokrum island from Dubrovnik, including kayaking along the Adriatic sea to Lokrum’s shores, taking an extended Game of Thrones tour, or snorkelling along Lokrum’s waters.
Find a day tour to Lokrum Island
How to get around Lokrum
As the island is uninhabited and preserved under UNESCO protection, there are no cars, so you can only walk around the island.
There are plenty of scenic walking paths, with the attractions all at a convenient walking distance from one another.
You may need to do a challenging climb from time to time *hint hint* Fort Royal, but trust me, all the views you get on this island are worth the work put in!
What to do on Lokrum Island
1. Visit the Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens of Lokrum bring out the island’s tropical side with over 800 plant species at its reign.
The botanical gardens were set up as a conversation and research project in the mid-20th century to research how foreign planets would adapt to the Mediterranean climate of Dubrovnik.
Take a wander around. Its surroundings add to the aesthetic of being stuck on a tropical island.
2. Float in the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is one of the best places in Lokrum for a little snooze and swim. The lake gets its reputation for its high salt concentration. It’s so salty you can just sit on the lake and float through it.
There are also many places around the lake to pop a towel down and relax. I recommend coming here in the morning or evening. It gets swarmed by mid-day!
3. Explore the Benedictine Monastery
The Benedictine Monastery is one of the prettiest parts of the island of Lokrum. The monks who lived on the island built this monastery on Lokrum as a place of solitude and worship.
Benedictine Monastery’s main features are the Ruins of Basilic, the courtyard and The Gardens of Maximilian. The courtyard and gardens are stunning to walk around.
Also, there is this cool little entrance as you enter inside that feels like you’re going into a secret dungeon.
There is so much little trivia and fascinating history to learn at the monastery.
The restaurant Rajski Vrt is also just by the monastery, with open-air tables set in a tropical setting. They serve good food and delicious fruity cocktails to complement the serene aesthetic.
4. Visit the Game of Thrones exhibition
Just inside the visitor centre in the Monastery is where the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones experience revitalises.
Inside, you’ll find a replica of the famous Iron Throne. HBO gave the throne as a thank-you to the island for hosting them, as Lokrum was a major Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming location.
Visitors can queue up to take a seat and have their picture taken.
Also, around the room is a little exhibition set up, showcasing the lore behind the show alongside videos of the cast talking about their experience filming in Dubrovnik and Lokrum.
This whole exhibition should be right up your street if you’re a fan of the show! If not, then when you go, you can pretend to be, as that’s the trendy thing to do, right?
5. Take a hike up to Fort Royal
Taking a hike up to Fort Royal is one of the best things to do on Lokrum Island. It is the highest point on Lokrum, where you’ll find the most scenic point of the island.
It was initially built by the French army in 1806 after they took over Dubrovnik to strengthen their defences within Europe.
For the hike up there, I do warn you, it requires an uphill battle of around 20 minutes. I wouldn’t recommend attempting it if you have mobility issues or carrying a pram. There are also benches on the way up where you can rest.
Once you reach the top, you’ll find a stunning panoramic view across Lokrum’s lush landscape and a long-distance view across the Adriatic Sea, back to the Dubrovnik Old Town.
6. Seek out Lokruk’s wildlife
Throughout your stay on Lokrum Island, you’ll come across its most notable habitat, the colourful Peacock.
The peacocks have made Lokrum their home since the 19th century when Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg took peacocks from the Canary Islands and brought them to Lokrum.
You’ll see plenty during your walk around the island, around the ruins and gardens of the monastery, and even around your table in the Rajski Vrt restaurant.
It is well-advised that you don’t touch them, although they are very photogenic when a camera is ready.
7. Find some hidden gems.
Lokrum Island has some surprising little hidden gems at its edges.
A short distance from the Dead Sea is this hidden cove down at the bottom with a perfect rock formation formed beautifully for a picture or two.
Of course, this is an excellent place to take the holding-your-hands-out picture looking out. I may have done it a few times.
8. Relax and have a sunbathe on Lokrum beaches
Alongside the Dead Sea are other relaxing areas and beaches within Lokrum Island.
Just as you get off the port, right next to the Bay of Portoč, named ‘Lukrum Portside Beach’, is where many sit down and have a little sunbathe or swim. The beach area is rocky but is a great place to relax and cool in the water.
For a quiet beach area, Galija is your best option. It is quiet due to its secluded location away from the main attractions. There is also a nudist beach on the coast called FKK Rocks Lokrum!
As a warning, all of Lokrum’s beaches are rocky, so I’d advise you to bring something to lean on for a more comfortable experience.
You will need to climb down from rocks to get to most of them, so bring some suitable shoes and be careful while walking down as the surfaces are slippy at times.
9. Kayak around the island
Those travelling to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik via a kayak can move around the island’s coastline without venturing through all of Lokrum.
You can park your kayak on the beach area and explore the island as you please.
To rent a kayak in Dubrovnik, you can book online or do it in person by approaching one of the Kayak rental companies outside the pile gate by the Dubrovnik Old Town. You will find them here.
When you rent a kayak, you can rent it for half a day or a full day. Prices will vary depending on the company.
I recommend checking out companies like x-Adventure Dubrovnik or Adriatic Kayak Tours and seeing their prices/availability.
Note: You will still need to pay an entry fee to Lokrum Island.
10. Have a picnic in nature
With Lokrum’s serene and peaceful environment, there is no better way to enjoy it than having a picnic.
There are many scenic spots around the island, with conveniently placed benches or well-located grassy areas to put a towel down.
Near Maximilian Gardens, there are gravel benches that overlook the gardens. While you sit down, you can hear the surrounding noises of nature playing in the background.
Where to eat and drink on Lokrum Island
Rajski Vrt, Lacoma Restaurant, Lacroma Snack Bar and the Lake Cocktail Bar are your options for dining and drinking while you’re there.
Lacroma Restaurant is your go-to for a sit-down meal. They serve delicious Mediterranean and Meat-based foods.
Also, Rajski Vrt, beside the monastery, has a great selection of alcohol with cocktails galore.
Rajski Vrt and Lacroma Restaurant also have vegetarian and vegan options for those with dietary requirements.
I highly recommend Rajski Vrt because of its tropical setting and open terrace – it is a lovely place to drink during Dubrovnik’s warm summer months.
Note: Lacamo Restaurant and Lacroma Snack Bar are closed throughout the winter months.
Conclusion: Visiting Lokrum Island
All in all, a day trip to Lokrum Island is a must-visit for a complete Dubrovnik experience. Anyone who loves beaches, tranquil surroundings and coastal walks will find all they’re looking for on Lokrum.
Whether you explore the island by kayak or walking around, it is easily done in a day.
You can arrive at Lokrum’s shores with just a quick 15-minute ferry ride and have a fun day of adventures and exploring at your feet.
Want more Dubrovnik content? Check out:
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