Disclaimer: Parks and Planes strives to accurately describe and document details as experienced during the date and time of the visit. Please travel safely when following this itinerary and visiting recommended sites and places mentioned in this blog post. As always, all opinions are our own and we only recommend places and products we love! Nothing in this post is AI generated. All photos are our own.
A trip to enchanting Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, graces many people’s bucket lists. And rightfully so. But, if you are lucky enough to have plenty of time to fully explore Dubrovnik and have at least a half day to spare, it’s worth exploring some of the beautiful surrounding areas close to the city. The lush green island of Lokrum is an affordable and a short 15-minute boat ride from the Old City making it the easiest, idyllic day trip from Dubrovnik. If you’re looking to leave the stresses of the mainland behind, this is the perfect half or full day trip for you.
Sprawled just a few hundred meters directly offshore from Dubrovnik and clearly visible from the Old City, Lokrum sits within easy each. Lokrum is very peaceful. Here you’ll find a slower pace, rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and sparkling waters. We spent a full morning on the island (a half day) in June – right before the peak tourism season in Dubrovnik. The temperatures were gorgeous and perfect for all activities including swimming in the sea. We also didn’t have to contest with large crowds while exploring, swimming and sight-seeing. Continuing reading for our top recommendations and things to know before you go, to maximize your trip to Lokrum and ensure it is memorable.
Best Things to do on Lokrum Island
- Float in the Dead Sea
On the island you’ll find a huge rock pool-lagoon. It is located a short walk from the ferry/boat dock or landing, inland from the southeastern part of the island. The green-tinted, clear water is in fact a saltwater lake. Known as the Dead Sea, this is one of the island’s most popular spots for both sunbathing and swimming. It is a natural, sea-fed lake that is about 30 feet deep. The water is very calm and enjoyable. The high salt content makes it extra easy to lay back and float the ay away. In its depths live sea creatures like the Mediterranean snakelocks anemone and the beadlet anemone. Take caution if you come into contact with a sea anemone as they may cause irritation or a slight burning sensation. We did not see a single sea anemone while we same and floated here. There was signage on site that share mores information about these creatures.
If you only have time to do one thing while visiting Lokrum, we think this is it!
- Explore Game of Thrones Hot Spots
If you watched the insanely popular HBO hit series, Game of Thrones, you’ll likely recognize that Dubrovnik doubled as King’s Landing from season 2 on. But did you know that you can find the actual Iron Throne from the show on Lokrum Island, and you can sit in it? Seriously! This is the real, actual Iron Throne not a replica or a fake. It’s also a free experience and when we visited, there was no line we had to wait in. We just hopped right on the throne and struck a pose. You can find the real Iron Throne in the Visitor’s Center on the island.
Another great spot to check out for both GOT fans and history buffs is the Benedictine Monastery. Founded in the 11th century the monastery was a major hub of learning until the 1800s when it was then purchased by Archduke Maximilian who wanted to turn the whole island into a park. Many of the monastery features were preserved and including its cloisters which were also used for a GOT garden-party scene in Qarth.
At the monastery you’ll also find a restaurant and small café.
- Get Active
Go for a stroll around the island or take a dip in the sea.
Lokrum is a beautiful, forested island filled with greenery including pine and olive trees. In fact, it is a UNESCO-protected reserve in due part to the vast blanket of indigenous vegetation that covers it. Relax and unwind on the Path of Paradise or on one of the stunning coastal paths that crisscross the island. Or walk through semi-wild gardens. The botanical garden boasts around 800 different plant species from all over the world.
You can also swim in the sparking waters of the sea. The island is also home to some amazing swimming spots with crystal clear waters that simply shimmer and dance in the sunlight. You won’t find fine sand beaches here instead most are rocky bays so if you have a pair of water shoes or our personal favorite, Chacos, you might want to consider bringing those along with to the island. You may also find large, flat slabs of rock along the shoreline, perfect for sunbathing and lounging.
- Dine or Drink Al Fresco
Life on Lokrum is all about slowing down and living in the moment. A great way to do that is at a quaint little outdoor restaurant. There are about three or four restaurants/cafes on the island perfect for enjoying fresh fish and a cocktail or a nice coffee with a side of people watching. Or plan ahead and pack a picnic to enjoy al fresco either on the lush grounds or seaside. If you opt for picnicking on interior grounds, you might just be visited by some of the resident peacocks that roam freely about the island. You read that right – peacocks are everywhere and a lot of them.
How to get to Lokrum from Dubrovnik
Really the only way to get to the island is by boat. The public ferry departs the old town harbor on a regular schedule each day. Roughly once each hour and once every 30 minutes in July and August. You can purchase your ticket in advance from the ticket counter located inside the city walls, all the way at the end of the Stradun opposite the main entrance via Pile Gate. We purchased our tickets the same day we traveled to Lokrum – not more than 1 hour in advance and had no issues upon arriving or departing. To ensure you do not have problems boarding the boat when you are ready to, be sure to purchase your ticket at least 15 minutes in advance of your preferred departure time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You can pick up a map with all points of interest highlighted at the tourist office located by the main dock/landing.
- There is an officially designated nude or “naturist” beach on the island. To find this beach, head left from the ferry dock and follow signs that read “FKK”. It can be found to the east of the Gardens of Maximilian.
- No cars or vehicles are allowed on the island. You’ll be able to easily get around on foot while visiting.
- You cannot stay overnight on the island. There are no hotels, Airbnbs or lodging of any kind so be sure to check and double check the return boat ride schedule and plan accordingly.
- You can bring your own food and drink.
- Remember to pack beach towels and sunscreen!
- There are public restrooms where you can change in/out of your swimsuit.
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the island.
- If you arrive via a private boat, you will have to pay an additional fee upon arrival. It’s an entrance fee, and you can pay it at the information center right next to the landing/dock you’ll arrive at. If you arrive via the public passenger boat, your return ticket includes entrance/full access to the island and its attractions (with the exception of the café and restaurant).
Lokrum island was a true highlight during our weeklong stay in Dubrovnik. It’s a world away from the city and only a 15-minute, scenic boat ride away. We hope you have the chance to explore Lokrum with its quiet coves, dead sea and old monastery. If you’re on the fence about visiting, a half day is all you need. You won’t regret it!
~ Justin & Alyssa
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If it’s half as lovely as the Croatian islands we visited – especially Korcula – then it would be well worth a visit, is what I would say!
It was a magical place and so easy to get to! We have to get back to visit Korcula as we’ve heard spectacular things about that island. How cool would it be to explore all 66 of the Croatian islands?!
Very!
It all looks so gorgeous.
It’s a stunning place and so close to Dubrovnik too making it an easy escape for a day!
Wow, it looks beautiful. Croatia is high on our list so I’ll keep this in mind. Maggie
We hope you get over to Croatia soon or at least one of these days! Lokrum is so easy to visit especially if you’ve got the time and want to escape the crowds in Dubrovnik.
I like the words “leave the stresses of the mainland behind” and “slower pace”. We don’t know anything about Game of Thrones – yes, we’re among the few who have never watched it – but the amazing colour of the water and peacocks everywhere makes it sound like an island we wouldn’t mind visiting!
It surprised us how much slower paced the island was considering it is a mere 15 minute ferry ride from the mainland too! I only watched a few Game of Thrones episodes whereas my husband was a BIG GOT fan and I can confidently say it was still cool to see the actual throne used in the show.
I’ve never been to Lokrum Island, but it looks warm, beautiful and tranquil, perfect for a romantic day trip or family day out to escape the crowds in Dubrovnik. As we had a very wet and cold summer here on Ireland’s West Coast, I kept dreaming about visiting such places. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
So glad you enjoyed some armchair travel to Lokrum island via this post. It’s definitely a place that can be both romantic and fun / family-friendly depending on how you chose to spend your time here. Hoping you one day get to experience this magical place firsthand one day!
-Alyssa
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Such an ideal escape from the over-touristed craziness of Dubrovnik 🤣
It absolutely is! Also very surprising there isn’t more commotion on Lokrum considering it is a stones throw from Dubrovnik.