Day Trip From Dubrovnik: Escape to the Tranquility of Lokrum Island
- Amy Leggett
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
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If you are visiting Dubrovnik and are looking for the perfect day trip escape from the city heat and bustling crowds, let me suggest Lokrum Island. Lokrum Island is a nature reserve that is just a quick ferry ride away from the Dubrovnik Old Port, but you will feel like you've been dropped into a magical fairytale world when you enter this lush, car-free oasis. There are so many ways to spend your day on Lokrum Isand and you will have experiences that may just be the highlight of your whole trip!
How to Get to Lokrum Island:
First and foremost is getting there! There are two ways to get to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik. The first (and easiest) way is to take the ferry. The ferry ride is only about 10-15 minutes long, but it is so relaxing and provides such amazing views you will wish it was longer! The ferrys run back and forth to Lokrum Island frequently in high season (approximately every 30 minutes or so). There are no accommodations or overnight stays allowed on the island, so make sure to know when the last ferry leaves Lokrum Island and be on that boat! The time of the last ferry from Lokrum varies based on the time of year, so be sure to check the schedule so you don't get stranded. Unfortunately if you are visiting Dubrovnik between December and March, you will not be able to visit Lokrum Island as it is closed during this period.
You can purchase tickets for the ferry ride in the Dubrovnik Old Port. Look for a sign that says "Lokrum Ferry" to purchase tickets in person (but note it may be marked as "Lokrum Island Tours on Google Maps). You can also purchase tickets on line here. There is usually no need to buy tickets in advance. You can easily purchase on the day you plan to explore Lokrum Island. Ticket prices are currently 30 Euros for adults and 5 Euros for children which includes round trip ferry rides and access to the island.
The other option for getting to Lokrum Island is an organized tour which can also mean a kayak over to the island! Click here for different tour options for getting to Lokrum Island. There is a speciic Game of Thrones themed tour that goes to Lokrum Island if that is up your alley!
What to do on Lokrum Island:
As soon as you get off of the ferry onto Lokrum Island, you will find a map that identifies all of the sites of interest. Be sure to take a look at this to orient yourself before you head off to explore.
We didn't have a specific plan of action when we arrived. We just started exploring! Here is a list of things that we did while on this fantastical island.
Enjoy the peacocks...ALL the peacocks! As we started wandering through the lush green forest, we came upon a couple of peacocks. The male peacock was trying to impress the female peocock, but she was definitely not interested. I started snapping away taking WAY too many pictures (no one needs that many pictures of peacocks). I was trying to get that one perfect picture of the feathers displayed. Little did I know there would be plenty of other photo opportunities becaue there are peacocks ALL over the island. It is like a magical wonderland with these beautiful animals strutting around. Rumor is they were transported here by early visitors from the Canary Islands, but they have clearly thrived in this environment because they rule the roost. Here are just a few of my peacock photos. I really need to clear some out and free up some storage.
She is Not Impressed (But I Was!) 
Stunning Display
Wander the Hiking Trails to See All Sides of Lokrum Island.
Lokrum Island is a lush nature reserve and has a whole network of trails so you can wander around and take in all the beauty it has to offer. You can observe a variety of plants and vegetation, beautiful rocky coastlines, and stunning views of the Dubrovnik coastline from the island, all while getting your daily steps in. The paths were sometimes rocky, but generally easy.
Don't Mind the Peacocks Chattering in the Background
Explore the Ruins of the Benedictine Monastery.
As you wander the trails, you will most definitely come upon the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the Benedictine Monastery. The Monastery was built during medieval times and was occupied by monks until the 17th century when they were forced to leave the island during Napolean's occupation of Croatia. Legend has it that the night before they left they held a ceremony and placed a curse on the island vowing misfortune on anyone who claimed the island for themselves. All of this combines to create a mysterious vibe as soon as you step inside the walls. In addition to the buildings, there are peacocks (of course!) strolling through the gardens inside the walls adding to the beauty.
Breathtaking Ruins
Game of Thrones Filming Sites and the Iron Throne.
There are Game of Thrones filming sites throughout Croatia and Lokrum Island is no exception. Lokrum Island was used as the site for the city of Qarth for you GOT fans. As in Dubrovnik, there are specific Game of Thrones tours on Lokrum that will give you all the inside information. Check out your GOT tour options here. Even if you are not a die hard GOT fan, it is still interesting to visit the GOT mini-museum on Lokrum and take a picture of yourself sitting on the actual Iron Throne (which was gifted to Dubrovnik following filming and they decided to install it on Lokrum Island. A fitting location if you ask me!
Me Feeling Like Queen of the Castle (Watch Out Daenerys!)
Dip Your Toes in the Lokrum "Dead Sea" Lake.
Be sure to make a stop at Mrtvo More (which translates to "Dead Sea") which is located in the center of the island. The small lake got its' name due to the high salt content which creates swimming conditions similar to the Dead Sea (meaning it is easy to float). It has calm waters so is a popular family spot to swim and picnic. If you didn't bring your own picnic grub, there is a cafe-bar located next to the lake to grab drinks and a bite to eat.
Mrtvo More ("Dead Sea" Lake) at Lokrum Island
Jump Off the Rocks and Swim in the Adriatic.
I will admit, I was a bit hesitant to get in the water because we were visiting in early May. A local subsequently told me they go nowhere near the water this early because it is way too cold. However, I really wanted to have this bucket list experience so I put on my big girl panties and took the plunge (literally!). There are several spots around the island to jump in and swim. Just wander around and find a spot you feel comfortable. I chose to stick with the fairly calm water over by the port where the ferry drops visitors off. It is a fairly popular swimming spot because restrooms and cafes are close by. In addition to the cold water issue, walking across the slippery rocks to get to the way in was a little scary as well. But I did it and I am sooooo glqd I did. It was a life experience I will never forget!
My Apprehension About Walking Over Slippery Rocks to Jump in Cold Water
Other Spots to Visit on Lokrum Island.
There are many more sights to see when visiting Lokrum Island. We unfortunately didn't hit them all. There is a Botanical Garden on the Island that is well known for having over 800 species of exotic plants. We saw some of the other gardens on the island, but did not specifically walk through the Botanical Garden. There is also Fort Royal which was built during Napolean's occupation of Croatia in1806 and stands at the island's highest point.. We also didn't cover all of the trails that traverse the island. Despite the fact that we didn't see absolutely everything, I am so glad we visited Lokrum Island because we saw some things (lots of peacocks) and had some experiences (jumping in the Adriatic) that were the highlight of my trip. Here are a few other photos from things we saw during our visit.
Unique Trees Growing on Lokrum Island 
Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Lokrum Island
Tips for Visiting Lokrum Island:
A day trip to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik is a magical experience and one that you will remember for a lifetime. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of your Lokrum Island experience:
Plan for 4-5 hours on the island if you want to see everything and have time to relax and swim. However, ferry's run every half an hour so you can zip over for a shorter visit if that works better for your travel itinerary.
First ferry from Dubrovnik Old Port runs at 9 am. Last ferry during high season is generally at 7 pm, but I would confirm with the current schedule to make sure you do not miss the last boat from the island. As noted above, there are no ferrys from December through March.
There are a couple of places to grab food and/or drinks on the island, but you can bring your own picnic to enjoy at one of the many green open spaces on the island or by the scenic Adriatic.
There are restrooms and running water on the island. You will be able to change into or out of your swimsuit in these facilities.
Don't forget your sunscreen, a towel, and perhaps a sun hat. There is a lot of shade on the island, but also a lot of sun!
Also, if you plan to swim, I recommend water shoes as the shores and water is rocky and can be rough on bare feet.
Don't feed the peacocks, no matter how hard they try to charm you with their feathers.
Final Thoughts on Lokrum Island?
Lokrum Island is one of those places that makes you forget how close you are to civilization. Whether you're into nature, history, swimming or simply escaping he Dubrovnik crowds for a few hours, Lokrum Island delivers all the relaxing vibes you need to recharge. And you get to frolic with peacocks as well!
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