Lokrum

Lying less than a kilometer from Dubrovnik’s Old Town harbor, Lokrum invites day-trippers with its leafy paths and whispered mysteries. Most travelers arrive between late spring and early fall, as ferries run frequently and the Mediterranean sun suits a day outside. Tickets are easy to purchase at the ferry port or online, including entry to Lokrum’s park and monuments. While weekends draw the biggest crowds, on weekdays or late afternoons, trails often feel nearly private. The island remains car-free and wild, so good shoes and a relaxed pace are best. Facilities are basic—expect rustic cafés, shaded benches, and simple bathrooms.

• Best time to visit: May to June or September, for mild weather and thinner crowds. Mornings offer the most peace.
• How to get there: Catch a public ferry from Dubrovnik Old Port (15 minutes). Private boats or kayak tours are also available.
• Accessibility: Paths are uneven in places, with some stairs. Families with strollers or visitors with limited mobility should plan for extra time.
• Average visit duration: 3–5 hours allows for walking, swimming, and exploring main sights.

Lokrum rewards the curious with layers of history and moments of simple pleasure. Monasteries crumble beside lush botanical gardens. Fortress walls guard sweeping sea views. Sunbathers drift in the Dead Sea, while peacocks strut through tangled oak woods. Some corners hum with voices, others whisper with legends of monks and emperors exiled long ago. Cameras and daydreams both find plenty to capture.

• Benedictine Monastery: Ruined cloisters hold centuries of stories and host pop-up Game of Thrones exhibits for fans.
• Fort Royal: Built by Napoleon’s troops, this stone crown at Lokrum’s highest point offers a panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic.
• Botanical Garden: Established in the 19th century, the garden features hundreds of exotic plants among cypress and palm trees.
• The Dead Sea: A natural, salty lagoon ideal for cooling swims, safe for children and non-swimmers.
• Hidden rocky beaches: Climb over sun-warmed boulders to quiet coves perfect for snorkeling or a picnic.
• Wildlife: Peacocks and rabbits roam freely, adding charm and surprises to any stroll.
• Cultural Note: In 1023, Benedictine monks vowed a curse on anyone who took the island from them—a legend still shared by locals.