Just a ten-minute boat ride from the stone ramparts of Dubrovnik lies Lokrum Island, a serene, forest-covered paradise shimmering in the blue Adriatic. Known locally as Otok Lokrum Dubrovnik, this emerald escape is a world away from the bustling Old Town—yet astonishingly close. With its pine forests, botanical gardens, peacocks roaming freely, ancient monastery ruins, rocky sun-soaked beaches, and still, glassy lagoons, Lokrum Island Dubrovnik Croatia – an amazing day trip from Dubrovnik.
Whether you’re drawn to the island’s crystal-clear swimming spots, its Game of Thrones filming locations, or its mysterious thousand-year-old history, Lokrum Island promises a day of pure tranquility and beauty—an oasis that lingers in your memory long after the ferry returns you to Dubrovnik.
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How to Get to Lokrum Island Dubrovnik
Table of Contents
Getting to Lokrum Island is simple. From the Old Port — the picturesque harbor tucked beneath Dubrovnik’s ancient walls — boats depart regularly throughout the day. The Lokrum Island ferry, glides across the turquoise water, delivering visitors straight to the island’s shaded entrance pathway. Boats run every 20–30 minutes during the main season, and the trip across the shimmering channel takes only 10 minutes.
The ferry runs roughly every half hour from April through November, with departures beginning around 9 a.m. and continuing until late afternoon or early evening depending on the season. The cost of Croatia tourist attractions can get expensive but visiting Lokrum is definitely worth it. A round-trip ticket typically costs €27–€33, and this price includes the mandatory Lokrum nature reserve entrance fee. Tickets can be purchased at the Old Port’s kiosk, where signs for ferry Dubrovnik to Lokrum, Lokrum ferry tickets, and Lokrum island ferry are easy to spot.
Taxi boats also operate for visitors seeking more flexibility, while adventurous travelers sometimes choose to kayak from Dubrovnik to Lokrum, gliding past the city walls before landing on the island’s rocky shore.
2026 Lokrum Island Ferry Price
A round-trip ferry ticket (which also includes the mandatory nature reserve entry fee) costs:
- €27–€33 per adult
- Student discounts available
- Children under 5 travel free
Tickets can be purchased directly at the Old Port ticket booth. This combined ticket covers both transportation and entrance to the protected Lokrum Reserve—a requirement for every visitor.
Read next: Is the Dubrovnik City Card Worth it?
Best Time to Visit Lokrum Island
Best time:
July–August: Gorgeous but hot and busy—go early.
May–June: Warm weather, fewer crowds.
September–October: Amazing swimming, calmer, cheaper.
Read next: Best things to do in Dubrovnik
The Atmosphere of Lokrum Island: Where Time Slows Down
Stepping off the ferry onto Lokrum feels like entering a quieter world. The air changes first—cooler, scented with pine needles, cypress resin, and wild herbs warmed by the sun. The sounds of Dubrovnik fade into the distance as soft waves whisper against the rocks. Lokrum has no cars, no roads, no hotels—only stone paths winding through a shaded Mediterranean forest alive with birdsong.
Peacocks strut through the gardens, their jewel-bright feathers catching sunlight, while friendly rabbits dart between bushes. These peacocks, introduced in the 19th century by Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg, give Lokrum its nickname: Peacock Island Dubrovnik.
Everywhere you look, the Adriatic shines. Lokrum’s coast is rugged, carved into natural terraces where travelers stretch out on warm stone to sunbathe or slip into the sea. The water here is strikingly clear — a shade of blue so pure it feels almost unreal — making the island a favorite swimming destination among locals.
Read Next: What to do in Dubrovnik in the Winter
A Short But Rich History of Lokrum Island
Lokrum’s history stretches back more than 1,000 years. In 1023, after a great fire threatened Dubrovnik, the city vowed to build a monastery as thanks for its salvation. The Benedictine monks chosen for the task made Lokrum their home, cultivating vineyards, olive groves, and medicinal gardens. Their presence shaped the island into a place of prayer, quiet contemplation, and agricultural abundance.
Over centuries, the monastery grew into a complex of stone cloisters and terraced gardens. Yet Lokrum is also known for its enduring legend: the Lokrum Curse. When the monks were expelled in the 18th century, they are said to have circled the island at midnight with candles upside down, cursing anyone who tried to claim Lokrum for personal gain. According to local stories, many noble families who attempted to own the island afterward fell to misfortune—adding an air of mystique that persists today.
In the 19th century, Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg purchased the island and transformed it into a botanical wonderland. He brought exotic plants from around the world, released peacocks from the Canary Islands, and renovated the monastery into an imperial retreat. The island’s Botanical Garden, sunlit terraces, and elegant walking paths are largely his legacy.
Today, Lokrum is a protected nature reserve, preserving its tranquility and forbidding any overnight stays. Visitors must leave by the final ferry—an echo, perhaps, of the old monk’s curse.
Things to do on Lokrum Island Dubrovnik
Exploring Lokrum is like wandering through a living painting. Every path seems to lead somewhere beautiful — a hidden viewpoint, a shady grove, or a dramatic rocky coastline where waves crash gently against the stone.
One of the most enchanting places to begin is the Benedictine Monastery, where cloisters frame a quiet garden and the past lingers in every shadow. Here, the stone walls hold centuries of stories, from monastic life to Habsburg luxury. Today the monastery houses cultural exhibits and the island’s Game of Thrones Museum, where visitors can sit on a replica Iron Throne — a nod to the scenes filmed here when Lokrum stood in for Qarth.
1. Explore the Benedictine Monastery
Lokrum’s monastery is the island’s soul—a peaceful stone complex surrounded by gardens and framed by archways. Soft light spills across ancient walls, peacocks wander through the cloisters, and the entire space feels suspended in time. Visitors can explore the ruins, walk through shaded courtyards, and enjoy cultural exhibits inside the restored rooms.
2. Visit the Lokrum Island Game of Thrones Museum & Iron Throne
For fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones, Lokrum was used as a filming location for Qarth. Several key scenes featuring Daenerys were shot in the monastery gardens. Inside the museum, visitors can sit on an official Iron Throne replica, a highlight for anyone following Dubrovnik’s GOT filming trail.
Scenes filmed here include:
- Daenerys visiting the Qarth gardens
- Encounters with the Thirteen
- Courtyard diplomacy scenes
Read next: Guide to Game of Throne Filming locations in Dubrovnik
3. Wander Through the Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a lush, dreamlike space filled with eucalyptus trees, palms, agaves, and species brought from Australia, South America, and the Mediterranean. Sunlight filters through tall leaves while rare plants from Maximilian’s 19th-century collection flourish in the warm island microclimate.
4. Swim in the Lokrum Island Dead Sea Lagoon – Croatia’s Hidden Gem
For swimming, nothing compares to Lokrum’s Dead Sea lagoon, a small salt-filled lake hidden within the island’s rocky interior. Sheltered from the wind and warmed by the sun, its still waters are ideal for floating lazily while admiring the cliffs around you.
The nearby Adriatic coast offers a more dramatic swimming experience, with stone terraces leading straight into deep, clear water. The island’s designated FKK beach is tucked along a more secluded section of coast, offering naturists a quiet retreat.
5. Enjoy Lokrum’s Beaches
Lokrum has no sand—only natural rock terraces warmed by the sun and kissed by astonishingly clear sea. Swimmers step directly into deep blue water where visibility extends meters below the surface.
For those seeking privacy, the island’s FKK (naturist) beach is tucked away on a quiet part of the coast, offering seclusion and perfect swimming conditions.
6. Climb Fort Royal for the Best Views of Dubrovnik
A gentle uphill walk through pine forests leads to Fort Royal, a circular stone fortress on Lokrum’s highest point. From its ramparts, the panorama is breathtaking: Dubrovnik’s red rooftops, the glittering Adriatic, and nearby islands stretching toward the horizon.
7. The Olive Grove Walk
A peaceful path winds through Lokrum’s ancient olive grove—vast, silvery leaves shimmering under the sun. This is one of the quietest places on the island, perfect for photography, meditation, or slow scenic strolling.
8. The Cross of Triton Viewpoint
Near the southern cliffs stands a beautiful stone monument known as the Cross of Triton. From here, the views of Lokrum’s jagged coastline are spectacular, especially at golden hour.
9. Hidden Natural Pools Along the Rocks
Beyond the main beaches, Lokrum has small natural sea pools carved into the rocks. When the tide is right, the water warms and creates calm little basins—amazing for relaxing, floating, and photos.
10. Cliff Jumping Spots (Small Heights)
While Lokrum doesn’t have extreme cliff jumps like Buža Bar, some safe 1–2 meter jumping spots exist near the rocky shoreline. These are ideal for adventurous swimmers.
11. Photography Hotspots
Lokrum is one of the most photogenic places near Dubrovnik. Popular spots include:
- Monastery archways
- The Iron Throne
- Rocky beach platforms
- Peacocks in the botanical garden
- The Dead Sea lagoon from above
- Fort Royal panorama
12. Wildflower Meadows (Spring Only)
In April and May, Lokrum bursts into color—wildflowers blanket the forest floor, filling paths with purples, reds, yellows, and delicate white blooms.
13. Kayaking to Lokrum
If you don’t want to take the ferry, you can kayak from Dubrovnik to Lokrum as part of a guided excursion. You paddle beneath the city walls, cross the channel, and explore sea caves on the island’s western edge.
14. Snorkeling on Lokrum Island
Snorkeling on Lokrum is one of the most refreshing ways to experience the island’s untouched coastline. The waters surrounding Lokrum are famously clear, with visibility often stretching 20–30 meters on calm days. Because the island is a protected nature reserve, marine life thrives here—expect to see schools of shimmering silverfish, curious wrasse, sea cucumbers, starfish, and the occasional octopus hiding between rocks.
The best snorkeling spots are around the rocky southern shores, where stone platforms provide easy access into the water. Bring water shoes; Lokrum has no sandy beaches, and the rock shelves can be sharp. The water is calmest in the morning, and this is also when marine life is most active. You don’t need a guide—just a mask, snorkel, and fins—but if you prefer, local vendors in Dubrovnik offer snorkeling tours that include a stop at Lokrum.
Book a kayak and snorkeling tour.
15. Lokrum’s Sea Caves
Lokrum’s sea caves are among the island’s most dramatic hidden features. Carved over centuries by waves and wind, they form natural arches and echoing chambers where sunlight filters through openings in the rock, creating blue and green reflections in the water.
Adventurous travelers often swim or snorkel near the entrances, where the underwater rock formations become even more impressive. The caves near the southern cliffs are the most striking, but they’re also the most exposed to waves—so visit only when the sea is calm. Paddleboards and kayaks from Dubrovnik often make their way to Lokrum to explore these caves up close (usually €35–€45 for rentals), making this one of the best ways to experience the island’s raw, untouched nature.
Check here for paddleboard rentals.
16. Hiking on Lokrum Island
Hiking on Lokrum is one of the best ways to experience the island’s wild, untouched charm. The trails here are easy to moderate, making them perfect for casual walkers as well as nature lovers who want to explore deeper into the forested interior.
One of the most rewarding hikes is the climb to Fort Royal, a 19th-century star-shaped fortress built during the French occupation under Napoleon. The walk takes around 20–30 minutes uphill. The panoramic view from the top is worth every step—gaze out over Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops, the shimmering Adriatic, and the rugged cliffs of the mainland coastline.
See the Famous Lokrum Peacocks
One of the most magical and unexpected experiences on Lokrum Island is encountering its famous peacocks, which roam freely throughout the pine forests, monastery gardens, and shaded walking paths.
These vibrant blue-and-green birds were introduced to Lokrum centuries ago by the Austrian archduke Maximilian and have since become one of the island’s most beloved symbols. The peacocks are used to visitors and often wander close enough for fantastic photos—just be sure to admire them respectfully and avoid feeding them.
Lokrum Island Restaurants
Lokrum has several casual cafés and a main dining spot, Restaurant Lokrum Dubrovnik, located near the monastery. Shade from towering pines keeps the air cool, and peacocks occasionally wander past tables. Expect simple Mediterranean dishes—fresh salads, seafood, risotto, pasta—along with cold drinks and local wine.
Typical Prices
- Coffee €3–€4
- Beverages €3–€5
- Beer €6–€7
- Salads €12–€16
- Pasta €14–€18
- Seafood €18–€28
Visitors may also bring picnics, making Lokrum a perfect place for a slow, sunlit lunch beside the sea.
Lokrum Island Costs
The primary cost is the Lokrum Island ferry price, which includes both transport and entry to the Lokrum nature reserve.
- €27–€33 for adults
- Children under 5 free
- Travel time: 10 minutes
- Boats run every 20–30 minutes
There are no hotels and no overnight stays permitted on Lokrum. The island is open April through November, depending on weather. Toilets, cafés, and shaded resting areas are available throughout the main visitor zone.
Lokrum Island Practical Tips
1. Bring Water Shoes
Lokrum’s coastline is rocky. Water shoes make entering and exiting the sea much easier and more comfortable.
2. Bring Cash or Card
Restaurants accept card, but small kiosks sometimes have minimum purchase requirements.
3. Beware of Curious Peacocks
They WILL try to steal your food. Don’t leave snacks unattended.
4. Follow the Ferry Schedule Carefully
The last boat leaves in the late afternoon, and you cannot stay overnight. Rangers sweep the island to ensure everyone leaves.
5. Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day in Summer
Shade is plentiful, but walking to the fort or beaches can be intense in July/August. Morning and late afternoon are ideal.
6. Wear Good Shoes
Paths are uneven in some areas, especially the ascent to Fort Royal.
7. Don’t Expect Sand
There are no sandy beaches—just rocky platforms and steps into the sea.
Who Is Lokrum Best For?
Lokrum is perfect for:
✔ Nature lovers
✔ Couples
✔ Families
✔ Game of Thrones fans
✔ Swimmers & snorkelers
✔ Anyone wanting a break from Dubrovnik crowds
Not ideal for:
✘ People who prefer sandy beaches
✘ Those needing full facilities everywhere
✘ Travelers with mobility issues (uneven terrain)
FAQs About Lokrum Island Dubrovnik
Is Lokrum Island worth visiting?
Yes—Lokrum is one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful natural treasures, ideal for swimming, relaxing, exploring gardens, and escaping crowds.
Can you stay overnight on Lokrum?
No, overnight stays are prohibited.
How long do you need on Lokrum?
Most visitors stay 3–5 hours, though many remain all day.
Are there beaches on Lokrum?
Yes—rocky terraces, stunning deep-water swimming areas, and a secluded FKK beach.
Is Lokrum good for kids?
Very. The Dead Sea lagoon is especially family-friendly.
What’s the best time to visit?
Mornings are peaceful; afternoons are perfect for swimming.
How do you get to Lokrum?
Take the Dubrovnik Lokrum ferry from Old Port. You cannot walk or drive.
Is Lokrum part of Game of Thrones?
Yes—Lokrum served as Qarth, and you can sit on the Iron Throne inside the monastery museum.
Why Lokrum Island Should be on Every Dubrovnik Itinerary
If Dubrovnik is the pearl of the Adriatic, then Lokrum Island is its emerald heart—green, calm, and full of quiet magic. It is close enough for a spontaneous morning swim yet wild enough to feel like a forgotten paradise. With its pristine beaches, shimmering sea, botanical beauty, rich history, monastery ruins, and Game of Thrones mystique, Lokrum offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Croatia.
Whether you spend an hour or the whole day, you leave Lokrum feeling lighter, calmer, and deeply connected to the Adriatic. It is easily one of the best islands near Dubrovnik and should be included on every traveler’s itinerary.
