Nature lovers, the majority of visitors, would like a refreshing dip in summer to cool off. And Lokrum offers the perfect opportunity.
Regular boat departures are available from the Dubrovnik Old City harbour, trip duration is 10-15 minutes (see timetable and prices bellow).
The name Lokrum probably comes from the Latin word "acrumen" which means "bitter fruit." Lemons and oranges flourish on Lokrum even today. The sea has defined the island's edge. During the more vioent storms, gusts of wind send waves crashing with great impact on the cliffs of the eastern and southern parts of Lokrum.
Erosin has also led to Lokrum's little natural wonder - the Dead Sea - a pond formed by centuries of storms and the specific formation of the island's rocky shoreline. The sea waves surge along the beach and pour into a deep, rocky cave that is connected by underground channels to the lake.
Dubrovnik Kayaking Tour + Gourmet Lunch On Lokrum Island
If you're an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for exquisite cuisine, the gourmet kayaking tour of Dubrovnik is an adventure you won't want to miss.
Enjoy a unique perspective of the popular Dubrovnik Old Town area – from the water. Discover hidden caves and cliffs that are challenging to access through other means. Take a refreshing swim or try snorkelling, if you desire. Work up an appetite by paddling along the shore before indulging in a mouth-watering lunch of authentic Dalmatian cuisine on Lokrum Island.
Getting to Lokrum Island and ferry prices
Boats regularly depart daily from Dubrovnik's Old Town port and take just 15 minutes to get to Lokrum. Tickets can be bought on the pier in front of the boat. Round-trip ferry tickets are 27€ for adults and 5€ for children.
If you wish to visit the Lokrum Nature Reserve consider purchasing a Dubrovnik Pass because you get 20% discount only with 3-Day Dubrovnik Pass and 30% discount only with 7-Day Dubrovnik Pass.
Lokrum Island Ferry Timetable (valid for 2023)
| Departure from the Old Town Harbour | Return from Island Lokrum |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | - |
| 10:00 | 10:15 |
| 11:00 | 11:15 |
| 12:00 | 12:15 |
| 13:00 | 13:15 |
| 14:00 | 14:15 |
| 15:00 | 15:15 |
| 16:00 | 16:15 |
| 17:00 | 17:15 |
| Last boat | 18:00 |
In a case of bad weather conditions, the boat doesn't operate
Island Lokrum map and points of interest
1. Port Portoč
2. Forest-ranger's house
3. Monastery complex
4. The gardens of Maximilian
5. Rocky beach
6. The Dead Sea
7. The well of Charlotte
7a. Wooden barracks
7b. Outdoor fitness
8. Botanical Garden
9. Chapel of annunciation
10. Olive growe
11. Big water reservoar
12. The path of paradise
13. Fort Royale
14. Little water reservoar
15. The Lazaret
16. Skalica
The history of Lokrum Island
The island was first mentioned in 1023 in a petition from the city Magistrate and Dubrovnik Archbishop Vital to Benedictine Petar requesting that a monastery be founded on Lokrum. In the 11th century a Benedictine monastery was founded, and the city of Dubrovnik gave the monastery the entire island so it could support itself.
It is no coincidence that the monastery is build on the part of Lokrum facing the open sea. Lokrum is situated in such a way that it is a vital strategic point for safeguarding Dubrovnik and its harbor. There was a watchtower on the monastery, and it was the monks' duty to warn Dubrovnik, by smoke signal or bonfire, of boats appearing from threatening directions during times of war or epidemic.
King Richard the Lionheart
Legendary English King Richard the Lionheart passed by Lokrum on his way back after the Third Crusade, and the people of Dubrovnik invited him to visit their city. It was 1192. It seems that the King had had trouble with his fleet on the journey; his ships were almost lost in Ionian Sea during a terrible storm - and Richard Lionhearted swore that if he survived he would build a church at the first place that he set foot on land.
This was on the island of Lokrum. The clever people of Dubrovnik asked for permission to use Richard's funds, intended for building the Lokrum church, to build a cathedral in their city, promising that they would fulfil his oath and see that a church be built on Lokrum, at their own expense. And so it was. The people of Dubrovnik kept thir promise and built the Church of the blessed Virgin on Lokrum.
The curse of Lokrum island
After the devastating earthquake in 1667 the Benedictines were a growing burden to the Republic, so the people of Dubrovnik asked the Pope's permission to sell Lokrum, explaining that the Republic had no more funds to support such institutions. At the turn of the 18th century, from 1800 to 1803 the Dubrovnik government sold Lokrum to private buyers.
In 1806 French soldiers entered the city, and that same year, on Glavica, the highest hill on Lokrum, Fort Royal was built. French Marshall Marmont ended the Dubrovnik Republic in 1808 This was the end of the Dubrovnik Republic.
During the following years, island has changed it's ownership often, but was owned by Austrian Habsburg family for the most of the time. Maximillian Habsburg, future Emperor of Mexico first visited the island as a result of tragic accident, when an explosion had destroyed Triton, the Austrian man-of-war he was on. A cross was raised on the northern part of Lokrum as a memorial.
Maximillian immediatly after the purchase of the island, began building a summer residence on the site of the former Benedictine monastery. In the course of construction many cultural and historical remnants were destroyed, and the interior of the existing monastery was completely altered.
Read more about The Legend of the Lokrum Curse
Lokrum Island, a special reserve of forest vegetation
Lokrum was virtually untouched for centuries. Experts planned its appearance, which you can see at every step of your walk around the island. Mother nature has always reigned supreme here. The only interventions are the trails, and an occasional hedge or stand of trees.
Today, Lokrum is a very popular tourist destination when visiting Dubrovnik, and a special reserve of forest vegetation under the protection of UNESCO. Therefore it is not allowed to endanger the natural and cultural goods on the island. Dogs are not allowed on the island.
Beaches on Lokrum Island
Whole coast of Lokrum island can be considered a beach, it just matters where you can approach the sea, because of the rocky formation. On the south-eastern part of the island, because of the natural shelter, there is a nude beach. If you are not into FKK, then we recommend spending a day at the Dead Sea.
Working Hours
10:00 - 18:00
Features
Visit the Benedictine monastery
Address & contact details
Public institution Lokrum reserve
Street: Od Bosanke 4
Postcode: 20000
City: Dubrovnik
Website: Public institution Lokrum reserve
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
How often does the ferry operate between Dubrovnik and Lokrum?
A scenic 10-15 minute journey aboard the "Skala" or "Zrinski" ferry links Dubrovnik Old Town port with Lokrum Island. Departures occur every 30 minutes from both the Old City port and Lokrum Island for the return trip. The initial departure from the Old Town port is at 9:00, while the last return from Lokrum is at 18:00 (season dependent).
How much is the ferry ticket to Lokrum Island?
A round-trip ticket from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island is 27 Euro per person, children from 5 to 15 years-old pay 5 Euro. This covers both the ferry journey and admission to Lokrum Island. Discount options are available if you purchase the Dubrovnik Card.
Can you swim on Island Lokrum?
take a refreshing dip in the island's tranquil Dead Sea lake. Families with children often find the calm waters of the Dead Sea lake perfect for swimming so it can get quite crowded during summer. Solo travellers and couples can bask in the sun on the rocky shores (many of which provide ladders for easy access).
Keep in mind that the beaches have a rocky terrain, including Sea urchins bellow surface, so consider wearing water shoes.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations on Lokrum Island
Island Lokrum served as the backdrop for Qarth and Daenerys' encounter with the Spice King. Read more about all Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik.
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