Lokrum Island is located a boat ride of just a few minutes from the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
But it’s not just the island’s proximity to Dubrovnik that makes it a popular choice for a day trip. Lokrum is so appealing to locals and tourists alike because it is breathtakingly beautiful and serene.
Fertile Land and Lush Flora on Lokrum Island
The entire island is covered in fertile land and lush flora; pine, cypress, and olive trees provide a perfect shade during the sweltering summer days. The chirping of crickets and birds singing sounds almost like a lullaby carrying you off to a long desired nap.
Although Lokrum is a relatively small island (0,694 km2), it hides many exciting stories, legends, and curious places to visit. Tiny coves, rocky beaches, and pine trees surround the whole island.
With every step, you will find something fascinating: the ruins of a medieval monastery, water fountains, beautiful gardens, rabbits running freely around the whole island, or peacocks prancing and flirting for food. And it’s a perfect location for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sunset with your loved ones.
(On that note, we suggest you check out our magical Dubrovnik Sunset Boat Tour.)
Lokrum: A Paradise Steeped in Legend
There are several interesting stories about Lokrum island. Legend has it that in 1192, caught by a storm on his return from the Third Crusade, the King of England, Richard the Lionheart decided to land here.
There is another darker legend related to Lokrum Island. In 1023, Benedictine monks (also named ‘Black Monks’ after their black robes) founded the abbey of St. Mary on Lokrum and lived there for almost seven centuries.
After an enormous earthquake in 1667, the officials of the Dubrovnik Republic turned to the Benedictines, asking for money, which they did not have. So, the officials decided to banish the monks from the island.
Before their departure, the monks performed a procession in the middle of the night. Holding the candles upside down and chanting, they circled the island three times, putting a curse on anyone who wanted to own the island.
The island is crisscrossed with walking paths, and you can comfortably go sightseeing on foot. When you visit the Austrian Archduke Maximilian’s Botanical Gardens, you will realize why in 1963, Lokrum island was proclaimed a special reserve of forest vegetation.
Historian enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Fort Royal and the remains of the Benedictine monastery: locations that tell the story of the island’s past.
Mrtvo More: Lokrum’s ‘Dead Sea’
For natural wonders, be sure to visit Lokrum’s ‘Dead Sea.’ This lake in the center of the island earned its nickname as its water has a high salt content and provides swimming conditions similar to the Dead Sea. Its local name is Mrtvo. This is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy time in the water.
Fans of Game of Thrones series can visit the island’s GOT Museum. Lokrum doubled as the city of Qarth in the popular fantasy series.
There are so many things to do and see on Lokrum island, and we wholeheartedly recommend visiting it.
If you want to explore islands during your stay in Dubrovnik, explore our range of Private Boat Tours in Dubrovnik. To visit Lokrum, consider using our Transfers by Speed Boat from Dubrovnik.
And if you’re looking for more great activities in Dubrovnik itself, check out our Dubrovnik land tours. If you have any questions about our tours and services, please get in touch.
