Lokrum island is one the most beautiful and magic places in Croatia. Located near Dubrovnik city, Lokrum island covers the territory of about 2 hectors and remains of the most popular destinations in Croatia.

Lokrum is a beautiful island located near Dubrovnik, Croatia, and offers a variety of activities for visitors. Here is a list of things to do in Lokrum:

• Explore the Botanical Garden: Lokrum Island has a beautiful botanical garden that features a wide variety of Mediterranean plants, including cacti and palm trees.
• Visit the Fort Royal Castle: This historical fortress was built during the Napoleonic Wars and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Swim in the Dead Sea: Lokrum Island has a small saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea, which is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
• Walk along the hiking trails: The island has several hiking trails that lead visitors through the beautiful forests and scenic areas.
• Sunbathe on the beaches: Lokrum Island has several beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear water.
• Visit the Benedictine Monastery: This monastery was built in the 11th century and has a rich history. Today, it houses a museum and a restaurant.
• Take a boat trip: Visitors can take a boat trip to the nearby Elafiti Islands, which offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
• Go kayaking or paddleboarding: Lokrum Island is a great place to try out water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
• Explore the underwater world: Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in Lokrum Island, where you can see colorful fish and other marine life.
• Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere: Lokrum Island is a tranquil and peaceful place, perfect for those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

From the history of Lokrum island

There is an interesting story connected with building of a monastery on the territory of Lokrum Island. At the beginning of XI century almost all of the buildings in the city of Dubrovnik were made of wood. One day a fire destroyed a huge number of buildings in the city. This sad event happened on the day of St Benedict and people believe there is a mystery in this. The citizens of Dubrovnik stopped the fire and built St Maria Church to commemorate this victory. In 1023 they built a church on Lokrum island, which is 700 meters from the shore.

Another legend says in 1192 after the crush of the ship Richard the Lion’s Heart arrived to Lokrum island. He made a vow to erect a church on Lokrum island, if he will be safe after the crush. But people of Dubrovnik persuaded him to build the church in the city instead.

Later Lokrum island was ceased by French Army under the guidance of Napoleon. French liked this place, except for the monastery and ordered to destroy it. Military fortress on the highest point of the island was installed instead.

Benedictions, who lived in the monastery peacefully accepted the fact that they had to leave. They spent their last days in Lokrum in the monastery. the legend says before the monks left the island they put a spell on it. They walked along the seaside three times with turned down burning candles, praying and sending spells. The wax was falling down on the ground, doomed for being abandoned place. In 1789 the last Benediction left the territory of island.

In few years, on the territory of Lokrum island Fort Royal was built, and it is well preserved till our days. The next three owners of the island died in unnatural way – one jumped out of the window, the second one drawn and the third one was killed by his own servant. Later captain Tomashevich came to Lokrum but got broken and had to sell the island and also left.

The next owner of Lokrum island was Maximilian Habsburg, from Austria. He arranged summer residence and botanic garden with peacocks on the territory of Lokrum island. Even though he invested in the island, he did not live there. He was the governor in Mexico, but did not please to republicans and got shot.

Then it was the turn of Doctor in Law Yakopovich, who arrived to Lokrum island from Budapest. His fate was not a happy one as well, as he was caught for swindle and thrown to the prison. A boat with his only successor drawn on the way to Lokrum during storm.

Today the island belongs to the state of Croatia and there is no sign of any spell left by Benedictions.

How to get to Lokrum island

To get to Lokrum Island, you will need to take a ferry or boat from Dubrovnik. Here are some options:

1. Lokrum Island Ferry: The Lokrum Island ferry operates every half an hour during the day from the old town port in Dubrovnik. The journey takes around 15 minutes and costs around 150 HRK (approx. $23 USD) for a round-trip ticket.
2. Private Boat: You can also hire a private boat to take you to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik. This can be a great option if you want more flexibility in terms of timing or want to explore the island at your own pace.
3. Group Tours: Many tour companies in Dubrovnik offer guided tours to Lokrum Island. These tours usually include round-trip transportation and may also include activities such as snorkeling or hiking.

No matter which option you choose, be sure to check the ferry or tour schedule in advance to ensure that you have enough time to explore the island.

What to see in Lokrum island

Franciscan Monastery built in the 15th century is well preserved and you can enter the territory to walk in the garden and feel the atmosphere of that period of time.

Botanical garden with lots of exotic plants from South America and Australia is an interesting place to visit in Lokrum.

Amazing collection of exotic plants and trees was gathered thanks to Maximilian of Habsburg, brother of the Austrian Emperor Francis Joseph I, while Lokrum island was in his ownership.

This Croatian island is for nature-lovers, offering beautiful sea views and tranquil rest.

When arriving to the territory of the island you will be met by local inhabitants – peacocks. They live here from the times of Maximilian, and are not afraid of people and are very friendly.

Fort Royal Castle was built by French after the island was seized by the Army of Napoleon.

The Fort was erected in 1806 instead of the monastery, on the highest point of Lokrum island.

The height of the Fort Royal is 91 m, opening a magnificent view over the island and the city of Dubrovnik.

See more of Croatia and visit Plitvice Lakes

Dead lake (Mrtvo More) is in the southern part of the island and is linked with the sea.

The water in the Dead lake is salt, since the lake is connected with the sea.

This is favorite place of peacocks living on the territory of Lokrum island. The lake is rather small in size.

You can swim in the lake enjoying crystal clean water, surrounded with rocks and forest. The depth of the salt lake is about 10m.

In the South eastern part of Lokrum island there is Nudist beach. 

Also, you will find a nice restaurant on the territory of former monastery.

Discover Krka National Park of Croatia

Being a nature reserve Lokrum island is under strict supervision, thus it is not allowed to stay overnight.

There are no hotels and no shops there. All the tourists should note that, the last ferry leaves about 5pm, but exact schedule is to be checked at the tourist information box.

Why Lokrum is worth visiting

Lokrum Island is worth visiting for many reasons. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider a visit:

• Natural Beauty: Lokrum Island is a beautiful natural paradise with crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and stunning views. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.
• Rich History: Lokrum Island has a rich history dating back to the 11th century when a Benedictine monastery was established on the island. There are also several historical landmarks on the island, such as the Fort Royal Castle, which was built during the Napoleonic Wars.
• Activities: There are plenty of activities to do on Lokrum Island, including swimming, sunbathing, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Visitors can also explore the botanical garden, visit the museum, or take a boat trip to nearby islands.
• Accessibility: Lokrum Island is easily accessible from Dubrovnik, with regular ferries and boat trips available throughout the day. It is a convenient and affordable day trip for visitors to Dubrovnik.
• Unique Attractions: Lokrum Island has some unique attractions that make it stand out from other Croatian islands. For example, the Dead Sea, a small saltwater lake on the island, is perfect for swimming and relaxing. The island is also home to a colony of peacocks, which roam freely throughout the island and make for great photo opportunities.

Overall, Lokrum Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Dubrovnik, making it well worth a visit.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Lokrum island?

Located just a short boat ride away from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is a beautiful nature reserve and popular tourist attraction. But do you need to book in advance to visit Lokrum Island? Let’s explore the options.

Firstly, it’s important to note that Lokrum Island is a protected area, and as such, the number of visitors allowed on the island at any given time is limited. During peak tourist season, the island can get very busy, with many people wanting to explore the beautiful landscapes and historic ruins. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to book your visit in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the summer months.

So, how do you book in advance to visit Lokrum Island? There are a few different options available to you. One of the easiest ways to book your visit is to book a tour with a local travel agency. There are many travel agencies in Dubrovnik that offer day trips to Lokrum Island, and they will take care of all the details for you. This can be a convenient option if you’re short on time or don’t want to worry about logistics.

Another option is to book your tickets directly through the Lokrum Island website. The website offers online ticket sales, and you can choose your date and time of visit. This can be a good option if you want to have more control over your visit and don’t want to be part of a tour group.

If you don’t book in advance, it’s still possible to visit Lokrum Island, but you may have to wait in line to purchase your tickets. During peak tourist season, the lines can be quite long, and there’s a chance that you may not be able to get tickets for your desired trip.

What is the best season to visit Lokrum island, Croatia

The best season to visit Lokrum island in Croatia is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is perfect for swimming. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, you may consider visiting in May or September when the weather is still pleasant but the island is less crowded.

Do you have to pay to enter Lokrum island?

There is an entrance fee to visit Lokrum island. The fee varies depending on the season and can be paid at the entrance to the island.

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