A forested island situated 600 metres from the old town of Dubrovnik, Lokrum is a nature reserve accessible by ferry from the Old Harbour. Nicknamed "the peacock island", it combines medieval ruins, a 19th-century botanical garden and rocky coves overlooking the Adriatic.

Why visit Lokrum

Lokrum offers an immediate counterpoint to the bustle of the old town. The crossing takes about ten minutes, yet the contrast is striking: a forest of holm oaks, shaded paths, Benedictine ruins and rocky bathing areas replace the cobbled streets and fortifications. The island is compact enough to explore in half a day, while concentrating a remarkable number of attractions across just a few hectares.

Its management by the Public Institution of Lokrum Special Forestry Reserve guarantees a preserved setting, with semi-wild fauna (peacocks, rabbits) and dense Mediterranean vegetation. It is also a stop for fans of the Game of Thrones series, several scenes of which were filmed here.

The island's history

The earliest written records of Lokrum date to 1023, when a Benedictine abbey and monastery were established. According to a persistent legend, Richard the Lionheart reportedly shipwrecked off the island in 1192, returning from the Third Crusade, and vowed to build a church there if he survived. The Republic of Ragusa, mindful of its diplomatic balance with Venice, eventually convinced him to erect the building in Dubrovnik instead.

The Benedictines remained for nearly eight centuries, until their expulsion by French forces in 1808. In the following century, the island changed hands: in 1859, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, future emperor of Mexico, purchased it to make it a summer residence. He converted the monastic ruins into a castle, created a botanical garden and introduced the peacocks that still inhabit the island.

Lokrum was designated a nature reserve in 1976, which froze further development and protected its vegetation.

What to see and do on Lokrum

The Benedictine monastery and Game of Thrones exhibition

The historical heart of the island is dominated by the ruins of the medieval monastery, whose cloisters are open to visitors. The visitor centre houses a Game of Thrones exhibition featuring a full-size replica of the Iron Throne, where you can sit.

The botanical garden

Initiated by Maximilian, the botanical garden features exotic and subtropical species acclimatised to the Mediterranean climate: palms, eucalyptus, agaves, cacti. The walk is shaded and flat.

Mrtvo More, the "Dead Sea"

On the south of the island, Mrtvo More is a small saltwater lake connected to the sea by underground channels. The water is calm, shallow and warmer than the open sea, making it a bathing area suitable for families with children.

Fort Royal

Built by the French in the early 19th century at the island's highest point, Fort Royal (or Fort Charlotte) is reached by a short marked path. From the summit, the view extends across the Adriatic Sea and over the walls of Dubrovnik.

Free-roaming wildlife

Peacocks introduced by Maximilian and their descendants roam freely, as do rabbits. They readily approach visitors in picnic areas and around the monastery.

Coves, kayaking and naturist area

Lokrum has no sandy beach but a succession of rocky coves, some equipped with ladders, others completely wild. A tour of the island by kayak departing from Dubrovnik is a popular option for discovering cliffs and coastal caves. The FKK Rocks zone, on the south-east coast, is officially dedicated to naturism.

Hiking trails

A network of maintained trails crosses dense forest of holm oaks, Aleppo pines and laurels. Loops are short (one to two hours) and allow you to link the main points of interest.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: half a day is enough for the essentials; allow a full day to enjoy bathing and trails.
• Food and drink: a few catering points on the island offer meals and refreshments. Picnicking is allowed.
• Equipment: closed shoes for trails and Fort Royal, water shoes useful for rocky coves.
• Management: access and conservation are managed by the Public Institution of Lokrum Special Forestry Reserve.

When to go

The ferry service operates from April to November and is suspended between December and March. High season (July-August) sees the most visitors; May, June, September and early October offer a better balance between temperatures, crowds and ferry reliability. Swimming remains pleasant until October.

How to get there

Access is by ferry from Dubrovnik's Old Harbour. The crossing takes about ten minutes and the boat docks at Portoc, on the island's east coast. Departures are frequent in season, from morning until early evening. Tickets, purchased directly at the port kiosk, include access to the nature reserve; advance booking is not necessary outside peak periods.

An alternative is to reach the island by kayak or as part of an organised excursion from Dubrovnik, a formula that typically combines the crossing and free time on the island.

What to see nearby

Lokrum is best visited as a complement to a stay in Dubrovnik and its walls. On the Dalmatian coast, visitors often continue to the Palace of Diocletian in Split or to Blaca Hermitage on the island of Brač. Further north, the Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč and Zagreb Cathedral complete a heritage itinerary across the country.

FAQ about Lokrum

Plan your trip

Lokrum fits naturally into an itinerary in South Dalmatia. To build a tailor-made itinerary including Dubrovnik and nearby islands, consult our Croatia travel packages.