Just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik's Old Port, Lokrum Island is one of the most rewarding and accessible day trips from the city. A protected nature reserve since 1976, the island offers a peaceful escape from the crowds of the Old Town, with lush subtropical vegetation, fascinating history, and some of the clearest water on the Adriatic coast. If you are planning a bigger day on the water, Lokrum also combines beautifully with a full-day Elaphiti Islands tour. Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect Lokrum day trip.
Lokrum is a small island sitting just 600 metres off the coast of Dubrovnik, making it the closest island to the city and the easiest to reach. Despite its size, it packs in a remarkable amount to explore. The island is covered in dense Mediterranean forest of pine, olive, and laurel trees, and its interior is home to a ruined Benedictine monastery, a beautiful botanical garden, a salt water lake, and a free-roaming colony of peacocks that have made the island their home for generations.
For fans of Game of Thrones, Lokrum holds a special place. The island was used as a filming location for the city of Qarth, visited by Daenerys Targaryen in season two of the series. Several scenes were filmed in the gardens of the former Benedictine monastery, and the botanical garden also featured in the show. A small exhibition inside the monastery complex celebrates this connection, with a replica Iron Throne that makes for a memorable photo opportunity.
Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan, the monastery itself is worth exploring. Founded by Benedictine monks in the 11th century, it was later used as a summer residence by Maximilian I of Mexico, and the gardens he created around it still survive today.
There is more to Lokrum than most visitors expect. Here are the highlights worth seeking out during your day trip:
The official ferry to Lokrum departs from Dubrovnik's Old Port every 30 minutes during the season, typically from April through October. The crossing takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Tickets are purchased at the port and include the island entrance fee. The ferry does not operate in bad weather or during the winter months.
For a more private and flexible experience, you can arrange a private boat rental from Dubrovnik Boat Club, giving you the freedom to arrive and depart at your own schedule. A private boat also allows you to combine the Lokrum visit with a swim stop or a cruise along the city walls from the sea - a perspective on Dubrovnik that is simply not available from land.
Most visitors spend between two and four hours on the island. Half a day is ideal if you want to explore at a relaxed pace, swim, and visit the main sights without rushing.
Yes. There are several rocky swimming spots around the island's coastline, and the Dead Sea saltwater lake is particularly popular for swimming. The water is clear and calm inside the lake.
Yes, Lokrum is a great destination for families. The peacocks, the botanical garden, and the Dead Sea lake are all particularly popular with younger visitors. Life jackets are available if travelling by private boat with Dubrovnik Boat Club.
Absolutely. It is one of the most accessible and rewarding short trips from Dubrovnik, offering a completely different atmosphere from the busy Old Town. The combination of natural beauty, history, and the chance to swim in the Adriatic makes it a highlight of any visit to the region.
