Lokrum island: peacocks, ruins, and a Dead Sea lake

A fifteen-minute crossing to another world

From the Old Port, the small ferry to Lokrum takes just 15 minutes — but the contrast with the Dubrovnik you left behind could not be sharper. No cars, no cruise ships, no Stradun crowds. Instead: dense Mediterranean forest of Aleppo pine and holm oak, paths winding between centuries-old stone walls, a ruined Benedictine monastery at the island’s heart, and peacocks wandering free among the ruins with the absolute confidence of creatures who know they are not going to be moved on.

Lokrum is a protected nature reserve and the only people allowed to sleep here are the rangers who maintain it. That means the island empties in the evening — the last ferry back to Dubrovnik departs around sunset — and for a few hours after the final morning boat arrives, before the crowds build in midday, it is one of the most serene places in South Dalmatia.

What makes Lokrum special

The island’s appeal is layered. For history: the Benedictine monastery founded here in the 11th century, suppressed by Napoleon’s forces in 1798, and partially converted into a summer palace by the Habsburg Archduke Maximilian in the 1850s, leaving behind an ornate formal garden of exotic plants. For nature: the nature reserve designation protects the forest and coastline, and the botanical garden in the monastery grounds contains species from across the Mediterranean and subtropics. For swimming: the rocky shoreline has several good spots, and the Dead Sea lake (Mrtvo more, a saltwater lake connected to the sea by underground channels) allows floating in unusually dense, warm water in a sheltered inland setting.

For a particular subset of visitors: the Iron Throne replica in the monastery cloister, placed here by the show’s producers and maintained as a visitor attraction since the series used the island as a filming location for Qarth in season two.

Top things to do

Walk the Benedictine monastery ruins

The monastery of St Mary was established in 1023 and remained active for nearly eight centuries before Napoleon’s dissolution of Croatian monasteries ended monastic life here. The ruins are extensive and well-maintained: a church, cloisters, chapter house, and the subtropical garden planted by Archduke Maximilian, who used the monastery buildings as a summer villa. Peacocks nest freely in the cloisters and surrounding gardens — do not feed them, but do not expect them to step aside for you either.

The iron throne prop sits in the cloister and is free to photograph; queues form in high season but move quickly.

Find the Dead Sea lake

Mrtvo more (“Dead Sea” in Croatian) is a tidal saltwater lake in the middle of the island, connected to the Adriatic by underwater rock channels. The buoyancy is noticeably higher than the open sea, the water warms up considerably by midsummer, and the enclosed setting — ringed by low rocks and pine forest — is one of the most unusual swimming spots in Croatia. It is well-signposted from the main ferry landing; the walk takes about 15 minutes through the forest.

The lake gets crowded in peak July–August afternoons. Arrive on the first or second morning ferry for a calmer experience.

Swim from the rocky shores

The southern and eastern coastlines of Lokrum have multiple swimming spots accessible via the marked paths. The rocks are flat in places, the water is exceptionally clear, and the absence of beach bars and sun-lounger concessions means these spots retain a genuinely wild character. Bring your own water and snacks — the only food and drink concession on the island is at the monastery area and is not always reliably stocked.

Explore with a guided tour

The Lokrum and Betina Cave boat tour combines the island with a visit to Betina Cave, a sea cave accessible only by boat on the island’s southern coast. It is the most thorough way to see Lokrum’s coastal scenery, including sections of cliff and cave that are completely invisible from the walking paths inland.

For a more relaxed half-day, the Lokrum picnic walk includes a guided walk through the nature reserve with a picnic lunch — a good option for families or anyone who prefers a bit of structure to their exploration.

Visit on a private boat tour

The private Lokrum and Betina Cave boat trip is the premium option: a small-group or private charter that allows you to set your own pace, choose your swimming stops, and approach the island from the sea rather than the standard ferry landing. The cave visit is particularly impressive on a calm day when the light penetrates the entrance.

Combine with a Game of Thrones tour

The Original GoT and Lokrum tour (based from Dubrovnik) combines the main filming locations in the Old Town with the ferry to Lokrum and the monastery sites — efficient if you want to cover the Game of Thrones connection across both the Old Town and the island in a single guided experience. The cloister at Lokrum stood in for the House of the Undying in Qarth; several Old Town locations feature in the tour’s mainland segment. See our full Game of Thrones locations guide.

The legend of Lokrum’s curse

No guide to Lokrum is complete without its most famous story. When Napoleon dissolved the monastery in 1798, the monks processed around the island by candlelight, supposedly cursing anyone who tried to use the island for personal pleasure. Archduke Maximilian, who built his summer palace here in the 1860s, was later shot by firing squad in Mexico. A subsequent owner lost his fortune. The Austro-Hungarian navy used the island for a time; various subsequent stewards reportedly met misfortune. The rangers today treat the story with good humour, but the legend is an unavoidable part of any visit.

Where to eat on Lokrum

There is one small cafe-restaurant on the island, near the monastery, serving basic food and drinks in peak season. Do not expect much beyond drinks, ice cream, and simple snacks. Bring your own lunch if you plan a full half-day — the island is genuinely pleasant for a picnic in the botanical garden or on the coastal rocks.

For a proper meal before or after your ferry, the Old Town has options within a five-minute walk of the Old Port. Azur on Pobijana is the closest quality option east of the Stradun.

How to get to Lokrum

The official Lokrum ferry departs from the Old Port (Stara luka) in the Old Town — on the eastern side of the harbour, not the Gruž ferry terminal. Ferries run approximately every 30–45 minutes in season (roughly April to November). The crossing takes 15 minutes each way. Buy your ticket (which includes the island conservation fee) at the small kiosk at the landing — there is no advance booking needed for the standard ferry. The last ferry back departs around sunset; check the posted timetable on the day.

Outside the regular ferry service, private and organised boat tours (including the options listed above) depart from the Old Port or from elsewhere along the Old Town waterfront.

Getting from Lapad or Gruž to the Old Port: Bus 1A/1B to the Pile gate, then a short walk through the Old Town to the eastern harbour, takes about 25–30 minutes total.

Frequently asked questions about Lokrum

Is Lokrum worth visiting for a half day?

Yes, particularly for anyone who wants a break from the Old Town’s crowds. The combination of the monastery ruins, botanical garden, Dead Sea lake, and swimming rocks makes for a genuinely varied half-day. The 15-minute ferry crossing is one of the shortest day-trip commutes in South Dalmatia.

Can I stay overnight on Lokrum?

No. Lokrum is a nature reserve and overnight stays are not permitted — only the conservation rangers live on the island. The last ferry back to Dubrovnik departs around sunset, and the island’s staff ensure everyone has left before closing up for the night.

Are there facilities for children on Lokrum?

The Dead Sea lake is ideal for families with children — the shallow, buoyant water and enclosed setting make it one of the safest swimming spots in the area. The marked paths through the forest are manageable for older children. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks, as the on-island facilities are limited.

What should I bring to Lokrum?

Water is the most important thing — the island gets hot in summer and the one cafe cannot be relied upon for resupply. Bring swimming gear, sun protection, and food if you plan a longer visit. Entrance includes the nature reserve fee in the ferry ticket. Shoes with grip are useful for the rocky coastal paths.

When is Lokrum open?

The ferry to Lokrum runs from approximately early April to late November, with peak-season frequency in July and August. Outside those months, service may be reduced or suspended. The island is not accessible in winter except by private boat. Check current schedules with the ferry kiosk or through the Dubrovnik ferries guide.