Located just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is one of the must-visit islands of Croatia. Although this is an uninhabited island, there are many interesting things to do here, from watching peacocks to touring Game of Thrones filming locations.
Lokrum Island is a small, protected nature reserve that you can easily get to from Dubrovnik. Did I mention you can also dive and swim in crystal-clear caves? If you’re visiting Dubrovnik, reserve one extra day to visit Lokrum Island. This is your guide to planning the perfect day trip and experiencing the best of what Lokrum Island offers.
Want to read more about Croatia? You’re in luck! This post is a part of the Croatia series. Here is the complete 15-part series:
Sailing – The Ultimate Guide To Sailing in Croatia: Everything You Need To Know
Food – The Best Croatian Food: 10 Traditional Dishes You Absolutely Must Try
Wine Tasting – A Guide To Wine Tasting in Croatia: How To Experience Lumbarda, Korcula Island
Croatian Islands – 5 Stunning Islands To Visit In Croatia: The Best Destinations on the Dalmatian Coast
Beaches – Is Croatia’s famous Golden Horn Beach (Zlatni Rat) Worth Visiting?
Day Trips – How To Plan The Perfect Day Trip from Dubrovnik To Lokrum Island
Itinerary – 10-Day Croatia Itinerary: The Best Things To Do for First-Time Visitors
Dubrovnik – A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik for First-Time Visitors (with Map!)
Split – 3 Days in Split, Croatia: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Hvar – 24 Hours in Hvar Itinerary: What To Do, See, and Eat in One Day
Makarska – 7 Reasons To Visit Makarska, Croatia (Even If You’ve Never Heard of It)
Krka National Park – The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Krka National Park, Croatia
Plitvice National Park – The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Plitvice National Park, Croatia
Plitvice vs Krka – Krka vs Plitvice National Park: Which One Should You Visit?
Mljet National Park – The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Mljet National Park, Croatia
Where is Lokrum Island?
Lokrum Island is located just off the coast of Dubrovnik. This uninhabited island is about 2,000 feet southeast of the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik and can be easily reached by boat from the city’s harbor. The island is about 1.6 miles long and covers an area of 0.3 square miles. It is a protected nature reserve that is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery.
How do I get to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik?
There are two main transportation options available to get to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik:
Ferry: The ferry is the most popular and convenient option for getting to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik. The ferry departs from the Old Town harbor in Dubrovnik and takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the island.
The ferry runs regularly throughout the day, with the first departing at 9:00 am and the last departing at 6:00 pm (depending on the season). The cost of a ferry ticket is around 150 kunas per person (approximately 20 euros) roundtrip.
Private boat: A less popular option is to rent a private boat to take you to Lokrum Island. This option is more expensive than taking the ferry but gives you more flexibility. Some companies in Dubrovnik offer private boat rentals, such as Dubrovnik Boat Rentals, Sailo, and Get My Boat. Prices depend on the boat’s size and the rental’s length. Depending on the company, you can rent a boat by the hour, half-day, or full-day.
Once you arrive at Lokrum Island, no cars or vehicles are allowed, so visitors must explore the island on foot. Several hiking trails on the island lead to different points of interest, including the botanical garden, the monastery, and Fort Royal.
How much does it cost to go to Lokrum Island?
The cost of going to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik varies depending on your transportation mode. Here are your options:
Ferry: The ferry is the most popular option for getting to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik. The ferry ticket costs around 150 kunas per person (about 20 euros) roundtrip. Children under 6 can usually travel for free, while children between 6 and 18 can receive a discounted ticket.
Private boat: Renting a private boat to take you to Lokrum Island is a more expensive. Prices vary depending on the boat’s size and the rental’s length. Boats are starting as low as $32/hour from Get My Boat. If you need a boat to get to and from Lokrum Island, the price would be cheaper. However, you can expect to pay a few hundred euros or more if you want to rent a boat for a day to explore other parts of Dubrovnik.
Once you arrive at Lokrum Island, you don’t have to pay any more money to explore the island unless you want to participate in some water sports or take a guided tour. There are also a few restaurants and bars on the island where you can grab a bite and a drink.
Where can I buy ferry tickets for Lokrum Island?
You can purchase ferry tickets for Lokrum Island at the Old Town harbor in Dubrovnik, where the ferry departs. You can buy tickets at the ticket office located near the pier, or you can buy them directly from the ferry operator at the pier. During the high season, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long lines and ensure availability.
You can also purchase tickets online in advance from the ferry operator’s website or through various tour companies that offer ferry tickets as part of a package tour. Buying tickets online is super convenient because it allows you to secure your spot on the ferry and avoid the hassle of purchasing tickets in person.
How often does the ferry for Lokrum Island come?
The schedule for the ferry to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik varies depending on the season. Here is a general schedule for the ferry, but it’s always recommended to check the latest schedule before planning your trip:
From April 1 to May 31:
The first ferry from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island departs at 10:00 am
The last ferry from Lokrum Island to Dubrovnik departs at 6:00 pm
From June 1 to September 30:
The first ferry from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island departs at 9:00 am
The last ferry from Lokrum Island to Dubrovnik departs at 8:00 pm
From October 1 to October 31:
The first ferry from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island departs at 10:00 am
The last ferry from Lokrum Island to Dubrovnik departs at 5:00 pm
Please note that the ferry schedule may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors, so it’s always best to confirm the schedule with the ferry operator before your trip. Also, the ferries can get crowded during peak season, so arriving early is recommended to ensure you get a spot on the ferry.
How do you get around Lokrum Island?
Since Lokrum Island is a protected nature reserve, no cars or vehicles are allowed there. That means visitors have to explore the island on foot. Fortunately, the island is relatively small, and several hiking trails lead to different attractions. Here are some ways to get around Lokrum Island:
Hiking: The island has several well-marked hiking trails that provide access to different parts of the island. The trails range in difficulty and length, and you can choose the one that suits your level of fitness and interest.
Swimming: The island has several beaches and secluded coves that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. You can walk from one beach to another or swim to explore different parts of the island.
Biking: While no cars are allowed on the island, you can rent a bike to explore the island faster. Bike rental is available near the pier, and you can rent a bike for a few hours or the entire day.
Kayaking: You can rent a kayak to explore the coastline and nearby caves. Kayaking is a great way to see the island from a different perspective and get some exercise simultaneously.
Donkey ride: If you want a more traditional mode of transportation, you can take a donkey ride around the island. Donkey rides are available near the pier and are a fun way to explore the island while learning about its history and culture.
No matter how you choose to explore Lokrum Island, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes, as the island can get hot, and the trails can be rocky in places.
Things To Do on Lokrum Island
Whether you’re into water sports, hiking, or touring historic buildings, you’ll find just the right activity on Lokrum Island. The island may be small and uninhabited, but it has things to do. My favorite things on the island are sitting, drinking, and watching the many peacocks roaming around. Here are some of the other ways you can spend your time on Lokrum Island
Go swimming at Pigeon’s Cave
Pigeon’s Cave is an underwater cave located right in the middle of Lokrum Island. Getting here isn’t so straightforward so we had to ask the locals for directions. The cave has a mysterious aura, with deep blue water surrounded by limestone rock formations. You can swim inside the cave, sit, and relax by the rocks.
Stroll around the Botanical Garden
Besides its otherworldly beauty, the Botanical Garden is also a Game of Thrones filming location. It is where the city of Qarth was filmed in season two of the hit series. You find hundreds of species of flora here as you wander through the garden.
Tour the Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary
This 15th-century Benedictine Monastery is another Game of Thrones filming location on Lokrum Island. There is even an exhibition here all about the filming of Game of Thrones in Croatia. Beyond the Game of Thrones connection, the monastery is a sprawling complex with a basilica, a garden, and a summer residence belonging to Maximillian Habsburg, an Austrian archduke.
Do a Game of Thrones Tour
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan like me, you must see the filming locations on Lokrum Island and in Dubrovnik! I recommend the Game of Thrones Car, Boat, and Walking Tour. Hosted by my go-to tour company, Get Your Guide; it will take you to 15 different Game of Thrones filming locations around Dubrovnik. You’ll explore behind-the-scenes filming for the show and get to see King’s Landing, Qarth, the Red Keep, and other iconic locations from the show. The 7-hour tour you can take on separate days is the only Game of Thrones tour you’ll ever need. It also includes roundtrip boat transportation to Lokrum Island and access to the botanical gardens and the Benedictine Monastery.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Lokrum from Dubrovnik?
You can get to Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik via ferry or private boat. The ferry is the more popular option and costs 150 kuna roundtrip. It departs daily from the harbor in the Old Town of Dubrovnik. You can rent a private boat from companies like Dubrovnik Boat Rentals, Sailo, and Get My Boat. Renting a boat starts at $32/hour.
How far is Lokrum Island from Dubrovnik?
Lokrum Island is less than half a mile from Dubrovnik. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by ferry.
Is it worth going to Lokrum Island?
Yes, visiting Lokrum Island is definitely worth it! If you’re visiting Dubrovnik, taking a ferry ride to Lokrum Island is a must. Lokrum Island is a beautiful nature reserve with much to offer, from water sports to Game of Thrones filming locations. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially during the peak summer season. Plenty of opportunities exist to relax, explore, and connect with nature.
Do you have to pay to enter Lokrum Island?
No, you don’t have to pay to enter Lokrum Island. You only have to pay for the ferry to get there. Once you arrive at Lokrum Island, there are a number of attractions, like Game of Thrones filming locations, that do have an entrance fee.
How much is the ferry ticket to Lokrum Island?
A round-trip ferry ticket to Lokrum Island costs 150 kuna (about $20).
How long does it take to explore Lokrum Island?
About 3-4 hours is sufficient time to explore the attractions on Lokrum Island. That said, I would budget a half-day to explore the island during your visit to Dubrovnik. Despite being a small island, you could easily spend 6+ hours there swimming, hiking the trails, touring the Game of Thrones attractions, and watching the peacocks.
Is Lokrum Island included in the Dubrovnik pass?
The Dubrovnik Pass offers special discounts on attractions in and around the city, including free entrance to the city walls and museums. You can save 20% off the ferry ticket for Lokrum Island with the Dubrovnik Pass.
What is Lokrum Island famous for?
Lokrum Island is famous for its wildlife, natural beauty, underwater caves, medieval monastery, and Game of Thrones filming locations. There are green peacocks roaming around everywhere, rabbits, and different species of birds.
Are there toilets on Lokrum Island?
Yes, there are toilets on Lokrum Island. You will find a few public toilets for tourists throughout the island. You can also use the toilets located at the cafes and bars.
How much does Lokrum Island cost?
The ferry to Lokrum Island costs 150 kunas (about $20). Beyond that, the exact cost of visiting the island depends on the activities you plan to participate in. You could visit the island, hike the trails, and swim for free. You could also do a Game of Thrones tour to see the filming locations there, take part in some water sports, grab a bite at the restaurants, and more. Your Lokrum Island itinerary is completely customizable.
What was filmed on Lokrum?
Game of Thrones was filmed on Lokrum Island. The island is used as the setting for the city of Qarth, which Daenerys Targaryen visits in season two. The botanical garden and Benedictine monastery are featured in the show.
Can you sleep on Lokrum Island?
Lokrum Island is an uninhabited island, and nature preserve with no hotels or accommodations. Therefore, tourists are not permitted to spend the night there. You can sleep in nearby Dubrovnik and visit Lokrum Island during the day.
That’s all you really need to know to plan the perfect day trip to Lokrum Island. Any questions? Drop them in the comments below!
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CabinZero Backpack
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Somto Ugwueze
Hi! I'm Somto. In 2015, I stopped making excuses, ditched my indecisive friends, and started booking flights. Today, I'm a full-time solo traveler on a mission to inspire young women to seek new adventures.
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