Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik’s Paradise in Croatia

Lokrum is a small island located just off the coast of Dubrovnik, offering a peaceful retreat away from the city’s bustling streets. Known for its lush greenery and natural beauty, it is often referred to as Dubrovnik’s “paradise.”
Accessible by a short 20-minute ferry ride from the Old Town’s Porporela dock, this idyllic island offers visitors a perfect day trip.

How to Reach Lokrum from Dubrovnik

From the city’s main port, a boat departs every 45 minutes to take you to the island.

For 120 HRK, you get a round-trip ticket, including the entrance fee to the island. If you choose to reach Lokrum by other means, such as renting one of the many kayaks available in Dubrovnik, you will need to pay a separate entrance fee of 90 HRK.

Rules of Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island is a protected area, a slice of paradise that deserves respect for its extraordinary natural beauty. The island has several rules in place to safeguard its diverse flora and fauna.

Smoking is strictly prohibited across the entire island due to the high fire risk. It is also forbidden to bring dogs or pick flowers, ensuring that nature can thrive without interference. Additionally, overnight stays are not allowed as there are no hotels or accommodations available.

What you will find on Lokrum is a beautifully wild island, covered in dense pine forests and crisscrossed by trails that invite free exploration. The true residents of the island are the peacocks and rabbits, who roam freely, creating a unique and untouched atmosphere. Lokrum is a haven for those seeking peace and nature, where human intervention is kept to a minimum, and every step is an encounter with pure nature.

What to Do on Lokrum Island

This UNESCO-listed natural park is the perfect destination for trekking and relaxing days on its small but stunning beaches. Take a dip in the Mrto More (Dead Sea), located in the southern part of the island. It is a small yet beautiful saltwater lake connected to the sea by underground caves.

There are several refreshment points and public restrooms available on the island for visitors’ convenience.

The Benedictine Monastery and the Curse

At the center of the island, you’ll find the majestic monastery with its beautiful cloister and garden – a visit here is a must! It’s also the location where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed, representing Qarth, the wealthy city from Essos. Inside the monastery, there’s an exhibition dedicated to the popular HBO show, and you can even sit on the famous Iron Throne for a memorable photo.

The monastery holds an ancient history and has had several illustrious owners, but what truly captivated me is its curse.

Once inhabited by Benedictine monks, who not only prayed but also cultivated exotic plants, the island was taken from them in 1808 by Napoleon when he disbanded the Benedictine order. It is said that, on the night before they left, the monks sprinkled molten wax around the perimeter of the island and cast a curse on anyone who would come to inhabit it.

Since then, everyone who settled on the island met a tragic or violent end.

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What do you think about this curse?

One thing’s for sure: Lokrum Island is truly stunning, and I believe it’s important to respect all the rules in place. Mass tourism often damages these beautiful places, and that’s a real shame!

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or visit the official website of Lokrum Island at this link.

Go on traveling!

Lety goes on

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