Lokrum Island is located off the coast of Dubrovnik and is the perfect place to take a day trip from the Croatian city. It takes just 15 minutes to get to the island by boat and once there, there are a number things to explore. You can explore the ruins of an 11th century Benedictine monastery, go swimming, hiking and enjoy some delicious local food and drink. You can also take a walk up to the top of the island and see stunning views over the city of Dubrovnik. If your time allows, I highly recommend making the trip over to Lokrum Island to take in the history as well as explore its natural beauty.
Monastery Complex, Lokrum Island
One of the most interesting sites on Lokrum Island is the Monastery Complex. The history of the Benedictine monastery dates back to the 11th century and for centuries the entire island was actually owned by the monastery. Today, visitors to Lokrum can explore the ruins of the monastery, which are divided into buildings from different historical periods. Visitors can see the Romanesque-Gothic basilica, which dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, the new monastery which was built in the 15th and 16th centuries as well as other buildings that had been added to the complex throughout its history.
The Monastery Complex also has a bit of an eerie history involving the monks that left the the island in the early 19th century. The monks were forced to leave as a result of the ruling power, and as they left, they set a curse upon any future owner of the island. Today, many still believe the island is cursed.
Visit the Real Iron Throne
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ll also want to explore the connection the Monastery Complex has to the filming of the show. Not only was the monastery used in filming as the city of Qarth, but it’s also home to the real Iron Throne. The story is that after filming, production donated the Iron Throne to the city of Dubrovnik, which now sits within the Monastery Complex on Lokrum Island. Today, visitors are able to actually sit on the throne and take a photo with one of the most iconic props in recent television history.
Richard the Lion-Heart on Lokrum Island
Another interesting historical fact about the island is the legend that Richard the Lion-Heart is believed to have been shipwrecked here on his way home from the crusades in 1192. Apparently, he vowed that if he survived the shipwreck, he would build a church on the island. He did survive and is said to have gifted money to the city of Dubrovnik to build a church. At the people’s request it was actually built inside the city of Dubrovnik, although destroyed in the earthquake that demolished much of the city in 1667.
Hike to Fort Royal
Lokrum’s scenery is just as fascinating as its history and is a great place to go for a hike. You can walk all over the island, but I would personally recommend making the trip up to Fort Royal for the stunning views over the city of Dubrovnik. The fort was built in the early 19th century, originating during Napoleon’s occupation of Dubrovnik in 1806, but was completed during Austrian rule in 1835. The fort sits on one of the highest points on the island and you can see for miles all the way around it. It’s a great place to take in the scenery and snap a few photos.
Explore Nature on Lokrum Island
There are a number of other ways to explore nature on Lokrum Island, including a visit to the Botanic Gardens or walking among the island’a large number of animals such as bunnies and peacocks. Visitors can also swim in the “The Dead Sea”, which is a salt lake located on the island. There are actually a few places to swim on the island, including a nudist beach!
Food & Drink on Lokrum Island
The island also has a few restaurants which are great for enjoying lunch. I had a great meal outside in one of the gardens surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers. Visitors to Lokrum Island can also explore The Olive Grove which dates back to the time the Benedictines owned the island and still contains olive trees that are over 300 years old.
A trip to Lokrum Island is highly recommended during your visit to Dubrovnik. It’s rich history and beautiful scenery make for a great day out.
Key Information for Visiting Lokrum Island
1. How do you get to Lokrum Island?
Visitors can take a boat to Lokrum Island from the city of Dubrovnik. The boats leave regularly from Dubrovnik’s Old Port.
2. How long is the boat ride to Lokrum Island?
The boat ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town to Lokrum island is around 15 minutes each way.
3. How long should you spend on Lokrum Island?
Lokrum Island is a great place to go for either a full day or half day visit.
4. How much does it cost to visit Lokrum Island?
Admission to Lokrum Island is around 150kn per person and this includes the return boat ride. That’s approximately $20 USD or just over £16.
5. What is there to do on Lokrum Island?
There are lots of things to do on Lokrum Island including exploring the ruins of the Benedictine monastery, seeing the real Iron Throne from Game of Thrones, walking through the Botanical Gardens, hiking to Fort Royal as well as enjoying food and drink at restaurants on the island.
6. Can you see the Iron Throne on Lokrum Island?
Yes! The Irone Throne from Game of Thrones was gifted to the city of Dubrovnik after filming and is now located on Lokrum Island. Fans of the show can sit on the throne and take photos during their visit.
7. What is the best time to go to Lokrum Island?
Most of the activities and sites to see are outside, so I would suggest going on a day with nice weather. Luckily there are lots of those in Dubrovnik!
8. What other things are there to do in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is a fascinating city with lots of historical attractions. to see. For further recommendations, check out 10 Historical Things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
If you’re interested in learning more about Lokrum Island, you can check out their website.
This article’s information was last updated in August 2022