Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik's Perfect Getaway
Visiting the old town of Dubrovnik is a truly unforgettable experience. Yet, on hot summer days, when the city is packed with tourists, it can become an overwhelming one.
Good to know that at only 650 m (0.7 mi) of distance from the old harbor hides a perfect small getaway—Lokrum Island. This lush green oasis sprawls over 72 ha of surface and has been the Special Reserve of Forest Vegetation since 1976.
Dubrovnik and Lokrum have always shared their destiny—for better or for worse.
The island behaves as a natural breakwater, protecting Dubrovnik’s old harbor against the notorious southern wind—Jugo, and its waves.
On the other hand, this forested island offers a much-needed escape to Dubrovnik’s residents, especially on the days when the stone city swelters in heat.
Lokrum through centuries
Not much is known about the island’s early history, although Roman and other remains were found on and around the island. The name itself is of Latin origin, coming from the word ACRUMEN—meaning citrus fruits.
The history of the island is inextricably linked to the Benedictine monks. They arrived and settled the island as early as 1023. They built the church of Saint Mary (remains of which can still be seen) and their residence, the Benedictine Monastery. Both the church and monastery were rebuilt through centuries in different styles, the latest being the Gothic-Renaissance style.
Following their order’s principle of “Ora et Labora”—Latin for Prey and Work, the Benedictine monks would live and take care of the island for almost 800 years. They farmed the land, cultivated orchards, olive groves, and vineyards.
The cloister and garden of the Benedictine Monastery, Lokrum Island
After they left, at the end of the 18th century, the island crossed paths with one of the most influential dynasties of that time Europe—the Habsburgs (the rulers of the great Austro-Hungarian Empire).
It was Maximilian of Habsburg who bought the island in 1859 for him and his wife Charlotte. He converted one part of the Benedictine Monastery into his summer residence. In love with the island, he would personally oversee its development, creating parks, gardens, paths, and planting different varieties of plants from all around the world.
After Maximilian’s tragic death in Mexico, the island came into the hands of the emperor to be—Rudolph of Habsburg, the son of the emperor Franz Joseph and his famous wife, Elizabeth. The island remained in Rudolph’s possession until his tragic death in 1889.
Lokrum's tales and legends
The island and its history have always been a rich source and inspiration for many tales and legends.
Legend has it that, in 1192, upon returning home from the Third Crusade, Richard the Lionheart’s ship was caught in a big storm. Richard made a vow to Our Lady, promising that, if saved, he would build a church in her honor. He and the rest of the crew survived and disembarked on the island of Lokrum. But instead of constructing a church on the island, the chroniclers say, he gave the money for the building of another church— Dubrovnik’s famous Romanesque Cathedral (destroyed in the Great Earthquake of 1667).
The most famous legend about Lokrum, that of a cursed island, is connected to the Benedictines and their departure.
At the end of the 18th century, the Dubrovnik government decided to sell the island, lacking funds. To do that, they had to force the Benedictines to leave.
Just before leaving, the furious Benedictines made three circles around the island in a procession under the candlelight. They held the candles upside down, cursing all those who may come into possession of the island for their own pleasure. At dawn, they left, never turning back.
After the two tragic deaths of island’s owners from the ill-fated Habsburg family, the legend of a cursed island became even more widespread.
A view of the Portoc harbor, Lokrum Island
Getting there
The Island of Lokrum is easy to reach. There is a regular boat line that departs the old town harbor, weather permitting, between April and the end of October. The boat leaves roughly every hour (half-hour in the high season—July and August).
A 10-minute boat ride takes you to a small harbor called Portoč. There, you’ll find an info center, where you can grab a complimentary brochure featuring the island’s map. Next, you are ready to start exploring this enchanting island.
The price of the ticket is 27 euros. The price includes a return boat ride and the entrance fee to the island. Once bought, you must use the ticket within the three days.
You may purchase tickets at the boat departure point in the old harbor before the scheduled boat departure.
It is not permitted to start fire, camp, smoke, or bring pets.
It is not permitted to stay overnight, so ensure to check the hour of the last boat departure.
For more info go to Lokrum Island official web page.
A detail from the Botanical garden on Lokrum Island
Exploring the island of Lokrum
Are you a nature lover or in search of new heritage sites to discover? Or maybe you want to escape from the city and take a swim in the blue Adriatic Sea? A Game of Thrones fan? Lokrum Island has something for you to offer.
Enjoy peace and serenity surrounded by pine and cypress trees and the chirping of crickets. Stop at the small Botanical Garden, home to a wide variety of plants from all around the world. Wander through the ancient olive grove garden, dating back to the island’s Benedictine era, where some of the trees are more than 3oo years old.
Take a hike up the Paradise path to Fort Royal—built by Napoleon’s Army at the beginning of the 19th century. Go up to its upper terrace and enjoy the view over Dubrovnik’s old town.
Visit the site of the Benedictine Monastery and the remains of Saint Mary’s church.
The Monastery houses an exhibition on the Game of Thrones filming info and locations in Dubrovnik. Use the opportunity and pose for a photo on a replica of the throne from this popular HBO TV series. Visit the Monastery’s cloister and its garden, where some scenes from the Game of Thrones were filmed.
A small sea-water lake, popularly called the Dead Sea, Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island is a popular swimming spot, but you need to know that the beaches are rocky. Want to go for a swim? In that case, you’ll have to do it Dubrovnik style— find a smooth flat rock on which to spread your towel, use a ladder to get in the water, and enjoy a swim in the clear blue Adriatic Sea.
Check another popular swimming site—Dead Sea, a small saltwater lake connected to the Adriatic Sea.
If you get hungry from all this exploring, it’s good to know there are a couple of restaurants where you can grab something to eat. If you decide to bring your food, don’t be surprised if you get unexpected company! The island is home to many peacocks and rabbits—an added attraction, especially for children.
Did you know?
The Island of Lokrum is one of 1244 islands, islets and reefs off Croatian coastline.
