Lokrum Island is a protected nature reserve just off Dubrovnik's Old Town, reached in around 10-15 minutes by boat from the Old City Port. The island combines swimming, shaded walking trails, a Benedictine monastery, botanical gardens, Fort Royal and Game of Thrones filming locations, making it one of the easiest half-day escapes from the city.
Lokrum covers about 72 hectares, with forest vegetation covering roughly 90% of the island. It has been protected as a special reserve of forest vegetation since 1948 and forms part of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed historic area.
Lokrum visit essentials
- Official ferry: from Dubrovnik Old City Port to Portoč Bay
- Boat time: around 10-15 minutes each way
- Adult ticket: 30 EUR including reserve entry and return transport on the official Lokrum boat
- Opening: currently from 09:00 until the last boat on visitor days
- Best visit length: about 3-5 hours for most visitors
- Overnight stays: not permitted
Is Lokrum Island worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want an easy nature break without committing to a full-day island excursion. Lokrum is close enough to Dubrovnik for a spontaneous half-day trip but feels very different from the Old Town, with forest paths, swimming spots, historic ruins and almost no urban traffic or noise.
It works particularly well for families, couples, swimmers, walkers and Game of Thrones fans. The main drawback is that the coastline is rocky rather than sandy, and the 30 EUR adult ticket makes Lokrum more expensive than simply taking a local ferry to one of the Elafiti Islands.
Lokrum ferry, tickets and opening information
The official Lokrum boat leaves from Dubrovnik's Old City Port and arrives at Portoč Bay on Lokrum. The crossing takes around 10-15 minutes.
The current adult price is 30 EUR. This includes both entrance to the Lokrum Reserve and return transport on the official Lokrum boat. The latest detailed official price list also publishes reduced categories for children and students, so families should check the current price list or webshop before buying.
Tickets can be purchased at the Luža sales point in the Old City Port. The Reserve also operates an official online ticket webshop.
Current Lokrum ferry timetable
The current schedule, effective from 25 August 2026, has the first departure from Dubrovnik at 09:00. From 10:00, boats generally leave every 30 minutes through the afternoon. The last return from Lokrum is at 19:00.
| Dubrovnik Old City Port | Lokrum to Dubrovnik |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | - |
| 10:00 | 10:15 |
| 10:30 | 10:45 |
| 11:00 | 11:15 |
| 11:30 | 11:45 |
| 12:00 | 12:15 |
| 12:30 | 12:45 |
| 13:00 | 13:15 |
| 13:30 | 13:45 |
| 14:00 | 14:15 |
| 14:30 | 14:45 |
| 15:00 | 15:15 |
| 15:30 | 15:45 |
| 16:00 | 16:15 |
| 16:30 | 16:45 |
| 17:00 | 17:15 |
| 17:30 | 17:45 |
| 18:00 | 18:15 |
| - | 19:00 - last boat |
Boat service is weather-dependent and the timetable changes during the year, particularly later in the season. Check the official Lokrum Reserve boat schedule again on the day of your visit.
Lokrum is not strictly a summer-only attraction. The Reserve sometimes opens on selected winter or early-spring dates. In 2026, for example, it opened around the Feast of St. Blaise and then on selected days through March. Outside the main season, always verify that the island and boat service are operating before walking to the port.
How to get to Lokrum Island
Official Lokrum ferry
For most visitors, the simplest option is the official boat from the Old City Port. The 30 EUR adult ticket includes reserve admission and the return boat journey.
Private boat or water taxi
You can arrive independently by private boat, water taxi or other arranged transport. Visitors arriving this way still need to pay the 30 EUR reserve entrance fee. Tickets are available on arrival at the Forester's House, and arranging your own transport does not reduce the entrance fee.
Trsteno and Lokrum official boat trip
The Lokrum Reserve also currently offers an official Dubrovnik-Trsteno-Lokrum-Dubrovnik boat trip for 42 EUR, including Lokrum admission and boat transport. Entrance to Trsteno Arboretum is separate. This is an interesting option if you were already planning to visit both places on the same day.
Best things to see and do on Lokrum
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, or Mrtvo more, is a small saltwater lake connected with the sea through underground channels. Its sheltered water makes it one of the easiest places to swim on Lokrum, particularly for families and visitors who prefer not to enter the sea from rocky shelves.
Benedictine Monastery and Maximilian's residence
The Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary is Lokrum's most important historic complex. The Benedictines were established here by the early 11th century, with the founding document dating to 1023. In the 19th century, Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg adapted part of the complex as a summer residence and reshaped large parts of the island's gardens.
Botanical Garden
Lokrum's Botanical Garden was founded in 1959 to study the adaptation of tropical and subtropical plants to the Dubrovnik climate. The garden covers about 3.3 hectares, with around 500 plant species in the exhibition area and a separate greenhouse collection of succulents.
Fort Royal
Fort Royal stands on the island's highest point, around 96 metres above sea level. The French began construction in 1806, and the Austrian authorities later expanded the fort. The uphill walk is rewarded with wide views over Dubrovnik, Lokrum and the surrounding sea.
Path of Paradise and Maximilian's gardens
The Path of Paradise is one of the island's characteristic landscaped avenues, created during Maximilian's period. It leads inland towards Fort Royal and forms part of a wider network of shaded garden walks.
Peacocks, rabbits and forest walks
Peacocks and rabbits are among Lokrum's most recognizable residents. Enjoy them from a distance and do not feed them. The island's forest paths make it easy to combine the main sights into a relaxed walking loop.
Lokrum for Game of Thrones fans
Lokrum appeared in Game of Thrones as part of Qarth. The monastery complex is the main filming-location area, and visitors can also find a Game of Thrones display and an Iron Throne photo spot.
For a wider overview of the city's filming locations, see the Game of Thrones guide on Absolute Croatia.
Game of Thrones tour with Lokrum Island
Combine Dubrovnik's major filming locations with the Qarth scenes on Lokrum.
This current tour covers Old Town filming sites, Fort Lovrjenac and Lokrum, with the option to remain on the island after the guided section. The Lokrum ticket and some attraction admission are paid separately, so check the booking page carefully before reserving.
Swimming on Lokrum and the naturist area
Lokrum has no sandy beach. Most sea access is from natural rock shelves, ladders and small rocky coves. The water is usually beautifully clear, but the rocks can be slippery, so water shoes are useful.
The Dead Sea for easier swimming
Families and less confident swimmers often prefer the Dead Sea because it is sheltered from the open coast. Stronger swimmers usually choose the rocky shoreline for deeper water.
Naturist bathing
Lokrum has a long-established naturist bathing area. In September 2026, the Reserve clarified that naturist bathing is permitted at the traditional location, but the site remains a public natural beach open to everyone. It is not an exclusive FKK-only beach, and visitors may use the area with or without swimwear.
For broader information about naturist beaches in the region, see our naturism in Croatia guide.
Sea kayaking around Dubrovnik and Lokrum
See Lokrum and Dubrovnik's walls from the water instead of taking the passenger ferry.
This three-hour kayaking experience paddles from Dubrovnik towards Lokrum, with swimming, snorkeling and cave stops. It is a different experience from visiting the reserve on foot and works best for active travelers who want time on the water.
How long should you spend on Lokrum?
2-3 hours
Enough for the monastery area, Dead Sea, a short walk and perhaps the Botanical Garden. Best if Lokrum is one stop in a busy Dubrovnik day.
Half day
The best choice for most visitors. Add swimming, the Botanical Garden and an unhurried lunch or drink.
Most of the day
Worth it if you want Fort Royal, longer forest walks and several hours by the sea. There is no overnight accommodation.
Lokrum Island map and main points of interest
Lokrum is compact and well signposted. From Portoč Bay, the monastery complex is only a short walk away, with the Dead Sea and Botanical Garden nearby. Fort Royal is farther uphill towards the centre of the island.
- Port Portoč
- Forester's House
- Monastery complex
- Maximilian's gardens
- Dead Sea
- Botanical Garden
- Traditional olive groves
- Path of Paradise
- Fort Royal
- Lazaretto
- Rocky swimming areas
- Skalica Bay
- Triton's Cross
- Church of the Annunciation
- Charlotte's Well
Practical tips, rules and facilities
What to bring
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and comfortable walking shoes. Water shoes are helpful for the rocky shoreline. Cafés and simple restaurants operate seasonally, but bringing your own water remains sensible in hot weather.
Reserve rules
- Do not feed or disturb wild animals.
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited.
- Drones may not be operated without authorization.
- Stay on marked footpaths and within visitor areas.
- Do not remain on the island after the last official reserve boat.
Facilities
Seasonal food and drink outlets, toilets and basic visitor facilities are available around Portoč and the monastery area. There are no hotels, supermarkets or normal vehicle traffic on the island.
Families and accessibility
Lokrum is a good family outing because the main attractions are relatively close together and the Dead Sea provides a sheltered swimming option. The route to Fort Royal is uphill, and much of the coastline is rocky, so the island is less straightforward for wheelchairs, strollers and visitors with limited mobility.
Weather and the last boat
Boat service can be suspended in bad weather. Check the current schedule before leaving the Old Town and note the last return departure when you arrive. Overnight stays are not allowed.
A short history of Lokrum and its famous curse
The Benedictines are documented on Lokrum from 1023 and shaped much of the island's early cultivated landscape. Their monastery became the island's central religious and agricultural complex, surrounded by orchards, vineyards, olive groves and gardens.
A popular legend says Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked near Lokrum in 1192 while returning from the Third Crusade. He supposedly vowed to build a church where he reached safety, although the story belongs more to Dubrovnik legend than firmly documented history.
After the Benedictines left at the end of the 18th century, the famous Lokrum curse legend developed around the island's later owners. In the 19th century Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg bought Lokrum, incorporated part of the monastery into a summer residence and transformed the island's gardens.
For the full story, read The Legend of the Lokrum Curse and Richard the Lion-Hearted's vow.
Lokrum Island FAQ
How do you get to Lokrum Island?
The easiest way is the official Lokrum boat from Dubrovnik's Old City Port. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes. Private boats and water taxis may also bring visitors, but independent arrivals still need to buy the reserve entrance ticket.
How much is the Lokrum ferry?
The current adult price is 30 EUR, including entrance to the Lokrum Reserve and return transport on the official boat.
How long do you need on Lokrum?
Most visitors are best served by 3-5 hours. Two to three hours is enough for the main sights, while a longer visit gives you time for Fort Royal and swimming.
Can you swim on Lokrum?
Yes. The coastline has rocky swimming areas and the Dead Sea offers a more sheltered option. Lokrum has no sandy beach.
Can private boats or water taxis land on Lokrum?
Yes. Independent arrival is allowed, but visitors must still purchase the 30 EUR reserve entrance ticket on arrival.
Can you stay overnight on Lokrum?
No. Visitors must leave before the last official reserve boat and overnight stays are not permitted.
Are drones allowed on Lokrum?
Drones cannot be operated without authorization from the Reserve.
Is Lokrum open in winter?
Lokrum is not continuously open throughout winter, but the Reserve may open on selected off-season dates. Check the official Lokrum website before planning any visit outside the main visitor season.
Is the naturist beach FKK-only?
No. Naturist bathing is permitted at the traditional location, but the Reserve clarified in September 2026 that it remains a public natural beach open to all visitors, with or without swimwear.