Just a fifteen-minute boat ride from Old Town's port, Lokrum Island offers a tranquil, vehicle-free escape where nature and history blend seamlessly. Step off the ferry and you are immediately greeted by lush pine forests, fragrant botanical gardens, and friendly peacocks roaming freely across grassy lawns. It is a fantastic destination for families seeking shade, sea breeze, and open space away from limestone-paved city crowds. You can wander through the ruined 11th-century Benedictine monastery, explore leafy walking paths planted with exotic giant cacti and eucalyptus trees, or relax by the island's famous Dead Sea lake, a warm, calm saltwater lagoon perfect for swimming with younger children. Older kids and adventurous adults can climb up to the star-shaped Fort Royal for commanding vistas back toward Dubrovnik's stone walls. Between discovering hidden rocky coves, watching peacocks display their vibrant feathers, and picnicking under olive trees, Lokrum feels like a magical natural playground. Whether you come to swim, hike, or simply sit on a bench with an ice cream surrounded by inquisitive wild rabbits, this peaceful sanctuary shows you a gentler side of the Adriatic.
What to see at Lokrum Island
- Free-roaming peacocks and wild rabbits throughout the island
- Calm saltwater swimming at Mrtvo More lake
- Shaded walking paths through the 19th-century botanical garden
- Ruins of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery
- Panoramic Old Town views from hilltop Fort Royal
Visiting tips
Wear sturdy walking shoes and pack water, as the island paths can be uneven and rocky.
How long: 3-4 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Lokrum Island is easy to reach on Dubrovnik’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Dubrovnik City Walls and Mount Srđ. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Dubrovnik travel guide.
See the full Dubrovnik travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.