Typically, I do a deep dive before traveling to any destination – I sift through articles, blog posts and travel shows; reference old snippets of travel magazines I’ve saved and compiled over the years; I ask for recommendations from locals, friends or trusted sources that have traveled there before…all so I can get a complete picture of where I’m headed and what I should be on the lookout for.
This trip turned out to be different from most. As it was booked last minute, I leaned into the unexpected journey and adventure of my holidays in the Balkans and what a pleasant surprise it was!
You’re going to want to bookmark this page! After spending a few days in Dubrovnik Croatia, I want to share this hidden gems that’s a quick day trip off the coast of Dubrovnik. My day trip to the island of Lokrum was a true highlight of my holidays in the Balkans and definitely worth visiting. My photo of Lokrum simply doesn’t do it justice!
In this travel blog post, we will cover the following topics when it comes to planning a visit Lokrum island Croatia and why it makes one of the best day trips from Dubrovnik. Feel free to use these links to navigate the post.
HOW TO GET TO LOKRUM ISLAND FROM DUBROVNIK?
Located just a few minutes from the ancient port of Dubrovnik Old Town, Lokrum Island is a green and wild nature reserve, where peacocks roam free and ancient ruins from the 11th century still stand. Lokrum is a quick trip from Dubrovnik and can be reached by ferry which runs every half hour daily (check timetables for the Lokrum ferry here).
If you’re keen on burning off some calories from the delicious meals being served in Dubrovnik, you can try your hand at a kayak tour to the island of Lokrum. While it may be near Dubrovnik Croatia, the sea kayak tour is not for the weary. Be prepared for a workout, but keep in mind, it’s a great way to see the Dalmatian coast and the city walls. Since the island of Lokrum is considered an UNESCO heritage site, there is a small admission fee upon arrival that let’s you explore this beautiful nature reserve.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LOKRUM ISLAND:
Dubrovnik is a year-round destination and always inundated with tourists that often spill over to Lokrum. In order to fully enjoy what the island has to offer, I suggest taking a day trip to Lokrum during the warmer months, May – September, to take advantage of the Adriatic sea.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO ON LOKRUM ISLAND?
Lokrum is a small island and happens to be the perfect way to disconnect from the crowds on bustling Dubrovnik. Take some time to hike around the green island, which happens to be a national park, before settling on a spot for the day. I rented a daybed under a canopy of trees overlooking the Adriatic sea. The island has plenty of swimming spot known to dazzle on the Dalmation coast, including a carefully tucked away nude beach – if that’s your thing. While the island does have a restaurant and cafe, I suggest packing a light picnic of snacks to enjoy. Make sure to keep them tucked away as the peacocks that roam the island aren’t shy to ask for food.
Lokrum island happens to have a “Dead Sea”, a salt lake where you can freely float in the blue-green waters. Explore the island’s botanical gardens and the former Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 12th century. Formerly the holiday home of Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg; Lokrum island boasts a rich history for a small island off the Dalmatian coast. King Richard the Lionheart had been shipwrecked on this tiny island in the 12th century. Not to mention, the island has spectacular views of Dubrovnik’s city walls.
YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO LOKRUM ISLAND CROATIA
LOCATION: Located off the Dalmatian Coast and floating in the Adriatic Sea, Lokrum Island near Dubrovnik, is a small, history-rich and green island. It can be easily reached by the Lokrum island ferry in only 15 minutes. What feels like a world apart, the proximity to Dubrovnik old town, makes it the ideal day trip.
VIBE: The perfect day trip from Dubrovnik. The island of Lokrum is a green oasis and a national park worth visiting and spending the day avoiding the crowds. Dubrovnik and Lokrum island tend to attract the same crowd because of their proximity to one another.
WHAT TO DO: Meander the botanical gardens; grab a coffee at one of the cafes overlooking the Adriatic sea; float in the Dead Sea salt lake; explore the Benedictine Monastery that dates back to the 12th century or find one of the many swimming spot to waste away the day on the Dalmatian coast. For a small island, there’s plenty to do and see and perfect for solo travel especially if you’re spending a few days in Dubrovnik.
TIPS: The Lokrum island ferry runs every half hour daily. Make sure to reserve your return ticket upfront as the island doesn’t have any accommodations. In case you miss the last ferry back to the town walls of Dubrovnik old town.
LOOKING FOR OTHER TRAVEL IDEAS? HERE ARE A FEW OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITES:
- A Weekend Guide to Hydra
- Travel Guide to Serifos, Greece
- Travel Guide to Charming and Delicious Sifnos, Greece
- An Authentic Guide to the Island of Milos
- A Guide to the Best Beaches in Milos
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