Natural Parks
Lokrum Island Nature Reserve
A 72-hectare car-free island of pines, peacocks, an abandoned monastery and Game of Thrones' Iron Throne - all a 15-minute boat ride offshore.
Lokrum is the wooded island you see from every south-facing part of the Old Town, and for centuries it has been the city's escape valve. Benedictine monks settled here in 1023 and stayed 800 years; when they were forced out in the 19th century they supposedly laid a curse on the island - a curse that hangs on because every one of Lokrum's subsequent owners came to a bad end, including the ill-fated Archduke Maximilian who built the villa and died in front of a Mexican firing squad in 1867. Today the island is a protected nature reserve, and the only permanent inhabitants are the peacocks and rabbits.
The boat drops you at the tiny harbour and you have the whole island on foot. Paths lead through Aleppo pines to the ruined Benedictine monastery (whose cloister houses a small Iron Throne prop for photos), the salt lake known as Mrtvo More (Dead Sea) safe for children to swim in, the botanic garden of Maximilian, and Fort Royal at the highest point with a panorama of the whole coast. The rocky shore on the east side is where locals swim; the rocks are flat, the sea drops to blue, and clothes are optional in the marked area.
The €27 fare includes the return boat, entry to the island and all the sights. Boats leave the Old Harbour every 30 minutes from 9:00 to 17:00 in high season. Bring water, food (there is only one small restaurant on the island) and swim gear. A half-day trip; leave by 10:00, catch a 15:00 or 16:00 boat back. Do not miss the last boat - there are no overnight facilities and staying is forbidden.
Hours & entry
Not free
Apr-Nov 9:00-18:30 (last boat back) · Closed December-March · Ferries every 30 min from Old Harbour in season
What to see
- Benedictine monastery ruins and Iron Throne — Central path, 10 min walk from the harbour
- Mrtvo More salt lake — South side of the island, follow signs
- Fort Royal viewpoint — Highest point, 20 min walk from the harbour
Tips from the ground
- Bring lunch - the one cafe is overpriced and often out of the best options.
- Watch the last-boat time closely - staying overnight is illegal and there are no rescue boats.
- The rocks east of the monastery are the best swim spot; south-facing coves are windier.
Good to know
Questions, answered
Total cost?
€27 covering return ferry and all island access.
Free entry?
No. The €27 is compulsory for anyone stepping ashore.
How long?
Half a day is right - four to five hours including boat time.
Closed season?
Closed December through March. Boats stop running.
Booking?
Not needed - tickets sold at the Old Harbour kiosk. First boats fill quickly in August.
How to get there?
Ferries from the Old Harbour (inside the walls, near Ploče Gate), every 30 minutes.
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