If you are standing on the City Walls of Dubrovnik, looking out towards the open sea, your eyes will inevitably land on a dark, green shape floating just 600 meters from the shore. It looks peaceful, almost sleeping in the deep blue Adriatic. This is Lokrum Island. To the casual observer, it is just another pretty island in a country full of pretty islands. But Lokrum is different. It is a place of immense beauty, deep silence, and a history so dark that locals still whisper about it today.
While millions of tourists rush to take photos of the Stradun, Lokrum sits quietly in the background, guarding its secrets. It is an island of contradictions. It is a place where peacocks roam freely like they own the land, where you can float in a salt lake that rivals the Dead Sea, and where an ancient curse supposedly kills anyone who tries to claim the island for themselves.
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The Dark Legend of the Curse of Lokrum Island
The story of Lokrum Island cannot be told without starting with its most famous legend. It is a story that explains why there are no hotels, no villas, and no permanent residents on this piece of paradise. For centuries, the island was the home of Benedictine monks. They arrived in 1023 and turned the wild rock into a garden of Eden. They planted olives, vineyards, and herbs, living in harmony with the land for nearly 800 years.
However, in the early 19th century, the French army, led by Napoleon’s generals, arrived in Dubrovnik. They decided that Lokrum Island was too strategically important to be left to monks. They ordered the Benedictines to leave. The monks pleaded to stay in their ancient home, but the French were ruthless. On their final night, the monks gathered for a dark ceremony. They put on their hooded robes and began a slow procession around the island.
Legend says they carried their candles upside down, leaving a trail of melted wax on the soil. As they walked, they chanted a terrible curse upon anyone who tried to claim Lokrum for their own personal pleasure. They circled the island three times, boarded their boats at dawn, and never looked back. Since that night, the curse has allegedly claimed the lives of several owners, including European royalty. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it is a fact that to this day, no one spends the night on the island. The last boat leaves at sunset, and the island is left to the peacocks and the shadows.
Richard the Lionheart and the Divine Rescue on Lokrum Island
Long before the French arrived, Lokrum Island was already touching the lives of kings. One of the most famous tales involves Richard the Lionheart, the legendary King of England. In 1192, Richard was returning from the Third Crusade in the Holy Land. His journey home was treacherous, and his fleet was caught in a massive storm near the Dubrovnik coast.
As the waves threatened to smash his ship to pieces, Richard made a vow to God. He promised that if he survived, he would build a magnificent church on the first piece of land he touched. Miraculously, the storm pushed his ship into the sheltered bay of Lokrum Island. He stepped onto the shore, safe and alive. True to his word, he planned to build a church right there on the island.
However, the cunning diplomats of Dubrovnik had a better idea. They convinced the King that it would be much better to build the church inside the city walls, where more people could pray. In return, they promised to build a smaller church on Lokrum Island. Richard agreed, and his money funded the construction of the original Dubrovnik Cathedral. So, when you admire the architecture of the Old Town, remember that it owes a debt to a shipwreck on the shores of Lokrum Island.
The Dead Sea of Lokrum Island: Nature’s Private Pool
One of the most surreal experiences you can have on Lokrum Island is swimming in the “Dead Sea” (Mrtvo More). This is not the famous sea in the Middle East, but a small, saltwater lake located on the southern part of the island. It is connected to the open sea by a series of underwater caves and tunnels, which keep the water clean and salty.
The lake is surrounded by sheer rock cliffs and tall pine trees, creating a natural amphitheater that feels completely isolated from the rest of the world. Because the water is shallow and enclosed, it warms up much faster than the ocean. It is the perfect place to float effortlessly, watching the sunlight filter through the green canopy above.
For the more adventurous, the rocks surrounding the Dead Sea on Lokrum Island offer perfect jumping spots. You will often see locals competing to see who can perform the most acrobatic dive. But if you prefer a calmer experience, you can simply wade in the shallow end, which is ideal for children or non-swimmers. It is a geological wonder that allows you to swim in the sea while sitting in the middle of a forest.
Game of Thrones and the Iron Throne on Lokrum Island
If the history of monks and kings feels too distant, perhaps you will recognize Lokrum Island from your television screen. Just like Park Gradac, this island played a significant role in the filming of Game of Thrones. The ancient Benedictine monastery, with its beautiful cloister and gardens, was transformed into the city of Qarth.
This is where Daenerys Targaryen mingled with the merchant princes and faced the warlocks. Walking through the monastery gardens today, you can almost expect to see dragons hiding in the bushes. The production team used the exotic plants and historic stone architecture of Lokrum Island to create a setting that looked otherworldly and magical.
Inside the monastery complex, there is a special treat for fans. In a small visitor center, you will find a replica of the Iron Throne. Unlike the one in King’s Landing which is often crowded or requires a tour ticket, the Iron Throne on Lokrum Island is free to access with your island entry ticket. You can sit on it, take your photos, and rule the Seven Kingdoms for a few minutes without anyone rushing you. It is a fun connection between modern pop culture and the ancient stones of the island.
The Royal Gardens and Peacocks of Lokrum Island
When the Austrian Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg bought Lokrum Island in the 19th century, he fell in love with its potential. He was a passionate botanist and decided to turn the island into a living laboratory. He imported soil and plants from all over the world, creating a spectacular botanical garden that still survives today.
As you walk the paths of Lokrum Island, you are walking through Maximilian’s vision. You will see giant agave plants, towering palms, and rare eucalyptus trees that look like they belong in Australia, not the Adriatic. But Maximilian brought something else to the island that has become its true mascot: peacocks.
He imported the birds from the Canary Islands, and they have thrived here ever since. Today, hundreds of peacocks roam freely across Lokrum Island. They are the true owners of the land. They are incredibly tame and will often walk right up to you, hoping for a crumb of your sandwich. Seeing a male peacock spread his magnificent tail feathers against the backdrop of the blue sea is one of the most iconic sights of Dubrovnik. Just be careful with your food; these royal birds have no manners when they are hungry.
Hiking to Fort Royal on Lokrum Island
For those who want to earn their view, a hike to the highest point of Lokrum Island is mandatory. At the very top of the hill stands Fort Royal, a star-shaped fortress built by the French army in 1806. The French, unlike the monks, were interested in war, not gardening, and this spot offered the perfect vantage point to defend Dubrovnik.
The path to the fort winds steeply uphill through the pine forest. It is a bit of a workout, especially in the summer heat, so bring water. But the reward at the top is worth every drop of sweat. From the walls of Fort Royal, you get the absolute best view of the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
You can see the entire walled city, the orange rooftops, and the ships crossing the channel. It is a perspective that few tourists see because they are too lazy to leave the cafes near the port. Standing on top of Lokrum Island, with the wind in your hair and history beneath your feet, you realize why empires fought so hard to control this small rock.
A Sanctuary for Swimmers: The Rocks of Lokrum Island
While the Dead Sea is unique, the coastline of Lokrum Island offers some of the best open-sea swimming in the region. Unlike the sandy beaches of the Caribbean, Lokrum is all about rock. The island is rimmed with large, flat limestone slabs that slope gently into the deep, crystal-clear water.
These rocks are nature’s sunbeds. You can find your own private slab, lay down your towel, and bake in the sun like a lizard. The water around Lokrum Island is cleaner and slightly cooler than on the mainland beaches like Banje, because of the currents.
There are metal ladders installed at various points to help you get in and out of the sea, so you do not have to scramble over sharp rocks. For those who prefer swimming without swimsuits, Lokrum Island is also famous for its FKK (nudist) beach, located on the southeastern tip. It is well-marked and secluded, offering privacy for naturists. Whether you keep your swimsuit on or take it off, swimming here feels wild and liberating.
Practical Guide to Visiting Lokrum Island
Visiting the island is easy, but you need to know the logistics. The boats to Lokrum Island depart from the Old Town port (Porporela) every 30 minutes during the season. The ride takes about 15 minutes and offers beautiful views of the city walls from the water.
Your boat ticket serves as your entrance fee to the nature reserve. Do not lose it. Once you arrive at the small port of Lokrum Island, you are in a car-free zone. There are no vehicles here, only paths for walking.
There are a few restaurants and cafes on the island, mostly located near the monastery complex. They serve lunch, coffee, and ice cream. However, prices can be slightly higher than on the mainland, so many locals choose to bring a picnic. There are plenty of benches and tables in the shade where you can enjoy your meal. Just remember to take your trash with you or use the bins provided. The monks may be gone, but the spirit of respecting the nature of Lokrum Island remains.
Also, keep an eye on the time. The last boat leaves at sunset. You do not want to be stuck on Lokrum Island after dark. Not because of the lack of boats, but because, well, you remember the curse, right?
Frequently Asked Questions About Lokrum Island
Can I stay overnight on Lokrum Island?
No, staying overnight is strictly forbidden due to fire regulations and the status of the island as a protected nature reserve, although the local legends say it is because of the ancient curse.
Is there an entrance fee for Lokrum Island?
Yes, you must buy a ticket which usually includes the round-trip boat transportation from the Old Town port and the entrance fee to the reserve.
Are there toilets and showers on Lokrum Island?
Yes, there are public toilets and outdoor showers with fresh water located near the main swimming areas and the monastery complex.
How long does the boat ride to Lokrum Island take?
The boat ride is very short and pleasant, taking approximately 15 minutes from the Old Town harbor to the dock on the island.
Are there shops on Lokrum Island?
There are no supermarkets or grocery stores, only a few snack bars and restaurants, so bring any specific supplies you might need.
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