If you're looking for a quick day trip from Dubrovnik, I would highly recommend visiting Lokrum Island. It's a quick 15-20 min boat ride from Dubrovnik and costs 120 Kunas, which includes a round trip and entrance into the nature reserve (i.e. the entire island!) Lots of unexpected sites and hidden treasures.
Leaving the harbour of Old Town Dubrovnik, on our way to Lokrum
The view from the ferry
We left on the first ferry out (9am), so we had our choice on where to sit
Entrance to Lokrum. There are several maps along the way, but it helps if you take a picture of one to follow along the way.
1.) The views from Lokrum are spectacular, some of the best on the Adriatic. Some of the hiking trails are rocky, but don't be afraid to explore them until you reach a dead end. Or, better yet, a view like this!
2.) A secret garden in itself, Lokrum has it's own Botanical Garden with 800 exotic plants from various parts of the world.
Similar to a scene from Dr. Seuss, the Botanical Garden also boasts a variety of exotic bugs and insects.
3.) The free-roaming peacocks and rabbits! Hidden beneath the whimsical trees, this made the island more magical than it already was. Originally brought over from the Canary Islands by Maximilian, they are now the only residing inhabitants of Lokrum Island.
4.) "The Path of Paradise" is the tree-lined path that was created during the time of Maximilian. It'll take you up to Fort Royal, which is the next stop on our list...
5.) Fort Royal is the highest point on Lokrum. It was originally built by the French army in 1806 and eventually completed around 1835.
Feel free to explore the inside of Fort Royal, entrance is free.
The view from Fort Royal is well worth the hike to get up here. You can see Dubrovnik in the distance.
A bird's eye view of Fort Royal (centered on Lokrum Island) and Dubrovnik.
Can you spot the Fort?
Old Town Dubrovnik, a picturesque European town
Going back to my #1 thing to see on Lokrum...the views! Take some time to sit, unplug, and enjoy the scenery around you.
Old Town Dubrovnik
Each trail leads to something new and unexpected, don't be afraid to take them all
6.) Find the Cross of Triton. It was constructed in honor of the perished sailors from the Austrian war ship “Triton.”
7.) Kayak around the Island. Since Lokrum is so close to Dubrovnik, kayaking makes for another easy way of transporting yourself to/from the Island. Plus, with crystal clear waters, you're bound to encounter some interesting sea creatures.
8.) Float in The Dead Sea (Mrtvo More). This salt-filled sea is rocky, so bring your swim shoes!
The Dead Sea on Lokrum
9.) Climb the Rock formations. Lokrum is composed of limestone and dolomite rocks, which were deposited around 85 million years ago.
Who knew rocks could be so beautiful?
Layers upon layers of history in the making.
The peacocks love the attention and will put on a show for you, just wait and see
10.) Find the city of Qarth and the Iron Throne! Ok, this is also known as the Monastery Complex, which includes the remnants of the basilica (12th and 13th centuries) and a monastery with a cloister garden (15th and 16th centuries).
If you venture around the Monastery, you'll find...
The Iron Throne from Game of Thrones! No lines and no fees to take a picture, what more could you ask for?
Lokrum has so much to offer and even more, including a nudist beach, water reservoirs, a quarantine hospital, gardens, and groves. You would never guess it, but the island is said to be cursed. So, be sure to catch the last ferry out by dusk. The peacocks may even bid you farewell.