Lokrum Island

Lokrum is just a 15-minute ride from the Old Town harbor, and boats depart every half-hour throughout the day. The island offers magnificent walks through a botanical garden and olive groves, leading up to sites such as the remains of the oldest Benedictine monastery in the Dubrovnik area. Napoleon’s Fort Royal sits on the highest point, commanding views over the surrounding area. A whole lot of domesticated peacocks inhabit the island, so don’t panic if you hear their cries.

We rested the following day before heading to Split. We boarded a boat, and our first stop was the islet of Lokrum which most people have described as heaven on earth. We saw a variety of wildlife and vegetation; we didn’t experience traffic or crowds. In fact, we got a taste of laid back Croatia. I got a hint why the producers picked Lokrum to feature as the old city of Qarth, City market as well as Deanery’s welcome party. Plus, we had a special moment seeing the replica of the Iron Throne at the Game of Thrones visitor center.

From Dubrovnik hop a ferry for the five minute trip to Lokrum where you can enjoy a picnic, swim, hike, visit the botanic garden and get an amazing view of the historic walls surrounding the city.

Lokrum is less than 20 minutes taxi-boat ride from Dubrovnik. There’s an abandoned monastery with hidden gem of idyllic little lake where one can find peace away from the crowd of Dubrovnik for a day. I would recommend anyone to go when in Dubrovnik.

Brought over from the Canary Islands some 150 years ago, peacocks are roam freely here in Lokrum. The birds seemed to have adjusted pretty well to their new habitat.