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Escape the crowds in Dubrovnik with a trip to Lokrum
Lokrum island is just off the coast of Croatia, considered a nature reserve and special forest vegetation reserve, it's a short ferry ride from the town of Dubrovnik which can get VERY hectic during the summer when the cruise ships dock so take the ferry across to Lokrum and relax among the trees away from the throng of tourists. If you're a Game of Thrones fan then you can tick off another GoT filming location in addition to Dubrovnik itself!
Getting there
A small passenger ferry leaves Porporela, Dubrovnik's Old Port, from April to November and is roughly every half hour. The trip lasts 15 minutes each way and cost a mere 45 Kuna for a return (about £5) when we visited, however, it looks like an increase in tourism and the current exchange rate has resulted in the return ferry ticket (and access to the island) costing 120 Kuna (around £15) per person! Make sure to catch the last ferry back as there is no other transport available and note that the boat does not run during bad weather.
Click here for the ferry timetable.
What to do in Lokrum
For a small island there's lots to see. You can visit the botanical gardens which are heavenly on a hot day, walk all around the perimeter of the island then get some rest from the sun in the many shaded areas. There's even a nudist beach should you feel so inclined!
The botanical gardens doubled as the city of Qarth in TV's Game of Thrones. Inside and outside you may find peacocks wandering around freely as well as plenty of interesting plants to admire. If ruins are more your thing there is also the remains of a Benedictine Monastery, which was also used for some shots as the city of Qarth. See if you can find the incomplete quarantine hospital (Lazaret) hidden among the trees too...
The highest point on the island is Fort Royal, where you can head to for the views but bear in mind that the view looking back towards Dubrovnik is partially obscured by trees!
If you are looking to top up the tan, there are lots of areas to sunbathe and swim. Look out for the FKK sign - this means the area is for naturists!
Food and Drink
You can buy drinks and ice cream on the island as well as have a sit down meal. We would recommend bringing snacks and water, as it can get very hot wandering around.
Images of Lokrum island
This is the pier where the ferry drops you off and picks you up again.
If the sun gets too hot then seek solace in the shade!
Check out the beautiful clear water, and if you look up close you will see fish!
Getting a clear shot of Dubrovnik old town can be tricky as the island is full of trees!
The water looks lovely here!
Find out more on the official Lokrum island website.
