Lokrum is a ten minute water taxi ride departing from the old port of Dubrovnik costing approx. $35.00 including taxi and entrance fee to the island. We traveled on the Zrinski and it was a welcome escape from the crowds of the Old City.
In 1964, the island of Lorkum was declared a nature reserve and special vegetation reserve. Smoking, overnight stays, dogs and fires are prohibited on the island.
Because the reserve is funded by private contributions, the island is well maintained with excellent hiking trails, two cafes, and beautiful botonical gardens. The gardens are rich with pines, citrus, and eucalyptus trees. There are also many different varieties of succulents from Australia and South America.
We were surprised to see wild peacocks running around that were very tame and some not willing to get out of your way when walking! They were actually brought over from the Canary Islands by Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Hapsburg and his wife Charlotte of Mexico when they ruled the island, They eventually became Emperor and Empress of Mexico.
There is an 11th century Benedictine abbey and monastery in the center of the botanical gardens built by Maximillian. They were used in season two and three in Game of Thrones as the kingdom of Qarth.
Within the cloister walls is the replica of the Iron Chair which HBO donated to the island of Lokrum. Although I'm not a huge fan of the show, the highlight of my day was having my picture taken on that chair!
The island is surrounded by an easy two hour hiking trail with stunning views of the Old City. At various points you can go off trail and jump in the water to cool off.
There were also some cliffs you can jump off if you are the adventurous type! There is a highly salty natural lake called the Dead Sea Pool which is well protected by over hanging rocks and cliffs. It was a beautiful setting but very crowded with lots of kids so we passed on taking a dip.
If you have the time, I highly recommend this day excursion when visiting Dubrovnik. It's a great place to relax, escape the crowds and breath in the fresh, clean scent of the black pines...and don't forget the chair!
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