{"id":52803,"date":"2026-08-07T12:00:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T10:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/?p=52803"},"modified":"2026-08-07T12:00:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T10:00:19","slug":"lokrum-the-must-see-nature-escape-from-dubrovnik","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/?p=52803","title":{"rendered":"Lokrum: the must-see nature escape from Dubrovnik"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A natural gem between land and sea <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Classified as a Special Reserve of Forest Vegetation and included in the European Natura 2000 network, Lokrum Island <\/a>is a true natural gem facing Dubrovnik<\/a>. Beneath its crystal-clear waters lie Posidonia seagrass meadows, true refuges for marine biodiversity, where species such as the Mediterranean red starfish can be found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Lokrum, photo credit by Croatian Attractions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Along the coastline, rocky reefs and Mediterranean cliffs create a spectacular landscape while sheltering a rare flora, including some endemic species typical of the Dalmatian coast. As the seasons change, the wild meadows also transform, contributing to the island\u2019s botanical richness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lokrum,
Lokrum, photo credit by Lokrum reserve (gallery)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Further inland, holm oak and Aleppo pine forests offer visitors freshness and tranquillity. These preserved areas are also a refuge for many animal species, including several species of bats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, sea caves and coastal cavities add a touch of mystery to Lokrum. Among them, the famous Dead Sea lake (Mrtvo More), located in the south of the island, offers a unique swimming spot where the Adriatic Sea flows into an ancient natural cavity. It is this diversity between land and sea that makes Lokrum a true natural sanctuary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lokrum,
Lokrum garden, photo credit by Lokrum reserve (gallery)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An exceptional cultural heritage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond its preserved nature, Lokrum reveals a rich cultural heritage shaped by several centuries of history. Its most emblematic monument is the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Mary, founded in the 11th century, whose ruins and Renaissance cloister still bear witness to the island\u2019s religious past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Monastic
Monastic complex, Lokrum, photo credit by Lokrum reserve (gallery)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beyond its historical significance, the Benedictine Monastery has also become a popular stop for Game of Thrones<\/em> fans. It served as the filming location for the city of Qarth in Season 2 of the series, and today houses an official replica of the Iron Throne, where visitors can take a memorable photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Lokrum – Dubrovnik area – Croatia photo by Croatian Attractions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the 19th century, Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg fell in love with Lokrum and transformed part of the monastery into a summer residence while redesigning the island\u2019s gardens. It was probably during this period that the famous blue peacocks, now the true stars of Lokrum, appeared on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Peacook,
Peacook, Lokrum, photo credit by Croatian Attractions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The island is also home to Fort Royal, built by the French in 1806 and later reinforced by the Austrians. Perched above the island, it now offers one of the most beautiful views over Dubrovnik<\/a> and the Adriatic Sea. Other remains, such as the lazaretto, the Church of the Annunciation, and the Triton Cross, complete this journey through history and heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fort
Fort Royal, Lokrum, photo credit by Lokrum reserve (gallery)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lokrum\u2019s gardens, a green oasis in the heart of the Adriatic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The gardens of Lokrum offer a timeless walk among pine forests, palm trees, olive trees, exotic plants and Mediterranean scents. Shaped over the centuries, they invite visitors to discover a quieter side of Croatia, beneath the shade of the trees and far from the bustle of Dubrovnik.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lokrum
Lokrum garden, photo credit by Lokrum reserve (gallery)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This natural haven is also a refuge for wildlife: more than 52 bird species have been recorded on the island, including remarkable species such as the Eurasian eagle-owl. As the seasons pass, the songs change and new visitors appear. For birdwatching enthusiasts, this place is a true paradise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Lokrum, photo credit by Croatian Attractions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Botanical Garden of Lokrum is one of the island\u2019s must-see attractions. Created in the 20th century, it brings together hundreds of plant species from around the world and showcases the remarkable ability of exotic plants to adapt to the Mediterranean climate. This botanical richness also benefits local wildlife, including the many reptiles that contribute to the natural balance of this ecosystem. Rest assured, these discreet inhabitants are harmless! Among the must-see walks, the Path of Paradise, an old landscaped avenue, offers a shaded stroll leading towards the island\u2019s heights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And because every beautiful discovery deserves a final touch of magic, Lokrum still has surprises in store for nature lovers. The island reveals its colours through its many butterfly species, with more than 200 diurnal and nocturnal species recorded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lokrum
Lokrum garden, photo credit by Lokrum reserve (gallery)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The legends of Lokrum: between mystery and reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On Lokrum, history often gives way to legends. For centuries, the island has fuelled travellers\u2019 imaginations with stories blending faith, tragedies and mysteries. Whether true or not, these tales contribute to the unique charm of this small corner of the Adriatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if the famous Benedictine curse crosses your mind while wandering along one of the island\u2019s paths, remember that in France, the ladybird is considered a symbol of good luck. With more than 72 species of beetles recorded on the island, there is a good chance that one of these little lucky charms may cross your path. A charming reminder that the most beautiful stories are often the ones we choose to believe\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Forester's
Forester’s House, Lokrum, photo credit by Lokrum reserve (gallery)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A natural gem between land and sea  Classified as a Special Reserve of Forest Vegetation and included in the European Natura 2000 network, Lokrum Island is a true natural gem facing Dubrovnik. Beneath its crystal-clear waters lie Posidonia seagrass meadows, true refuges for marine biodiversity, where species such as the Mediterranean red starfish can be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":52812,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35,40],"tags":[600,5041,5044,5045,132,66,785,1866,4969,5047,43,5048,5049,4360,5046,2139,5042,5050,5043,5053,4374,5051],"class_list":["post-52803","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-croatia2day","category-dubrovnik","tag-adriatic-sea","tag-benedictine-monastery-lokrum","tag-blue-peacocks-lokrum","tag-botanical-garden-lokrum","tag-croatia","tag-croatian-attractions","tag-croatian-heritage","tag-croatian-islands","tag-dalmatian-coast","tag-dead-sea-lokrum","tag-dubrovnik","tag-dubrovnik-excursions","tag-fort-royal-lokrum","tag-hidden-gems-croatia","tag-lokrum","tag-lokrum-island","tag-mediterranean-nature","tag-natura-2000-croatia","tag-nature-reserve-croatia","tag-sustainaible-tourisme-croatia","tag-things-to-do-in-dubrovnik","tag-wildlife-croatia"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=52803"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52803\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52854,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52803\/revisions\/52854"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/52812"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52803"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=52803"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/croatia2go.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=52803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}