Lokrum Island

Lokrum is a forested island nature reserve about 600 metres off the Old Town of Dubrovnik, in Croatia's Dubrovnik-Neretva region, reached by ferry from the Old Port (Gradska luka). The crossing takes about 15 minutes, and boats run roughly every 30 minutes in summer from around 09:00; the island has no overnight stays, so the last boat back leaves in the evening. The island is covered in Mediterranean pine, holm oak and botanical garden plantings, and peacocks roam freely. The main sights are the ruins of a Benedictine monastery dating from the 11th century, a later Habsburg-era cloister garden, the round Napoleonic Fort Royal at the island's highest point, and the saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea, where visitors can swim. Rocky coves on the southern side also allow swimming, and there is a small cafe and a botanical garden. A network of paths loops around the island, and the climb to Fort Royal rewards walkers with a panoramic view back across the water to the walls of Dubrovnik. Most visitors spend a half day on the island, though a full day suits swimmers. A combined ticket for the return ferry and nature reserve entry costs about EUR 30 (about $34.50), and tickets are sold at the Old Port kiosk. Crowds build from late morning, particularly on cruise-ship days, so the first morning boat on a weekday is the quietest option. Visitors should bring water, sun protection and footwear for rocky coves. The best photograph is from the Fort Royal terrace looking toward Dubrovnik.