Lokrum Island (Otok Lokrum) seen from the Old Town Fortress wall walk of Dubrovnik. This little island is about 2km long from north to south & 500m broad. The summit elevation is about 96m. Lokrum which in Italian is Lacroma is derived from the Latin word ‘acrumen‘ which means sour fruit probably after the citrus cultivation on the island since the time the Benedictines arrived in 1023.Lokrum Island is just a stone’s throw from Dubrovnik Old Town, so it makes it a popular local & tourist getaway. You can catch a 15 min ferry ride from the Old Town Port to Lokrum.Lokrum is a small island that lies in the Adriatic Sea, 600m away from Dubrovnik, Croatia.As we sail out to the Adriatic Sea, we are treated to this sweeping view of the Medieval 16th century fortification perched on a solid mount of rock, encircling the Old Town of Dubrovnik.The Adriatic Sea separates the Balkan Peninsula with the Dinaric Alps from the Italian Peninsula with the Apennine Mountains. We spy Montenegro in the distance.As we continued to sail out from Dubrovnik which historically was known as Ragusa, capital of the maritime Republic of Ragusa during the 15th & 16th centuries; we see Mount Srđ rising high up behind the city.It was such a beautiful day as we cruised in this sturdy boat that took us around Lokrum Island & back to harbour.The Stijene Rocks section. Legend has it that King Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked on Lokrum following his crusades of 1192. In 1859, Maxmillian von Habsburg the Archduke of Austria bought Lokrum & transformed the Benedictine Abbey & monastery into a summer palace. Hence, this little island was later nicknamed the ‘Island of Kings’.The south-western part of the island is craggy & this islet is a quiet haven with no vehicular traffic or dogs allowed.The whole island is composed of carbonate rocks namely sedimentary limestone & dolomite which was formed approximately 85 million years ago in the younger geological period of Cretaceous.As we continued to hug the coastline, we passed this cove named Velikašpilja.The Bay of Portoč (Uvala Portoč) is another swimming spot to enjoy the clear blue waters of the Adriatic but be careful as the beach is rocky. Lokrum is lush & beautiful with holm oaks, black ash, pine & olive trees & has virtually remained untouched for centuries. In 1964 Lokrum was declared a Managed Nature Reserve & in 1976 a Special Forest Vegetation Reserve under the auspices of UNESCO.This natural shelter is the FKK (frei-körper-kultur) zone designated for skinny dipping, so be prepared to bathe in your birth-day suit here! If you are modest like me, try swimming at the Dead Sea (Mrtvo More) a 10m deep lake linked to the sea.There is quite a bit to see on Lokrum but the principal highlight is probably The Benedictine Abbey founded in 1023 & its formal gardens. There is also an impressive Botanical Garden of the Dubrovnik Oceanographic Institute & the 19th century Fort Royal which stands at the top of Lokrum Hill.The cruise gradually turned around & we see Mount Srđ with the Cable car station right on top looming over Dubrovnik.The Adriatic Sea is the northern-most arm of the Mediterranean Sea & countries that have coastlines by the Adriatic include Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro & Slovenia.Many villas are built on these steep cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea with their own private jetties like this one.Along Croatia’s glimmering coastline that spans about 1,800km, Dubrovnik is the top tourist town & it lies along the southern-most stretch known as the Dalmatian Coast. There are 79 islands & over 500 islets & the Adriatic Sea’s high water quality coupled with the immense number of coves & channels make it an ideal spot of nautical races, sea-sports & tourism in general.The Dalmatian Coast is dominated by dramatic limestone cliffs that rise from the deep, isolated islands, attractive beaches, water-sports & the beautiful turquoise Adriatic Sea.Banje Beach can be reached from the Old Town when you exit the Ploce Gate on the eastern side & walk towards the suburb of Ploce for about 100m. At sunset, this amazing beach transforms into a night club for revellers.Our exciting cruise ended here at the Gradska Luka (Old Town Port) but our day in Dubrovnik was far from over as we next made our way up Mount Srđ on the cable car to catch the magnificent sunset.
When you are done with exploring the Old City of Dubrovnik, hop over to this gem, Lokrum Island. What you would need is good walking shoes, your swim gear, sunblock & shades for a relaxing time away from all the hustle & bustle!
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