Lokrum island.

Lokrum is an island in the Adriatic Sea 600 metres (1,969 feet) from the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. It stretches from northwest to southeast and receives regular ferry service from the city. Austrian archduke (and short-lived Emperor of Mexico) Maximilian once had a holiday home on the island. A monastery and a botanical garden survive from his era. On the island's highest point at 96 metres (315 feet) above sea level stands Fort Royal Castle, which was built by the French, though it was later named "Maximilian's Tower" by the Austrians.

Even if you’re visiting Dubrovnik for just a few days, you should set aside some time to visit one of the many islands dotting the coast. One of the easiest to reach is Lokrum. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by the taxi-boats that run from the old harbor every half hour from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The price of 80 HRK includes entrance to the island – it’s a Nature Reserve.

The islet is small, less than one mile wide, and half a day there is all you need to see its sights. Here are some things you can do on the island while there:

1. You can swim in the Dead Sea. Or a miniature version of it at least. Lokrum is home to an idyllic little salt-filled lake linked to the open sea. Like its namesake, the island’s Dead Sea (Mrtvo more) is popular for how easy it is to swim in. The lake is 10 meters deep, and is located on the southern part of the island.

2. You can feel luxurious with the locals. One of this island’s unique features is that its only inhabitants are peacocks. Brought over from the Canary Islands some 150 years ago, these exquisitely exotic birds have adjusted quite well to their new habitat. Moments in their company can feel wonderfully decadent. Don’t be surprised if you’re joined by one on the beach.

3. You can marvel in exotic plants. It was Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg who brought over the peacocks. He bought the island in 1859. He also made beautiful horticultural changes to the island which are today part of its botanical garden – in less than five years after buying Lokrum Maximilian had planted more than one hundred exotic plant species. Today the garden contains 500 different kinds of trees, flowers, plants and bushes from Chile, Australia, California, South Africa, and elsewhere across the globe.

4. You can enjoy the silence. Adding to Lokrum’s charm is the fact that no cars are allowed on the island. And on top of that, nobody lives there or even spends the night. Savor in how peaceful it is. Take in a leisurely stroll along one of the island’s shady paths. Find a solitary spot along its rocky shore to call your own. Enjoy dodging the crowds of Dubrovnik for a day.