Daksa Island

Daksa Island, located near the coast of Dubrovnik, is a small but rich in history and mystery. With an area of just 0.07 km², this island is easily visible from the port of Gruž and the Lapad peninsula. Covered by dense vegetation of pine trees and Mediterranean scrub, Daksa appears as a quiet and isolated refuge, but its past is marked by dramatic events that still influence the perception of the island. The history of Daksa dates back to 1281, when a Franciscan monastery, the Monastery of St. Andrew, was built, which became a place of refuge and prayer for the monks. This monastery is one of the few signs of life on the island and, along with other minor structures, testifies to the ancient human presence. Over the centuries, the island has served various purposes, but its darkest role is linked to the events of World War II. At the end of October 1944, with the war still ongoing, Yugoslav partisans entered Dubrovnik to liberate it from fascist occupying forces. In this climate of tension and revenge, over 300 citizens of Dubrovnik were arrested, accused of collaboration with the Nazis. Among them were prominent figures such as the mayor of Dubrovnik, Niko Koprivica, and the Catholic priest Petar Perica. On October 24, 53 of these men were taken to the island of Daksa and summarily executed without trial. Their bodies were left exposed, an act that would mark the island as a place of tragedy and fear. This massacre has left an indelible mark on the collective memory of Dubrovnik. For decades, the island remained abandoned and shrouded in an aura of mystery and superstition. Locals avoided visiting it, believing it to be haunted by the ghosts of the victims. Stories of spectral apparitions and an eerie atmosphere fueled the island’s reputation as the “Island of Ghosts.” It was only in 2009, more than sixty years after the massacre, that the remains of some of the victims were found. The investigations led to the discovery of a mass grave with the bodies of 48 people, identifying some of the victims through forensic analysis. This finally allowed for a dignified burial of the deceased and a step towards closing this painful chapter in Dubrovnik’s history. However, no one has ever been prosecuted or punished for the massacre on Daksa. In addition to its tragic history, Daksa offers unspoiled natural beauty. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and features small rocky coves ideal for swimming and underwater exploration. The lush vegetation, with centuries-old pine trees and Mediterranean scrub, creates a serene environment that contrasts with the island’s troubled history. For adventurous visitors, exploring Daksa means confronting the past while enjoying its wild beauty. Daksa is part of the Elafiti archipelago, a group of islands that extends northwest of Dubrovnik. The archipelago is known for its natural beauty and tranquility, with islands like Lopud and Koločep attracting visitors for their beaches and idyllic landscapes. Daksa, however, remains less visited due to its history and lack of tourist infrastructure, which adds to its enigmatic charm. In recent years, there have been attempts to sell the island, but its dark history and local superstitions have made it difficult to find buyers. Nevertheless, Daksa continues to attract the interest of historians, researchers, and adventurous tourists who wish to explore a unique and significant piece of Dubrovnik’s history.