Hidden in the embrace of the Adriatic, Lastovo is a sanctuary of untouched beauty, where emerald forests meet the glistening blue sea, and time slows to the rhythm of nature. As Croatia’s most remote inhabited island, it feels like a world apart, shielded by the vast expanse of water that separates it from the mainland. Its name is believed to be inspired by swallows (lastavice in Croatian), while the ancient Romans, captivated by its raw splendour, honoured it with the title of the "Imperial Island."
Like much of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Lastovo was originally inhabited by the Illyrians. The region eventually fell under Roman rule, which lasted until the 7th century, when Avar invasions and the migration of Slavic people disrupted Roman control. The Croats, along with other Slavic tribes under their influence, gradually established dominance along much of the Dalmatian coast. However, certain Romanized cities and islands, including Lagosta (the historic name for Lastovo), remained semi-autonomous and nominally aligned with the Byzantine Empire.
In the year 1000, the Republic of Venice launched an assault on the island, destroying its settlement in response to pirate activity originating from Lastovo. Later, in the 13th century, the island became part of the Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik), where it maintained a degree of autonomy for several centuries. This period ended with the arrival of Napoleon’s forces, which brought the Republic of Ragusa to an end.
After the Napoleonic Wars, Austria governed Lastovo for nearly a century. Following World War I, the island came under Italian control for 30 years, before becoming part of Yugoslavia, and ultimately joining the independent Republic of Croatia.
Lastovo Islands Nature Park: A Sanctuary of Natural Beauty and Heritage
The Lastovo Islands Nature Park is a stunning blend of opposites—lush green valleys and freshwater springs contrast with dense forests, towering sea cliffs, and a hidden network of both terrestrial and underwater caves. With its enchanting scenery, rich biodiversity, and unspoiled ecosystems, the Croatian Parliament officially designated the archipelago as a nature park on 29 September 2006.
The park includes a diverse group of 46 islands, islets, rocks, and reefs, with Lastovo and Sušac being the largest. It spans 53 square kilometers of land and an impressive 143 square kilometers of surrounding sea, enclosed by the historic lighthouses of Sušac, Tajan, Glavat, and Struga. These waters are a haven for divers, offering vibrant marine life and fascinating underwater landscapes.
The archipelago is divided into several island clusters, including the Western Islands, Sušac, Donji Škoji (Lastovnjaci), and Gornji Škoji (Vrhovnjaci), each with its own ecological and scenic charm.
while its rugged trails attract hikers and cyclists eager to explore its wild terrain. But perhaps its most magical feature is its night sky—one of the clearest and brightest in Europe, a celestial canvas that enchants romantics and astronomers alike. With nearly 70% of its surface blanketed in forest, Lastovo is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic, second only to Mljet.
Discover the Settlements of Lastovo Island
Lastovo Village
Tucked into the island’s hilly interior, Lastovo Village is a historic medieval settlement shaped like a natural amphitheater. Encircled by rolling hills, the village is home to well-preserved stone houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. These homes are adorned with "fumari"—distinctive cylindrical chimneys—and broad, elevated terraces known as “Lastovski sulari”, both of which have become lasting symbols of the island’s identity.
The village is rich in cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian, the Rector’s Palace (Palac), the remains of the ancient Kašćel fortress, and a number of smaller historic chapels. Winding stone staircases known as the Lastovo Scalinade connect the heart of the village, contributing to its charming Mediterranean character—even though it lies inland, rather than along the coast.
Pasadur
Located on the western coast of the island, Pasadur is a peaceful bay connected to the nearby islet of Prežba via a picturesque stone bridge. Its calm, sheltered waters make it a popular anchorage for yachts, and the scenic promenade is ideal for strolls along the shoreline. Hotel Solitudo, the island’s only hotel, is also located here, making Pasadur a welcoming base for visitors seeking tranquility and comfort.
Ubli
Known locally as Uble, Ubli serves as Lastovo’s main port town, situated on the southwestern edge of the island. This small coastal hub has historical roots, most notably the remains of an early Christian single-nave basilica from the 5th–6th century, once dedicated to St. Peter. Among the valuable artifacts discovered at the site is a Christian relief depicting a cross flanked by two lambs—now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Zadar. The basilica has since been preserved and classified as a protected cultural monument. A scenic 3-kilometer path links Ubli with Pasadur, offering a pleasant walking route along the coast.
Skrivena Luka
On the southern shoreline of Lastovo lies Skrivena Luka, meaning “Hidden Port” in Croatian—a name earned for its secluded location, invisible from the open sea. Also known as Porto Rosso in Italian, this naturally sheltered bay is a favorite among sailors seeking safe anchorage.
At the entrance to the bay stands Cape Struga, home to the Struga Lighthouse, built in 1839. Perched on a cliff at 70 meters above sea level, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the open Adriatic. It houses four apartments (accommodating up to 14 guests) and operates year-round, making it a unique stay for those looking to experience Lastovo from a different perspective.
Zaklopatica
Just 2 kilometers north of Lastovo Village, Zaklopatica is a picturesque seaside village known for its namesake islet, which provides a nesting ground for the rare Yelkouan shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan), locally called Kaukala. This peaceful bay is a haven for divers and sailors, offering access to some of the island’s most beautiful natural features and clear, inviting waters.
Zaklopatica is also a culinary hotspot, with several traditional restaurants serving authentic Dalmatian cuisine. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and sunset views that stretch across to the neighboring island of Korčula—a perfect way to end a day on this untouched island paradise.
The island’s highest peak, Hum, rises 417 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of rolling hills, secluded coves, and the endless horizon. From this vantage point, the small lighthouse islands of Glavat, Struga, Sušac, and Tajan appear like ancient guardians of Lastovo’s peace.
A Tapestry of Culture and Tradition
Beyond its natural wonders, Lastovo is steeped in history and tradition. Scattered across the island are timeless stone churches, remnants of centuries-old faith and craftsmanship. One of the most striking symbols of the island of Lastovo is its unique chimneys, known as fumari. Each one is distinctive—unusual in shape, rich in character, and crafted with care. Driven by a friendly rivalry, locals would try to outdo one another, resulting in chimneys that became more imaginative and original with every new build.
Their decorations range from elaborate and colorful designs to simple elements made from traditional roof tiles. Some even feature animal horns, believed to ward off evil or serve as a playful jab at a neighbor. More than just architectural features, these chimneys reflect the creativity, pride, and cultural spirit of the people of Lastovo—turning rooftops into an open-air gallery of folk expression.
One of its most cherished traditions is the Lastovo Poklad, a vibrant carnival that unites the entire community in a celebration of legend, history, and joy.
The island’s villages seem frozen in time, each telling its own story. The town of Lastovo, with its well-preserved 15th- and 16th-century stone houses, exudes mediaeval charm, while Lučica, the last Baroque fishing village, stands as a living testament to the island’s seafaring past.
An Island Beyond Compare
For adventurers, romantics, and seekers of serenity, Lastovo is an escape into a world where nature reigns supreme and history lingers in every stone. Whether gazing at the night sky, exploring the depths of its vibrant underwater world, or wandering through its ancient villages, one thing is certain—Lastovo is more than just an island. It is a place where myths are born, stars shine the brightest, and beauty defies description.
Rača cave
The cave is located in the southeastern part of the island of Lastovo. It is a protected geomorphological natural monument and an archaeological site. This cave contains the oldest traces of human life on the island, dating from the Neolithic period to the Roman era. Among the discoveries is a unique double-edged razor, circular in shape with an engraved cross in the centre, as well as Gnathia-type pottery, which indicates contact with Greek culture.
Rača Cave consists of a single chamber that appears to be divided into smaller sections. It stretches 70 meters in length and is remarkably spacious. The interior is filled with numerous stalagmites, stalactites, and columns of various shapes. This is the only cave on Lastovo that visitors can explore without concern, as it is not steep. However, a flashlight and non-slip footwear are recommended for a safe visit.
Lighthouse Glavat: The Island Born from a Divine Dispute
As the story goes, the Greek gods once found themselves in a passionate debate over which Croatian island was the most beautiful—Mljet, Korčula, or Lastovo.
With no clear winner in sight, tempers flared. One god swore by the enchanting forests and mythical allure of Mljet, another insisted that Korčula, with its timeless beauty, was the true gem, while a third passionately defended Lastovo’s unspoiled wilderness.
Realising that words alone wouldn’t settle the matter, Zeus (or Poseidon, depending on the version) decided to send a divine emissary to judge for himself. Emerging from the sea at the exact spot where Glavat now stands—nine nautical miles from Lastovo, twelve from Korčula, and eight from Mljet—the messenger spent days observing, admiring, and weighing the unique qualities of each island.
Yet, despite his careful deliberations, he could not make a decision. Frustrated by his hesitation, the gods decided to turn him into stone, forever marking the sea with his presence as the island of Glavat.
Photo: shutterstock, HTZ
