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."
The Lastovo Islands Nature Park is a place of breathtaking contrasts—fertile valleys and freshwater springs intertwine with dense forests, dramatic cliffs, and a labyrinth of land and underwater caves.
It spans a collection of 44 islands, islets, and reefs, divided into several clusters: the Western islands, Sušac, Donji Škoji (Lastovnjaci), and Gornji Škoji (Vrhovnjaci). The park’s marine world is a diver’s dream.
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.
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. The island’s signature chimneys (fumari), each uniquely designed, add character to the picturesque stone houses that define Lastovo’s architectural charm. 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.
Mljet, Korčula, or Lastovo? Even today, there’s no easy answer. Perhaps the only way to solve the mystery is to visit all three and decide for yourself.
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Photo: shutterstock, HTZ