Lastovo lies far out in the southern Adriatic and was off-limits to foreigners until 1988. Since 2006 the island, together with 43 other islands and reefs, has formed the Lastovo Islands Nature Park, one of Croatia's largest marine protected areas. A few hundred inhabitants, dense forests, clear water and a village of ornate chimneys make Lastovo a destination for people who really want to switch off.
At a glance
Region
South Dalmatia
Ferry
Split – Vela Luka – Ubli
Catamaran
Dubrovnik/Split – Korčula – Ubli
Protection
nature park since 2006
Best time to visit
June, September
Ideal for
peace-seekers, divers, sailors, hikers
Things to do
Lastovo village spread like an amphitheatre on the slope, with typical chimneys (fumari) from the 15th and 16th centuries
Hum (417 m) highest point with panoramic views
Skrivena Luka sheltered bay in the south with Struga lighthouse
Zaklopatica and Pasadur small villages with swimming coves and fish restaurants
Lastovski poklad traditional carnival with a figure sliding down a rope from the hill
Getting there
The only ferry port is Ubli. The car ferry runs from Split via Vela Luka (Korčula); the catamaran links Lastovo with Korčula, Mljet and Dubrovnik or Split. The journey takes several hours; check timetables with Jadrolinija and the catamaran operators.
Honest verdict
Lastovo has no sandy beaches, few restaurants and hardly any evening entertainment. Without a car or scooter the villages are hard to reach. But if you're after nature, silence and clear sea, it's one of Croatia's most unspoilt destinations.
Lastovo lies far out in the southern Adriatic and was off-limits to foreigners until 1988. Since 2006 the island, together with 43 other islands and reefs, has formed the Lastovo Islands Nature Park, one of Croatia's largest marine protected areas. A few hundred inhabitants, dense forests, clear water and a village of ornate chimneys make Lastovo a destination for people who really want to switch off.
At a glance
Region
South Dalmatia
Ferry
Split – Vela Luka – Ubli
Catamaran
Dubrovnik/Split – Korčula – Ubli
Protection
nature park since 2006
Best time to visit
June, September
Ideal for
peace-seekers, divers, sailors, hikers
Things to do
Lastovo village spread like an amphitheatre on the slope, with typical chimneys (fumari) from the 15th and 16th centuries
Hum (417 m) highest point with panoramic views
Skrivena Luka sheltered bay in the south with Struga lighthouse
Zaklopatica and Pasadur small villages with swimming coves and fish restaurants
Lastovski poklad traditional carnival with a figure sliding down a rope from the hill
Getting there
The only ferry port is Ubli. The car ferry runs from Split via Vela Luka (Korčula); the catamaran links Lastovo with Korčula, Mljet and Dubrovnik or Split. The journey takes several hours; check timetables with Jadrolinija and the catamaran operators.
Honest verdict
Lastovo has no sandy beaches, few restaurants and hardly any evening entertainment. Without a car or scooter the villages are hard to reach. But if you're after nature, silence and clear sea, it's one of Croatia's most unspoilt destinations.
