Island guide

Lastovo

The most remote inhabited island in Croatia. A nature park, a dark sky reserve, and almost no mass tourism. Getting here takes planning. That is part of the point.

Getting there

Ubli is the main port on Lastovo's west coast. From Split, the journey stops at other islands along the way — Hvar and Vis on the Krilo route, plus Korčula on some Jadrolinija services. There is typically one departure per day in each direction, and sometimes fewer in low season. Check the timetable before you plan and treat the return ferry as non-negotiable.

The island

Lastovo is a protected nature park — about 96% of its land and surrounding sea is under protection. The island has dense pine and oak forests, clean water, and almost no light pollution. It was awarded dark sky reserve status, one of a small number of places in Europe with that designation.

The main village — also called Lastovo — sits inland on a hillside rather than at the harbour. This was deliberate: the village was positioned to be invisible from the sea, out of sight of approaching raiders. It remains unusual among Dalmatian island villages for this reason.

What to do

There is no organised tourism to speak of. No beach clubs, no walking tour operators, no wine bars aimed at visitors. What there is: good fish restaurants in Ubli and the village, swimming in clean water, hiking through forested paths, and the kind of quiet that is genuinely rare in August on the Adriatic.

The beaches are mostly pebble coves accessible by foot or by small boat. Skrivena Luka (Hidden Harbour) on the south coast is the most notable — a bay that is almost completely enclosed, calm water, and only accessible by a winding road or by sea.

Practical notes

There is no car rental on the island. Options are a scooter or bicycle hire from Ubli, a local taxi arranged through your accommodation, or bringing your own vehicle. If you bring a car, check current timetables — car ferry access to Lastovo requires going via Vela Luka (Korčula) with a connecting local service, and schedules change seasonally.