Lastovo

About this place

Lastovo is an archipelago and municipality in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia, made up of 46 islands, the largest being Lastovo island, about 31 km southwest of Korčula in a straight line. Only about 800 people live there, most on the main island, which covers 46 square kilometres. Illyrians and then Romans settled the island; in the 13th century it joined the Republic of Ragusa and kept a degree of autonomy for centuries. It is known for its 15th- and 16th-century Venetian Renaissance architecture and its distinctive stone chimneys, and its biggest festival is the Poklade carnival. In 2006 the Croatian government declared the archipelago a nature park. The stone houses of Lastovo town step up a hillside like an amphitheatre under red roofs and tall chimneys, surrounded by fields and vineyards. Deep bays of dark blue water cut into the coast, such as the hidden cove of Skrivena Luka, with small islands scattered around. Visitors arrive by ferry from Split or Vela Luka on Korčula, wander the old town, swim in the bays and dive in the clear water. The island is remote and quiet, without crowds, so allow several days.