A Piece of Untouched Nature and the End of Croatia
South of the Kocula Island in the region of Dubrovnik and Ploce, you will find Lastovo Nature park. It is located on the same island with which it shares its name and the surrounding archipelago. The Lastovo Nature Park was founded in 2006 and is one of the youngest of the Croatian nature parks. A large part of its total area, approximately 143.12 square kilometers, is a marine area with an exciting underwater world consisting of reefs, corals, sponges and submarine caves. The underwater world is not only home to animals, but also has rich fauna consisting of crustaceans, giant snails, sea bream, tuna, swordfish and dolphins and turtles.
On land you can watch migratory birds. Lastovo Nature Park is one of the most important breeding grounds for migratory birds in this region. Rare species such as the Great Shearwater or the Mediterranean Gull nest between the palm, orange and almond trees. On the steep cliffs of the island, the rare Eleonora’s Falcons build their nests. The nature park is such a safe haven for birds because there are no poisonous snakes on the island. Other land animals that can be found are lizards and bats in the island caves.
For recreation-seeking vacationers Lastovo is an ideal destination. The island is home to around 830 inhabitants and when speaking of big hotels, there are none. Only small hotels and private accommodations are available for travelers looking to spend the night. Because of the numerous secluded bays and the surrounding archipelago, Lastovo is an interesting stopover for many sailors. Those looking for their fun on land, can visit archaeological excavations, a large number of stone churches and the lighthouses of Susac, Tajan and Struga. A special feature of the island is the round chimneys of the houses, which were used as a status symbol of the residents in the past.
Getting there and Prices
The Lastovo Nature Park can be reached via ferry from Korcula, Hvar and Split. A day ticket costs about 4 Euros. On the island there are numerous hiking trails and routes for cycling, such as the 1.2 km long stretch of Skrivena Luka to St. Cyprian’s Chapel or the 9.5 km long route from Ubli to Lastovo.
