Croatia's islands: Lastovo

The island of Lastovo is a small unspoiled paradise, the most remote inhabited island in the Croatian archipelago. The island is made for real nature experiences, sailing, good food and perfect for wine lovers. Lastovo is characterized by dense forests, a dramatically steep coastline and the opportunity to take long, solitary walks to the beautiful melody of the sea and birds.

There is something truly magical about the island of Lastovo. Croatians call it the magic forty-six. Why 46? There is a thread of 45 small islands and rocks around Lastovo that together make 46 beautiful and interesting islands. But that's not all 46-an is about, next to 46 islands there are 46 churches and chapels, 46 vineyard fields and the island itself is 46km2 in size. Magic?

Besides the natural beauties Lastovo has a very valuable history of civilized life. In the town of Ubli, on the western side of the island, one can find the remains of stone tombs from ancient times. But what is even more important is the Charter of Lastovo from 1310, which represents a unique example of legal life on an independent island. Thanks to this, people on Lastovo have never been anyone's servants, thus preserving the freedom and traditional values. The town of Lastovo was built where is located today about 1000 years ago.

Lastovo is a heaven for fishermen angling for tuna. The unspoiled scenic beauty of Lastovo triggered the government to name it as a protected "natural park". The only activity on the island is agriculture, particularly viticulture. Lastovo's Marastina is a full-bodied dry, white wine that is famous throughout Croatia.

Something to admire on Lastovo is the bay of Ubli and the village of Lastovo. The best thing to do in the village of Lastovo is to take the stairs in front of the church and climb the hill to the meteorological station where you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the islands scattered in the nearby sea.

Lastovo is also famous for its carnival. When the islands put on their traditional costumes and dance their traditional dances to traditional music. The festival that made Lastovo very famous in Croatia and made many young people visit and get to know itself with untouched nature is "Lastovo otok glazbe" which in Croatian means: Lastov music island.

Lastovo has good connections with Split, Dubrovnik, Mljet and Korcula, but the accommodation on the island is very limited so the best way to visit the island is to sail away there, when you also have the best opportunity to sail around all 46 islands.