Lastovo archipelago is the youngest Croatian nature park, and this archipelago consists of the Western Islands and the island of Sušac, and Donji škoji (Lastovnjaci) and Gornji škoji (Vrhovnjaci) - a total of 44 islands, islets and cliffs of a very indented coast. The nature park is named after the largest island - Lastovo - which is the southernmost inhabited island in Croatia.
Legend has it that the Greek god Zeus considered him one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Lastovo is among the sunniest Adriatic islands with long and dry summers, mild winters without snow, and due to its offshore position it does not experience sudden changes in weather.
///Lastovo from the air: See beautiful shots of the Lastovo archipelago
The Lastovo archipelago is a true paradise of the Mediterranean. A visit to the island's beaches remains in lasting memory because it is experienced as finding a hitherto undiscovered space. One such area is Skrivena luka on the southern side of the island of Lastovo. At the sea entrance to the bay is Cape Struga, where the lighthouse of the same name was built in 1839 and which is the perfect place to look into the endless blue. From ninety meters, from the very edge of a steep cliff, the view stretches into infinity.
This archipelago is wonderful and magical. The blue sea is sprinkled with emerald islands bordered by an inaccessible rocky shore. Nature has scattered along the coast countless canals, bays and cliffs which invite you to discover them.
The sea here is crystal clear, so the bottom can be seen to a depth of about fifty meters. 70% of the area of the Park is the sea, and the seabed is known for the beauty of various corals - Gorgonia settlements, red coral settlements and endemic Hvar corals stand out for their beauty.
The eye lives in the Lastovo sea 150 species of fish, and the underwater world of the Park is rich in sponges, mollusks, mosses, thorns, crabs and many other species, so the links of the underwater life chain are very strong.
There are several places on Lastovo that provide an opportunity to see the endless blue of the sea and the sky. From the lookout point Hum, 417 meters high, there is one such view.
The Lastovo and Lastovo archipelagos are the perfect destination for everyone in search of unearthly beauty, and because of the unreal views, the archipelago is particularly attractive for sailing. The island's coast seems inhospitable, because it is mostly inaccessible, so it is best to approach the islands by boat.
Due to its geological past, there are many caves on Lastovo. It is one of the most important Medjedina Cave where not so long ago the “sea man”, as the Mediterranean monk seal is commonly called, also lived. It is the most endangered and rarest seal in the world. It is rare to see it in the Park's waters, but occasional encounters raise hope for the return of the “sea man” to its ancient home. In addition, the Lastovo caves are home to at least 16 species of bats.
The loneliness and distance of Lastovo did him many good. This island is biologically one of the best preserved areas in the Mediterranean, and the World Conservation Organization (WWF) has declared it space of special importance to preserve the overall biodiversity of the Mediterranean. Dense island forests are dominated by holm oak and Aleppo pine, species extremely resistant to marine influences.
Plenty of sunlight and night humidity in the area of Lastovo have enabled life for more than 800 plant species, including 20 endemic. It is also possible to find here 50 endangered species, but also 20 species of orchids that stand out for their beauty.
The exceptional value of the Park is the richness and diversity of bird species. Due to its remoteness, the Lastovo archipelago is an important resting place and feeding place for birds on their annual journey across the Adriatic to the Apennine Peninsula and further to Africa. So far, it has been recorded throughout the archipelago 145 bird species.
The area of the Lastovo archipelago is also worth it cultural-historical point of view due to traditional architecture, but also archeological sites on land and underwater. And there are local legends. One of them says yes he never planted a walnut tree on Lastovo. Why? There was a belief among the people that witches would meet under it, and the islanders did not want them in the neighborhood.
