In the heart of the Adriatic, the Croatian coast has always been known for its incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The land of numerous tourist stories and a rich maritime tradition is also special for its interesting lighthouses along the coast. They are an ideal destination for lovers of seclusion and enjoying romantic sunsets and a view of the open sea. Lighthouses in Croatia are architectural marvels and at the same time witnesses of the country's rich maritime past and a lure for tourists who want to experience something special.
We found some of the most beautiful lighthouses in Croatia that have become almost iconic symbols of our coast.
Savudri lighthouse
Located on the northwestern coast of Istria, Savudri lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the Adriatic. It is also the northernmost because it is located next to the border with neighboring Slovenia, and it is only fifty kilometers away from Trieste in Italy. Built in 1818, this white stone lighthouse enchants visitors with its romantic appearance.
Savudrija lighthouse it still amazes visitors with its beauty, and at the beginning of the 19th century it was a real tourist attraction. Tourists and curious locals persistently climbed to the top of the lighthouse, and the lighthouse keepers even had permission to use firearms due to the numerous attacks on the lighthouse. The first so-called 'lighthouse assistants' were Stefano Schmidt and Bartolomeo Micala. In 1828, the former was replaced by Giovanni Giacomo Maurel from the Savudri family, which still lives in that place. Today, only one lighthouse keeper works in the lighthouse because the lighting is automated.
This is the world's first lighthouse to consume coal-fired gas for lighting. The raw material came from Istria from the hard coal mines on the east coast at Labinšćina. In case of failure of the gas installation, oil could also be used for lighting.
With its impressive height of 36 meters, it offers an incredible view of the sea and the coast. Savudrija is ten kilometers away from Umag, a well-known tourist destination in Istria, and is well connected by traffic.
Veli Rat Lighthouse
This lighthouse is located on the northern part of Dugi otok and is known for its exceptional height of 40 meters, which makes it the highest lighthouse in the Adriatic. Veli rat lighthouse it was built in 1849 and is located 35 kilometers west of the famous tourist center of the northern part of Dalmatia, Zadar.
This lighthouse is considered one of the most beautiful on our coast, it is surrounded by pine forest and beautiful pebble bays suitable for swimming. The 40-meter-high Velo Rat lighthouse tower offers an unforgettable view of the Adriatic.
This lighthouse can also be reached by car.
Palagruž lighthouse
The Palagruž lighthouse on the island of the same name, about 68 nautical miles from Split, represents a real adventure for those who visit it. The lighthouse is located in the very heart of the Adriatic Sea, and archaeological finds show that it was once the home of the Greek hero Diomedes.
The lighthouse was built in the 19th century and is the largest on the Adriatic. The base of the lighthouse building itself is made of palagru stone, which is extremely heavy and hard. The rest of the building is made of the lighter yet widely known stone from Brac. The lighthouse lantern, which is still in use today, was built in 1873 and is signed by Henry Epoulite from Paris.
The island of Palagruža is one of the most remote Croatian islands, so this lighthouse offers incredible views of the open sea and a sense of isolation. This is the ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in untouched nature.
On Palagruža, you will also find two beautiful pebble beaches, which are ideal for families with children because of the shallows and small pebbles. The sea around Palagruža is one of the richest fishing areas in the Adriatic. Thanks to the crystal clear sea, diving and snorkeling here are a truly unforgettable experience. A special diving attraction is located 3 nautical miles from Palagruža on the Galijula reef, where the wreck of a steamship is hidden in the shallows of Papak. A medieval galley also sank in this mysterious place.
Although accommodation in the lighthouse itself is not possible, you can arrange a tour of the lighthouse, and there is also a small archaeological collection in the lighthouse building.
Porer lighthouse
An interesting lighthouse in Istria is located on a small island not far from Pula. The Porer lighthouse is a kind of symbol of the Istrian coast with its characteristic round shape and shining white stone. It is surrounded by crystal clear sea, but you have to be very careful for swimming. Namely, the sea currents are extremely strong here, so be sure to ask the lighthouse keeper for places to swim depending on the time of day.
This lighthouse dates back to 1833 and is about 2,5 kilometers from the southern cape of Istria and the town of Premantura. The lighthouse tower is 35 meters high and is located in the very center of this stone building, which is only eighty meters wide, so you can walk around it in a few minutes. But it is worth watching the sunset and the open sea at this location because you will remember this scene forever.
Host lighthouse
The Host lighthouse on the islet of the same name is located at the western entrance to the port of Viška. It is only 2 and a half kilometers away from Vis. The name Host was named after the English officer Sir William Host, who defeated the French fleet in a naval battle near the island of Vis in 1811.
At this lighthouse, which dates back to 1873, you can enjoy true luxury and rocky beaches in the turquoise sea and even a jacuzzi.
Lighthouses are an increasingly common lure for visitors who want to spend their holidays away from the crowds. Each lighthouse has its own story and is an irresistible lure for visitors eager to explore the magic of the rich maritime past and enjoy the spectacular views of the sea and the sunset on the open sea.
Whether it's a romantic escape for couples or an adventurous trip into untouched nature, Croatian lighthouses provide a unique experience that will remain etched in the memory of every traveler.
Cover photo: Dugi otok Tourist Board
