Lastovo offers two main perspectives to consider when planning your trip: the medieval town with its architectural history, and the island with its extensive network of trails. When looking for accommodation, first consider whether the town’s history, hiking destinations, or both will shape your trip. The sights and trails offer different points of interest, without requiring a set order for your stay.
Townscape and Architecture
The town of Lastovo is a medieval settlement with an amphitheater-like layout. Stone stairways called Skalinade wind around the old town center near the church. Hills surround the settlement, and viewpoints look out over the town and the surrounding fields. The historic center, stairways, and viewpoints each stand out as distinct landmarks in the townscape.
Lastovo’s family homes from the 15th and 16th centuries are distinguished by Sulari terraces and ornately designed Fumari chimneys. The Fumari are distinctive chimneys, with designs that vary from one to the next. Together, these architectural features give the town recognizable details to look for as you admire the houses.
Churches and Historic Buildings
The parish church of Saints Cosmas and Damian stands below Dovac, at Lastovo’s historic main gathering square. In the second half of the 15th century, local craftsmen and artisans from Dubrovnik and Korčula expanded the original church. Two other churches offer their own historical points of interest: Sv. Marija na Grži was built in 1442 and contains a 16th-century wooden altarpiece by painters from Dubrovnik. Sv. Marija u Polju was built in the early 16th century on the foundations of a 14th-century chapel; it contains an altarpiece by Piero Francesco Bissola.
Kašćel stands on Glavica above Lastovo, on the site of a prehistoric hillfort. The newer fortress was built in 1808 and is used as a meteorological station. If you plan to visit the interior, check in advance whether visits are possible. Lastovski Poklad was designated an intangible cultural asset of Croatia in 2008.
Hiking Trails and Nature
The island of Lastovo has more than 200 kilometers of hiking trails, maintained by rangers from Lastovo Islands Nature Park. Destinations include Kaštel, the Pod Veji vrh cave, and Zaklopatica. A circular route connects several island chapels. This lets you choose different types of hiking destinations: a historic building, a cave, a named place, or several chapels along one loop.
Lastovo Islands Nature Park includes the island of Lastovo and consists of 44 islands, islets, and reefs. The night sky may also be a factor in planning your trip: the island’s low light pollution makes it suitable for observing the stars and night sky. Together with the trails, this offers a different perspective on Lastovo from the architectural history of the town center.
Wine and Getting There
Vinarija Šarić is located at the foot of Lastovo in the Gornja Luka area and is reviving family wine production. If you’re considering a visit, check in advance what’s available.
Lastovo can be reached from Split and Vela Luka. Ferries and catamarans run daily from Split; schedules vary by season. Check connections before your trip to make sure your travel arrangements fit your plans.
Discover more destinations: Ubli, Pasadur, Skrivena Luka.
Return to the main travel overview: Općina Lastovo.
