We may all be stuck at home and inside right now but that only gives us all ample opportunity to dream, look ahead, develop a serious case of wanderlust, and start putting together elaborate bucket lists of things we want to see and do and places we want to go when it is safe to do so again. And we're definitely all due a getaway when this thing is over! One of the places that we always favour is Croatia and one particular island in Croatia, quite the hidden gem, that we'd love to be exploring right now is Lastovo. Here are some reasons as to why it is on all of our bucket lists right now:
1. It is a natural gem.
Lastovo is a uniquely beautiful and unique island in Croatia as it is the only island in its entirety to be declared a Nature Reserve in the country. As such, her immense natural bounty and the fascinating flora and fauna of the island, have remained protected and preserved.
2. It is a perfect place to relax.
Home to less than one thousand people, sleepy, half-empty, pretty, little villages wonderful views over the Adriatic, and some excellent vineyards, it is a place of peace, calm, and relaxation.
1. It is a natural gem.
Lastovo is a uniquely beautiful and unique island in Croatia as it is the only island in its entirety to be declared a Nature Reserve in the country. As such, her immense natural bounty and the fascinating flora and fauna of the island, have remained protected and preserved.
2. It is a perfect place to relax.
Home to less than one thousand people, sleepy, half-empty, pretty, little villages wonderful views over the Adriatic, and some excellent vineyards, it is a place of peace, calm, and relaxation.
3. It's pretty accessible.
Located in the municipality in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, it can be readily visited if you are staying in or around Dubrovnik or in Split, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of those now-popular tourist hotpots and dropping you among the tranquil surroundings of this natural hidden gem. There is a regular Jadrolinija car ferry that runs from Split to Lastovo and a fast passenger ferry that makes the trip in around three hours. Foot passengers can also to get to Lastovo from Dubrovnik all year on the Nona Ana ferry but it doesn't go every day so be sure to look up the timetable before you plan your trip! Find timetables for the different services here.
4. You're well off the beaten tourist path here...
While you won't find perfect, sandy beaches on the island or lots of different amenities to keep you busy or entertained all the time, the trade-off for this lack of a built-up tourist destination is just that; no sprawling resorts or giant hotels, no nightclubs, no crowds, no chaos. Instead, you'll get a stunning, untouched, lush emerald gem that emerges from the Adriatic.
Located in the municipality in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, it can be readily visited if you are staying in or around Dubrovnik or in Split, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of those now-popular tourist hotpots and dropping you among the tranquil surroundings of this natural hidden gem. There is a regular Jadrolinija car ferry that runs from Split to Lastovo and a fast passenger ferry that makes the trip in around three hours. Foot passengers can also to get to Lastovo from Dubrovnik all year on the Nona Ana ferry but it doesn't go every day so be sure to look up the timetable before you plan your trip! Find timetables for the different services here.
4. You're well off the beaten tourist path here...
While you won't find perfect, sandy beaches on the island or lots of different amenities to keep you busy or entertained all the time, the trade-off for this lack of a built-up tourist destination is just that; no sprawling resorts or giant hotels, no nightclubs, no crowds, no chaos. Instead, you'll get a stunning, untouched, lush emerald gem that emerges from the Adriatic.
5. ...but that doesn't mean that it doesn't have plenty of attractive features and qualities to offer a visitor...
What you will find on the island of Lastovo instead are thick and impressive old forests; dramatically craggy cliffs; uninterrupted incredible vistas that sweep right over the whole island and take in the glittering sea in the distance; ample opportunity to walk and wander with only the sound of birdsong in your ears and to keep you company; excellent snorkelling and scuba-diving spots where the fish are teeming as they are relatively unbothered by man; lovely villages like the port town of Ubli, where sleeping cats bask in sunny doorways and architectural gems crumble charmingly at the edges; a famous and colourful Carnival celebration each February; and a well-known local full-flavoured dry, white wine that is beloved in Croatia.
When it is possible again, if you are looking for somewhere special to unwind and recharge after this difficult time, then why not go and explore charming Lastovo for yourself? Sip her delicious wine, enjoy the uninterrupted views over the beautiful and preserved landscape, swim, snorkel, explore, and embrace the peace and quiet of this very special destination in Croatia.
What you will find on the island of Lastovo instead are thick and impressive old forests; dramatically craggy cliffs; uninterrupted incredible vistas that sweep right over the whole island and take in the glittering sea in the distance; ample opportunity to walk and wander with only the sound of birdsong in your ears and to keep you company; excellent snorkelling and scuba-diving spots where the fish are teeming as they are relatively unbothered by man; lovely villages like the port town of Ubli, where sleeping cats bask in sunny doorways and architectural gems crumble charmingly at the edges; a famous and colourful Carnival celebration each February; and a well-known local full-flavoured dry, white wine that is beloved in Croatia.
When it is possible again, if you are looking for somewhere special to unwind and recharge after this difficult time, then why not go and explore charming Lastovo for yourself? Sip her delicious wine, enjoy the uninterrupted views over the beautiful and preserved landscape, swim, snorkel, explore, and embrace the peace and quiet of this very special destination in Croatia.
Photo credits
Picture 3: August Dominus / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 3: August Dominus / CC BY-SA 3.0