Experience the Unspoiled Beauty of Lastovo Island, Croatia’s Remote Paradise

Published on December 13, 2025

While over a million tourists flock yearly to Croatia’s famous island of Hvar, to its crowded beaches and luxury hotels, Lastovo remains a virgin escape where nature and tranquility are the main features of the experience. This is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the Adriatic, an alternative to the commercialization of tourist hotspots like Hvar. With unspoiled landscapes, minimal light pollution, and serene atmosphere, Lastovo is a haven for those seeking refuge from chaos and embracing authentic island life.

Why Hvar Lost Its Authentic Charm

Hvar, once known for its quiet beauty and picturesque landscapes, has become a symbol of Croatia’s overtourism crisis. The island welcomes over 1 million visitors each year, resulting in crowded beaches, packed hotels, and a complete loss of its serene character. Prices for hotels on Hvar range from $165 to $440 per night, while beach clubs charge tourists as much as $22 for a single cocktail.

The island’s natural beauty is overwhelmed by the incessant noise of yacht parties, luxury resort complexes, and busy tourist attractions. While many come to Hvar to snap photos in the famous lavender fields and enjoy sunsets, the once-peaceful car-free old town is now jam-packed with tourists from early morning until late evening. Restaurant reservations need to be made weeks in advance, and local fishermen have been pushed out by luxury yacht marinas.

Hvar’s transformation from a quiet retreat to a bustling tourist hub illustrates the pressures faced by many European destinations under the weight of mass tourism. This commercialization of the island has diminished the authentic Dalmatian experience, making it less appealing for those seeking a genuine, peaceful escape.

Lastovo: A Tranquil Alternative

In stark contrast to the bustling island of Hvar, Lastovo remains largely untouched by mass tourism. This small, remote island, accessible only by ferry from Dubrovnik, is a sanctuary for nature lovers and those looking for solitude. Lastovo is unique in that 70% of the island’s land is covered by pristine forest, making it home to the Adriatic’s largest preserved woodland. The island’s 46-island archipelago, spanning 77 square miles of protected waters, provides a serene backdrop for visitors to explore unspoiled nature and enjoy the quietude that has become a rarity in the Mediterranean.

The island’s isolation, which kept it under the control of the Yugoslav military until 1989, has shielded it from the tourism pressures experienced by more famous destinations like Hvar. The sparse population of 835 residents has maintained a traditional way of life, with fishing and agriculture playing key roles in the local economy. This authenticity is reflected in the island’s architecture, with charming 15th-century stone houses adorned with distinctive fumari chimneys that are a hallmark of Lastovo’s architectural heritage.

A Stargazer’s Paradise

Perhaps one of the most significant draws of Lastovo is its remarkable night sky. The island is renowned for its lack of light pollution, making it one of Europe’s best destinations for stargazing. In fact, Lastovo is pursuing International Dark Sky Park status, which would recognize the island as one of the few places in Europe where the night sky remains unspoiled by artificial light.

In 2008, the island installed ecological lighting to eliminate light pollution, long before national regulations required it. As a result, Lastovo offers some of the best views of the stars in Europe, with Bortle Scale ratings exceeding 7 out of 8, signifying an almost pristine sky. Visitors to Lastovo can enjoy world-class stargazing experiences, particularly during the Geminids meteor shower in December, where the clear skies provide the perfect backdrop for observing shooting stars.

The island’s Kaštel Fort offers panoramic views over the archipelago, making it an ideal spot for sunrise or sunset stargazing. For even more extraordinary astronomical experiences, the heliodrome at 1,312 feet elevation, which hosted the 2008 International Dark Sky Camp, provides another vantage point for viewing the stars and the surrounding natural beauty.

Nature-Based Tourism at a Fraction of the Cost

Beyond its stellar stargazing opportunities, Lastovo offers a range of nature-based activities at a fraction of the cost found on more popular Croatian islands. Accommodation on Lastovo is much more affordable, with nightly rates ranging from $44 to $165, compared to Hvar’s high-end pricing. The island features family-run guesthouses, with only one hotel offering 150 beds across the entire island. Dining is also reasonably priced, with meals averaging between $16 and $28, including local delicacies such as grilled sardines and lamb peka.

Additionally, outdoor activities on Lastovo are both diverse and budget-friendly. Bike rentals cost just $16 per day, while diving sessions are available for $55. Nature park entry fees are only $5, and hiking trails connect 15 villages, allowing visitors to explore the island’s lush Mediterranean pine forests, which are alive with wild herbs and fragrant flowers.

Ferry rides to Lastovo from Dubrovnik cost between $33 and $44, providing an affordable and scenic trip. In comparison, the ferry routes to Hvar can cost upwards of $55, adding to the affordability of Lastovo as a destination for travelers on a budget.

A Remote Escape With Limited Access

While Lastovo remains a hidden gem, its isolation also limits its accessibility. There is no airport on the island, and visitors must rely on ferry services, which are available year-round but with reduced frequency during the winter months. TP Line catamarans connect Lastovo to Dubrovnik in about 3.5 hours, offering 3-4 weekly crossings during the winter. For those looking to island-hop, Korčula offers shorter ferry rides, taking only 75 minutes, at a more affordable rate.

With limited infrastructure, Lastovo’s tourism remains minimal, which serves as a natural form of crowd control. The island’s only hotel, Solitudo, offers 72 rooms, and there are only 703 beds available across the island’s 46 islands. While this means fewer tourists, it also ensures that the island remains a peaceful retreat without the overdeveloped infrastructure that plagues other popular Croatian islands.

Practical Considerations for Visiting Lastovo

Traveling to Lastovo requires some planning, particularly during the winter months when ferry services are less frequent. However, for those who are willing to make the effort, Lastovo offers a unique and authentic island experience. Visitors are encouraged to book accommodations in advance, especially during the peak season in December, when many establishments operate with reduced hours. The island’s mild temperatures during the winter months, averaging between 46°F and 54°F, make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as stargazing, hiking, and cycling.

Lastovo – Croatia’s Hidden Treasure

Those who seek an authentic Croatian island experience will find Lastovo a refuge from the cacophony of crowds and the commercialization of more popular destinations. Preserved in its natural state, its resplendent night skies, and still very accessible, Lastovo is a living witness to the beauty of the Adriatic’s hitherto unspoiled islands. Lastly, Lastovo offers one an opportunity to pursue not only stargazing but also hiking in places that reflect quietude and nature.