Lighthouses of Croatia
7. January, 2020
Blog
We are sure you've heard about Croatian coastline and variety of islands with beautiful beaches, coves and little towns to visit. But have you noticed the beauty of the Croatian lighthouses?
More than 100 lighthouses were built along the Adriatic coast, and around half of them still blink out their guiding lights.
We have prepared for you the list of most beautiful ones, most of which are also available for rent.
STRUGA
Situated on Lastovo, in the middle of the southern side of the island, Struga guides sailors who enter the bay of Skrivena Luka. The lighthouse was built in 1839, at the height of 70 m, on the edge of a cliff and it offers an indeed splendid view.
On the northern side of the cape, pine trees hide beaches and secluded bays, while the city of Lastovo is 10 km away. As many islands in the Dubrovnik region, Lastovo and its untouched nature offers a lot to be explored.
This location is known as the one where the largest coral tree of the Adriatic was pulled out, so maybe this would be a good spot do go snorkelling!
VELI RAT
One of the most recognizable lighthouses is Veli rat on the island of Dugi otok (Zadar region). The „tower“ of the lighthouse emerges suddenly from the dense pine forest which covers the island. It's 42 meters high which makes it the highest one in the Adriatic.
It was built in 1849, and the legend says that the walls were covered with thousands of egg-whites to make them more resistant to wind and sea. In the yard, there is a small chapel of Saint Nicholas, saint patron of the sailors.
The proof that this lighthouse is indeed something special is the fact that it always had a lighthouse keeper and there has been a waiting list for the job!
PALAGRUŽA
Palagruža lighthouse was built in 1875 on the little island carrying the same name, placed in the middle of the Adriatic sea, between Italian and Croatian coasts and it's technically a part of Split region. It is the furthest Croatian island, only 1400 m long, 300 m wide and 90 m high and best way to reach it is from Komiža on the island of Vis!. On it's highest point the lighthouse was built. The building is impressive with its size and stone, made like that to show the power of Austro-Hungarian empire, as it was the edge of the empire at the time and therefore the first thing to see when sailing up the coast.
The legend says that this is the island where Greek hero Diomedes was buried and some archaeological researches actually support that legend.
SUŠAC
This lighthouse also carries the name of the island on which it is situated. It's surrounded by the endless open sea. The stone ground-floor house was built in 1878 on the highest point of the island (100m), upon a cliff. However, the island was well known even before, archaeological sites and remains confirm this.
The only inhabitants on Sušac are the lighthouse keepers and sometimes a shepherd who comes with its sheep due to the specific grass of the island. Imagine being a lighthouse keeper here!
Interesting note: on the north part of the island there is a sea water lake that can be reached from the sea by diving through a cave.
HOST
The lighthouse Host is probably one of the first things many visitors see when the ferry or yacht approaches the island of Vis. Situated just outside the town of Vis, this little island and it's lighthouse carry the name by English officer Sir William Host who participated in a battle nearby in 1811. In this battle between Englishman and Frenchman and Sir Host was, of course, the winner.
PORER
Porer lighthouse amazes everyone with its position on an islet of the same name. This stone beauty is situated 2,5 km from the coast of Istria and the small town of Premantura, and it's surrounded by the open sea. It was built in 1833, the construction must have been challenging in such rough weather and nature conditions!
PRIŠNJAK
Prišnjak is a lighthouse built in 1886 on the islet of the same name which guides sailors entering the Murter archipelago. The islet itself is impressive to see because it's covered with a „stone lace“ - stone walls dividing it on small agricultural plots.
While in these waters do not miss a chance to also visit Kornati National Park, only 6 NM away!
