Ancient mariners and merchants who carried goods from south Greek colonies traded with the Illyrians, and when they came to Lastovo, they named the island Ladesta or Ladeston. The Romans called it Ladestris, and the Narentines, who came after the Romans, took the original Roman form Lasta and added the suffix "ovo". This is how Lastovo got its name.
The island was first mentioned in written documents by a 6th century lexicographer Stephen from Byzantium, who referred to it as Ladesta and Ladeston. His source was Theopompus, a 4th century BC Greek historian and orator.
Although the oldes written document on Lastovo dates back to the 6th century, traces of human presence on the island, found in a cave called Račja spilja, prove a constant presence of man since stone age (8500 BC).
The names of numerous other Illyric settlements along the coast had the same suffix -est which indicates their Illyric origins. When the Romans conquered Dalmatia, they gave the island the Latin name Augusta Insula, meaning "emperor's island".
While elsewhere carnival traditions are reduced to masked parades and drinking, carnival on Lastovo – known as Poklade - is a unique, for centuries preserved multi-day folk event. Everything takes place according to very strict centuries old ritual, in memory of the event from 1483 when the Catalanes (a common name for the Catalans, Sicilians and other mercenaries) intended to attack, rob and conquer Lastovo, which was at that time part of the Dubrovnik Republic.
Lastovo Carnival is protected by the Act on the protection and preservation of cultural goods of 17.01.2008. as intangible cultural heritage (list of all intangible cultural heritage).
Lučica is a small village/port with only 30 houses and is protected as an area of heritage. Originally, Lučica was a fisherman’s port and buildings were used as storage for fishing equipment. Lučica is just one kilometre from the town of Lastovo. You can reach it by an asphalt road or – there is 400m long short cut through the forest.
As many as 46 bays, just as many little churches, as many spacious fields of grass and rolling hills in the heart of the island of Lastovo, are wonderful options with breathtaking views for those that aren’t satisfied with just the sea and the sun but who enjoy an active vacation.
Active holiday. Lastovo is a small island, ideal to be explored on foot, by bicycle or by scooter, which can be rented at all times. Those who love the sea, can take a whole day trip to the sandy island of Saplun in the archipelago of Lastovnjaci, a trip to Mljet, or even further to the remote but extremely attractive Palagruža. Enthusiasts who prefer the sea and fishing can a boat, or attend one of the two diving schools on the island. Everything you need for an active holiday in untouched nature.
Active holiday. Lastovo is a small island, ideal to be explored on foot, by bicycle or by scooter, which can be rented at all times. Those who love the sea, can take a whole day trip to the sandy island of Saplun in the archipelago of Lastovnjaci, a trip to Mljet, or even further to the remote but extremely attractive Palagruža. Enthusiasts who prefer the sea and fishing can a boat, or attend one of the two diving schools on the island. Everything you need for an active holiday in untouched nature.
FORESTS Lastovo, along with Mljet, is Croatia's most forested island. Unfortunately, in the last decade several forest fires have ravaged the southern end of the island and devastated the oak and pine forests. However, in the centre of the island and especially in its northern and western areas it is still highly rich in various vegetation. Here grow around 703 plant species of which 15 are endemic and 53 endangered. The most widely spread are forest strawberry trees, holm oak, aleppo pine and diss grass which is specific for Lastovo.
The little island of Sušac is about 13 nautical miles away from the west coast of Lastovo. Its south-west coast is steep and harsh, while others are gentle and hilly.
Vegetation is scarce because rainfall is extremely rare - this is most likely how it acquired its name. The sea around Sušac has a transparency of about 30 metres. There are many coves ideal for swimming and diving on the island.
Lastovo fumars. A distinguishing feature of Lastovo, something that makes the view of the island recognizable, are stone houses with imaginative chimneys – called ‘fumar’ (pl. fumari, lat. Fum – smoke, vapor). Why the villagers have through the centuries been investing so much effort to build diverse chimneys is still a mystery, but the fact is that it is almost impossible to see two similar fumars (chimneys), especially if you are looking at old houses.
Undersea World. Thanks to the great amount of zooplankton, the waters around the island of Lastovo are one of the richest fish areas of the Adriatic Sea. The area is famous for colonies of lobsters, crabs, groupers, abberjacks, golden brasses... You can also catch blue fish here. Local residents witness that not so long ago the “Mediterranean monk seal” lived in the south end of the Island, in close proximity to the cave “Medvjedine".
Unforgettable Palagruža! The most attractive excursion from Lastovo is certainly a trip to 48km (26NM) remote island of Palagruža. Although it is neither easy or cheap to get there, because one must rent a well-equipped boat with a skilled crew, don't hesitate for a second - it is certainly worth it! It is a trip you will remember forever. The family of Tin Frlan (+385.20.801.164) is the most reliable choice. They have a safe and fast boat, and they are real experts in the secrets of the sea. They will take care of everything - the transport and the food!
That fateful YES. Perhaps more than any advertising slogan about the beauty of Lastovo can provide you with, we give some interesting information for the uninformed. In previous years, Lastovo has become a place of frequent weddings, not only amongst local people, but also among people who have come here from other places to experience the most festive and beautiful day of their lives and pledge their love "til death do us part".
Marriage vows. Most young couples decide to pledge their fidelity and love in the beautiful, stone, centuries old, parish Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, although there have been those who got married in one of the tame, secluded coves.
The island was first mentioned in written documents by a 6th century 
While elsewhere carnival traditions are reduced to masked parades and drinking, carnival on Lastovo – known as Poklade - is a unique, for centuries preserved multi-day folk event. Everything takes place according to very strict centuries old ritual, in memory of the event from 1483 when the Catalanes (a common name for the Catalans, Sicilians and other mercenaries) intended to attack, rob and conquer Lastovo, which was at that time part of the Dubrovnik Republic.
Lučica is a small village/port with only 30 houses and is protected as an area of heritage. Originally, Lučica was a fisherman’s port and buildings were used as storage for fishing equipment. Lučica is just one kilometre from the town of Lastovo. You can reach it by an asphalt road or – there is 400m long short cut through the forest.
As many as 46 bays, just as many little churches, as many spacious fields of grass and rolling hills in the heart of the island of Lastovo, are wonderful options with breathtaking views for those that aren’t satisfied with just the sea and the sun but who enjoy an active vacation. 
Active holiday. Lastovo is a small island, ideal to be explored on foot, by bicycle or by scooter, which can be rented at all times. Those who love the sea, can take a whole day trip to the sandy island of Saplun in the archipelago of Lastovnjaci, a trip to Mljet, or even further to the remote but extremely attractive Palagruža. Enthusiasts who prefer the sea and fishing can a boat, or attend one of the two diving schools on the island. Everything you need for an active holiday in untouched nature.
FORESTS Lastovo, along with Mljet, is Croatia's most forested island. Unfortunately, in the last decade several forest fires have ravaged the southern end of the island and devastated the oak and pine forests. However, in the centre of the island and especially in its northern and western areas it is still highly rich in various vegetation. Here grow around 703 plant species of which 15 are endemic and 53 endangered. The most widely spread are forest strawberry trees, holm oak, aleppo pine and diss grass which is specific for Lastovo.
Unforgettable Palagruža! The most attractive excursion from Lastovo is certainly a trip to 48km (26NM) remote island of Palagruža. Although it is neither easy or cheap to get there, because one must rent a well-equipped boat with a skilled crew, don't hesitate for a second - it is certainly worth it! It is a trip you will remember forever. The family of Tin Frlan (+385.20.801.164) is the most reliable choice. They have a safe and fast boat, and they are real experts in the secrets of the sea. They will take care of everything - the transport and the food!
That fateful YES. Perhaps more than any advertising slogan about the beauty of Lastovo can provide you with, we give some interesting information for the uninformed. In previous years, Lastovo has become a place of frequent weddings, not only amongst local people, but also among people who have come here from other places to experience the most festive and beautiful day of their lives and pledge their love "til death do us part". 
