On the wild, forested southern coast of Lastovo island—one of the most remote and least visited inhabited islands in Croatia—lies Skrivena Luka, the “Hidden Port,” a deep, fjord-like bay that has sheltered mariners for centuries and remains one of the best anchorages in the Adriatic to this day. Surrounded by towering pines and untouched macchia that plunge to the waterline, this extraordinary natural harbour offers crystal-clear swimming in pristine, traffic-free water, absolute silence broken only by birdsong and the splash of a diving cormorant, and a sense of genuine discovery that has become vanishingly rare in modern Mediterranean cruising. For sailors seeking the ultimate off-the-grid Adriatic experience with crewed yacht charters from Splendid Yachting, Skrivena Luka Lastovo is the destination that rewards the longest passage with the greatest peace. This is not just an anchorage—it is one of the safest natural harbours in the entire Adriatic, a claim few other bays can make with such conviction.
How to Reach Skrivena Luka by Boat
Lastovo island sits in the far south of the Croatian archipelago, roughly 24 nautical miles south-west of Korčula town and 50 NM from Split. From Korčula, set a south-westerly course past the Lastovo Channel—the crossing typically takes 3–4 hours at cruising speed. From the popular charter base of Dubrovnik, the distance is approximately 55 NM on a north-westerly heading, requiring a full day’s sail. Skrivena Luka opens on Lastovo’s southern coast, and the entrance is narrow enough to be invisible until you are almost upon it—hence the name “Hidden Port.” Navigate to approximately 42°44’24″N, 16°50’32″E and the bay mouth will reveal itself between two low headlands capped with dense pine forest. The approach channel is deep (10–15 metres) and free of hazards, widening into a spacious inner basin. Keep to mid-channel and maintain moderate speed, as the bay bends gently to port before opening into the main anchorage. The passage from Ubli, Lastovo’s ferry port on the north coast, is about 5 NM overland or 8 NM by sea around the island’s western cape. Many sailors combine Lastovo with visits to Vis island and the dramatic Blue Cave on Biševo island for a comprehensive southern Adriatic itinerary.
The Beach & Water
Swimming at Skrivena Luka Lastovo is an almost otherworldly experience. The water inside the bay is extraordinarily clear—visibility routinely exceeds 25 metres—and the absence of boat traffic, river runoff, and coastal development means it retains a purity seldom found elsewhere in the Adriatic. The colour shifts from emerald at the shallows to a deep sapphire blue in the centre where the bay reaches depths of 12–14 metres. The shoreline alternates between smooth rock shelves ideal for sunbathing and small pebble strips tucked between boulders, while the seabed is a mixture of sand, rock, and healthy posidonia meadows that support an abundant marine ecosystem. Water temperature lags slightly behind the mainland beaches—expect 21–23 °C in June, climbing to 25 °C by August—but the sheltered bay warms through the day and is wonderfully comfortable for long afternoon swims. The dense pine canopy reaches to the water’s edge on both sides, casting dappled shade over the rocks and filling the air with a resinous fragrance that defines the Lastovo island beaches experience.
What to See & Do
The primary attraction at Skrivena Luka is the bay itself and the immersive sense of nature that envelops it. Snorkelling is outstanding—the rocky walls of the entrance channel host colourful gorgonian fans, schools of saddled bream, ornate wrasse, and octopus, while the sandy patches in the inner bay are hunting grounds for flatfish and rays. Kayaking the bay’s perimeter takes about an hour and offers close-up views of the limestone cliffs and hidden nooks that no trail reaches. On land, a walking path climbs through the forest to the tiny hamlet of Skrivena Luka (a handful of stone houses, most now holiday rentals) and onward to a panoramic ridge with sweeping views of the open sea toward Italy. Lastovo town, the island’s main settlement, is reachable by a 7 km road through dense forest and terraced hillsides—rent a scooter or arrange a taxi for a fascinating visit to its unique architecture of tall chimneys, Renaissance churches, and a fortified hilltop position. Lastovo is also part of the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park, and the surrounding islets offer world-class diving and fishing. For those exploring multiple destinations, nearby Korčula island and the pristine nature of Mljet National Park make excellent additions to any southern Adriatic itinerary, while sailors venturing further north will find stunning contrasts at Kornati Islands National Park.
Anchoring & Mooring
Skrivena Luka is celebrated as one of the best anchorages in the Adriatic—and the reputation is fully deserved. The inner basin provides depths of 6–14 metres over a bottom of thick mud and sand that offers superb holding. Once your anchor is set, it will take serious effort to break it free—this is mud that grips with tenacity. The bay’s narrow entrance and surrounding hills provide 360-degree protection from virtually every wind direction: bura, jugo, maestral, and even the rare libeccio barely penetrate the inner anchorage. Swell is essentially non-existent inside. The bay comfortably holds 15–20 yachts with generous swing room, and even in the height of summer you will rarely see more than 8–10 boats here—Lastovo’s remoteness is your guarantee of space. A few concrete mooring bollards exist on the eastern shore for stern-to berthing, and local fishermen occasionally offer assistance. There is no marina, no fuel, and no shore power—this is anchoring in its purest form, and the reward is a night of absolute stillness beneath a star-filled sky unpolluted by light. For sailors planning multi-stop itineraries, consider combining Skrivena Luka with other exceptional southern anchorages like Ščedro island and the stunning Telašćica Nature Park further north. Skrivena Luka Lastovo swimming from your anchored yacht at dawn, before anyone else stirs, is one of sailing’s finest simple pleasures.
Best Time to Visit
Lastovo’s sailing season runs from May through October, but the best window for Skrivena Luka Lastovo is June through September. June is magical: long days, water warming through 22 °C, wildflowers on the hillsides, and often just two or three boats in the entire bay. July and August bring the warmest water (24–25 °C) and the most visitors, but “busy” here means perhaps eight yachts—a fraction of what you would encounter in the Kornati islands or around Hvar. September is arguably the finest month of all: the sea retains its warmth, the forest takes on autumn gold at its edges, and you may well have the hidden port Lastovo entirely to yourself for a night. The passage to Lastovo requires a weather window—the Lastovo Channel can be rough in unsettled conditions—so plan for flexibility and allow extra days in your itinerary. Experienced crews comfortable with longer open-water crossings will find late May and October viable, though shore facilities are extremely limited outside peak season. Contact Splendid Yachting to plan your custom crewed charter itinerary to this remote corner of the Adriatic.
Essential Tips for Visitors
Provision your yacht thoroughly before sailing to Lastovo—while Ubli and Lastovo town have small shops, selection is limited and prices reflect the island’s remoteness. Fill water and fuel tanks at your departure marina, as neither is readily available at Skrivena Luka. Bring insect repellent: the dense forest and still air in the bay can attract mosquitoes on calm summer evenings. A good anchor light is essential, as the bay is unlit and arriving boats may enter after dark. Mobile phone signal is weak to nonexistent inside the bay; a VHF radio is your primary communication tool. Lastovo is a nature park, and a small entry fee applies—pay at the park office in Ubli or online before arrival. Respect the pristine environment: dispose of all waste aboard, do not discharge holding tanks, and avoid anchoring directly on posidonia beds where possible. The lack of light pollution makes Skrivena Luka Lastovo one of the best stargazing locations in the entire Mediterranean—bring binoculars and stay on deck after dinner. This is a place that rewards slowness, silence, and the willingness to simply be present in nature’s embrace.
⚓ Anchorage Information
- Coordinates: 42°44’24″N, 16°50’32″E
- Depth: 6–14 metres
- Bottom: Thick mud and sand (excellent holding)
- Protection: 360° shelter from all winds
- Capacity: 15–20 yachts comfortably
- Facilities: None (no water, fuel, electricity, or moorings)
Location & Map
Skrivena Luka is located on the southern coast of Lastovo island at coordinates 42°44’24″N, 16°50’32″E, approximately 24 nautical miles southwest of Korčula and 50 NM from Split. The bay is accessible only by boat, with the nearest road access at the small hamlet above the anchorage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skrivena Luka suitable for yacht charter beginners?
While the anchorage itself is exceptionally safe and easy once reached, the passage to Lastovo requires open-water navigation experience and careful weather planning. Skrivena Luka is best suited for intermediate to advanced sailors, or those sailing with experienced crew on a Splendid Yachting crewed charter.
Are there any facilities or restaurants at Skrivena Luka?
No. Skrivena Luka is a completely natural anchorage with no commercial facilities, restaurants, shops, or services. Provision and refuel at your departure port, and be fully self-sufficient for your stay.
What is the best route to reach Skrivena Luka?
Most yachts approach from Korčula (24 NM, 3-4 hours), Hvar (35 NM), or Split (50 NM). The route from Dubrovnik is approximately 55 NM. Always check weather forecasts for the Lastovo Channel, which can be rough in strong winds.
Do I need to pay a Nature Park fee at Skrivena Luka?
Yes. Lastovo is part of the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park, and all visiting vessels must pay a daily park entry fee. Fees can be paid at the park office in Ubli ferry port or online through the official Nature Park website before arrival. Payment supports conservation efforts and marine habitat protection.
Are there other good anchorages near Skrivena Luka?
Yes. On Lastovo island itself, try Zaklopatica Bay (northeast coast) or Ubli harbour. Nearby islands with excellent anchorages include Korčula (Luka Korčulanska), Mljet (Polače, Pomena), and the bays around Vis island. Many sailors also combine Lastovo with stops at the smaller islands of Sušac and Palagruža for truly remote cruising.