Lastovo, the protector of the stellar sky

LASTOVO TRAVEL DIARY
Lastovo, the protector of the stellar sky
There are only a few hundred permanent residents in Lastovo. It is one of the most remote Croatian islands. The locals say, this is Laslovo greatest sorrow and greatest joy. During World War II, the island became militarized, only reopening to foreigners in 1988. Meanwhile, for good reason, Lastovo was declared a nature park. While the number of yearly visitors grows, it has yet to reach a point where the islanders must adjust their way of life, and they strongly wish to keep it the same. Boaters have long known this paradise and its allure has spread across the globe. There are few accommodation facilities and catering establishments, but it satisfies the islanders' expectations for tourism. Every inch of Lastovo shows a unique detail, its stone structures, and iconic chimneys, known as "fumars," harbor secrets passed down through generations for centuries.
Today, like every island, they have their own challenges when it comes to waste disposal. As one of the interviewees told us, anything discarded into the sea often returns in a far worse state. A detail many overlook. On a positive note, there's a growing sense of contentment as more guests leave the beaches disposing of their trash, demonstrating a commitment to proper disposal practices. Nina returned from a big city to live in Lastovo. Not just during the summer, all year round. Even when it's winter here and there's no one around. We asked Nina to describe her life on Lastovo: “It has many disadvantages, but also many advantages, it suits us. On an island like this, the days are filled with activities, and it's not only drinking coffee and staring at the sun, like many people believe when they think of such a beautiful place and nature”. It's no wonder, given that the number of sunshine hours on an annual basis is significantly higher here than the rainy or cloudy hours or days. The island has much more to offer than meets the eye, and there's always something to do. While it might seem a bit unconventional and insular, this eccentricity lends an irresistible charm.
No matter how challenging it may be at times, gazing at the sky above Lastovo in the evening reveals a captivating enchantment and as our interviewee Nina aptly put it, everything feels right once more. Lastovo has earned its moniker, the "island of crystal stars," with reason. We guarantee you have never seen space like this before. This isn't just an internal designation; it's a project that Lastovo is increasingly becoming recognized for. Visitors, whether local or foreign, gather at designated spots in the evening (lately, it is usually the Duke's Palace) and observe the stars using a telescope. Yet, one might question the necessity of a telescope, as on clear nights-of which there are plenty-the Milky Way graces the sky, visible to the naked eye. Next to us novices, whose view of the sky makes us aware of how small and insignificant we and our problems are in this cosmic vastness, experts also come to study the phenomenon of the sky above Lastovo. Astronomers gather at Lastovo year-round, often even more so in the winter months. This is also how employees of the local tourist board take the sustainable components of tourism in consideration. The goal is to have guests throughout the whole year, avoiding the short-lived pressure of summer season.
The key question remains: why does Lastovo sky offer such a splendid view, outshining many other places? The answer leads you back to the beginning of this narrative. Lastovo's greatest happiness and misfortune is its isolation. The remoteness is the consequence why new buildings were rarely or never built and, most importantly, why the infrastructure remained the same for a long time. This was a problem of the past, and today, keeping up with the times, everything aligns with natural cycles, ensuring that most actions are conducted in harmony with the environment. The well-deserved clarity of Lastovo's sky is largely due to responsible lighting, eliminating light pollution, which is what usually hinders observing the beauty of the sky above us. Yet, the struggle continues against those who don't fully embrace this mindful approach.
For those torn about the value of sustainability, one look at the magical sky above Lastovo is enough and dispels any uncertainty. Everyone needs to rest their eyes and soul every now and then, and Lastovo offers the perfect sanctuary. When? Anytime, always, and forever.