Visit most beautiful lighthouses in Croatia

Visit most beautiful lighthouses in Croatia

Rough waves, powerful gusts, and blackness in every direction, then all of a sudden, a light comes in front of us and guides us to safety. The majority of people view lighthouses as symbols of the optimism and romanticism that are brought about by sailing. Even in this day and age of GPS, many of these lighthouses are still operational, and not only do they perform their original role, but their period design and open-sea vistas make them an excellent stop on a Croatian charter.

More than 100 imposing lighthouses may be found lining the shore of the Adriatic Sea. Let’s take a look at what Croatia has to offer, starting with the question “Is there a lighthouse worth seeing, and the answer is surely yes.”

Lighthouse Sušac

This lighthouse may be found on the island of Sušac, which is located in the open sea between the islands of Vis, Korula, and Lastovo. It is situated on the highest point of the island’s southern side and provides 180° panoramas. In the event that you choose to spend the night on this island, there is a tiny anchorage and a variety of isolated coves that are excellent for swimming. Expect, though, that there will be no stores on the island because it is so isolated from the rest of society. Instead, take a stroll and observe the lovely beaches and landscapes that surround the island. A lake that contains salt water may be found on the island’s northern side, and the only way to get there is to swim through a tunnel while submerged in water.

Palagruža lighthouse

The most remote of the Croatian islands is Palagruza Velika, which can be found in the Adriatic Sea between the shores of Italy and Croatia. It is situated 68 nautical miles to the south of Split and 26 nautical miles to the south of the island of Lastovo. The waters around this island are notorious for being difficult to navigate, so you’ll need to be an experienced sailor to visit. However, the trip will be well worth it because the island is famous for both its natural beauty and its rich history (including the ruins of a temple that was dedicated to Diomedes) (a protected nature reserve with a large number of endemic plants and animals). Individual scuba diving at Palagrua is restricted due to the fact that the waters around the island are designated for fishing. If you intend to sail here, you should get in touch with the keeper of the lighthouse in advance to make arrangements for a tour of the main island and the islands that surround it. The lighthouse, which is situated in the geographic center of the island at an elevation of ninety meters, has enough room for up to eight guests (two apartments for 4 people). Aside from the guards, the island is virtually devoid of inhabitants; thus, the only people you will run across are visitors who have been ferried over from Korcula by boat.

Lighthouse Porer

We owe it to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which in the 19th century took over responsibility for maritime safety by constructing approximately 70 of these lighthouses, for the fact that Croatia carries an exceptional density of historical lighthouses for anyone interested in maritime architecture. Porer is an incredible treasure that can be seen in just one minute because to how quickly it can be reached from the nearby island that shares its name. There are three tiny moorings available for docking, however you should be advised that the surrounding currents may be rather strong. It features two studio apartments, and guests have the option of spending the night in the lighthouse itself while taking in open-sea views and sunsets from the tower’s 35-meter height. This is one of the more striking sights in Croatia.

Savudrija lighthouse

Savudrija is the most historic lighthouse on the Adriatic Sea, having been constructed in 1818. It was also the first lighthouse in the world to be powered by gas. It is also the most northern lighthouse in Croatia, since it is situated close to the border with Slovenia and only 56 kilometers (km) south of Trieste in Italy. The story goes that it was constructed by an Austrian count named Metternich for a beautiful Croatian woman with whom he fell in love and gave it to her as a gift. Tragically, she did not live long enough to see it. But even if this story isn’t based in reality, Savudrija is still worth the detour for its quiet, period atmosphere.

Lighthouse Struga

The lighthouse, which is situated on the brink of a cliff that is 70 meters in height, is the best possible location from which to take in the expansive views of the ocean. The Struga lighthouse offers a long vantage point. In the neighborhood, there is a concrete space that functions as a port, and if you choose to remain the night, the residences have enough for up to 15 people amongst them. In the event that you find yourself in need of supplies, the town of Lastovo is just around 10 kilometers away.

Tajer lighthouse

It would be unwise not to stop at the Tajer lighthouse, which can be found on the most northeastern point of the Kornati archipelago, if you were to be sailing through the beautiful Kornati archipelago, which is located close to Zadar and Split. It was constructed in 1876 and is the only iron lighthouse in Croatia; the tower of the lighthouse was purchased in France, and it took many months to put together the different sections. The massive stone building that contains two flats is joined to the iron tower by a covered bridge that spans the gap between the two structures. The island can be reached quickly and without difficulty thanks to a spacious waterfront area that features stairs that ascend from the ocean.

Lighthouse Blitvenica

An outcropping of granite in the Adriatic Sea known as Blitvenica may be found at 43 degrees 37 minutes five seconds north and 15 degrees 34 minutes eight seconds east. If one of the most stunning lighthouses on our coast were not situated on that rock, perhaps the rock itself would not be considered to be so unique. This lighthouse, which belongs to the first category, was constructed in the year 1872. The structure that makes up the Blitvenica lighthouse is made up of a large tower made of stone that is shaped like an octagon and measures more than 200 square meters in area. The lighthouse, which has a visibility range of 24 miles, is maintained and operated by a permanent crew. It is located to the west of the island of Irje, closer to the open water, and the entrance to the Kornati National Park is not far away.

Due to the restricted access to the rock, however, the only way for you to have a good view of the lighthouse will be from the boat. However, because we are discussing the wide sea, which is never still, there are certain exceptions to this rule, and the keeper of the lighthouse will come to your aid if you ever find yourself in a precarious situation.

Stončica lighthouse

The Stoncica lighthouse is a truly undiscovered gem for sailors in Croatia because it can only be reached on foot or by boat. When you have had your fill of the view of the lighthouse, you may either find a free buoy or drop your anchor smack in the middle of the harbor. The picturesque Stoncica beach is fairly popular throughout the day due to the shallow water, the welcoming sandy beach, and the local konobas. It is ideal for swimming, as well as for families with young children. If you would rather remain away from the port of Vis, Stoncica is an excellent place to stop.

Lighthouse Veli Rat

Near the settlement of Veli Rat, on the most northern point of Dugi Otok, is where you’ll find the lighthouse known as Veli Rat. It was constructed in 1849, and with a height of 42 meters, it is the tallest lighthouse that can be found anywhere along the Adriatic, while the lighthouse itself has a range of 22 nautical miles. It is encircled by thick pine forest, sheltered coves, and pebble beaches where you may spend the entire day relaxing and having fun. Legend has it that one hundred thousand yellow bricks were used to construct its exterior, making it one of the most stunning lighthouses on the Adriatic Sea. It is also considered to be one of the most historically significant lighthouses in the region. Next to it is the chapel of St. Nikola, which is becoming an increasingly popular location for hosting beautiful wedding ceremonies. The lighthouse may be reached either by boat or by automobile, it is not difficult to get to, and it offers respite in the shape of a stunning pine forest. If that is not enough to entice you, this location is fantastic for fishing and features a variety of protected coves that are ideal for swimming and scuba diving. The lighthouse offers an open-sea panorama, and the surrounding area is home to a number of excellent bathing beaches and restaurants.

Grebeni lighthouse

On the island of Grebeni, which is not too far away from Dubrovnik, there is a lighthouse that was constructed in 1872. This island, in contrast to Dubrovnik, which is overrun with tourists during the summer months, is a tranquil and secluded destination.

A smaller ship that was bringing gold from the Dubrovnik treasury and was headed for Venice as a form of “protection” payment for the freedom of the Republic of Dubrovnik is said to have been sunk here, according to one of the local legends. This payment was to be made to Venice. But as of this moment, no credible proof has been discovered to back up that claim. Despite this, the legend continues to be told to divers because it is such an intriguing story.

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About this guide

This guide was prepared by the Europe Yachts editorial team — a group of charter brokers and sailors who have been organizing yacht charters in the Mediterranean since 2007. Every itinerary, marina, and pricing range described here reflects current first-hand fleet experience and direct partnership with licensed charter agencies. Last reviewed: May 2026.

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