The lighthouse of Palagruza was built in 1875 on the island of the same name, situated in the middle of the Adriatic Sea, between the Italian and Croatian coasts, 68 NM south of Split and 26 NM south of the island of Lastovo. This island of exceptional beauty is the most distant island in Croatia. The island itself is 1400 m long, 300 m wide and 90 m high, and is covered with Mediterranean vegetation.
The lantern, which still functions today, was completed in 1873 by Henry Epoulite from Paris. In the lighthouse building, you can see a small archaeological collection.
Travelers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary destination can sail to Palagruža or rent accommodation in the lighthouse apartments.
Palagruza Lighthouse History
Palagruža lighthouse was built in 1875. on the island of the same name, situated in the middle of the Adriatic Sea, halfway between the Croatian and Italian coasts. It is the most remote Croatian island of exceptional beauty and rich history.
There are two well-kept paths on Palagruza. One of them leads to Stara Vlaka, a pebble bay on the north side of the island, while the other path leads to the south side of Velika Palagruza to Veli Zal, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic. These pebble beaches are ideal for young children because of the shallow waters and fine pebbles.
According to church records, Pope Alexander III was in Palagruza on Ash Wednesday, March 9, 1177. While traveling with his fleet of ten galleys, he was struck by the beauty of the archipelago and decided to make a stop. He was served dinner on a small plateau on the island of Palagruza Mala, which has since been called "Papina njiva" (Pope's Camp). After his stay on Palagruza, the fleet headed to the island of Vis, then to Zadar and finally to Venice. If you want to know more about the mysterious island of Palagruza, read our article. On the island Palagruza Velika there is an archaeological site, while numerous findings testify that Plagruza was the island of the Greek hero Diomedes. The island is a nature reserve with numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.