Svjetionik Sušac

Sušac Lighthouse stands on the westernmost edge of the Lastovo archipelago, within the Lastovo Municipality, on a small, remote island of the same name. Perched on the high ground of the island's southern side, it has guided ships through one of the loneliest corners of the southern Adriatic for well over a century.

Where exactly is the lighthouse?

Sušac is the outermost island of the Lastovo Nature Park, sitting roughly 13 nautical miles from Lastovo itself. The lighthouse tower rises from a point about 80 meters above sea level, a deliberate choice — the higher the light, the farther its beam reaches across open water, which matters here given the rocky, unforgiving coastline surrounding the island.

How do you get to Sušac?

There is no scheduled ferry service to the island. Reaching it means arriving by private boat, a chartered yacht, or an organized boat trip from Lastovo. The crossing covers around 13 nautical miles and typically takes several hours depending on sea conditions, making Sušac a destination for travelers who enjoy sailing and don't mind a longer approach in exchange for genuine isolation.

What will you find there?

The lighthouse building is a single-story stone structure with a square tower rising from the middle of the roof. The ground floor once housed the lighthouse keepers; today the upper floor holds two fully furnished apartments, each sleeping four, with open sea views in every direction. The lighthouse dates to the late 19th century — sources cite either 1878 or 1879, when construction was ordered under Emperor Franz Joseph I. The island's population history is dramatic: it once supported around 200 residents, a 1953 census recorded 24 permanent inhabitants working in farming, livestock, and fishing, and by the 2021 census only one person remained on Sušac — the lighthouse keeper.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring through summer offers the calmest seas and the most predictable sailing conditions. The waters around Sušac can be demanding, with strong currents that experienced sailors and divers treat with real caution — it's considered one of the more challenging diving spots in the Adriatic. Less experienced visitors should pick a settled weather window and travel with an experienced skipper.

Who is this destination for?

Sušac appeals to sailors seeking the wilder, sparsely populated corners of the Adriatic, lighthouse enthusiasts, and divers drawn to the underwater terrain around its rocky shoreline. This isn't a quick stopover — it's the goal of a deliberate sea journey for anyone who values quiet and history over tourist infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reach Sušac by ferry? No, the island has no regular ferry connection. The only way in is by private boat, chartered yacht, or an organized trip from Lastovo, with the one-way crossing taking several hours.

Can you stay overnight at the lighthouse? Yes, the upper floor of the lighthouse building has been converted into two four-person apartments for visitors looking to stay somewhere with unobstructed sea views.

How many people live on the island today? As of the 2021 census, exactly one person lives on Sušac year-round — the lighthouse keeper. That's a dramatic drop from the 20th century, when the island was home to as many as 200 residents.

Is Sušac safe for sailors and divers? The surrounding waters are known for strong currents, so the area calls for experience and solid local knowledge. Plan a visit during calmer summer months and rely on experienced skippers or dive guides.