Istria, the picturesque peninsula in the north of Croatia, is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and charming coastal towns. However, in addition to the well-known tourist attractions, Lighthouses in Croatia from Istria to Dalmatia. These historic buildings tell of a time when shipping was far more dangerous and landmarks on the high seas could mean the difference between life and death. Today, the lighthouses not only offer an insight into the past, but also breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and its wild coastal landscape.
Lighthouses are the most significant aids to navigation which enable safe day and night navigation through determined sea regions. There are almost 50 lighthouses on the Croatian coast and islands, most of which were built in the 19th century and today are slowly transforming into increasingly accessible tourist destinations. Whether it is luxury apartments or more modest places in secluded seas, more and more people are choosing just such vacation spots.
The lighthouse of Cape Savudrija
Savudrija is the oldest active lighthouse in the Adriatic and also, the most northern Croatian lighthouse on the northwestern cape of the Istrian peninsula.
It is situated on the westernmost tip of Croatia and is 36 meters high. The architect Pietro Nobile designed it at the request of the Stock Exchange Deputation from Trieste (nowadays Chamber of Commerce) and was sponsored by the Austrian emperor Francis I, which was mentioned in the inscription at the bottom part of the monument). Its building begun in March 1817.By December some 80% of its overall height was finished. The local stone was used which was taken out from the nearby beach and was carved on the spot. On the night of 17 April 1818, just over one year ago from the beginning of construction, it was already in use! The lighthouse was activated in the presence of the emperor himself, who was then visiting Trieste, including even Savudrija-Salvore into his itinerary.
The building of the lighthouse was financed through the shares issued by the Stock Exchange Deputation, the most interested in making navigation to Trieste safer. Let us not forget that one of the spots the lighthouse of Savudrija-Salvore is visible from is Opicina, which is situated above Trieste. In those times this was an important thing, because by using flags it was possible to provide information on which ship was about to enter the harbor. The harbor authorities and commercial agents were thus able to learn of the arrival in advance and bring to an end all the necessary arrangements before the ship put in.
This was the first lighthouse in the world to derive its light from coal distillation. The raw material came from coalmines on the eastern coast of Istria - Labin area, to be precise. Oil was another possible source of light, in case of gas malfunctioning. Much more money than initially envisaged was spent due to the decision to have gas as an alternative source of energy. The building of a lighthouse on the rock of Pomer, near Cape Premantura, had therefore to be postponed.
The Savudrija-Salvore lighthouse, still amazing for its beauty, was truly a curiosity at the time. We know of instances when the natives or visitors attracted by the phenomenon insisted on climbing to the top at all costs. The lighthouse keepers were allowed to have a weapon and fire it, if necessary. The first 'lighthouse assistants' were Stefano Schmidt and Bartolomeo Micala. In 1828 the first was replaced by Giovanni Giacomo Maurel, member of a Savudrija-Salvore family which is still resident in the place. Today there is only one keeper, since the light has been automatized.
The sea is about 30 meters distance from the lighthouse and there is a stone beach situated nearby. Moderate winds and mild sea currents are favorable to water sports like windsurfing, and clear blue sea with clear rocky sea bottom give wonderful sight for diving fans.
According to available information and legend, the Savudrija-Salvore lighthouse was built in 1818 by the Count Meternich for a beautiful Croatian noble woman to whom he fell in love with on a Viennese ball. Unfortunately, the building in which they planned to live together never got to see its owners live in it. The noble woman died during the last days of completion of the lighthouse, and the Austrian Count had never visited it again.
The lighthouse of St. Nicholas
The lighthouse of St. Nicholas
On the west side of the islet of St. Nicholas which is situated near Poreč, the Venetians have built in 1403 a 15 meter tall lighthouse on the highest part of the island. It was the highest lighthouse at the time, on the eastern coast of the Adriatic and was visible at a great distance.
The fire which has burned because of the trees that grew on the island for centuries on the top of the lighthouse was replaced in the 17th century by a large lantern. The lighthouse was no longer so important during the Austro-Hungarian rule.
The St. Nicholas lighthouse was built in 1882 on the north side of Brac island. The lighthouse was built using centuries-long stone building tradition, but surprisingly, not by locals, but by Austrian’s, which had a mission along the Adriatic coast to introduce security into our waterways.
The lighthouse consists of a fourth stone tower and a ground floor house where the lighthouse keeper once lived with his family. Today, the operation of the lighthouse is automated and powered by solar modules. Despite being fully renovated, the lighthouse preserved much of its former romance.
The lighthouse of St. Nicholas is situated in the central part of the north coast of the island Brac, above the west promontory of the bay of Pucisca. Austro-Hungarian Monarchy entered this location into the map of future Adriatic lighthouses because of the proximity of the quarry of Brac, situated at the opposite peninsula of the same bay. After the location for the lighthouse had been determined, the road – exceptionally preserved in its original condition, was built from the settlement Pučišća to the place where the lighthouse was to be built. From the lighthouse further towards the west, there is only a seaway, leading to several hidden small bays.
The lighthouse is a low square stone tower with a gallery and a small turret. Out at sea, especially during night when the strong north wind blows, the light of St. Nicholas marks the only safe refuge to every day greater number of yachtsmen who cruise along the northern coast of the island of Brac. Thus has – despite the modern satellite navigation, one of the smallest Adriatic lighthouses till today maintained its essential function in the east Adriatic sailing security system.
Lighthouse Sv. Ivan na pučini
The Lighthouse Sv. Ivan na pučini (St. John cliff) was built on the same named cliff which is situated in front of Rovinj. The local people from Rovinj call it Lanterna.
It is the most distant islet of the small archipelago of 13 islands which are situated in front of Rovinj-Rovigno. It is a bare rock length of 70 meters and 50 meters of width.
Lighthouse was built by the Austro-Hungarian authorities in 1853.
Octagonal stone tower of the lighthouse, from which You can enjoy a breathtaking view, is 23 meters high and inside the building there are two apartments. There is a permanent crew at the lighthouse. The island has a small pier and crane for small boats.
The straight rocks of St. John islet are ideal for sunbathing. The caution is recommended for the swimmers. It is advisable for them not to swim away from the island due to unpredictable sea currents and good dolphins, which are not allowed to disturb. There are 2 smaller beaches with shallow water which are situated at the opposite sides of the island.
The depth of the sea around St. John ranges from 10 to 40-meters and it is rich in vegetation and numerous fish species. Therefore, underwater and sport fishing are especially attractive in this island. The undersea world is very attractive for diving because of the remains of sunken ships.
Legend says that there was one Venetian doge who was sailing, on a bad weather, in the direction of Rovinj-Rovigno. His crew spotted the dangerous cliffs of St. John, and changed the route navigation. Doge vowed to St. John that he will, if he sailed alive to Rovinj-Rovigno and in gratitude to the same island, lit up a candle which is tall as a tower of the cathedral.
After having arrived safely to Rovinj-Rovigno, the doge felt sorry for his promise and started to think about the smaller and smaller candle. Finally, as he hurried back to Venice he didn't even lit up a little candle on a St. John. A few months later, on a same place, the sudden storm has surprised him. His ship was thrown by the sea on the rocks of St. John and the entire crew has disappeared in the stormy sea.
The lighthouse of Cape Tooth
The Cape Tooth lighthouse is situated on the Lanterna peninsula which is 13 km distance from Poreč and Novigrad-Cittanova. Peninsula Lanterna is situated between the Tar-Torre and Lunga bays.
The lighthouse was built in 1872. The stone building which is surrounded by backyard with fence, it consists of a ground floor and first floor and there is an apartment for 6 people which is situated in it. Signal light is automated and the lighthouse crew has been withdrawn from the lighthouse.
The lighthouse is situated 10 meters from the sea, surrounded by greenery and has a couple of well-kept stone and pebble beaches around it. Besides the one in front to the lighthouse building, the beautiful sandy beaches and rocky coves are situated in the Tar-Torre and Lunga bays. The beaches are suitable for family vacation where adults can bring children with them. The rocky seabed is rich with fish.
The legend about Cape Tooth and its unusual name suggests that the wife of a local fisherman sat on a rock near the lighthouse while she was waiting for her old husband. He went to sea with his boat and did not return with other fishermen.
Everyone thought that he was in trouble due to stormy weather at sea. She sat on a rock for three days and was expecting for his return.
sband docked at the land, in disbelief he looked at his 30 years younger looking wife, who stood in front of him smiling and showing her new teeth. Since then the rock on cape Lanterna is called Cape Tooth.
The lighthouse of Cape Peneda
The lighthouse was built in 1877th on the southernmost cape of the Veli Brijun island, the one of fourteen Brijuni islands which have always impressed people with their beauty.
The Peneda Cape lighthouse is 20 meters distance from the sea and consists of a small foursquare stone tower which is 15 m high and building which includes ground floor and first floor of the total surface of 160 m2.
In the lighthouse there are the storehouse and engine room. It is connected to the electrical network while water supplies are provided from its own water tank. The lighthouse is automated and has no permanent crew. It is included in system of distance surveillance.
At the transition from 19th to the 20th a small weather station was situated on it.
The lighthouse was built in 1877th on the southernmost cape of the Veli Brijun island, the one of fourteen Brijuni islands which have always impressed people with their beauty.
The Verudica Cape lighthouse is situated on the same named cape which can be found across the island of Veruda, south from Pula. It is surrounded by woods and clear blue sea in the tourist village Park Plaza Verudela.
The lighthouse was built in 1877. It consists of an 8 meters high foursquare stone tower and a ground building of the total surface area of 50 m2. In the lighthouse there are a storehouse and a small keeping room as well as the garden with a fence. The lighthouse building receives electrical power from the electrical network, while the water supplies are provided from the town water system. Like most of the lighthouses on the Adriatic, is completely automated so there is no lighthouse crew for many years from now.
The sea which is situated in front of the lighthouse is wavy and strong during the southern wind blowing, so therefore, special caution is necessary with the swimming. There are always available information notices about prohibiting entry into the sea.
Legend says that the Emperor Vespasian hasn't paid off his debt to the builders who built the amphitheater.
To avoid the curse of later times and to pay off debt, over his confidential persons, he has sent the golden coins to carry and bury those into the shore in front of the Cape lighthouse so that later it can be found by the descendants of builders ...
The lighthouse of Porer cliff
The Porer lighthouse, which is situated on the same named rocky islet, was built in 1833 and is situated a mile and a half southwest from the southernmost cape of Istria - Kamenjak.
It was built on the middle of the islet in shape of a round stone tower 35 meters high and is the tallest in Istria. It is automated and included in system of distance surveillance. There is a permanent lighthouse crew. The stone building is a ground- floor building in which there are two apartments. The backyard of the lighthouse continues to the bridge on which there is a crane for lifting boats.
The islet is so small that you'll need a bit more than a minute to take a tour around it, but the walk could take a long time if You take a look at the sunsets which are among the best in the Adriatic. Its longitudinal width is 80 meters.
At Porer, the swimming is recommended at the places where the boat dock is situated. The lighthouse keeper will gladly tell you where the swimming is recommended at certain time of the day because the sea currents around the islands are very strong all day, so that even for a good swimmers,it is not recommend swimming away from the coast for more than fifty meters. The waves are very strong, especially in winter.
The undersea near the island Porer is attractive for divers and its characterized by shallow waters and underwater cliffs. The sea area around Porer is a rich fishing area where you can catch almost 90% of fish which live in the Adriatic Sea.
How the builders of Porer have managed to build this lighthouse considering the changeable mood of turbulent sea which is surrounding it?
The legends of Porer are hidden in the sand layers in its waters, which hide many ancient remains. In the shallow waters surrounding Kršin, Fenoliga and Large Balkun there are the ship remains that were sunk in a storm which happened around Porer. The highlight of previously mentioned islet Fenoliga is the dinosaur footprints.
The Porer Lighthouse was included into the park of miniature buildings – Minimundus which is situated near Klagenfurt in Austria. More than 4000 pieces of limestone bricks was used for the model and the construction lasted for six months.
The lighthouse of Cape Marlera
The easternmost part in the south Marlera, which is situated about 6 km distance from Ližnjan-Lisignano, is the punta Grkova. The cape name is associated with the Greek colonization of Cyprus in the 16th century.
During the time period from 1865 and 1880, at a distance of 25 m from the sea, the lighthouse has been built. It was named Lanterna by the local people.
Lighthouse Marlera was, due to strong sea currents and strong winter winds, built in the vicinity of several islets and rocks in order to ensure safety of navigation. The lighthouse has, from the day it was built till 1970, always been inhabited.
The lighthouse of Cape Crna punta
The lighthouse was built in the 1873 on the identical named cape at the standout part of the east Istrian coast. It is located about 1 km south of the village Skitača in the municipality Raša.
The best way to get to the lighthouse is by boat. The range of the light is around 11 miles, and it signalizes and ensures a maritime route to Rijeka and other ports in Kvarner area.
It consists of a separate 5 m high tower which has a light and building that includes ground floor and first floor with total surface of 160 m2. The storeware and engine room can be found within the lighthouse. In front of it, there is a small pier and boat lift. There is no electricity in the building, while water supplies are provided from its own water tank. The crew has been withdrawn from the lighthouse which is automated and included in the system of distance surveillance.
There is a legend related to Black Punta about a hidden gold and the treasure seekers which have discovered the mysterious underwater corridors. Unfortunately, no gold has been found within the corridors, but the stones with strange and mysterious symbols. These mysterious corridors are leaving many questions to which we have no response till nowadays.
Palagruža Lighthouse
The Palagruža lighthouse was built in 1875. on the same name island, located almost 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. It is 1400 meters long, 300 meters wide, and 90 meters high, and is the largest island in the Palagruža archipelago.
The lighthouse on Palagruža is the largest among the lighthouses on the Adriatic. The base of the building is constructed of Palagruža stone. As it is a very heavy and hard stone, the rest of the lighthouse building is made of lighter, Brač stone. The lantern, which still functions today, was completed in 1873 by Henry Epoulite of Paris. In the lighthouse building, it is possible to see a small archaeological collection.
The lighthouse building is located in the middle of the island at a height of 90 m, and two lighthouse keepers live in shifts throughout the year. If you are adventurous, you can sail to Palagruža or rent accommodation in lighthouse apartments.
Diomed`s Island
There is also an archeological site on the island of Palagruža Velika, and the findings proved that Palagruža was the island of the Greek hero Diomedes. After the Trojan battle, Diomedes set out for the Adriatic, where he fought the Illyrians. It is assumed that he was buried in Palagruža. Legend has it that Zeus, after the Illyrians killed Diomedes' warriors, turned their souls into birds that still guard the tomb of the Trojan hero. The island of Palagruža possesses a mystical atmosphere, natural beauty, and indescribable peace. This place was only visited by a small number of people.
Pločica lighthouse
Placed between islands Korčula and Hvar, Pločica island is one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Adriatic. The lighthouse can accommodate up to 14 people (6 and 8 persons per apartment) and is the perfect choice if you are looking for a Robinson Crusoe type of holiday.Named after its interesting shape, flat and low, the island of Pločica is one of the most beautiful landscapes on the Adriatic. If you decide to spend your holiday on this lighthouse, be sure to take the room placed in the northeast corner of the first floor of the lighthouse building and enjoy the light signals from lighthouses Sućuraj on the island of Hvar and Lovišće on Pelješac.
Pločica lighthouse, was built in 1887. on the island of the same name, placed between the islands of Korčula and Hvar.
A rocky seabed on the southern part of the island is completely different to the shallow sea on the northern side and to its sandy lagoon with boat hoist. The beaches are suitable for children.
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