On the most remote island of the Croatian Adriatic, hidden in a dense pine forest near Skrivena Luka cove, stand forgotten witnesses to one of the noblest ecological projects in Dalmatian history. Five stone pools, former quarantine shelters for injured sea turtles, now attract curious travelers seeking something more than ordinary tourist attractions.
How it all began: a story of saving loggerhead turtles
In the early 2000s, Lastovo became the center of an ambitious project to protect the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). Marine biologists and volunteers built five stone pools where turtles found with injuries from fishing nets, boat propellers, or plastic waste could recover.
Each pool had its own purpose - from quarantine for newly arrived animals to rehabilitation spaces for those already recovering. Water was brought from the sea daily, and local fishermen often brought fresh fish to feed the shelled patients.
The project lasted several years and successfully returned dozens of turtles to the sea. When it ended, the pools remained - silent monuments to human care for the marine world.
Where the stone pools are located
The pools are situated on the western side of the island, approximately 2 kilometers from the settlement of Ubli. A gravel road through the pine forest leads to them, unmarked on most tourist maps - and it's precisely this hiddenness that makes them special.
How to get there:
- From Ubli, take the road toward Skrivena Luka
- After approximately 1.5 km, on your left you'll see a narrow dirt path entering the forest
- Follow the path on foot for about 500 meters - the pools are in a small clearing
- The entire walk from Ubli takes 30-40 minutes
I recommend arriving in the early morning hours when the sun breaks through the pine canopy and creates a magical play of light on the stone walls of the pools.
What you'll find: five pools with soul
Pool number 1 - entry quarantine
The largest of the five pools, approximately 4 meters in diameter. This is where turtles spent their first days under strict supervision. Today it's partially overgrown with moss, giving it an almost mystical appearance. The walls are still in good condition, and in one spot you can notice carved initials of the biologists who worked on the project.
Pools 2 and 3 - rehabilitation spaces
Two medium-sized pools connected by a stone channel. Turtles that passed quarantine were moved here for further recovery. The channel between the pools allowed water flow and simulated natural sea currents. These pools are the best preserved and perfect for photography.
Pool number 4 - feeding area
A shallower pool with characteristic stone steps that allowed biologists easier access. This is where turtles received their meals, and the steps were used for lowering food. Today you can often find lizards sunbathing on the steps.
Pool number 5 - preparatory pool for release
The smallest pool, closest to the sea. Turtles ready to return to nature spent their last days here before release. From this spot, the view toward the sea reveals why Lastovo is a perfect habitat for sea turtles - clean, calm waters without heavy maritime traffic.
Practical tips for your visit
Best time to visit: May and June or September and October. In summer it can be hot in the windless forest, and in winter the paths are often muddy.
What to bring:
- Good footwear for walking on uneven terrain
- Water - there are no springs or shops nearby
- Mosquito repellent - the forest can be full of them
- A camera - the scenes are truly unique
How much time to set aside: The tour of the pools itself takes 20-30 minutes, but I recommend setting aside at least an hour to soak in the atmosphere and take photographs. Combine your visit with swimming in the nearby Skrivena Luka cove.
Why this is worth visiting
In a sea of Instagram locations and overcrowded tourist attractions, the abandoned quarantine shelters offer something rare - an authentic discovery experience. You won't find souvenir shops or organized tours here. Just you, the stone pools, and a story about people who gave their all to save sea turtles.
Older generation Lastovo locals love to talk about that period. If you run into fisherman Ante at the local Triton tavern, ask him to tell you about the time he brought in an 80-kilogram turtle - four of them carried it from the boat to the pool.
Accommodation on Lastovo
Lastovo offers limited but quality accommodation options. The island has deliberately maintained its authenticity by avoiding mass tourism, so you'll find mainly family apartments and a few small guesthouses here.
For those who want to explore the pools and the rest of the island, it's ideal to stay in Ubli (close to the ferry port and the pools themselves) or in the town of Lastovo itself (beautiful views and traditional architecture). Book accommodation in advance, especially for the summer months - capacities are limited, but that's exactly what preserves the spirit of the island.
What else to see on Lastovo
Since you've come all the way to these hidden pools, take the opportunity for the complete Lastovo experience:
- Visit the Struga lighthouse - one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic, with overnight stay options
- Dive near the islet of Saplun - crystal clear sea and rich underwater world
- Try Lastovo pašticada - the local version of this Dalmatian specialty has a unique taste
- Explore abandoned villages - the island has about ten villages that residents abandoned during the 20th century
The abandoned quarantine pools for turtles aren't on the "must see" attractions list in guidebooks. And perhaps that's exactly why they're worth seeking out. In a world where everything is marked, rated, and geotagged, sometimes the greatest reward comes when you discover something on your own that you haven't read about on TripAdvisor.
The pools still stand. The turtles have long since swum off into the blue. But the story remains - carved in stone, told in taverns, preserved for those who are ready to veer slightly off the beaten path.