PALAGRUŽA ISLAND

Palagruža is an island 42 nautical miles away from Komiža. It is the most remote Croatian island, located in the middle of the Adriatic sea, between the Italian and the Croatian coast. The lighthouse is located 90 m above sea level in the central part of the island, built in 1875, it is the largest lighthouse on the Adriatic.

The island itself is 1400 m long, 300 m wide and 90 m high, and is covered in Mediterranean vegetation. The island is a nature reserve with numerous endemic species of flora and fauna. Palagruža is a true open sea island at ''the end of the world'', offering a great escape from civilization.

DIOMEDES

Legend has it that Greek hero Diomedes found a refuge here after wounding Aphrodite and fleeing both Troy and her revenge. There is an archaeological site and findings have proven Palagruža was the island of the Greek hero Diomedes.

POPE ALEXANDAR III ON PALAGRUZA

There are written records that Pope Alexandar III in 1777 hid from the storm in Velo Zalo where fishermen from Komiza greeted and accommodated him. A small plateau where he was served dinner on, has ever since been called the Pope's Field.

ROTA PALAGRUZONA

Komizan fishermen were the only open sea fishermen in the Mediterranean and they were fishing in the waters of Palagruza. This was only possible due to regattas organized to reach Palagruza.

Rota Palagruzona - traditional regatta of falkusa boats from Komiza to Palagruza has lasted for centuries until the apperance of motor powered ships. It was unique regatta in both Mediterranean and Europe.

Thanks to ARS HALIEUTICA and Komizan association PALAGRUZA the custom of sailing from Komiža to Palagruža have been revitalized. Since 2009, Regatta ROTA PALAGRUZONA is organized every year and the fleet of old wooden beauties set sail from Komiza to Palagruza.