An island in the southern Dalmatian archipelago, 13 km south of the island of Korcula, separated from it by the Lastovo channel; area 40.9 sq km (length 9.8 km, width up to 5.8 km); population 1,228. It stretches in the direction east - west. Between numerous hills on the island (the highest peak is Hum, 417 m) are karst valleys and fields. On the southern coast is a large and deep bay, which provides safe shelter during the bora and westerly winds. On the eastern side of the bay is the place called Skrivena Luka (Hidden Harbour), with a low, sand coast. The western coast of Lastovo and the eastern coast of the islet of Prezba enclose a number of picturesque coves, well protected from the bora: Velo Jezero in the south and Malo Jezero in the north. Winters are very mild; an average air temperature in January is 8.3 °C, in July 23.9 °C and in August 24.9 °C. The annual rainfall is 650 mm and during the summer months only 53 mm. Summer heat is moderated by landward breeze. There are no permanent surface water streams on the island; potable water is found in the Prgovo field. The narrow coastal belt is dominated by rocky ground, but the interior of the island is under the forests of Scots pine and Mediterranean underbrush. The regional road connects the largest place called Lastovo with the village of Ubli on the south-western coast. Chief occupations include farming, growing of vines, olives and fruit, seafaring, fishing and fish processing. Regular ferry lines connect the island with Split, Vela Luka and Hvar.