Island Pathways and Stone Walls

Silba is a small island in the Zadar archipelago, a long, low strip of land in the northern Adriatic, and it is one of the few places in Croatia where there are no cars at all. Vehicles are banned, so the only ways to get around are on foot, by bicycle or with a handcart, and the island's lanes and paths are quiet, shaded and slow. The Island Pathways and Stone Walls are the network of footpaths that link the village with fields, hamlets and beaches, and the drystone walls that line them.

The walls are the signature of the island. They are built from the local limestone, shaped and stacked without mortar, a technique that has been used in the Mediterranean for thousands of years, and they run along the lanes, around gardens and across the open land. They served many practical purposes: marking property boundaries, keeping sheep and goats out of the crops, clearing stones from the fields and shielding gardens from the cold bura wind. Over time they have become part of the island's character, softened by lichen, ivy and wildflowers, and now they give the paths a neat, enclosed look. Anyone who has seen a Dalmatian island from the air will have noticed the pattern of walls and stone heaps, and walking among them brings it down to a human scale.

The paths themselves are simple and peaceful. They wind between olive trees, fig trees and pines, past old stone houses and small chapels, and from time to time they open out to give a view over the sea. The islanders' history is that of seafarers, and the village still has a number of old captains' houses, as well as a tower called Toreta that was built in the 19th century as a lookout. The Chapel of St. Anthony and the Hiking Trails of the island are among the places to see on foot, and it takes about an hour to walk between the main village and the quieter beaches, among them sandy ones such as Šotorišće and Pernasca and rocky coves like Dobra Voda. Pine woods give shade, which is welcome in summer.

Silba is reached by ferry or catamaran from Zadar and nearby islands, and the settlement is a short walk from the harbour. Bring comfortable shoes, water and sun protection, and remember that there are few shops outside the village. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood. Visitors should be careful to stay on paths, close any gates they open and avoid climbing on the walls, which are fragile.

The island suits walkers, cyclists, families and anyone who enjoys a car-free holiday. Early summer and early autumn are especially pleasant.