Stomorska Port

Stomorska Port is the harbour of a village on the northeastern coast of Šolta Island, in Croatia, the island that lies just off Split, across a channel from Brač. It is the second main port of the island, after Rogač, and it has a character of its own: a sheltered bay on the Adriatic with a ring of stone houses, a waterfront lined with tables and a harbour full of small boats. Many consider it the prettiest village on Šolta.

The settlement sits where a protected inlet opens to the sea, and for centuries fishermen and farmers made their living from the boats and the land behind. Today the working life of the harbour mixes with summer yachting. Fishing boats tie up beside charter vessels, and the quay hums with activity in the morning when the catch is brought in and in the evening when visitors gather for dinner. The harbour has water and electricity supplies for visiting boats, which makes it a convenient stop for sailors travelling around the central Dalmatian islands. The village also has pebble beaches within a few minutes of the centre, and small coves reached by short walks along the shore.

Šolta is known for its quiet pace and good local produce, and the island is famous for honey, olive oil and wine. The Dobričić grape, an ancestor of Plavac Mali, is native to Šolta, and several family farms and cellars welcome visitors for tastings. Menus in Stomorska often feature fresh fish, lamb cooked under a bell and local olive oil. Inland, the island's villages are small and quiet, and walking and cycling routes cross hills of pine, rosemary and old stone walls. Other places on the island include the Maslinica Marina and the Seven Islets near Maslinica on the western end, the Beach Gornja Krušica, Gornje Selo Chapel, Srednje Selo Church and the Grohote Graveyard, where the poet Vesna Parun is buried.

Getting there is simple. A catamaran from Split serves Stomorska directly, and car ferries run to Rogač, from where it is a short drive or bus ride across the island. The trip from Split takes a short time compared with other islands, which makes Šolta popular for day visits.

Stomorska suits sailors, families, couples and anyone who wants an island holiday without crowds. It works best as a base for a few unhurried days, with swimming, a walk along the coast and a long dinner by the water.