Šolta Island

Šolta’s history reaches back to antiquity, and the island has been settled since then. There is evidence of Greek and Roman presence, and a tradition of fishing, olive growing and winemaking that continues today. Grohote is the oldest and largest village, with narrow lanes, stone houses and a small local market. The village graveyard is notable as the burial place of the poet Vesna Parun, one of the major figures of Croatian twentieth-century literature, and many visitors stop there on a quiet walk. Stomorska, on the northeastern coast, is a harbour town with traditional boats and seafood restaurants along its waterfront, and the island's other settlements, Donje Selo, Gornje Selo and Srednje Selo, sit among olive groves and vineyards. Small chapels, such as the Gornje Selo Chapel and the Srednje Selo Church, remind visitors of the rural religious life that shaped the island.

Maslinica, at the western end, is one of the most attractive spots. The eighteenth-century Marchi Castle overlooks the bay and is now part of a small hotel complex, and the harbour known as Maslinica Marina offers a gathering point for sailors and day-trippers. Just offshore lie the Seven Islets near Maslinica, a small archipelago that forms a pretty backdrop at sunset and is easy to reach by boat for swimming and exploring. For anyone interested in more recent history, the Historic Solta Bunker offers a look at the island's wartime and military past, and it is a surprising contrast to the pastoral scenery elsewhere.

The coastline of Šolta is dotted with tranquil coves. Gornja Krušica is a quiet beach for visitors who prefer to avoid crowds, Nečujam is a sheltered bay popular with sailors, and the sandy beach at Šipova is a rarity among the usual Dalmatian pebbles. The sea is clear and calm, and activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and diving are all available, with a number of diving operators running excursions to reefs and wrecks. Boat tours visit the islets and hidden bays around the island. On land, cycling and hiking trails wind through pine forests, olive groves and dry-stone terraces and reach viewpoints such as Vela Straža at 238 metres above sea level.

Other places of interest include the Basilica of St. Stephen and the remains of Roman fishponds, as well as many small churches and chapels scattered over the island. Visitors can sample olive oil, honey and wine at family farms and agritourism estates, many of which offer tours and tastings. The summer calendar includes festivals, concerts and open-air events that celebrate Dalmatian music and cuisine, and local fish dinners often finish with a glass of homemade liqueur.

Getting to Šolta is simple. Regular ferries and catamarans link Split with the island, and the main ports are Rogač and Stomorska, plus a connection to Maslinica in the season. Local buses, taxis and scooter rentals help visitors reach the villages and beaches, and bicycles are a good alternative on the quieter roads. Accommodation includes small hotels, guesthouses, private apartments and campsites for various budgets.

May to September is the main season, with warm weather, a pleasant sea and lively events. Spring and early autumn are quieter and mild, which is best for cycling, hiking and sightseeing, and the olive harvest in late autumn brings its own local colour. Cultural events fill the summer, and Šolta Island suits families, couples and independent travellers who want an easygoing island close to the mainland.