Island of Solta

Solta is smaller island in middle Dalmatia, placed in front of Split and west from the island Brac. It is still a relative undiscovered island – which means there lots of untouched nature can be found on the Island. Through history Solta was a favourite island among great rulers and famous artists like: Emperor Diokletian, empress Teuta, famous poets Marko Marulic and Petar Hektorovic. Solta can be reached by ferry from Split. The main harbour on the island is Rogac. The trip with the car ferry takes about 1 hour. There is also daily fast boat line to Rogac, and to Stomorska on Friday and Sunday. Bus lines are connecting all part of the islands, main station is in Rogac, near the ferry harbour. The climate on this pearl of Adriatic Sea is dry, especially in summer, when shadow temperature reaches above 30 C. Through out the year temperature doesn't fall under 10 C. Largest place on island is Grohote (inside island), than Rogac, Necujam, Stomorska (on north side) and Maslinica on south side with 7 small islands in front. One very need think on Solta is the donkeys, the local use them for transportation of goods and people. This lazy, but helpful animal has been used here since the Roman started building roads - they used to let donkey in front to find shortest and easiest way. History of Island Solta: The name “Solta” came from ancient name of the island Olinta – which means something like immature figs Although we can say that Solta today is a sleeping beauty, she was inhabited already in Ilyric times. Especially in the Roman times the popularity of the island increased, old Romans used to spend their holiday on the island. The initial settlements were situated at the inland parts of the island. The geographical position of the island of Solta has contributed to a rich history of the island. The marks of Greek and Roman presence on the island are visible throughout the whole island, whether a conqueror, villager or an artist – each of them left a trace of his age – from prehistoric period, antiquity and old Christian period to after-war period. Solta has since the roman days been know for the great fish you can catch on the south side of the island, Emperor Diocletian got most of his fish from here. When tradesmen ships became common on the Adriatic, the ships often took first from the nets put out by fishermen, as payment for the fish the left money in leather bags. Cultural: There are more than 200 historical findings on the island, such as prehistorically heaps, sarcophagi and Roman mosaics, buildings of the first Christianity or rural towers. Remains of the pale Christian basilica were found in Grohote and Donje selo. Also, between these two villages there is the St. Michael church with beautiful Gothic fresco (15th ct.). Lots of antique rustically villas from old Romans are spread around the island. One of them is a castle from 18th ct., property of Marchi family, in village Maslinica. Memorial house of famous writer Marko Marulić is placed in Necujam. Painters Eugen Buktenica and Milan Kalajzic (naïve painters) and Dinko Sule were born in Grohote, in 20th ct.; their paintings are mostly inspired with island motives, fishermen lives and the sea. What to see on Solta: The best way to get the idea of Solta’s position among surrounding islands and mainland is to climb on highest peak – Vela Straza (237m high). Climb to the top with easy path in shadow of pine trees. From there you’ll have really beautiful views. Then you’ll know where to start visiting villages from: Rogac - after arriving maybe you’ll like to see beauties of this tourist village and main port on island. Its main attributes are Harbour master’s office, gas station and beautiful bays with beaches: Banje, Kasjun, Zustova etc. Necujam – main activities of this village are connected to tourism. This is the youngest city on the on island, its foundation when the first hotels was build, since then numerous private accommodation has popped up in the town. This is perfect place to visit with boat, in Necujam, one of largest bays on island all sounds get lost, even sounds from the town discotheque can not be heard if you don’ t reach the shore. The daily ferry connection to Split and the modern accommodation facilities has made Necujam number one spot on the island in relation to tourism. Stomorska – this is the oldest village on Solta, inhabited from 17th ct and today second largest tourist area on Solta. It is situated in an attractive location, during the season it is connected to Split with ferry and catamaran twice a week and passenger boat few times a day. Maslinica – situated on far west of the island, with seven small islands in front. This village is perfect for peace and quietness lovers. No ferry boats, catamarans of any kind are arriving here – during day and night here is only pace to find. It is reachable by buses from Rogac. Grohote – the oldest village placed in middle of town. Grohote, together with the whole island of Šolta is famous for its naive art painters (Eugen Buktenica, Dinko Sule, Marin Kalajzic). The village can be easy reached by main island road. This is romantically village full of stone houses from past centuries connected with stone streets. Take a look also at old Christian basilica of St. Stephen. Accommodation on Solta: Accommodation can be found in all villages on the island, as mention above the main part of the accommodation can be found in Necujam. As all villages are excellent for a relaxing holiday, the thing to consider before booking accommodation on Solta, is to consider how relaxing it has to bee! The cities Rogaz, Sotmorska and Necujam offer some city life, and they are easy to access do to the ferry connections to Split. The cities Maslinica and Grohote are the more nature oriented places. Beaches in Solta: Along Solta 71,3 km coast there are many bays and beaches most of them situated in beautiful nature surroundings, here are some of most visited beaches on Whole Island: Beach in Necujam – this is largest beach on island, artificially pebbled. Here you’ll find all things necessary for having fun: buffets, fast food, rent a boat, table tennis, tennis courts and water slide. This beach is often cleaned, and with showers. Beach in Stomorska – this beach is gravelled and placed near village centre, easy to find. There are beautiful rocks near the beach, attracting most swimmers. Although can be very crowded, there are nice flat stones providing privacy. Beach in Maslinica – This is real example of untouched nature. In traditional village like Smokvica is, there are no modern equipment, no showers etc. Here is only sea, stone and sun at your disposal. Good thing are also many coves to find solitary swimming place. Restaurants on Solta: Almost each village on this island has at least one restaurant and coffee bar. Food offer is traditionally Dalmatian, with mostly fish dishes and great wines. Olive oil is most often home made, as well as aperitif Rakija. Largest number of coffee bars is in Stomorska. Here you should go to find night entertainment. Also, pizzerias, tavern with live music and disco bar can be found here. Here is possible to freshly caught fish on your plate as this is a town of numerous fishermen’s. Entertainment and night life: Well you can’t really say that Solta is a party Island, it is more a place to really relax, the beauty and healing healthy climate promise a complete peace and pleasant moments in harmony with nature. So if you are looking for a party island you should consider Island Pag instead. Of course they island is not completely stripped for possibility to go out a bit, in the city Stomorska there is numerous summer fishermen parties. In the evening lots of the restaurants and taverns offers live Music. In Necujam there is a disco for those who want to party a bit longer. Shopping on Solta: There are no large markets or shopping centres on island. You’ll only find small stores with souvenirs, food, and markets with mostly offered vegetables by domestic people. Also, while walking through island, you’ll find signs on houses about selling home made wine, olive oil, Rakija etc.