General Information
SOLTA is pronounced SHOLTA.
The island of SOLTA, a jewel in the Adriatic, lies due southwest of the city of SPLIT - the main economic and cultural centre on the coast of Central Dalmatia; the middle region of CROATIA. The natural beauty of the island of SOLTA has attracted and inspired many well known people. In 295 AD the Roman Emperor, Dioclecian, built his summer palace at Spalatum (which became the city of SPLIT) and used the island of SOLTA to set up market gardens, vineyards and orchards, even a fishery in one of Solta’s pristine emerald bays. In later years, the Croatian poets Marulic and Hektorovic wrote many verses inspired by time spent on the island.
According to its geography, the island of SOLTA belongs to a medium sized archipelago of Adriatic islands including Brac and Hvar, which are it's closest island neighbors. However, judging it by its natural endowments, SOLTA is certainly amongst the most beautiful. Just 19km long and 5km wide and only 16 km (9 nautical miles) from the mainland city of Split, with it’s 60 km of coastline interspersed with four harbors and 24 bays, it offers sailors a quick approach and safe anchorage. Taking advantage of modern, fast passenger ferries, visitors can reach SOLTA within 30 minutes. Larger car ferries from Split, to the port of Rogac, typically make the crossing in 45 minutes. The island’s harbors and bays have a capacity to accommodate some thousand boats, while the numerous natural rock and pebble beaches and coves offer plenty of uncrowded spaces for sunbathing, swimming, line fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing in clear azure waters. Roads, tracks and rural pathways are far less travelled here; allowing for relaxed sightseeing by car, motor scooter, bicycle or walking.
The island of SOLTA's year round population is about 1500 people. There are 4 large villages within SOLTA's interior; GROHOTE (the island's main crossroad and administration centre), DONJE SELO, SREDNJE SELO and GORNJE SELO (Lower, Middle and Upper Villages). There are 4 large harbors on the island, ROGAC (the island's main ferry port), NECUJAM, STORMORSKA and MASLINICA. Numerous secluded coves, some reached by rock roads or goat paths and some by boat only, are also inhabited. Various styles of holiday accommodations are offered throughout the island of SOLTA - a wonderful escape to a jewel of the Adriatic.
Because of the lack of large commercial industry and mass tourism, the island of SOLTA remains an oasis of tranquil untouched natural beauty. A traditional way of life is still present. As the sun comes up each day, local fishermen have taken to the seas and return offering their fresh catch of a variety of fish, crab, lobster octopus and squid; the bakery has delivered freshly baked breads and farmers have brought a variety of homemade wines, honey, olive oil and vegetables to the local stalls along with a new daily portion of the island’s gossip.
As you make your purchases, mix with the friendly locals, enjoy morning coffee at a local cafe bar. You'll remember the discoveries of the day before and get ready to start another idyllic day and a new adventure on the the island of SOLTA. The Mediterranean - the way it used to be.