Šolta: Bays, Cycling Routes and Island Culture

Šolta brings together a range of themes to consider when planning your trip: coastal bays, cycling routes, archaeological traces and cultural sites. Jadrolinija’s ferry line 636 connects Split with Rogač on Šolta. Check the timetable before you travel, as schedules may change.

Cycling routes with different profiles

The “Slatki Rogač” cycling route is flat and runs along the waterfront promenade, making it suitable for cyclists of all ages and all types of bicycles. The “Tragovima kraljice Teute” route has a low to moderate physical difficulty level; a mountain bike is recommended. Experienced riders can also use gravel or trekking bikes. “Staza sutona nad 7 otočića” climbs to 170 metres above sea level, with numerous viewpoints along the way.

There are also alternative cycling routes between the settlements on Šolta. These include the paved road between Stomorska and Maslinica, as well as well-maintained unpaved tracks. The routes therefore differ not only in their surface: “Slatki Rogač” remains flat, while “Staza sutona nad 7 otočića” climbs to 170 metres.

Bays, paths and traces beneath the sea

Nečujam Bay comprises eight coves: Bok Supetra, Šumpjivina, Podkamenica, Maslinica, Tiha, Bok od rata, Piškera and Supetar. There are beaches on both sides of the bay, and a long promenade offers another way to walk along the water. In Piškera, the remains of an ancient fishpond can be seen beneath the sea. In 2024, a 400-metre-long promenade was built around the bay to improve access to the archaeological site. Those interested in the traces of the ancient fishpond can consider these two aspects of Piškera together.

Sea kayaking trips can start at Nečujam’s main beach and explore the bay’s eight coves; equipment availability may vary. The bays on the south side of Šolta are suitable for bathing, swimming and fishing. There are also dive sites there, with caves, corals and diverse flora and fauna. Tatinja Bay has several small beaches and can be reached on foot from Grohote via a gravel path or by bicycle. Šešula can be reached from inland on foot, by car or by bicycle; conditions on unpaved access roads may vary.

Places, art and history

In Grohote, the Buktenica & Buktenica Gallery permanently displays works by Eugen Buktenica and his successor Vicko Buktenica. The Slavića Tower Fortress is also in Grohote: in the past, it served as a refuge during pirate attacks, and in the summer months its courtyard is used as a venue for numerous cultural events. Beside the Church of St Stephen the Protomartyr are the ruins of an early Christian basilica dating from the 5th century; mosaics and numerous sarcophagi have been preserved.

In Gornje Selo, the Church of Gospe u Borima has been designated a Marian shrine since 1995. Maslinica adds another historical landmark with its castle: the Marchi family built it in 1708 as a defensive structure against pirate attacks. Stomorska, meanwhile, is the oldest coastal settlement on Šolta and has a long maritime tradition. Together, these places show different aspects of the destination’s cultural history: religious dedication, defensive architecture, archaeological remains and a settlement shaped by seafaring.

Olive oil and local produce

In Gornje Selo, family farms and an oil mill offer visitors the opportunity to sample oils, wines, olives and herbal liqueurs. Offerings may vary from producer to producer. The OPG Tvrdić honey producer offers visitors insights into the world of bees; check the current availability of this offering before visiting.

Šolta olive oil is made from the Šoltanka and Oblica varieties; Šoltanka is also known as Levantinka. The oil has a protected designation of origin and has been awarded gold medals. These olive varieties and their designation of origin add another dimension to local produce alongside visits to farms and the oil mill.

Discover more destinations: Gornje Selo, Maslinica, Stomorska, Grohote, Nečujam, Rogač, Donje Selo and Općina Imotski.

Return to the main travel overview: Split-Dalmatia.