A Soothing And Scenic Beach Vacation Awaits At This Lesser-Known European Island

Croatia, a beautiful, crescent-shaped country, has quickly become one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. In 2023, more than 20 million tourists made the trip to experience Croatia's gorgeous beaches, national parks, culture, and gastronomy. Compared to other popular destinations, Croatia is affordable for most travelers, which adds to its appeal for vacationers and people working remotely, as it's one of many countries that offers a digital nomad visa. Within Croatia, the coastal town of Split sits on the shores of the eastern Adriatic Sea and is at the top of many visitors' bucket lists. It's Croatia's second-largest city and a hub for history and culture. With its ancient architecture, beautiful beaches, and buzzing nightlife, it's no wonder Split becomes overrun with travelers during peak tourist season.

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few days and experience a quieter side of Croatian culture, consider booking a trip to the island of Solta. Located just 9 nautical miles from Split, you can easily take a day trip to Solta, but for the best experience, consider staying for several days. The hidden gem island can be reached via a ferry in under an hour, and once you arrive, you'll have endless opportunities to explore some of the pebbled beaches that Croatia is famous for, which you can enjoy without the crowds. if you're looking for a relaxing getaway, Solta is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia with charming villages, family farms where you can dine on local delicacies, and picturesque views. 

 A trip to Solta Island is all about soaking up the natural beauty of the Dalmatian Islands and relaxing on the beach. The entire island is a little over 11 miles long and just under 3 miles wide, making exploration easy. Even though it's tiny, Solta has ample things to do, especially for nature enthusiasts. You'll find secret coves surrounded by sparkling clear water, vineyards, and quaint villages with stone houses.

Water activities are excellent ways to spend your days on Solta. The Dalmatian Islands offer some beautiful sailing opportunities, and you can rent or charter private boats to explore the islands, with prices starting at around $1,000 per day. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the calm bays surrounding the island is a perfect way to enjoy the coastal scenery while soaking up some sunshine. The clear water of the Adriatic Sea offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. Just off the coast, you can dive around sunken ships and the Leomar Diving Center offers affordable diving options and accommodations. You'll also find plenty of beautiful hiking routes around the island. According to AllTrails, most routes are easy to moderate in difficulty and range from an hour to seven hours in duration.

The peak tourist season in Croatia is July and August when the weather is warmest. These months are also the most crowded, so if you're looking to avoid the hordes of other tourists, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. The temperatures in May, June, September, and October are still pleasant, and the rates for accommodations and activities are much lower than during the peak season. The most budget-friendly time to visit Croatia is during the autumn and winter.

The best way to get to Solta from Split is to catch the ferry, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour. To get around the island once you arrive, you can take public transportation or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle for your stay. Discover Solta offers budget-friendly bike rentals. You can choose a traditional bike for some pleasant exercise or an e-bike if you want to take it easy and simply enjoy the sites. Solta has some delicious local flavors to enjoy during your trip. The island is famous for its honey, olive oil, and wine production. Make sure you visit plenty of the farms, vineyards, and restaurants for mouthwatering samples and learn about the island's traditional growing and preparation methods. Fresh seafood is a highlight on most restaurant menus. 

Accommodations on the island range from quaint guesthouses to luxurious private rentals with ocean views, which you can find for around $100 per night. For the ultimate luxury vacation, stay at the fabulous Martinis Marchi Heritage Hotel, which offers 5-star rooms in a Mediterranean-style castle.