On 31 July 2017, The Telegraph released a list of Europe’s 17 Best Secret Islands which features two of our Adriatic treasures, islands Vis and Solta.
In this day and age, you would think that there would be very few ‘stones left unturned’ or ‘secrets’ when it comes to travelling and destinations. But, it seems, there are still gems which manage to stay just that bit under the radar.
The Telegraph is a publication followed by millions, so when they give their praise to anything, people tend to pay attention. In their list of Europe’s 17 Best Secret Islands, regarding countries, some of the usual suspects are listed – Greece, Italy, France and Spain featuring heavily. Though I do question their choice of Ios as a ‘secret island’ – as it was known as the ‘party island’ when I first began travelling in 2010.
However, it’s their list, and besides being happy to see Marstrand, Sweden as a unique feature, I am in definite agreement with the addition of Croatia’s Vis and Šolta island. Biased? Maybe. But, one visit to these two islands and you will wholeheartedly agree.
Let’s start with Vis; you could probably argue that Vis is also not much of a secret and it is known in ties to one of the largest tourist attractions here in Central Dalmatia – the blue cave of Bisevo, which lies just five nautical miles from the town of Komiža on Vis. A natural wonder which has seen thousands of tourists flocking to spend just a few minutes inside the magical blue glow (is it worth it? Read more here).
But Vis has a charm all of its own. The Telegraph’s Adrian Bridge said it is “An island fit for a Bond Villain… It was the theme tune to the 007 films that raced to mind as I rounded the corner of the spectacularly scenic road that winds its way through the Northern extremity of the Croatia island of Vis.”
Copyright: Romulic and Stojcic, Komiza town on Vis
Secrecy, seclusion, mystery, adventure… these are the words that flood to mind when I think of 007 and so too for the island of Vis – an island that was closed to the public during ex-Yugoslavia until 1991. Because of its position as an outer-laying island, Vis has been an island of strategic importance through the centuries, and it was Tito’s stronghold during WWII and acted as a political and military centre for liberated territories. The island still has many bunkers and tunnels dug into the island’s hills, as well as a 110-m tunnel for a submarine – which is open for tourists to explore.
Vis is also home to one of the ‘Best Beaches in Europe’; Stiniva bay is one of the most photographed beaches on the island, but there are so many smaller bays and beaches only approachable by boat or foot, which will make you feel as though you are in a movie set.
Photo Credit, Tash Pericic, Smokva Bay on Vis
Because of its rich and fascinating history and location being some 3 hours on the car ferry from Split, Vis has managed to retain its charm and authenticity. One of my personal favourite destinations in the Adriatic is the town of Komiza, a darling little town on the West Coast of Vis, famed as a fisherman’s town – so much so, that its residents make more money from fishing than tourism (which is so very refreshing). If you are someone who likes to holiday with a difference, Vis is for you; take an in-depth look at our 25 Things to Know about Vis series here.
Now we will follow the ‘path’ back to Split and stop off at Šolta *insert heart fluttering here*. I am feeling mildly obsessed lately; since I wrote about Šolta Hiding a World of Adventure, it has now been featured by the Daily Mail as a perfect sailing destination and now the Telegraph as Europe’s Top 17 Secret Islands. This is quite a feat for an island that is only 19 km long and 4.5 km wide; which is also quite possibly why it is overlooked, yet deserves the title of ‘Best Secret Island’.
Credit: Solta Tourist Board
The Telegraph had this to say: ‘partly because of its ruggedness and partly because of its proximity to Split, which means tourists often overlook it in favour of better-known islands slightly further away, Šolta, in the central Dalmatian archipelago, remains blissfully unspoilt and is still home to a thriving fishing community plus working vineyards and olive groves.’
Šolta really has something for everyone; beautiful beaches for relaxing, including one of the rare sandy beaches along the Dalmatian coast, vineyards, olive groves, bee keeping… then there is the adventure I mentioned – diving, SUP, quad, biking, hiking. Or, if indulgence is your thing, Maslinica bay on the island of Šolta is home to the gorgeous Martinis-Marchi heritage hotel; stay in one of their boutique rooms and enjoy 5-star service in one of the most stunning destinations.
This island has been a ‘secret’ of locals for centuries, even the 4th Century Roman Emperor, Diocletian, used to escape to Šolta. It is a true paradise; and, if you are in need of a real holiday, the kind that replenishes your soul, rather than leaves you feeling like you need a holiday after your holiday, then Šolta is what you are looking for.
Sometimes I feel torn writing about destinations like these because part of me wants them to remain a secret. Selfish I know, but the bitter-sweet truth of tourism is that if everyone starts swarming to Vis and Šolta, they will lose their innocence and charm in a heartbeat…
However, I am banking on the fact that these islands will only ever attract those in search of something a little different. For the perfect way to explore even more hidden treasures, maybe you should consider chartering a boat in Croatia.
Read the full Telegraph article here.
