Tiny Croatian island where cars and bikes are banned in the summer – and very few Brits know about it
THERE’S a tiny island in Europe that’s home to crystal-clear waters and secluded beaches – and it’s mainly visited by locals.
Located in the Zadar Archipelago, Silba is nestled between the islands of Premuda and Olib.
It takes three hours by ferry to reach Silba from Zadar, with services starting from £4 for a one-way ticket.
The tiny island stretches for just 15 square kilometres, and it is home secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters.
In the winter, the island is home to just 150 locals, but this number rises to 6,000 in the summer months.
Cars are banned on the island throughout the year, while bicycles are outlawed in the summer.
There’s only one town on the island, which has aptly been named Silba.
The town is home to one of the island’s key landmarks – a cylindrical stone tower called Toreta.
Locals call it the “Tower of Love” because legend has it that a sailor built the tower for his sweetheart, so she could watch for his return.
However, the sweetheart grew tired of waiting and married another man instead of the sailor.
Holidaymakers will be able to climb the narrow tower via an outer staircase, which leads to a panoramic platform.
Other sites include the Church of St. Marko, which is the oldest church on the island.
Silba is also home to several pretty beaches, including Pocukmarak Beach, which is said to be the largest beach on the south side of the island.
Pocukmarak Beach is just a 10-minute walk from the town of Silba, as it is connected via a seafront promenade.
The beach is even home to an “underwater museum” after researchers from Zadar University uncovered a 1,500-year-old sarcophagus.
According to Silba.org, the water around the sarcophagus is only two to three metres deep, meaning no diving equipment is necessary to view the underwater site.
The island is home to plenty of other beaches too, including Tratica Beach, which is a gravelled beach on the south side of the island.
Located within the town of Silba, the beach is in an ideal location for those holidaymakers who have accommodation nearby.
The beach has it’s own cafe, with tourists raving about the amazing sunsets spotted there.
Sotorisce Beach is the largest one on the island, making it the most popular.
On the pebbled beach holidaymakers will be able to rent beach essentials like parasols and deck chairs.
Accommodation on the island is relatively affordable, with double rooms starting from £129, based on two people sharing a room.
Zadar Airport is the closest international airport to the island.
Direct flights between the UK and Zadar operate from Bournemouth, London, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Birmingham.
Flight prices start from £18 for a one-way ticket from Bournemouth Airport to Zadar in June.
Flights from Birmingham International Airport were the most expensive, with one-way fares costing as much as £56.
Croatia certainly isn’t short of little-known islands that Brit holidaymakers can visit.
Other Croatian Islands to Visit
Another place Brits can visit is Drvenik Veli, also known as Drvenik Veliki, the island is just off the coast of Split in Croatia.
Located in the central Dalmatian archipelago, Drvenik Veli is only 2km away from the Croatian mainland.
One of the island’s main draws is Krknjasi Bay, also known as the Blue Lagoon Croatia, which is located on the far side of the island.
It takes just 50 minutes by boat to reach Drvenik from Trogir, with daily ferry services costing €2 (£1.71).
Because the island doesn’t have any paved roads, cars are forbidden.
Everything you need to know about visiting Croatia
- Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country.
- Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in 180 days.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit.
- Travellers may be asked to show confirmation of a hotel booking, travel insurance documents and that they have enough money for their stay when at the border.
- Croatia is one hour ahead of the UK.
- The country uses the Euro with around €10 working out to £8.60.
- Flights to Croatia from the UK take between 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on the destination.
Lopud has also won favour with the Beckhams who often visit the Croatia island for a holiday.
Here’s another amazing European island that is great for a budget holiday
