Soline: Bay, History and Hiking Route

Soline combines its location in the deep Solišćica Bay with a hiking route that passes through the village. The village name and early records of its history also give the destination a historical connection. This offers three distinct aspects to consider when choosing a holiday destination: the bay, a longer walk and the history of Soline.

Bay, Village History and Hiking Route

The deep Solišćica Bay is considered suitable for anchoring larger yachts and boats. The name Soline reflects former salt pans in the bay. Soline was first mentioned in the 12th century and is home to one of the first public schools on Dugi Otok. Salt production, the early mention and the school represent distinct historical connections. Alongside the bay, the village’s early written history and the history of its school are therefore also topics in their own right.

An easy 11.8 km hiking route passes through Soline and continues to Sakarun and Veli Rat, ending in the area of Veli Rat Lighthouse. The walking time is about 3 hours and 30 minutes. The distance, difficulty rating and approximate duration provide a concrete framework if you plan to make the route a longer part of your trip.

More Natural and Cultural Highlights in Općina Sali

The wider destination of Općina Sali is home to Telašćica Bay, which was declared a nature park in 1988. The nature park includes peaceful beaches and steep cliffs. Sali is the settlement closest to the nature park and the easiest access point from the mainland. A special botanical reserve in Saljsko polje was placed under protection in 1969; it contains olive trees up to 700 years old. The region’s natural landscape thus encompasses coastal scenery, protected areas and an ancient olive grove.

In Općina Sali, cycling route No. 13 runs from Sali via Vela Ploča and Čuh Polje to Dugonjive and Mala Proversa. It is 7.9 km long; check the condition of the route locally before setting out. Sali also has designated berths for boats, where water and electricity are available.

Two churches are among the historical highlights in Sali. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a monumental wooden high altar dating from the 17th century. The Church of St John in Stivanje polje is first mentioned in a document from 1064 or 1065. The two dates point to different periods: the altar dates from the 17th century, while the first documented mention of the Church of St John dates to the 11th century.

Saljske užance is a three-day local festival in Sali that has been held for more than 50 years. Tovareća mužika uses various drums as well as old iron irons filled with pebbles as rhythm instruments. Its Budnica is performed on Sunday morning during Saljske užance. During the festival, the group parades through the entire village, stopping at several locations to perform its programme. The Sunday morning Budnica and the parade with its several stops offer different insights into the music and the festival’s programme.

Discover more destinations: Zaglav, Dragove, Zman, Savar, Brbinj, Luka, Veli Rat, Zapuntel.

Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Sali.