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Silba
The pedestrian island with the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic – this is just one of the flattering titles that describe the unique Silba, a magical oasis of peace also known as the 'gateway to Dalmatia.' Surrounded by the islands of Olib, Ist, Premuda, and Škarda, Silba is located along the old maritime route leading from Zadar to Istria and further into the Gulf of Trieste and Venice.
Two legends are tied to this island: one says that Silba was named after the Greek word silbon, which means sand, while the other suggests it comes from the Latin silva, meaning forest in Croatian.
Sand and Turquoise Sea
Although its area is just 15 square kilometers, Silba’s only settlement is anything but small. Its vibrant maze of picturesque streets leads either to the village center or to stunning beaches that captivate at first sight. There are no cars; only water distribution vehicles, small mopeds, and bicycles are permitted, though the latter are banned during peak tourist season. Silba is a place of absolute freedom where nature reigns, best experienced on one of its enchanting island beaches.
By far the most visited is Šotorišće, with a bright sandy bottom and turquoise waters that appear almost unreal. Other island beauties worth visiting include Ugljanica, Vele Stene, Slatina, Carpusina, Žalić, Dobre Vode, Pernastica, and the nudist Mavrova. There's also the Pocukmarak Bay, near which valuable sarcophagi from the 5th and 6th centuries were found.
Monument to Love
The only settlement is in the central, narrowest part of Silba, which is only 700 meters wide, so a pleasant walk from the west to the east coast of the island takes about ten minutes.
Probably the village’s greatest attraction is the 15-meter-high stone tower Toreta with a spiral staircase, dating back to the 19th century. Known as the Monument to Love or Marinić's Toreta, it tells the story of a cinematic romance between sailor Petar Marinić and Silba native Antonija Mauro.
Old Captain's Houses
The oldest church on the island is St. John the Baptist’s from the 15th century. Less than a minute’s walk from it takes you to the village center, with shops, a bakery, cafes, restaurants…
Silba was once known for its brave seafarers and wooden ships, and their spirit still lives on in the old captain's houses scattered throughout the village. Although only around 300 people live on the island today, it has been inhabited since the Illyrian era, and the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus mentioned Silba as "Selbo" in the 10th century.
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