Solta
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General
An island in the central Dalmatian archipelago, west of the Brac Island; separated from the mainland by the Split Channel, from the Drvenik islands by the Solta Channel, and from the Brac Island by the Strait of Split; area 58.9 sq km; population 1,448 (length 19 km, width up to 5 km); the highest top is Vela Straza (237 m). A large karst field spreads in the island's interior, cultivated with various crops. The island has the Mediterranean climate; the average air temperature in January attains 7.8 °C, and in July 25.3 °C. The largest coves, Rogac and Necujam, are situated on the north-eastern coast, covered with thick shrubs and exposed to northerly winds (especially the bora). The coves and inlets on the western coast are protected by the small offshore islets and cliffs; the Maslinica cove, exposed only to north-westerly winds, represents a favourable anchoring ground and shelter for smaller yachts. Bigger villages (Grohote, Gornje Selo, Srednje Selo, Donje Selo) are situated in the island's interior. Chief occupations include farming, wine production, olive growing, fruit growing, fishing and tourism. The regional road runs along the island; ferry ports are in the coves of Rogac, Necujam and Stomorska.
The island was first mentioned by Pseudoscylax (4th c. BC) under the name of Olyntha. The Romans called it Solenta, and in the Statute of Split (14th c.) it was called Solta. - The island has revealed the ruins of a prehistoric settlement (hill-fort Gradac) and another one from the Roman period (Rogac, Grohote, Necujam). When the Slavs and Avars destroyed Salona at the beginning of the 7th century, a group of the refugees from Salona fled to Solta. In the Middle Ages the island was attacked on several occasions by Omis (1240) and Venice (1387 and 1418). Mediaeval monuments are found on the localities in Sveti Mihovil in the Grohote Field, Donje Selo, Necujam and Stomorica above Stomorska (the Benedictine monastery). On the fall of Klis (1537) the island was inhabited by the refugees from the mainland.
Approaches
MASLINICA
(43° 24'N; 16° 12'E), village (pop. 69 in 1991) and inlet on the W coast of the island of Solta. Approach: Landmarks include the square masonry tower with a cupola exhibiting white and red light (sectors) on Sv Nikola point, the S extremity at the entrance to the cove; Sv Nikola chapel (St Nicholas, elevation 43 m), the hotel (old castle) at the head of the inlet. When effecting approach from the S care should be taken to avoid Kamicic rock (S of Balkun islet). At night the rock is covered by the red sector of the light on Sv Nikola point. The passages between the Polebrnjak and Saskinja islets and between Saskinja and the coast of Solta are shallow (depth up to 3 m) and passable for yachts of light draught only.
ROGAC
(43° 24'N; 16° 18'E), village (pop. about 50 in 1991) and small harbour on the N coast of the island of Solta. Road connection (2 km) with the village of Grohote (pop. 631 in 1991). Approach: Landmarks include the red quadrangular tower exhibiting a red light on Bad point. Care should be taken when approaching as a shoal extends on the E side of the entrance off Bad point (depths 45 m), the belfry in the village of Grohote and the reddish-brown scar left by a land-slide near the W extremity.
STOMORSKA
(43° 22'N; 16° 21'E), village (pop. 117 in 1991) and small inlet on the N coast of Solta.
Approach: Stomorska can be identified by the red iron tower with a metal framework exhibiting a red light on the E extremity at the inlet entrance and by the chapel on the N slope of Vela Straza hill.
Weather
The climate is typically mediterranean. Winds: Bura (north) Jugo (south) Maestral (west) Average temperature in January 7.8 C Average temperature in July 28.3 C Annual precipitation 850 mm (mainly autumn - winter) Average sea temperature during summer 22 - 25 C
Marinas and Anchorages
ROGAC
(43° 24'N; 16° 18'E) Mooring: The cove affords shelter from all winds except northerlies and waves churned up by them. Yachts drawing up to 3m can berth at the heads of the two small piers on the W coast. Larger yachts can anchor in the W part of the cove (depths 1216 m). Landing ground of the car-ferry.
Facilities
- Food supplies at shops and water;
- Fuel at petrol station
STOMORSKA
(43° 22'N; 16° 21'E) A village and small inlet on the N coast of Solta.
Sheltered from all wind but the bora is apt to raise waves inside the harbour. Smaller yachts can berth in the east part of the harbour along the quay (depth from 14.7 m).
Facilities
- Post office.
- Food and water in limited supplay.
NECUJAM
(43° 23'N; 16° 19'E) A cove on the N coast of Solta and holiday centre.
The cove is exposed to N wind. Smaller yachts can land at the cement block connected with the coast by a timber pier in Supetar inlet (depth 4 m). Anchorage ground for larger yachts in the middle of the cove (depths 2540 m). The four-point moor is recommended for smaller yachts berthing in the SW part of the cove.
An underwater pipeline (sewer) extends for 750m from Gaj inlet (SE off Rat point) on a bearing of 156°.
Facilities
- Food supplies and water at the holiday centre.
