Island of Silba - private accommodation

Silba is a unique island located in North Dalmatia (part of the Zadar archipelago), surrounded by islands Premuda, Ist, Olib, and Lošinj. The island of Silba is an ideal destination for families with kids because of sandy beaches and the fact that the entire island is a big pedestrian zone. Only vehicles for water distribution, small mopeds, and bicycles are allowed on the island. Silba is a relatively small island with a total surface of around 15 km2. The highest point of the island is Varh (83 meters high).

The island was mentioned for the first time by Constantine “Selbo” in the 10th century (Byzantine emperor). According to different sources, the name Silba comes from two different words. The first theory explains that its name comes from the Greek word Silbon which means sand. Another theory explains that its name comes from the Latin word Silva which means forest.

In the Middle Age, Silba was owned by wealthy families from Zadar and the Venetian Republic until the 19th century when the locals purchased the island. In that period, the island was known for its sailors, wooden ships, and brave captains. Today Silba has a population of around 300 inhabitants that are mainly involved in tourism. Many of them offer accommodation for tourists in their private holiday homes, villas, apartments, and rooms.

The island has only one settlement that bears the same name - Silba. It is situated in central, the narrowest part of Silba so it takes around 10 minutes to walk from west coast to east coast (distance is around 600 meters). Do not forget to visit 15 meters tall stone tower of Toreta with spiral staircases. Toreta is an iconic observation tower from the 19th century situated in the center of the village which offers attractive views of Silba and surrounding islands. The oldest church on the island is the church St. John Baptist from the 15th century. Near Pocukmarak cove is a historical site of a sarcophagus from the 5th and 6th centuries.

The island of Silba has plenty of attractive pebble and sandy beaches and coves. All beaches are less than 1 hour away from the center of the village and they can also be reached by boat (it is possible to rent a boat). The best beaches on Silba are main town beach Šotorišće (with sandy sea bottom), Ugljanica beach, Mavrova beach (FKK), Vele Stene beach, Slatina beach, and Dobre Vode beach. Other popular beaches are Pocukmarak cove, Carpusina beach, Žalić beach, Tratica beach, sandy Pernastica, Vela Smardeća, and Loišće cove.

The traffic of motor vehicles on Silba is forbidden and the entire island is a pedestrian zone. Only bicycles, small postman mopeds, and vehicles for water distribution are allowed on the island. The island of Silba is well connected with the mainland through the two lines - ferry and catamaran lines from Zadar and boat line from the island of Lošinj.

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