Wines from Šolta were supposedly a royal treat already in the 13th century, but the first written records of their ruby-red nuance date from the early 16th century. Compared to other Croatian wine regions, Šolta is quite specific. Even today, 90% of its vineyards are planted with the sort Dobričić, considered an authentic Dalmatian red grape sort. Dobričić spread to other islands during the French phylloxera crisis, when demand for dark red wines had increased. As things returned to normal and the demand decreased, the sort reverted back to Šolta and today grows only here.
The foodie traditions of Šolta
A 45-minute ferry ride from Split, Šolta is famous for its wondrous nature, rocky coastline and typical Mediterranean villages. Having preserved the traditions of olive oil olive and honey making to this day, Šolta is the place to meet the locals who have been engaged in these traditions for centuries! With your guide, travel around the island in a Land Rover defeater.
1.000-years-old olive trees
Mr. Kaštelanac will welcome you at the Olynthia Olive Oil Mill in Gornje Selo, to show you around his family mill and olive groves. Known for their efforts to safeguard the old ways of olive growing and harvesting, the family mainly grows native Croatian sorts, such as Oblica or Šoltanka. Some of their trees are over a 1,000 years old! Sample different olive oils, including flavored ones like rosemary or lemon.
Make your own honey
After Olynthia, it’s time for bees and honey with the third generation beekeepers of the Tvrdić family. Learn about the process of honey-making and taste several different varieties of this homemade specialty. Choose between a visit to the bee hives or making your own honey!
A homemade lunch and local wines
Following a lovely, homemade lunch and some local wines, enjoy the rest of your time on Šolta swimming in one of its bays or sipping espresso in one of the seaside villages.
Wines from Šolta were supposedly a royal treat already in the 13th century, but the first written records of their ruby-red nuance date from the early 16th century. Compared to other Croatian wine regions, Šolta is quite specific. Even today, 90% of its vineyards are planted with the sort Dobričić, considered an authentic Dalmatian red grape sort. Dobričić spread to other islands during the French phylloxera crisis, when demand for dark red wines had increased. As things returned to normal and the demand decreased, the sort reverted back to Šolta and today grows only here.
The foodie traditions of Šolta
A 45-minute ferry ride from Split, Šolta is famous for its wondrous nature, rocky coastline and typical Mediterranean villages. Having preserved the traditions of olive oil olive and honey making to this day, Šolta is the place to meet the locals who have been engaged in these traditions for centuries! With your guide, travel around the island in a Land Rover defeater.
1.000-years-old olive trees
Mr. Kaštelanac will welcome you at the Olynthia Olive Oil Mill in Gornje Selo, to show you around his family mill and olive groves. Known for their efforts to safeguard the old ways of olive growing and harvesting, the family mainly grows native Croatian sorts, such as Oblica or Šoltanka. Some of their trees are over a 1,000 years old! Sample different olive oils, including flavored ones like rosemary or lemon.
Make your own honey
After Olynthia, it’s time for bees and honey with the third generation beekeepers of the Tvrdić family. Learn about the process of honey-making and taste several different varieties of this homemade specialty. Choose between a visit to the bee hives or making your own honey!
A homemade lunch and local wines
Following a lovely, homemade lunch and some local wines, enjoy the rest of your time on Šolta swimming in one of its bays or sipping espresso in one of the seaside villages.
In 2005, Secret Dalmatia was started from pure love for Croatia’s heritage, its incredible diversity, and beauty. We have since remained faithful to our initial mission – and are still today a boutique travel agency dedicated to showing the true, wholesome Croatia to the discerning travelers who want to experience our country and all our riches, not just see it.
A bottle of Croatian wine or rose liquor will go far in telling stories, and so will some of the praised olive oils. Keep the memory of the Adriatic alive with salt from centuries’ old pans at Ston or Pag Island or with a sample of Istria’s famed truffles. Lightweight travelers should consider typical spices like lavender or rosemary, herbal teas or candied orange peels and almonds.
