Island, beautiful and green !

The Croatian island of Solta is situated in the middle of Dalmatian islands just opposite the coastal town of Split and near other remarkable islands like Brac, Hvar and Vis. Although a very unique island, remained nearly untuched by tourism. The traditional way of life is very strongly preserved as there is lack of industry on the island. The people on the island are mainly fishing. You can reach Solta from Split whish has its own airport. There are ferries connecting the island to the mainland.
   The origin of the name Solta is still a mistery. History tells us different stories but the most realistic one is that the ancient Greeks named the island Olyntha (which means unripe fig) and when the time passed by the name was changed to Soluta and later to Solta. When the Romans came the name was changed – but not in its pronounciation, but in its meaning. Soluta meant an island seperated from the mainland.
   In 295 AD the Roman Emperor Diokletian built his fishery in one of Solta's bays. During the Roman era the purpose of the island was specific – it was used as a safe haven and as a supply station for coastal roads. Solta has a rich history as there are more than 200 excavation sites on the island. There were found remains of pre-historic rock formations, roman sarcophagus, mosaics, ealry christian buildings and fortified castles. Today it is appreciated mainly because of its virgin landscape.
   
   Solta has very long dry summers with nearly no rain, but the winters can be cold, rainy and windy. The island has 60 kilometres of coastlines where you can find 4 harbours and 24 bays.
   
   Stomorska is the oldest port on the island. First families settled in Stomorska as early as in 16th century. Stomorska has been famous for its fleet of big wooden ships that were used to carry Solta's wine and olive oil to markets on mainland and in Italy. Only five or six such ships are still docked in Stomorska.

Instead of goods they now take tourists on cruises around the Adriatic.
   
   Maslinica is a quiet place, perfect for rest and enjoyment of its natural beauties such as clear water, rich with a great variety of fish, beautiful view of the little islands in front of the bay and also a good opportunity to escape from the city traffic and fill out the lungs with the healthy Mediteranean air.
   
   The largest and oldest town, economic and geographic center of the island, Grohote is the principal municipality since 1811. Here is the post office, medical center, elementary school, police station, fire brigade, communal center, hunting permit office, and olive oil refinery.
   
   Necujam is the most recent settlement on Solta. It evolved from a number of summer houses and hotel buildings. Many consider Necujam the most beautiful bay and the touristic center of the island. Necujam offers sport activities, restaurants, bars, and night clubs. Hotel association HTP Solta offers pleasant holiday accomodations in various categories, and many tourists have been coming back for decades.
   
   taken from the internet pages of http://www.solta.hr/eng/ and http://capita.wustl.edu/Solta/