Silba

Escape to Croatia’s hidden gem where time slows down, cars don’t exist, and pristine beaches await your discovery

Why Silba Should Be Your Next Croatian Adventure

Picture this: A small forest covered island located south-east of the island of Losinj, is one of Croatia’s car-free islands. With its 15 square kilometers, the whole island is a pedestrian zone. Welcome to Silba, where the loudest sound you’ll hear is waves lapping against pristine shores and the rustle of Mediterranean oak trees.

This isn’t your typical overcrowded tourist destination. Silba is Croatia’s second most forested island, following Mljet, and it takes great pride in protecting the rich diversity of its flora and fauna, and keeping its nature clean. Think of it as Croatia’s answer to a digital detox retreat – naturally.

Getting There: Your Ferry Adventure Begins

From Zadar (Most Popular Route) The Zadar – Silba ferry ticket price ranges from about €4 to €10 and takes between 1-4 hours depending on the route. In the high season it runs 2 or 3 journeys per day, in total 18 times per week from Zadar.

From Pula (Great for Island Hopping) The price of a standard Pula – Silba ferry ticket starts at around €11 with a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours. Normally, the ferry leaves Pula at 07:00 in the morning, arriving at the island of Silba at 10:20.

From Mali Lošinj The route is operated with up to 5 weekly crossings and the ferry trip can last between 50 minutes and 1 hour. Tickets cost around €6-€8.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that most vessels operating on domestic Croatian connections are catamarans that don’t have car decks. But honestly, who needs a car in paradise?

The Magic of Car-Free Living

The whole island, which is roughly 15 square kilometres in size, is a pedestrian zone, no traffic is allowed on the island with the exception of vehicles supplying the local businesses. Imagine waking up to birdsong instead of traffic noise, taking afternoon naps without honking horns, and letting your kids roam freely without worrying about cars.

The island is so walkable that it will take you just 5 minutes to walk from the parish church down to Žalić or Mul, the small harbors on either side of the island. Your biggest transportation decision? Which beautiful beach to stroll to next.

Best Beaches and Hidden Coves

Šotorišće Beach (Main Public Beach) The main public beach is Sutorisce, which is located close to the harbor of Mul. The sandy bottom of this beach gives the sea a beautiful turquoise color. Perfect for families and first-time visitors.

Pernastica Cove (The Crown Jewel) The cove Pernastica with its sandy bottom, is considered one of the loveliest coves on the island and is surrounded by pine trees is located 4.5 km from the city center and the best way to reach it is by boat or by a 1-hour hike through the woods. Worth every step of that scenic hike!

Dobre Vode (Sandy Paradise) Dobre Vode, also located on the southern side of the island, is a lovely sandy beach with shallow water and sandy bottom and is located 3 km from the center, this is a very small but very beautiful beach.

Pocukmarak (History Meets Beauty) One of the largest beaches on the south side of the island, located 400 m from the center. It’s a gravelly bay with very clean light blue waters. Plus, you can snorkel with sunken sarcophagi in Pocukmarak bay – how’s that for a unique beach experience?

Žalić Bay For lovely pebble beaches, head to the Zalic bay – perfect for those Instagram-worthy sunset shots.

Must-See Attractions and Activities

Toreta Tower (Tower of Love) This small tower has spiral staircase access and provides astonishing views of the island and its landscape. The Toreta Tower (also known as the Tower of Love), a monument of love and a symbol of Silba island – climb to the top to enjoy a magical view of the sea and the island. Pro tip: Time your visit for sunset – the golden hour here is absolutely magical.

Marija Ujević-Galetović Gallery Gallery of Marija Ujevic-Galetovic – an open-air art gallery of the local artist that will enchant every art fan. There’s something incredibly special about discovering art in nature’s gallery.

Historical Churches The Church of St. John, the oldest church in Silba built in the late 16th century and The Church of St. Mark, located 5 minutes from Pocukmark, the beach after which it got its name.

Snorkeling Adventures Moreover, you will snorkel with sunken sarcophagi in Pocukmarak bay and your local guide will learn about the fascinating history of Silba island. How many places can you combine beach time with underwater archaeology?

Where to Stay: Accommodation That Works

Since the island doesn’t have any hotels, the main type of accommodations here are rooms and houses. But this isn’t a limitation – it’s part of Silba’s authentic charm. The main type of accommodations are apartments.

Most visitors rave about the personal touch you get from local hosts, and many The hosts are very kind people who pick you up at the ferry and make your stay memorable. You’re not just getting a place to sleep; you’re getting welcomed into the Silba community.

What to Expect:

• Sea-view terraces (many accommodations offer stunning views)
• Walking distance to beaches and restaurants
• Well-equipped kitchens for self-catering
• Personal service from local hosts

Dining: Fresh, Local, and Delicious

There are various restaurants serving Dalmatian classics and the Adriatic catch of the day, the most popular of which is Vila Velebita. While Silba isn’t a foodie destination like Dubrovnik or Split, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality and freshness.

Expect:

• Fresh seafood caught by local fishermen
• Traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a focus on simple, quality ingredients
• Limited but good options – this isn’t the place for endless restaurant choices
• Higher prices than mainland Croatia (everything comes by ferry, after all)

There isn’t a great selection of restaurants and the shops are expensive and no fruit and veg market. Pack some snacks or embrace the slower pace and simpler pleasures.

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season (June-August)

• During the summer the population can rise to over 6000 inhabitants
• Warmest weather and longest days
• All facilities open
• Higher accommodation prices and ferry schedules

Shoulder Season (May & September)

• If you’re a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Silba between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest.
• Fewer crowds, lower prices
• Still warm enough for swimming
• Some restaurants may have limited hours

Off-Season (October-April)

• During the winter has just 250 inhabitants
• Peaceful and authentic
• Limited ferry connections
• Many accommodations closed

Island Life: What to Expect

The Pace As mentioned before Silba island is remote, and that makes it an ideal destination to escape summer crowds at the peak of the summer season. This is slow living at its finest. Your biggest decisions will be which beach to visit and whether to have your coffee before or after your morning swim.

Facilities Other amenities available in Silba include several restaurants, bars, shops, a post office, an exchange office, and a tourist office. There’s also a medical office close to the center of town.

Shopping Only one shop in town, so-so equipped but you’ll find all the essentials. Bring anything specific you need from the mainland, or embrace the minimalist island lifestyle.

Activities for Everyone

Nature Lovers Being a pedestrian island, Silba offers a unique opportunity to all hiking enthusiasts to explore untouched nature, enjoy walks along the coast and discover hidden beaches.

Families It’s very safe and quiet, perfect for families. With gentle waves and shallow waters, it’s ideal for families with children.

Water Sports Enthusiasts You can try out swimming, learn summersaults and gallantly splash in the sea from a speedboat. Apart from that, you can ask your local crew to learn you Picigin, a dalmatian unofficial sport, stay active and have fun.

Art and Culture Buffs Silba is also a great place for art lovers to find inspiration, as it has drawn many artists and musicians to its pristine shores over the years.

Practical Tips for Your Silba Adventure

What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be doing lots of walking)
• Sunscreen and hat (2,570+ sunshine hours annually!)
• Snorkeling gear for underwater exploration
• Basic medications (limited pharmacy options)
• Cash (limited ATM availability)

Getting Around

• Everything is walkable
• Even bikes are kept out of sight in the summer months
• Boat taxis available for distant beaches
• Your feet are your best transportation

Language

• Croatian is the local language
• English widely spoken in tourist areas
• Locals are welcoming to international visitors

Why Silba is Perfect for Digital Detox

In our hyperconnected world, Silba offers something precious: the chance to truly disconnect. With over 2,500 sunshine hours a year and many beautiful coves and beaches, Silba is a natural paradise yet to be spoiled.

This isn’t about sacrificing comfort for authenticity – it’s about discovering that sometimes the best luxury is simplicity. No traffic noise, no rushing, just you, crystal-clear waters, and the gentle rhythm of island life.

Planning Your Perfect Silba Getaway

Recommended Stay Length We recommend staying on the island for at least 2 nights. But honestly? Once you experience the peace of Silba, you might find yourself extending your stay.

Island Hopping Opportunities If, on the other hand, you’re already on vacation in the Croatian Islands, such as Ilovik, Unije and Susak, you can also easily reach Silba. Silba makes an excellent addition to any Croatian island-hopping adventure.

The Bottom Line

Silba isn’t for everyone – and that’s exactly what makes it special. If you’re looking for nightlife, shopping malls, or endless restaurant options, look elsewhere. But if you’re craving authentic Croatian island life, pristine nature, and the kind of peace that’s increasingly rare in our world, Silba is calling your name.

What makes Silba different, is the fact that it is completely car-free, and here you won’t see any motorized vehicles, This gives a unique ambience to the island of the pedestrians, where you can recharge your batteries by stepping back from everyday modern life.

Pack light, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to fall in love with Croatia’s best-kept secret. Silba isn’t just a destination – it’s a reminder of what travel used to be like before it became an Instagram checklist.

Ready to trade your car keys for crystal-clear waters? Silba is waiting.

Photo credit: Zalic harbour, Small bay , The island of Silba , Silbaotok1 , Silbaotok2 , Silbaotok3