‘Get off the beaten path’ at Europe’s beautiful but ‘lesser-known’ gem

“Croatia is a popular destination for holiday-makers year round thanks to its beautiful cultural cities, ten UNESCO World Heritage sites and stunning coastline,” said Sam Bruce, CMO and Co-Founder of Much Better Adventures. Millions of visitors flock to some of Croatia’s incredible cities, including Dubrovnik and Zagreb, or pay a visit to its beautiful coastal resorts, with Split and Zadar among the most popular.

If you want to experience the glistening shorelines of the Dalmatian coast in an area that is somewhat less busy than the most popular destinations, Sam recommends heading to the island of Šolta.

Located near to Split, the island can be easily accessed via ferry or speedboat and is well within reach of Split Airport. Sam describes it as “a lesser-known gem on the Dalmatian Coast”.

He said: “Šolta is home to stunning landscapes, picturesque olive groves and vineyards as well as dense pine forests and rugged coastlines.

Visitors can SUP and snorkel the turquoise sea of Nečujam Bay, exploring ancient underwater ruins and a fascinating shipwreck.”

The island makes a fantastic destination as a day trip from Split, but there are options for those who want to stay overnight – including a luxurious five-star resort.

Arrive at the ferry port in Rogac, take a look around, and then jump on one of the local buses to explore the other little towns on the island.

The island is home to two public bus service routes. For those looking for picturesque little harbour towns, Maslinica and Stomorska are the best options.

Maslinica is the only settlement and port on the west side of the island, boasting a beautiful pine wood and secluded rocky beaches.

The area is also home to a long and rich history, having been developed around a castle built by the noble family Marchi in 1708. The restoration of the castle and construction of the marina have led this small fishing village to become a tourist destination.

Stomorska is located on the northeastern part of the island, home to just 250 residents, as well as a few accommodation options for tourists. Here, visitors can look out to postcard-worthy views of the water or relax on a beautiful beach.

Alternatively, head to one of the many beaches and little coves dotted around the island for a peaceful day in the sun.

“The adventure travel boom is fuelled by those craving immersive experiences and an escape from the humdrum of daily life,” said Sam.

“It offers physical, mental, and social benefits, and when done right, it boosts local economies far more sustainably than traditional tourism.

“Exploring lesser-known destinations in Europe offers travellers the chance to discover these incredible experiences that are right on their doorstep.

“With some destinations like Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Santorini struggling under the volume of tourism, we’re really encouraging people to go a little further. Those who do dare to take the path less travelled find themselves rewarded with views that they’ve not seen through their phone screens a million times before.”