Tiny car-free island paradise is alternative to city overrun with tourist crowds

While most Brits associate a Croatian holiday with a trip to Dubrovnik, the small island of Silba offers a tranquil, car-free alternative. Located in northern Dalmatia, Silba boasts a modest population of around 200 residents. Interestingly, the 'heaviest transport' on this 15-square-kilometre island are delivery trolleys, as motor vehicles are banned.

The island is nestled between Losinj in the Kvarner archipelago and the island of Olib, allowing tourists to easily hop between islands while avoiding crowded tourist traps. Silba is one of the sunniest spots in the Adriatic, offering a perfect blend of tranquillity, nature, sunshine, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Its laid-back Mediterranean vibe makes it an ideal escape from Croatia's busier tourist destinations, reports the Mirror.

Toreta, the only town in Silba, is well worth exploring. Despite its size, it has two grocery shops, two bakeries, and an impressive 14 bars and restaurants.

One of the island's highlights is 'The Tower of Love', a 19th-century tower steeped in local legend. The tale tells of a sea captain who fell for a local woman named Domenika and vowed to marry her upon his return from his voyage.

Upon his return two decades later, the girl had wed another man and given birth to a daughter named Domenika. The Captain declared he would marry the daughter and after another 20 years, he did just that.

Honouring a promise he once made to her mother, he constructed a tower in his garden, offering panoramic views of Silba and incoming ships.

Today, the house stands with the inscription: "This tower was built in 1872 as a symbol of love and loyalty. It was built by the old sea dog Petar Marinic."

At the tower's summit, visitors can savour breathtaking vistas. The island also boasts numerous pebbly and sandy coves to discover, complete with golden sand beaches. Yachting is a popular pastime in the area.

The overlooked island of Premuda, adorned with low forests, olive groves, fig trees and vineyards, is a stone's throw away from Silba. Here, visitors can relish its diver's paradise, where swimmers can explore an underwater cave system known as the 'Cathedral'.

Dining options

The island's restaurants and bars are primarily located in Toreta, including Vila Velebita - the island's top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor.

Offering a variety of dishes such as meat platters, Vila Velebita is renowned for its reasonable prices and traditional Croatian cuisine. Patrons can even sample 'fired cheese' and boar salami, accompanied by local wine and beer.

The restaurant was originally established in 1991 within a family home and has enjoyed 23 years of successful operation. The proprietor, Svetimir Lovrovic, formerly managed the restaurant before passing it on to the younger generation. His wife continues to actively prepare meals even today.

Accommodation

There are no campsites or hotels on the island, hence private accommodation via Airbnb is the most viable option - which is quite reasonably priced.

Many of the available flats feature outdoor dining spaces and air conditioning, with some also permitting pets. Rates vary from approximately £60 to £200 per night.

Travel information

Direct flights to Zadar airport can be booked from London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds and a catamaran journey from Zadar's port to the secluded island takes just one hour and 40 minutes.

Direct flights to Pula airport are accessible from London and Glasgow, and the catamaran trip from Pula port to the island takes three and a half hours.

Silba Island can only be accessed by Jadrolinija ferries from/to Zadar, which operate daily, and Mali Losinj, which also run every day.