A Sailor’s Guide to Šolta: Anchorages, Marinas & Hidden Gems
Tucked between Split and Brač, the island of Šolta remains one of the Adriatic’s best-kept secrets, a quiet, sun-soaked paradise perfect for sailors seeking both adventure and tranquility. Whether you're arriving with a chartered yacht or your own sailboat, Šolta offers a charming mix of peaceful anchorages, well-equipped marinas, and authentic Dalmatian hospitality.
In this guide, we’ve gathered everything you need to know before setting sail toward Šolta, from where to moor and anchor, to the best local restaurants, services, and must-visit spots around the island. Whether you're just passing through or planning to stay a few days, this is your go-to resource for making the most of your time on Šolta, both on deck and ashore.
Part 1: Šolta Island - West Coast
Maslinica, Šešula, Šipkova
Just a short, one-hour sail from the yacht charter bases of Split, Trogir, and Kaštela, the western tip of Šolta island welcomes you with one of the most charming harbors on the Dalmatian coast: Maslinica.
It's often the first landfall or the final night stop for sailors beginning or ending their Croatian island itinerary. With its protected bay, elegant waterfront, and nearby cove Šešula, this area offers a mix of refined comfort and natural seclusion.
Maslinica
As you approach Maslinica from the west, your entrance is guarded by six small islets: Polebrnjak, Saskinja, Stipanska, Kamik, Balkun, and Grmej. They form a natural archipelago just offshore, giving the harbor its distinctive, postcard-worthy look. It’s important to keep a sharp eye when navigating through this chain. Most of the passage is clear, but smaller vessels often tuck in close to shore, and wind chop can build up between.
At the heart of Maslinica lies Martinis Marchi Marina, built adjacent to an 18th-century baroque castle of the same name. What was once a Venetian noble family's coastal retreat is now a luxurious boutique hotel and fine-dining restaurant.
The marina itself is one of the most modern on the island and caters primarily to yachts and catamarans transiting the Split region. Facilities: Water, electricity, showers, fuel, laundry, Wi-Fi, and concierge services.
Berths: 50+ berths, suitable for boats up to 35m in length.
Restaurant & Hotel: Reservations recommended in high season. Excellent wine list, refined but not pretentious.
Many crews choose Maslinica as their “last night” stop before heading back to base. The ambiance is calm, elegant, and distinctly Dalmatian stone buildings, olive trees, and slow, late dinners by the water. The castle is beautifully lit at night, and the sound of halyards tapping in the breeze completes the mood.
Marina Contact: +385 21 659 093
Dining Ashore: While many Croatian coastal towns offer good food, Maslinica stands out for its balance between authenticity and refinement. It's not overrun, not showy—just a small, peaceful harbor where you can enjoy a genuinely good meal after a day on the water.
There are three main dining options here, each with its own atmosphere and appeal:
- Martinis Marchi Restaurant
Location: Inside the Martinis Marchi Hotel, next to the marina
Style: Fine dining with a Dalmatian soul
Housed in the restored 18th-century castle that now functions as a boutique hotel, this restaurant is the crown jewel of Maslinica’s culinary scene. Expect modern interpretations of Dalmatian classics, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, fresh Adriatic fish, and olive oil from Šolta’s groves.
Maslinica and Martinic Marchi Castle and Marina
- Šakajet Restaurant
Location: On the main promenade by the waterfront
Style: Cozy bistro with traditional favorites
Šakajet is a favorite among visiting skippers and locals alike. Tables stretch along the harbor's edge, giving you front-row seats to the sunset and passing yachts. The food is honest, generous, and classically Mediterranean: grilled fish, marinated anchovies, and fresh octopus.
- Šampjer Restaurant
Location: Perched on the hill above Maslinica, overlooking the marina and islets
Style: Romantic hilltop restaurant with panoramic views
Šampjer is all about the view. Set on a bluff above the village, it overlooks the sea, the clustered islets, and the marina below. It’s one of the best sunset spots on the entire island, with the sky turning orange and pink as you sip wine and wait for your fresh-caught seabass to hit the grill.
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Šešula
Just half a nautical mile south of Maslinica lies the peaceful Šešula Bay, a long, thin inlet that cuts deep into the coast and provides solid protection from most winds. It’s often used as an anchorage overflow (it is a huge bouy field) when Maslinica is full or simply as a more tranquil alternative for crews who prefer to sleep under the stars. When approaching Šešula, be aware that its shape means the wind often swirls unpredictably inside, despite appearing protected from the outside.
You’ll also notice that during peak season, things get tight, mainly because buoys are shared by two, sometimes even three boats. Plan to arrive before 16:00 to secure a good spot.
Important! Southwesterly winds can push waves into the bay, so if you see a forecast with SW in it, reconsider your plans.
The Dining Option:
- Restaurant Šešula (port side upon entry):
More rustic, family-run. Grilled fish and meat, hearty portions, very informal.
Don’t expect a wine list, but do expect to be treated like an old friend.
Buoys are limited, and the staff will often assist you on VHF or by dinghy.
Contact: +385 91 5575 927
- Restaurant Šišmiš (deep in the bay, hillside location)
A slightly more upscale experience, perched above the bay with beautiful views.
It is known for lobster pasta, black risotto, and surprisingly refined house wine. Be careful when picking a fish. They tend to push you to order more than you can eat.
The climb up is worth it, and you’ll often end your meal with rakija and a few laughs with the owner.
Contact: +385 98 560 436
Tip: Call ahead to reserve a buoy during peak season.
Land Access and Facilities: A small road connects Šešula to Maslinica. It’s about a 15-minute walk, so even if you’re anchored, you can still reach the marina for supplies or a stroll through the village. Note that there’s no fuel dock or shops in Šešula itself—those are only available in Maslinica. There are ongoing plans to develop a new marina in Šešula, with around 70 berths and full-service amenities, but as of now, it remains a relatively low-key anchorage with minimal infrastructure—just how many sailors prefer it.
Best months: May–June and September–October, when the crowds are thinner and the restaurants have time to talk to you.
Avoid: Friday evenings in July and August, Šešula gets packed with charter returns, and the peaceful charm turns into bumper-boat chaos.
Remember: Even if you pay, you cannot get an overnight stay if you don't plan to eat in one of the two restaurants.
Šipkova Bay
Located just east of Maslinica, Šipkova Bay is often bypassed, but it’s a good daytime stop, especially for a swim and a reset. It has a small beach at the head, surrounded by forest.
Anchoring: 6–8 meters, sandy bottom. Avoid the underwater cable that crosses the middle.
Protection: Sheltered from southerlies but completely open to north winds, not suitable for overnights if Bura is in the forecast. No services or restaurants.
Šešula Bay
Part 2: The North Coast
Krušica donja, Rogač, Nečujam, Stomorska, Krušica gornja
Krušica donja
Roughly 4 NM from Šipkova, Krušica is a tucked-away anchorage with a tiny hamlet onshore and not much else. It’s quiet, rarely full, and surrounded by dense green.
Anchoring: 6 meters, sand and weed. Holding is good.
Exposure: Fully open to anything from the north. Choose carefully based on forecast.
No facilities. A pure nature anchorage.
Rogač – The Island’s Working Port
Berthing: The north quay is for visiting yachts (depth ~3m, bow-in mooring best). The south side is mostly reserved for charter fleets.
Fuel station: It's right in the harbor. It's convenient, but it can get bustling on Friday mornings, especially with returning charter boats.
Shops: Small market, bakery, basic hardware, and marine goods up in the Grohote village.
Transportation: Ferries to Split multiple times per day. Good crew change option!
Dining: The real highlight here is Restaurant Pasarela, perched just above the waterfront with a view across the bay. It’s not just about the food, it’s the vibe: homegrown herbs, local olive oil, traditional dishes, and a front-row seat to the harbor scene.
Moorings: 3 buoys available for boats up to 50 feet, 6–8 floating dock berths directly in front of the restaurant (side-to mooring)
Cost: Free if dining at the restaurant, though reservations are strongly recommended.
Crowded times: Thursday and Saturday evenings are very popular as a first or final stop due to proximity to Split and the fuel station.
Downside: The nearby ferry and Friday fuel rush can make mornings noisy and busy. But the dinner scene - peaceful and authentic.
Restaurant Contact: +385 91 549 4986
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Nečujam Bay
Just half a mile east of Rogač lies Nečujam, Šolta’s largest and most complex bay. It's shaped like a giant hand with five distinct fingers, each offering different levels of shelter, character, and crowding. You can almost always find a spot here, but choosing the right arm based on wind direction is key. Some are ideal for overnights; others, just for a quick swim-and-lunch.
- Piškera (southeast corner)
Depths: 2–6 meters.
Caution: Underwater remnants of a Roman-era stone wall from Diocletian’s time. Anchor carefully.
Vibe: Secluded and quiet. One of the more protected overnight options.
- Mala Maslinica (southwest arm)
Notable for: The shipwreck on the bottom, visible in clear water, makes for good snorkeling. In the morning, it gets very crowded with day trip boats from Split.
Piers: Mostly taken by local boats.
Dining: Restaurant Mareta is located here, offering a laid-back, family-style menu.
Mooring buoys (a few) are available for free overnight if you dine there.
Restaurant Mareta Contact: (+385996827724)
- Supetar Bay (easternmost arm)
Landmark: You’ll spot the apartment complex above the bay from far off.
Dining: Restaurant Punta is located here and offers a few mooring buoys for guests.
Water is clear and calm; this bay feels more like a small marina.
Less exposed than it seems, but avoid in strong Bura conditions.
Shipwreck in Nečujam Bay
Stomorska
Two nautical miles east of Nečujam, Stomorska feels like a hidden Dalmatian postcard: stone houses, waterfront cafés, fishing boats, and an easygoing charm that’s rare on touristy islands.
Moorings: There are 25 spots with water and electricity stern-to along the quay. It is very hard to get a spot. There are no reservations; it is first come, first served. After 2 p.m., the spots are full.
Facilities: Market, bakery, ATM, post office, souvenir shop.
Vibe: Evenings are quiet, with kids diving off the quay and adults sipping wine in front of glowing stone façades.
Harbor master: +385 91 980 7311
Gornja Krušica
Depth: 6 meters, sand and weed.
Beach at the end, perfect for a swim and a picnic.
No services.
Part 3: The South Coast
Livka, Stračinska, Jorja, Tatinja...
After passing through the busy Splitska Vrata channel, which separates Šolta from Brač, the mood changes. The southern coast of Šolta is rugged, raw, and less developed. This side of the island is more exposed to the open sea, with deeper waters, fewer settlements, and bays strung out like beads on a wild necklace. This stretch is best suited for experienced skippers who are comfortable anchoring in deep water and reading the wind forecast carefully, especially when Jugo (southeast wind) is involved.
Livka Bay
The first bay on the southern coast, right at the southern entrance of Splitska Vrata. Livka stretches nearly 1 km inland, forming a long and open anchorage.
Anchoring: Depths of 20 to 30 meters in the center, 6–8 meters along the rocky northern shore.
Bottom: Mostly weed and sand. You’ll need a lot of chain.
Exposure: Fully open to Jugo and boat wakes from the busy passage.
Use case: Great for a quick lunch stop or swim, less ideal for overnight stays unless it’s flat calm.
Livka is scenic and undeveloped, just trees, clear water, and the sound of boats rushing through the channel nearby.
Stračinska Bay
One of the most popular bays on Šolta’s south coast, Stračinska is visually beautiful and splits into two deep arms, both lined with pine trees and low cliffs.
Anchoring: 10–30 meters, good holding. Anchor mid-bay and run a stern line to shore if wind is shifting.
Protection: Excellent from northerlies, but avoid during Jugo.
Scenery: Green hills, clear water, small pebble beaches, perfect for swimming.
Onshore: A few private summer homes, but no restaurants or infrastructure.
This is one of the best bays for a calm overnight if the forecast is on your side.
Jorja Bay
Jorja is one of the few southern bays with a restaurant, and it’s a stunner.
Moorings: Several buoys available, reserved for guests of Restaurant Lero.
Restaurant: Lero sits above the bay on the hill, with epic views and excellent grilled fish.
Beach: Below the restaurant is a pebble beach with emerald water.
This is a great option for a dinner stop with safe mooring. Just be sure to reserve a buoy in advance during high season.
Restaurant Lero: +385 92 205 3460
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Tatinja Bay
Located near the midpoint of Šolta’s southern coastline, Tatinja is the best-known bay on this side of the island, for good reason.
Shape: The bay splits into three arms, with a distinctive rock formation dividing the western inlets from the eastern one.
Anchoring: Best depths are 5–10 meters. Holding is decent.
Tip: In Jugo, mooring in the eastern arm gives the best protection.
Moorings: The Lonely Paradise Restaurant offers mooring buoys. For all guests arriving by boat and using the official mooring (bouy) system, a €20 daily fee per boat is required.
Wood-fired Dalmatian classics.
The setting is magic, hidden, shaded, informal.
Make sure to reserve at least a day in advance.
Arrive before sunset, and you’ll get one of the most peaceful views in the Adriatic.
Contact: +385 91 453 2010
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Zaglav Bay
Just west of Tatinja lies Zaglav, a pretty little bay with a stone beach and rustic charm.
Anchoring: 6–20 meters, gently sloping bottom.
Shoreline: A few old stone cottages, no services.
Vibe: Very quiet. A place to swim, eat aboard, and sleep with the stars.
Poganica Bay
Anchoring: 6–10 meters.
Bottom: Sand and weed, good holding.
Shoreline: One lone cottage. No noise, no lights.
Best for: Peace and privacy. Perfect if you’re looking to disappear for 12 hours.
*Notorious for its underwater cave that witnessed a couple of distinct tragedies.
Sailing Tips for the South Coast of Šolta
Jugo caution: Most bays here are open or semi-exposed to the southeast, so avoid overnighting if the Jugo is rising.
Mistral/Tramontana caution: In case of very strong Mistral or Tramontana, be aware of huge swell from the west. Sometimes it is easier to sail downwind for 10 extra miles than fight with 3 3-meter swell.
Depths: Be ready for deep anchor drops, 30–40 meters is not uncommon. More chain = better sleep.
Provisioning: No shops, no water. You’re off-grid. Stock up in Rogač or Stomorska first.
