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Solta, Croatia. Photo: Host/Red Adventures
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Hike, Kayak and Snorkel a Hidden Croatian Island

Croatia
6 nights
Moderate

Explore trails across the island of Solta – a little-visited gem off the Dalmatian Coast – paddling, pedalling and swimming as you go

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking, local guide

Apartment

6 nights in a comfortable aparthotel

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 3 dinners

Transfers

All transport from the trip start/end point in Split (transfers to/from the airport not included)

Equipment

All your equipment for kayaking, cycling, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding

Small ‘Like-minded’ Groups

Solo-friendly by design, our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

Solta, Croatia. Photo: Host/Red Adventures
Kayakting Solta, Croatia. Photo: Host/Red Adventures
SUP in Solta, Croatia. Photo: Host/Red Adventures
Kayaking Solta, Croatia. Photo: Host/Red Adventures
Kayaking in Šolta, Croatia. Photo: Host/Red Adventures
Port in Maslinica, Šolta, Croatia. Photo: GettyImages-1441446063

Kayak past secluded coves, awe-inspiring cliffs and offshore islets, stopping to swim and snorkel in glittering waters

Hike and cycle across Solta's idyllic hinterland, visiting sleepy villages, family-run olive groves and traditional vineyards

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

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Split!

Split, Croatia. Photo: GettyImages-540115264

Touch down in Split Airport, then make your way to the city centre (see 'Getting There' for information on the shuttle service), where you'll meet your host for a warm welcome and quick briefing before boarding your ferry to the island of Solta (if you arrive early, you can drop off your luggage at your host's office and explore the charming Old Town while you wait for the rest of the group to arrive). Enjoy the one-hour ferry ride to this enchanting island, the base for your adventure. Your home for the next six nights is a cosy private guesthouse in the charming village of Rogac, situated just 120 metres from the sea. Check in, get comfortable and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with your group, while your guide tells you all about the epic adventure ahead.

Day 2

Hike into the heart of Solta

Hiking in Solta, Croatia. Photo: Host/Red Adventures

Hiking

3-4hrs · 12km · 280m up · 280m down

This morning you'll head out to explore the heart of beautiful Solta on foot, hiking between charming inland villages and immersing yourself in the rich culture, history and traditions of the island. The trail will lead you from the stunning coastline to the hamlets of Grohote, Srednje Selo and Donje Selo, replete with authentic stone architecture, winding alleys and colourful gardens. Following your hike you'll head to a local wine producer to savour some of the island's best wines during a tasting session. Returning to Rogac in the afternoon, you can enjoy a few hours at leisure – hit the beach, grab drinks or have dinner by the sea as you wait for the sun to set. That's what island life is all about!

Day 3

Kayak Maslinica's coves and islets

Kayaking solta croatia. Photo: host

Kayaking

4hrs · 14km

Today you'll explore Solta's turquoise waters by kayak, setting off from the enchanting coastal village of Maslinica – a hidden gem steeped in tradition. After a safety briefing, leave the island's shores and paddle towards the archipelago of tiny islets which dot the western tip of the island. Navigate crystal-clear waters and stop for a swim in Sipova Bay – renowned as the island's most beautiful beach. Continue kayaking along the southern shore, enjoying the stunning views of hidden coves and dazzling cliffs all the way to Senjska Bay. After a final swim, hike up to the road where you'll hop into a vehicle and head back to your comfortable base in Rogac for the night.

Day 4

Hike and cycle across the island

Stomorska village, Solta, Croatia. Photo: GettyImages-1569868418

Hiking

11km · 3-4hrs · 240m up · 240m down

Cycling

20km · 2hrs · 250m up · 250m down

This morning you'll set off hiking in the eastern tip of the island, starting from the charming village of Gornje Selo, a place that seems frozen in time. As you wander through its winding streets and admire the traditional stone architecture, you'll experience the authentic charm and tranquility that makes this island so special. Solta is also renowned for producing some of the finest olive oil in the country, and this morning you'll have the chance a local olive oil producer, where you can taste and learn about the secrets behind this liquid gold. Next, hike through the serene beauty of olive groves, vineyards, fig trees and lush pine forests to reach the island's highest point, Vela Straz, for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Dalmatian islands and distant mountains. Descend towards the coastal village of Stomorska and its lively harbour, soaking in the laid-back vibe as you watch local fishermen. If you're seeking an extra dose of adventure, you can join your guide for an optional afternoon bike ride across the island from Stomorska to Maslinica, offering countless idyllic Mediterranean views along the way.

Day 5

Kayak Solta's southern coast

Kayaking, Solta, Croatia. Photo: Host/Red Adventures

Kayaking

4hrs · 16km

Swimming

2hrs

The southern shore of Solta is one of the most stunning and dramatic coastlines in the region, and a well-kept secret given the lack of roads on this side of the island. When it comes to exploring this hidden paradise of secluded bays, untouched pebble beaches, awe-inspiring cliffs and intriguing stone formations, sea kayaking is undoubtedly the ideal way to go. Spend the day paddling to countless hidden coves, stopping for swims and snorkelling along the way – and be one of the lucky few to have the privilege of exploring in this way.

Day 6

SUP and shipwreck snorkelling

Stand Up Paddleboarding

2hrs · 5km

Snorkelling

2hrs

On your final day of island adventure, you'll explore the northern shores of Solta, this time gliding over the crystal-clear waters on a paddleboard (SUP). Start off from Rogac Bay, paddling eastward to the nearby bay of Necujam, which is dotted with quiet coves. Make a stop at Piskera, an intriguing spot where the fascinating ruins of a Roman maritime villa and its fishpond lie beneath the glistening sea. It's believed to have been owned by Emperor Diocletian (247-316 AD), one of the most significant rulers in the history of the Roman Empire. Next, jump into the water for some unforgettable snorkelling around the shipwreck of Kontesa, resting just a few metres below the surface. Tonight you'll head out with your group to a charming local taverna – a fantastic opportunity to indulge in the traditional culinary delights of Solta one final time, before bidding farewell to your new favourite island.

Day 7

Farewell Croatia!

Swimming in Croatia. Photo: GettyImages-1472521505

Check out and leave the island after breakfast, travelling back to Split by ferry where you're expected to arrive around 11:00. If you are leaving today, we recommend booking a flight departing no earlier than 14:00, in order to allow ample time to reach the airport. Alternatively, your host will have plenty of recommendations on how to make the most of your time in the city, should you wish to extend your Croatian adventure further.

Day 1

Apartment · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3

Apartment · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Apartment · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Apartment · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Apartment · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

GettyImages-1312637411.jpg

The Dalmatian Islands have an abundance of fresh seafood, fish, vegetables and fruit, and Solta is no exception. The islanders are proud of their rich culinary traditions and during the course of the trip, you'll have the chance to savour some delicious dishes in many local spots recommended by your host. Specialities include grilled fish or scampi, black risotto (with squid ink), octopus with potatoes baked on an open fire, and many other dishes – expertly seasoned with local olive oil, garlic and herbs (such as rosemary and sage).

On the nights where evening meals are not included, you can opt to dine with a sea view at the famous Pasarela restaurant in Rogac, just a short walk away from your apartments. Lunches are included, and usually consist of a picnic arranged by your guide. Solta is especially known for its traditions of winemaking as well as honey and olive oil production, so you'll have some tasting experiences included too during your stay.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

pHoto: host
Villa Porto

Your base for the trip is Villa Porto, a charming private guesthouse located in the village of Rogac on Solta Island. The property (which is managed by your host) features three apartments, each with two twin-share bedrooms, a balcony with sea views, air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop, a living area and a bathroom (shared between the two bedrooms/ up to four people). There is a large outdoor patio and dining area for your group's gatherings. The beach, as well as a couple of inviting seaside tavernas, are only a ten-minute walk from the property.

Upgrades

Due to the limited size of the property, guaranteed pre-booked single rooms are not available on this trip.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Split City Centre

Arrive by 15:00 on Day 1

Ends

Split City Centre

11:00 on Day 7

Transfers

The meeting point for your trip in Split is at your host's office – conveniently located just an eight-minute walk from the port, where your ferry to Solta will depart from. Airport transfers are not included in this trip, but it's easy to pre-book an airport shuttle. The cost is approximately €8 one way which is payable on the website, and the journey time is around 30 minutes. A general taxi fare will cost around €30-45. You'll meet at 15:00 on Day 1 for a quick welcome briefing before your ferry departs at 16:00, so we strongly recommend booking a flight that lands before 14:00 to give yourself ample time. On departure, the same shuttle bus operates from the bus terminal near the port, with frequent services to the airport throughout the day. On Day 1 and Day 7, you are welcome to store your luggage at your host's office for a few hours, if you have extra time and want to explore Split.

Travel options

There are regular direct flights to Split from airports across the UK and Europe.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

All your equipement for kayaking, cycling and snorkelling

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft duffel bag, rucksack or small suitcase
  • Daypack (20-30 litres)
  • Waterproof liner for rucksack
  • Small drybag, if you want to take your phone with you on the water-based activities

CLOTHES

  • Hiking or trail running shoes (worn in)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers (optional)
  • Breathable wicking layers
  • Fleece jacket or a jumper for the early spring or autumn departures
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
  • T-shirts
  • Lycra or other fast-drying shirt for kayaking
  • Underwear and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Water shoes

OTHER

  • Kayaking jacket (optional for extra comfort in the early low season departures or to protect against the sun while kayaking)
  • Your own snorkelling gear for better fit and comfort (optional)
  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottles x1.5 or 2 litres
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks

No optional extras are available for this trip.

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 91kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

All of the activities on this trip can be done without any previous experience – you'll have expert guides to show you the ropes and help you navigate the kayaking. Although each day is not overly strenuous, you'll be fairly active for a few hours, so the trip is best enjoyed if you have a decent level of fitness and agility, enjoy the outdoors and are comfortable in the water.

The hikes are along relatively gentle paved and unpaved trails, with some occasional steep sections. Plenty of stops will be made to enjoy the views and the scenic villages along the way.

Sea kayaking will involve two days where you'll be paddling for approximately four hours, along the stunning coastline with plenty of opportunities for (optional) swimming and snorkelling breaks along the way. This trip is totally suitable for beginner or intermediate-level sea kayakers; however, a good level of fitness will help you enjoy your time on the water to the full. Sea kayaking will be in twin kayaks, however, single kayaks may be available at additional charge for experienced and confident sea kayakers - please ask your host for further details.

The 20km bike ride across the island from Stomorska to Maslinica is on tarmac roads which are undulating throughout, with occasional steep sections. Should you prefer to opt out of the cycling (or any of the other activities), you are of course free to do so and you can make your day as leisurely or active as you want it to be.

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation to tip for good service. We suggest the below as a guideline per person:

€30 per person, for the week

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

The tap water on Solta Island is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotels, public fountains and at restaurants to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.

The climate in Solta is mild for most of the year. It gets very hot during the summer months of July to September with temperatures reaching 35°C: for this reason, the trip runs from April to June, and late September to October, when temperatures are milder (ranging between 17°C and 25°C). Rain is possible at any time of year, so do is come prepared for this possibility. The average water temperature is about 17°C in April and 18-24°C in May, June, September and October, making the latter part of the season a more favourable time of year if you are into snorkelling and swimming.

We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

The weather on the island of Solta is usually pretty mild throughout the year, although adverse wind, sea or rainy conditions can be unpredictable with some disruptions possible at any time of the year. The best you can do is to be prepared for anything and come equipped with layers of clothing, sunscreen and waterproofs. Your host will be monitoring the forecasts during the course of the trip and will suggest alternative, safer kayaking routes or will swap around the order of the activities in the event that sea conditions are not favourable.

If your arrival flight into Split is delayed, there are other evening ferries to Solta – the last one usually departs at 20:30. Your host will provide assistance should you need to travel independently to the island due to a late incoming flight.

No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small daypack to carry personal items during each day of the activities.

Tandem sea kayaks are used on this trip. They have a covered deck and are generally longer, faster and sit lower in the water than touring or sit-on-top kayaks. There's a spray sheet which you'll lock in yourself (full guidance will be provided by your expert kayak guides). You'll also learn how to steer using foot pedals to control the rudder. As these are double kayaks, you will be paddling in pairs.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All our trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind we’re backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 900 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

May 2024

Sunday • 19th May 2024

to Saturday • 25th May 2024
Guaranteed to run
FLASH SALE - Only 3 spots left at 5% off
Private trip

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