Croatia’s Car-Free Island Paradise: Escape the Crowds on Silba

For many tourists, a holiday in Croatia often means a trip to Dubrovnik. However, the tiny island of Silba offers a serene, car-free alternative. Located in northern Dalmatia, Silba boasts a population of around 200 people and prohibits cars, making it a peaceful retreat.

Silba, nestled near the islands of Losinj and Olib in the Kvarner archipelago, allows tourists to explore multiple islands while avoiding crowded tourist spots. The island's small size, approximately 15 square kilometers, adds to its charm, with delivery trolleys being the heaviest form of transport.

Silba is one of the sunniest islands in the Adriatic, offering a perfect blend of tranquility, nature, sun, and clear turquoise waters. Its relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere makes it an ideal escape from busier parts of Croatia. Toreta, the only town on Silba, features two grocery shops, two bakeries, and an impressive 14 bars and restaurants.

A notable attraction is "The Tower of Love," a 19th-century tower built by a sea captain named Petar Marinić as a symbol of love and loyalty. The tower offers breathtaking views and is steeped in a romantic legend involving a captain, a villager, and their daughter.

Silba also boasts numerous pebbly and sandy coves, golden sand beaches, and is popular for yachting. Nearby, the forgotten island of Premuda offers low forests, olive groves, fig trees, vineyards, and an underwater cave system called the "Cathedral," making it a diver's paradise.

In Toreta, Vila Velebita stands out as the island's best-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor. Known for its fair prices and traditional Croatian cuisine, it offers dishes like fired cheese, boar salami, and local wine and beer. Founded in 1991, the restaurant remains family-operated, with the original owner’s wife still preparing meals.

Accommodations on Silba include private rentals available on Airbnb, ranging from £60 to £200 per night. Many apartments feature outdoor dining areas and air conditioning, with some allowing pets.

Traveling to Silba is convenient with direct flights to Zadar and Pula airports from several UK cities. From Zadar, a catamaran trip to Silba takes just over an hour and a half, while from Pula, the journey takes about three and a half hours. Jadrolinija ferries from Zadar and Mali Lošinj also provide daily services to Silba.