The island of Solta belongs to Central Dalmatian islands and is located in the central part of the Adriatic Sea . It is located 15 kilometers Split and from the mainland it is detached by the Split Channel . It has length of about 19 kilometers. This island stretches from west - northwest - southeast . Solta has major mainland island and seven islets , which are located near the port Maslinica . The island is among midsize Dalmatian islands , 13th biggest island. Losinj , Pasman , Cres , Krk, Hvar , Pag , Rab are biggerr than Solta and Ciovo and Drvenik are smaller . We should mention important ports of the island , namely: Stomorska, Necujam, Maslinica and main port Rogač . An important center of the island is Grohote and villages are Srednje selo, Donje selo i Gornje selo. We also should mention seven islands that are located in the archipelago of Maslinica, which are: Stipanska, Radula, Balkun, hrid Kamičić, Grmej, Polebrnjak i Saskinja. These islands are very sparsely populated ..., while they in summer attract many tourists. Šolta was first mentioned under the name " Olinto " which translated from Greek language means that the fig which is not ripe . The name is mentioned by the Greek geographer Scylax who lived in the past. It is believed that Olynthians have settled in Solta and that is how it got its name. Data on population of Solta dates back to the Neolithic period , as evidenced are there many archaeological excavations and objects such as knives and stone axes found on the site Zaduci. From the Bronze Age have been found many heavy objects as various tools and weapons . In the past, this area was residence Illyrians who used the lofty hills , and such dwellings visited the tourists in sites of Gradac and Vela Straža. There is a legend that says that above the bay of Senj was located home of Queen Teuta which governed from 231 BC to 228 BC. Solta was also inhabited by Illyrian Dalmats , as evidenced there are two inscriptions that are preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Split , where characteristic names Plator and Praecius were mentioned . Many archaeological remains were accidentally found and so the island remains very interesting to historians and geographers . Also during antiquity on Solta were left many traces of settlements , objects and tools . We should mention Mirine which is located west of the Donje Selo where have benn found ruined parts of the walls of "villae rusticae". At many locations in Grohote archaeologists have found the remains of Roman culture , and 12 inscriptions from the graves and monuments should also be pointed out as the most famous finds of the time . At the beginning of the fourth century, Christianity began to develop and Solta was under nearby Salon , and from that time dates a very important early Christian basilica and two sarcophagi , which are found in the church Sv.Stjepana. Avars conquered by the end of the 7th century Salon , and its inhabitants fled to Solta ; where eventually settled Croats . During the reign of Hungarian Croatian kings Solta has especially strengthened. By the attacks on the Spilt Solta suffered when it in 1240th by Osor Kačić has been plundered and the church of Sv. Stjepan destroyed. But Solta shortly was mentioned in the 13th century as Kacici sold this island to famous nobles . At that time the villagers were engaged in the production of wood , coal and lime , but the main industry was agriculture and animal husbandry. Then Solta appeared as an important source of revenue. Unfortunately in the mid - 14th century Solta was looted and burned again by the Venetians , and until the 19th century it was the main target of pirates and enemies . In 1418th Venetians have become owners of Solta , and they ruled until the 1797th. During Venetian rule Solta was an important refuge for many rulers who fought against the Turks , and it should be noted that at this time in the villages were built defense mechanisms - the towers. The most famous of these towers was Slavić tower where today lies the seat of the municipality of Solta . Solta has very hot summers , no precipitation , and cold winters with heavy winds and lots of rain . During the summer months the average temperature is 30 degrees Celsius , and it gradually falls during the 8th , 9th and 10th month. With an average rainfall of only 807 millimeters bit elongs to a very hot and dry area , ideal for the growth of tourism . Mistral and Bora winds are the most famous on the island . The south side of Solta has changed its look to impact the south winds, and is mainly steep and unsuitable for life . South wind creates big waves , and the water is therefore very high, while during anticyclonic south wind weather is stable , dry and cloudless . This island has many beaches , bays and houses where many sailors gather and enjoy the deep blue sea . The bays can be visited via country roads , so this option for tourists is not exactly attractive . Fishermen's houses that are located in bays do not have electricity , collecting rain water gets necessary for life , there is no signal for Internet and mobile phone so the south side of Solta is definitely a place where one can escape from the noise and pull the right seclusion . The famous bays on the island are worth mentioning. One of the most beautiful and popular bays is called Šešula , which is very lonely , but also well protected . You can visit it by car , bike or by foot. Also known is restaurant „Šišmiš“ where you can try Dalmatian wines and enjoy great food . Especially suitable bay for anchoring is the bay Poganica , which you can visit by foot only. The bay which has a beautiful pebble beach and fishermen's houses is Zaglav. It is perfect for swimming , although it is only used by locals and random tourists . Although Solta has still many bays , worth mentioning is the biggest - Tatinja which with its fine sandy beaches is realy breathtaking.