801-Following Queen Teuta’s Footsteps
The pearl of Šolta from the beautiful necklace of Adriatic islands had already been mentioned 4,000 years before our era within the Greek records of maritime itineraries. At that time, the Illyrians lived here, whose queen Teuta, according to legend, had a fort above Senjska Bay. You will find an Illyrian fortified settlement north of Gornje Selo, on the highest Šolta peak. And its name, Vela straža (in Croatian meaning the great guard), signifies that the sea routes around the island and towards neighbouring Brač were once observed from here. The trail we use to explore the southern part of the island also leads us to Stomorska, the oldest settlement on the coast, known for its excellent sailors and their sailing ships that once transported grain, lime and other products. Nečujam with its eight magical coves is, according to many, the most beautiful bay on the island, sung in numerous verses. The Roman emperor, Diocletian had his fishpond in Piškera cove, the remains of which can still be seen under the sea today. And every drop of wine, olive oil or honey you taste here will confirm that Šolta is a true gastronomic gem. You will be charmed by Šoltanka or Levantinka and Oblica, well-known varieties of olives whose premium extra virgin oils win world medals today, as well as medicinal wild rosemary honey, and finally dobričić, the popular pitur, a unique dark red wine with a purple sheen from the autochthonous Šolta variety. At the end of our delicious trail, Rogač awaits us, the place we started from, but don’t forget to try some of the cakes or pastries made with delicious carob while you are here.
Šolta
20,3km
2h
Technical characteristics
Low to medium physical demands make this trail suitable for every cyclist. It is characterised by three climbs with gentle slopes. The first is 1.4 km long with an average slope of 7.6% without steeper parts. The trail follows the road until the 7th kilometre, where it turns onto a macadam road that is pleasant to ride on. The combination of macadam and road paths leads to the first descent near Gornje selo, which, with an average slope of 13.5% and a macadam surface, is technically simple. The longest and most demanding climb on the trail starts at the 14th kilometre and lasts for 2.1 km with a 6.6% slope and a road surface, and at the top it joins the macadam track that will take you down again to Piškera bay without technically demanding sections except for one single track , before lifting you back up to Grohot. The road along the sea takes you back to the Rogač ferry port. An MTB is recommended, and those more experienced of you could even attempt the trail on gravel or trekking bikes, with special caution on the single track that starts at the 20th km.