Silba

An island in the northwestern-most part of the Zadar archipelago. It is picturesque, narrow, low and covered with coniferous forests. The Olib and Silba Channels separate it from the neighboring islands. It is renowned for its exceptionally mild climate, salubrious sea air and crystal clear sea. The coast is lined with numerous bays and sandy coves which are mostly shallow. The island has been inhabited since the Roman era. In 1091 it became the property of the Zadar monastery, in the 15th century it came under Venetian rule, and in 1852 its inhabitants purchased it from the last owner with their own money.

SILBA TOWN - The only settlement developed on the narrowest part of the island in the 16th century. Its beaches are pebbly and sandy. In the vicinity of the settlement lies a forest with flocks of wild sheep. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Silba was a town of seafarers and sailing ship owners. In the second part of the 19th century, the sailing-ship traffic began to decline and with it the importance of the town. There are a few interesting buildings in the settlement, including the Church of sv. Marko (St. Mark) from 1637, the Church of Our Lady of Carmel from 1660 and a guard tower called Toreta from 1872. Silba's harbor lies on the eastern coast and is protected by a breakwater. There are mooring lines with water and electricity hook-ups for 30 boats in the harbor. The bora causes waves, so entering and leaving the harbor is dangerous when it blows. In the Zalic Bay on the western coast lies a harbor with a pier which serves as a landing for ferry and local lines and is consequently not suitable for berthing.