Health, therapeutic experience and entrepreneurship: The Solana Saltworks as a wellness tourism hub in Croatia
1 Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and University of Lausanne.
2 Department of Tourism Management, University of West Attica, Greece.
3 Department of Economy and Sustainable Development, Harokopion University of Athens, Greece.
4 Faculty of Medicine, University οf Rome la Sapienza.
5 Department of Graphic Design and Visual Communication, University of West Attica.
6 School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Greece.
Review
Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 2026, 16(01), 039-046.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjst.2026.16.1.0008
Publication history:
Received on 20 December 2025; revised on 01 February 2026; accepted on 03 February 2026
Abstract:
The Solana saltworks in Croatia constitute a contemporary example of the redefinition of a traditional productive landscape into a center of health, therapeutic experience, and wellness tourism. This study examines the transition from mono-functional salt production to a multidimensional model that integrates natural salt production with halotherapy, wellness practices, and entrepreneurial activities. Particular emphasis is placed on the distinctive characteristics of high-purity salt and its incorporation into mild therapeutic applications. At the same time, the role of the saltworks as cultural and ecological landscapes is highlighted, where the therapeutic experience is closely linked to the natural environment and local identity. The research demonstrates that the integration of health, wellness, and entrepreneurship at the Solana saltworks constitutes a sustainable development model with positive social and economic impacts on local communities.
Keywords:
Health; Therapeutic Experience; Wellness Tourism; Saltworks; Halotherapy; Cultural Landscape; Ecological Landscape; Cultural Entrepreneurship; Sustainable Development; Solana Saltworks; Croatia
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Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0