The name comes from štedri, meaning charitable in old Slavonic, because the island offers two deep, well-protected coves.

The island is very fertile, and has a milder climate than Hvar and, thanks to night dew, was even used to grow grain.

[2] A Dominican monastery was founded in the Bay of Mostir (1465), together with a hospice for sailors, and abandoned in the 18th century.

There is an old quarry at Stare Stine, and gypsum from the island was used in the Baroque chapels of Hvar cathedral.

The old settlements of Mostir and Nastane are now largely abandoned, except for restaurants and other tourist facilities in the summer season.