Brač Island, located in Croatia's Adriatic Sea, offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do on Brač Island.
Golden Horn Beach (Zlatni Rat Beach)
Visit Zlatni Rat Beach. This iconic beach, also known as the Golden Horn, is one of the most famous on the Adriatic. It is a unique and picturesque beach located near the town of Bol on the southern coast of Brac Island in Croatia. It is one of the most famous beaches in the country and attracts numerous visitors each year. The beach's location, nestled between the sea and lush pine forests, creates a beautiful natural setting. It offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline, the island of Hvar in the distance, and the clear blue waters that stretch to the horizon. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports here.
What makes Zlatni Rat Beach truly special is its distinctive shape. It stretches out like a long tongue or horn into the sea, with its tip constantly shifting and changing due to the influence of tides, currents, and winds. This dynamic feature gives the beach an ever-changing appearance, making it a fascinating sight to behold. The beach itself is composed of fine pebbles and sand, offering a comfortable and enjoyable surface for sunbathing and lounging. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea surrounding Zlatni Rat Beach are exceptionally clean and inviting, making it an ideal spot for swimming and water activities.
Zlatni Rat Beach provides various amenities and facilities to ensure visitors have a pleasant experience. There are beach bars and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy refreshments and local cuisine while soaking up the sun. Beach loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, allowing you to relax in comfort. Additionally, there are water sports centers offering activities such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing for those seeking more adventure.
To reach Zlatni Rat Beach, you can take a pleasant walk from the town of Bol along a shaded promenade, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi boat or you can get here by car. Due to its popularity, Zlatni Rat Beach can get crowded during the summer months, especially in July and August. If you prefer a quieter experience, it's recommended to visit earlier in the day or during the shoulder seasons. Overall, Zlatni Rat Beach's unique shape, stunning natural surroundings, and clear waters make it an absolute must-visit destination on Brac Island and a highlight of any trip to Croatia's Dalmatian coast.
Explore Bol
Bol is a charming town on Brac Island with a picturesque harbor and narrow streets. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and vibrant atmosphere. What should you see here?
Bol's old town is a delight to explore with its narrow, winding streets, stone houses, and traditional architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the town and discover hidden corners, small squares, and charming shops. Visit the Church of St. John (Crkva sv. Ivana), a beautiful 15th-century church located in the center of Bol. Admire its architectural details and step inside to see the impressive interior. The town's promenade is a lively area lined with palm trees, cafes, bars, and restaurants. It's a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Another must-see in Bol is the Dominican Monastery, a significant cultural and historical site in Bol. The monastery dates back to the 15th century and houses a museum that showcases artifacts and artwork from the island's past.
In addition to Zlatni Rat Beach, Bol offers several other beautiful beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and water activities. Some popular options include Martinica Beach, Potocine Beach, and Murvica Beach. Bol has also a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars and clubs where you can enjoy live music, DJ performances, and a lively atmosphere. The town offers a good mix of relaxed beach bars and more energetic venues for those looking to dance the night away.
Bol boasts a variety of restaurants and konobas (traditional taverns) where you can sample delicious Croatian cuisine. Try local specialties such as fresh seafood, grilled lamb, octopus peka (traditional slow-cooked dish), and Brač cheese, which is a local delicacy.
Climb Vidova Gora
Just outside Bol, you'll find the Vidova Gora Nature Park. Take a hike to the summit of Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic islands, for breathtaking panoramic views of the island, the sea, and neighboring islands. There are several hiking trails that lead to the summit, offering different levels of difficulty and scenic views along the way. The most popular trail starts from Bol and takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach the top, depending on your pace and fitness level. On a clear day, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree vista of the surrounding landscape, including the Adriatic Sea, neighboring islands such as Hvar and Vis, the town of Bol, and the lush greenery of Brac Island.
As you hike up Vidova Gora, you'll come across old stone quarries that were once used to extract the famous Brač stone. This type of limestone has been used for centuries in the construction of notable buildings, including the Diocletian's Palace in Split and the White House in Washington, D.C. Vidova Gora is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. As you ascend the mountain, you'll pass through pine forests and meadows adorned with wildflowers. Keep an eye out for various bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife that inhabit the area.
Blaca Hermitage
The Blaca Hermitage, also known as the Blaca Monastery or Pustinja Blaca, is a unique historical site located on the southern coast of Brac Island in Croatia. Nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense vegetation, the hermitage is a testament to human determination and resilience. The Blaca Hermitage was established in the 16th century by Glagolitic monks who sought refuge from the Ottoman Empire's expansion. The monks carved out a settlement in the rocky terrain and built a monastery, a church, and other structures to create a self-sustaining community.
Visit Supetar
Supetar is a charming town located on the northern coast of Brac Island in Croatia. It serves as the main ferry port and administrative center of the island. But it’s worth your time to spend here one day.
Supetar's old town is a quaint and picturesque area characterized by narrow stone streets, traditional Dalmatian houses, and historic buildings. Take a leisurely stroll through the town and explore its charming alleys and squares. The town's prominent landmark is the Church of St. Mary of the Annunciation (Crkva Gospe od Karmela). This beautiful Baroque-style church dates back to the 18th century and features an ornate interior with notable religious artwork.
The Riva promenade is a lively waterfront area where locals and visitors gather to relax, enjoy the views, and socialize. You can find restaurants, cafes, and bars lining the promenade, making it an ideal spot for people-watching and taking in the maritime atmosphere. Supetar also offers several beaches where you can soak up the sun and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Some popular options include Vlacica Beach, Banj Beach, and Bili Rat Beach. These beaches offer various facilities, including beach bars, loungers, and water sports activities.