Brač is Croatia’s third-largest island, the biggest in Dalmatia, and among the closest to the mainland. It’s also a great choice for active pursuits: stellar windsurfing, any type of watersport under the sun, cycling, and hiking. Base yourself in the main towns of Bol and Supetar, or venture inland to the ancient stone hamlets at Brač’s center—there’s plenty to do and see throughout. Learn more about what, when, and how to go below.
## Unveiling the Splendors of Brač: A Comprehensive Guide
Brač, a dazzling jewel nestled within the embrace of Dalmatia, beckons travelers with promises of sun-kissed shores and exhilarating escapades. This captivating island, a haven for both ardent beach enthusiasts and intrepid adventurers, boasts a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural gems. Its undeniable centerpiece, the world-renowned Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach, a pristine expanse of dazzling white pebbles, graces the island’s southern coast, captivating visitors with its ethereal beauty. However, the allure of Brač extends far beyond its iconic beach. The island also lays claim to a legacy of resplendent white stone, the very material that lent its grandeur to Diocletian’s Palace in Split and, according to local lore, even contributed to the majestic façade of the White House in Washington, DC.
Beyond the bustling coastal hubs of Supetar and Bol, Brač harbors a string of tranquil, almost secretive, fishing villages, each offering a serene and secluded sanctuary for those seeking respite from the crowds. Delve deeper into the heart of the island, and you’ll uncover a tapestry of historic stone hamlets, each whispering tales of a bygone era, and a solitary, ancient hermitage, a testament to the island’s rich spiritual heritage.
## Crafting Your Perfect Brač Journey: A Detailed Itinerary
The beauty of Brač lies in its versatility. Whether you envision a fleeting island escape or a week-long immersion in sun, sand, and exhilarating activities, Brač effortlessly caters to every whim. Its accessibility makes it ideal for a quick overnight stay, or even a day trip, allowing you to sample the island’s charm without committing to an extended visit. Imagine embarking on a day-long adventure, ferrying from Split to explore the verdant olive groves, meandering through the tranquil village of Sutivan, and traversing the picturesque coastline towards Supetar, before returning to the mainland as the sun dips below the horizon.
For a more immersive experience, a three-day sojourn on Brač promises a deeper connection with the island’s soul. Upon arrival in Supetar, a convenient bus transfer whisks you away to the enchanting town of Bol, nestled on the opposite side of the island. Bol serves as an ideal base for indulging in a myriad of watersports and basking in the town’s undeniable charm. This itinerary also suits a single-night stay, though Supetar presents a more practical option if you are planning a return journey to Split the following day. However, for those fortunate enough to dedicate a full week to Brač, we recommend dividing your time between Supetar (or one of the island’s less-traveled coastal havens, such as Sutivan or Pučišća) and the captivating Bol, interspersed with invigorating day trips to explore the island’s captivating interior.
### Navigating the Seasons: The Ideal Time to Experience Brač
To truly embrace the essence of Brač, with its vibrant energy and idyllic weather, consider visiting during the months of July and August. These peak-season months offer a vibrant atmosphere and guaranteed sunshine. However, be prepared for bustling crowds, higher accommodation costs, elevated restaurant prices, and beaches where space is at a premium. The first two weeks of August, in particular, see the highest influx of visitors.
For a more tranquil and budget-friendly experience, the shoulder seasons of June and September provide a delightful alternative. The weather remains gloriously warm, the seas are inviting, and the crowds begin to dissipate, leading to a welcome reduction in prices. May and October also present compelling options for those seeking a serene and sun-drenched escape, away from the hustle and bustle of the high season.
### Charting Your Course: Getting to Brač
The accessibility of Brač, coupled with its proximity to the mainland, is undoubtedly one of its most alluring attributes. While Brač boasts its own diminutive airport, offering flights to and from Zagreb, operated by Croatia Airlines, twice weekly during the warmer months (from spring through fall), the majority of visitors opt to fly into Split Airport and then embark on a short and scenic ferry ride to the island.
The most popular maritime route connects Split to the main town of Supetar, situated on the northern coast of the island. This car ferry, operated by Jadrolinija, welcomes both vehicles and foot passengers, offering a swift 50-minute crossing with frequent departures, especially during the height of the summer season.
For those without their own transportation (and considering the expense, it might be wise to forgo bringing a car), a plethora of catamaran options are readily available. Jadrolinija offers a daily service from Split to Bol (a journey of approximately one hour), which continues onwards to Hvar. Kapetan Luka also operates a fast boat service to Milna and Bol, providing further flexibility for travelers.
If you are traveling by car and plan to continue south towards Dubrovnik from Brač, consider taking the car ferry from the charming beach town of Sumartin, located on the island’s eastern coast, to Makarska on the mainland (a ride of approximately one hour). Catamaran services between Dubrovnik and Bol are also available for foot passengers during the peak season, with both Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka offering this route (the journey typically takes between 3 and 4 hours).
To explore other islands in the archipelago, Hvar presents a compelling option. Jadrolinija operates a daily catamaran service (approximately 40 minutes) between Bol and Hvar Town during the peak season. Once on the island of Brač itself, renting a car is highly recommended if you intend to explore several destinations, allowing you the freedom and flexibility to discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
## Unveiling Brač’s Treasures: Highlights & Things to Do
### The Coastal Stars: Supetar & Bol
Two prominent beach towns claim the spotlight on Brač: Supetar and Bol. Supetar, located on the island’s northern coast, serves as the primary transportation hub, welcoming car ferries from Split. It is also the largest town on the island, boasting the most developed tourist infrastructure, with a plethora of activities to cater to every taste. While Supetar may exhibit a slightly more touristy atmosphere, this does not detract from its overall appeal.
On the southern coast, the captivating Bol stands as a more refined and boutique-style beach destination, renowned for its breathtaking Zlatni Rat beach, a slender strip of exquisitely soft pebbles that extends gracefully into the Adriatic Sea. This iconic beach, frequently featured on tourism brochures and posters, is recognized as Croatia’s premier destination for windsurfing and a variety of other exciting water sports. The marble-paved seafront promenade that leads to the beach is adorned with towering pine trees and lush, meticulously manicured gardens, creating a truly enchanting ambiance.
### Hidden Gems: Quiet Beach Towns & Interior Villages
While Supetar and Bol offer the widest array of accommodation options and a vibrant atmosphere, Brač is also home to a collection of quieter, more secluded destinations that are well worth exploring. These include the historic fishing village of Sutivan, the charming Pučišća, which graces the northern coast and overlooks the stunning Makarska Riviera, the picturesque port of Milna, and the tranquil Sumartin.
Venture into the island’s interior, and you’ll discover the captivating village of Dol, with its ancient cluster of stone houses perched dramatically atop a rocky outcrop. Here, you’ll also find Konoba Toni, a family-run tavern that serves up handcrafted culinary delights in a rustic and inviting dining room. For a glimpse into the island’s rich history, make your way to Škrip, the island’s oldest settlement, located southeast of Supetar, to marvel at the remnants of its ancient fort, built by the Illyrians to defend against Greek invasions.
### Adventure Awaits: Watersports, Hiking, and Cycling
Brač is a veritable playground for active travelers. The island offers exceptional diving opportunities (the best spots can be found off the southwestern coast, between Milna and Bol), as well as a plethora of exhilarating watersports on the aforementioned Zlatni Rat beach. You can also embark on a scenic hike or invigorating mountain bike ride up to Vidova Gora, the island’s highest peak and the tallest on all of Croatia’s islands. Don’t miss the mesmerizing Blaca Hermitage, nestled in the island’s southern interior, where a guided tour is an absolute must.
### A Cultural Tapestry: Culture & Events
For a dose of culture, visit the Branislav Dešković gallery in Bol, housed within a Renaissance townhouse on the harbor. The gallery showcases a diverse collection of 20th-century Croatian artists, including sculptures by the renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović.
If you’re planning a visit in mid-August, you might coincide with Films Like No Other, a 4-day festival of video art and art films that attracts creatives from around the world for curated screenings in the summer cinema – a venue with breathtaking views out to sea.
## Indulge Your Senses: Lodging & Dining
### Finding Your Sanctuary: Where to Stay
Brač offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget, from self-catered apartments and funky hostels to swanky boutique hotels, family resorts, plush seafront villas, campgrounds, and secluded stone cottages. In Supetar, Hotel Amor and Hotel Bračka Perla stand out as the most characterful among the otherwise understated hotels. The Funky Donkey hostel is an excellent budget-friendly option, offering a lively party atmosphere (so don’t expect a quiet night’s sleep here).
In Bol, Villa Giardino, tucked away behind a lush garden and just steps from the seafront, is an elegant and refined choice. Hotel Kaštil, housed in a historic townhouse, boasts stunning sea views and a delightful terrace restaurant. Away from the main hubs of Supetar and Bol, Hotel Lemongarden in Sutivan, a heritage hideaway nestled within a cluster of ancient buildings on the seafront, and Dešković Palace, a 15-room retreat in a 15th-century palace in Pučišća, are two hotels that offer a luxurious take on Adriatic beach living.
### A Culinary Journey: Where to Eat
While dining on Brač can be a bit pricey, Bol offers a superior selection of excellent restaurants compared to Supetar. Head to Mali Raj, a “small paradise” tucked away in a shady olive grove just a short distance from Zlatni Rat beach. This family-run establishment, away from the bustling crowds, serves up a delectable tuna steak with pesto and a tantalizing fish skewer.
Among Bol’s newer restaurants, Konoba Pusa stands out as an inventive little tavern run by two brothers on the eastern end of the seafront, nestled in a small bay with captivating views. Be sure to sample their handcrafted pastas and osso buco with celery puree. Ribarska Kućica, while the service can be a bit slow at times, boasts the most stunning waterfront terrace.
If you have access to your own transportation, don’t miss the opportunity to savor a flavorful meal of Cres lamb and potatoes or super-fresh seafood at Terasa Ciccio, accessible via a bumpy dirt road leading off from Murvica (or by boat from Bol). With its spectacular sea vistas, this local favorite is a true hidden gem.
## Insider Insights: Local Tips for Visiting Brač
To enhance your Brač experience, consider these invaluable local tips:
Avoid arriving and departing on weekends, locally known as *smjena* (shift), particularly during the first two weeks of August. This is when week-long apartment rentals typically change hands, resulting in significant crowds.
For those traveling south with their own vehicle, the Sumartin-Makarska ferry operated by Jadrolinija offers a convenient option. However, it has limited capacity, so arrive early to secure your place in line.
Be aware that food on Brač is generally overpriced, both in restaurants and grocery stores. If you’re self-catering in Bol, keep an eye out for the small vegetable market behind the church, which offers well-priced local produce.
For an authentic local experience in Bol, visit Marinero, a classic bar situated on a verdant square with frequent live music. Look for the sign on the seafront and follow the stairs up to this hidden gem.
## Exploring Beyond: Croatia Itineraries Including Brač
To inspire your travel plans, here are a few of our favorite ways to incorporate Brač into your Croatia itinerary, regardless of your preferred mode of travel:
* Classic Croatia: Zagreb, Plitvice, Brač, & Dubrovnik – 14 Days
* Sailing Dalmatia: Vis, Lastovo, Mljet, & Brač – 10 Days
* Hiking the Dalmatian Coast: Brač, Hvar, Korčula & Pelješac – 7 Days
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