What to expect when visiting Brač
The island of Brač hasn’t quite exploded onto the international holiday scene like its neighbours, Hvar and Korcula.
Unlike Hvar, with its party reputation, Brač is a quieter island that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beach.
One beach that has to be visited whilst on Brač is Zlatni Rat Beach, also known as the Golden Horn. This picturesque beach strip is often rated as one of the best beaches in Europe.
Watersports
The beaches in Brac are not only about relaxation. Brač is a great place to try your hand at some watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and SUP.
Dalmatian restaurants
Aside from lounging on the beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to eat. There are lots of top-quality and delicious Dalmatian restaurants scattered across the island.
Also, don’t be surprised to still find a little party scene if you decide to spend your night in Bol. With a few lively cocktail bars and even a nightclub, there is no need to go home after dinner.
How long should you spend in Brač?
Deciding how long to stay in Brač depends on the purpose of your visit.
The island can be visited as just a day trip from either Split or Hvar. This is still a great way to see the island, but it will be a whistle-stop tour.
If you’re looking to relax and really get to know the island, then 3-5 days is a good amount of time. There are plenty of things to keep you busy if that’s what you’re looking for or plenty of beaches to simply relax on.
#1 Relax on Zlatni Rat Beach
Rated as one of the best beaches in Europe, Zlatni Rat Beach is a must-visit whilst on Brač.
Also known as the Golden Horn, the beach’s unique shape spreads out almost 500 metres into the turquoise sea. What makes it even more special is that the end of the beach is constantly changing shape due to the tides and wind.
This gorgeous, small-pebbled beach is surrounded by ancient pine trees, offering ample amounts of shade. Don’t worry, you won’t have to fight for shade; the beach fits up to 10,000 people on it. Even if it’s busy, you won’t feel like sardines in a tin.
There’s more than just sunbathing
Zlatni Rat Beach has more than just sea and sand. There are plenty of things to do, such as volleyball, paragliding, jet skis, banana boat rides and a water park.
It’s also an ideal place for kitesurfing and windsurfing (we talk about this more below).
#2 Enjoy some adventure-filled watersports
Pretty much any kind of watersports you can think of, you can do them on Brač.
Here’s a list of what’s available:
- Water skiing
- Banana boat
- Tube riding
- Parasailing
- Water park
- Air balls
- Paddleboard
- Kayaks
- Scuba diving
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing in Bol
Two very popular water sports around Bol are windsurfing and kitesurfing. The perfect wind conditions create an ideal environment for these sports, whether you’re a rookie or a pro.
Thanks to the reliable thermal winds between August and October, the conditions will be perfect. In the earlier summer months, the winds are less strong, which will still be ideal for beginners.
Active Bol is one of the best companies offering both windsurfing and kitesurfing. Group windsurfing lessons start at €29 per hour. They also offer a 4-5 day kitesurfing course costing €450.
Bol is the best place in Croatia to try both of these sports, so why not give it a go?
How to get to Zlatni Rat Beach
This stunning beach is less than 2 km from Bol, making it easy to get to. You can hop in the car and drive there or enjoy a 20-minute walk along the sea.
#3 Hike Vidova Gora – the highest point on Brač
Vidova Gora is the highest mountain on Brač and one of the best viewpoints in the whole of the Adriatic.
You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the stunning ocean, rolling hills of Brač, and neighbouring islands in the distance.
Completing the hike is a great way to spend a day on Brač.
Some information about the hike
The highest point of Vidova Gora stands at an impressive 715 metres, making it a moderately difficult hike.
The trail starts in Bol and takes between 3-5 hours to complete depending on your pace. The roundtrip is around 10.6 km.
Along the way, you’ll be taken through rocky trails, shady pine forests and lush mountain tracks.
You’ll definitely have worked up an appetite for some delicious Dalmatian food and wine once you have finished.
TIP: Our compact Brač Travel Guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Brač!
#4 Taste some incredible Croatian wine
Croatian wine is exceptional! It’s not as widely exported as other wines, so whilst you’re in Croatia you should taste as much as you can.
There are plenty of wine bars across the island, and Stina Winery is one of the best places to go.
Grapes have been grown on Brač for centuries and have recently been revived. In 2009, Stina Winery was created and 50 hectares of new vineyards were planted.
What makes wine from Brač so special?
The special thing about wine from Brač is that the grapes are grown in stone soil – hence the name Stina which means stone in the Dalmatian dialect.
Stina Winery is on Bol’s stunning waterfront, making it an ideal location to enjoy some incredible wine.
They also offer a short 15-minute tour of their winery every day between 17:00 to 18:00.
#5 Explore the town of Supetar
Whether you’re staying in Bol or Supetar itself, this town should be explored!
Situated on the northern coast, visitors coming from Split will first step foot in Supetar. This is where the ferry arrives in Brač. It’s more than just a transport hub, though!
Supetar is the most developed town on the island, offering all of the amenities you could possibly need – shops, delicious restaurants, and lively bars.
There aren’t any specific must-do things to do in Supetar. It’s more somewhere that you simply get lost in, stumble across little boutiques and take a seat in a coffee shop.
Beaches in Supetar
Although the beaches in Supetar may not be as incredible as the iconic Zlatni Rat beach, they are still worth a visit while you’re there.
Acapulco Beach is one of Supetar’s most popular beaches. This pebble beach leads to the perfect swimming spot in the clear turquoise sea.
Another option is Punta Beach. It’s one of the main beaches in Supetar, bordered by plenty of trees providing the perfect escape from the sun.
If you want to stay in Supetar, here are some accommodations that we love.
#6 Explore the Dragon Cave
Looking to add some magic to your trip to Brač? Then immerse yourself in the myths and legends of the Dragon Cave.
4 km from Bol lies the eco-ethno village of Murvica. This quaint little town is worth visiting, but what attracts most visitors is a 30-minute walk away, high above the sea.
How did the cave get its name?
The Dragon Cave used to be a residence and temple for Glagolitic priests who practised a combination of Christianity and Paganism within the cave.
Although nobody officially lives here, the cave is still believed to be inhabited by spirits of werewolves, fairies, witches and of course the giant one-eyed dragon that used to live there.
These superstitions were fueled by the sculpture carved into the wall of the cave, but also its beauty and mysteriousness.
The Dragon Cave is certainly something different to explore in Brač. Situated 350 metres above sea level, the walk up is also an enjoyable one.
#7 Learn some history at Blaca Monastery
Blaca Monastery sits proudly on the cliffs of Vidova Gora. It stands as an iconic sight and representation of Brač’s rich history.
Built in the 16th century by two monks, the building is still in incredible condition. You almost feel like you’re being transported back in time.
Over the years, additions were made to the monastery such as the fort walls, a church and a library with over 11,000 books.
In 1963, the monastery was turned into the museum that we know today. Inside, you’ll find old furniture and living quarters, plus a collection of tools, ancient weaponry and an impressive library.
Blaca Monastery is open from Tuesday to Sunday and entrance costs €5.30.
#8 Step back in time and visit Škrip
If you’re a history lover, then you should make time for a visit to Škrip. It’s the oldest settlement on Brač, dating back 3000 years!
Škrip is the epicentre of history. Walking through the ancient streets, you’ll stumble upon a castle, mausoleum, a Roman temple, a sarcophagus, churches and museums.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be born thousands of years ago? Škrip can give you a pretty good insight.
You may expect the earliest settlement to be based on the coast, to be better for trading. Škrip is actually situated inland, 10 km from Supetar.
#9 Learn and taste at the Olive Oil Museum
You might not have planned to go to an olive oil museum whilst you’re in Brač, but it’s worth an hour of your time.
Brač is well known for its lamb, Brač stone, wine and olive oil. Where better to learn about olive oil?
The Olive Oil Museum is situated within the oldest settlement, Škrip. You can combine your visit to the settlement with a trip to the museum.
You’ll be taken on a journey, learning the traditional ways and history of olive oil production. Throughout the museum, you’ll not only see how it is made but also get to taste different types of olive oil, cheese and other local products.
A museum where you get to eat, can you think of anything better?
Entrance to the Olive Oil Museum costs €4.50 per person.
#10 Join a kayaking trip from Supetar to Postira
Kayaking is a great watersport to try out during your trip to Brač.
We’d recommend the kayaking trip from Supetar to Postira. Along the way, you’ll admire the glorious views of olive groves and hidden bays nestled amongst the rocks.
Your local guide will make sure you have as much fun as possible. As well as kayaking, you can enjoy swimming, snorkelling and just relaxing on one of the beaches along the way.
This fun kayaking tour lasts for around 3.5 hours and costs €42 per person when you book online.
#11 Take the boat to Split for the day
We’d recommend spending a few days in Split, but if Split is not on your Croatian itinerary, a day trip is still a good option.
Split is a port city situated on the mainland. Over the last decade, it has transformed into one of the most popular destinations not just in Croatia, but in Europe.
The Old Town is steeped in history, dating back 1,700 years. That means there are a number of important buildings and sites to visit. And of course, some scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed there.
There is an abundance of irresistible restaurants, bars and cafes, plus even more beaches if you haven’t got enough on Hvar.
How to visit Split from Brač
If you want to visit Split independently, we’ve put together a guide on how to get from Brač to Split (and back).
#12 Spend the day exploring Hvar
Another great day trip from Brač is to visit its close neighbour, Hvar.
Hvar is Croatia’s 4th biggest and longest island with some of the best beaches in the country. It’s an island bursting with spectacular Mediterranean cuisine, glitz and friendly locals.
You can spend your day on Hvar wandering around Hvar Old Town, relaxing on the beach, or visiting some historical sites such as Fortica Fortress and Tvrdalj Castle.
Once the sun sets, Hvar really comes alive. If you can stay the night on Hvar, we’d highly recommend doing so.
We’ve shared our favourite accommodations in Hvar in our Ultimate Hvar Guide.
How to visit Hvar from Brač
Visiting Hvar from Brač is a very simple task. We’ve made it even easier for you by putting together this guide on how to get from Brač to Hvar (and back).
Rounding it up
Now you’ve picked the best things to do in Brač, it’s time to start ticking off that bucket list. Not sure how to plan your trip? Our guide is here to help! You’ll find out how long to stay in Brač, where to eat, how to get around and more. Happy planning!
Our favourite places to stay in Brac
Before you start reading about our favourite places to stay in Brac, we want to make you aware of the different locations to stay on Brac Island.
- Bol is by far our favourite. It’s a charming port town with lots of watersport activities and outstanding restaurants. This is also where you find the famous Zlatni Rat beach
- Supetar is where most ferries dock. Not as interesting as Bol, but you can find some good value accommodations here. In Supetar, you’ll also find some great hidden beaches to explore.
- Milna is a traditional fishing town which is nice to visit, but we definitely prefer to stay in Bol or Supetar on Brac Island.
Villa Ana - Budget Friendly
At Villa Ana you’ll be just under 250 meters from the beach in Bol. You’ll even be able to see the sea from your own private balcony. If you can’t wait to cool down, then you can just take a dip in the villa's outdoor swimming pool.
The hosts are beyond helpful and go out of their way to ensure you have the best stay possible. The villa even provides home-made wines, olive oil, prosecco and brandy.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Close to the beach
- Helpful and friendly hosts
- Outdoor terraces and balconies
Villa Midea - Budget Friendly
If you want to stay in Supetar (the northern part of the island), Villa Midea offers the best value for money. Although the hotel is located just 5 minutes from the beach, you don’t even need to leave the hotel to enjoy a dip in the water as the hotel has its own pool!
The villa offers the feel of a small-scale hotel, with apartments on offer for up to 4 adults. Every room has everything you’ll need, a comfy bed, seating area and even a kitchenette with a coffee machine. Don’t fancy cooking? The hotel offers an exceptional breakfast to start the day right.
- Located in Supetar
- Exceptional breakfast on offer
- Swimming pool
- 5 minutes from the beach
Apartments LOTA - Mid-Range
Apartments LOTA have thought about every detail of their hotel. Every corner of the hotel is modern and luxurious, giving it a boutique hotel vibe, with a massive living space.
The hotel just doesn’t stop giving. You also have access to an outdoor pool, barbeque and bicycles.
- Located in Supetar
- Bicycles available
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Barbeque facilities
- Huge, beautifully decorated apartments
Hotel Villa Amorena - Mid-Range
Hotel Villa Amorena is one of those places where everyone wants to stay - which means it gets booked up fast. That’s not a surprise when you see the the large outdoor swimming pool or read the reviews of the delicious breakfast that’s included.
Situated in Bol, you’ll be only a 10-minute walk from Bol Promenade, as well as a number of restaurants and farmers market. The rooms are modern, spacious and have their own balcony.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Large and modern rooms
- Onsite bar
- Family-run hotel
Belado Residence Bol - Treating Yourself
Want a private pool or a private hot tub? Well, you can get that with one of the large and open apartments here. Soak up the sun whilst sitting on your balcony admiring the sea view.
Aside from the modern and fully-equipped apartments, the hotel also offers bicycles for rent, grocery delivery and even packed lunches!
- Private pool or hot tub
- Sea view
- Packed lunches available
- Large, fully-equipped apartments
About the author(s)
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
