Croatia is having its moment in the limelight – and with good reason, thanks to its delicious cuisine, cultural heritage and sublime Adriatic Coast beauty. But have you heard of Brac Island (pronounced “Bratch”), the longest and highest island in central Dalmatia? This under-the-radar island in the Adriatic Sea is close to Split, but quieter than Hvar and Korcula to the south. And for this reason, it’s the perfect place to get an authentic feel for traditional Croatian island life.
Brac has a dryer climate and landscape than Korcula or Hvar, but it makes up for the lushness with gorgeous rocky shorelines and fantastic scuba diving from Lucice Bay. Plus, there’s the olive oil – the olives here are of the rare buhavica variety and have been cultivated here since the mid-17th century. With a fascinating history since Neolithic times, famous white building stone (used to build the White House and the Diocletian Palace in Split), high peak of Vidova Gora and beautiful beaches (including famous Zlatni Rat Beach), Brac is an ideal destination for those seeking Croatian beauty and culture. If it’s luxury and nightlife, you seek, choose Hvar; nature, choose Mljet; food scene, choose Vis; but for an absolutely stunning beach and for wonderful hiking, go with Island Brac. Better yet, go island hopping in Croatia!
Here’s why we love Brac Island and Zlatni Rat Beach in Croatia.
How Do I Get to Brac Island?
From Split or Makarska in central Dalmatia, you’ll take a ferry or catamaran to Brac. Car ferries run from Split and Makarska to Supetar. The year-round passenger ferry routes are Split-Milna-Hvar-Vis, Split-Bol-Jelsa (Hvar Island) and Split-Rogac-Milna. During the summer, you can hop on a catamaran from Split to Milna, stopping in Hvar, Korcula, Mljet and Dubrovnik as well. There is also a daily passenger ferry in the summer from Dubrovnik to Korcula, Hvar, Bol and Split.
If you are flying, the closest local and international airports are in Split and Dubrovnik. From there, you’ll take a local bus or taxi or rent a car to the ferry or catamaran landing. There are twice-weekly flights from Zagreb to the Brac airport from May to October.
Once you’ve arrived on Brac Island, it’s convenient to have a car, but there is regular bus service. All of the routes begin and end in Supetar.
What Towns Are on Brac Island?
Among the most noteworthy towns on Brac Island are …
Milna
Famous for its beautiful bay, Milna is on the western side of Brac Island. You’ll see yachts from around the world berthed here. Explore Bobovisca Harbor and the villages of Lozisca and Podhume, enjoy diving, sailing and fishing, and don’t miss the beautiful altar in the 1783 Baroque church.
Supetar
The largest settlement on Island Brac, Supetar is home to 3,500 residents. There are numerous beaches and restaurants, as well as the famous Church of Mary Annunciation. Visit the Leroj bell tower and church museum and go inside to appreciate the early Christian mosaics from the 6th century. Visit, too, St. Viktor’s sculpture, a neo-Byzantine mausoleum and the Ivan Rendic gallery.
This is Brac Island’s favorite vacation town for its island ambience, attractive beaches and lush pine forest lining the coast. There are numerous places to swim, eat, shop and drink. Watersports are plentiful, from waterskiing and diving to paragliding and snorkeling.
Bol Town
This little seaside town hums with activity all summer long, thanks to the famous Zlatni Rat Beach, which juts out from town into the azure sea, as well as its bayside restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the 15th-century Dominican monastery, where the palace of the Bishops of Brac and Hvar was once located. Look to the monastery’s museum for ancient coins, including Greek and Cretan coins.
Zlatni Rat, Bol
Directly facing south toward Hvar, stunning Zlatni Rat Beach (the Golden Horn) stands at the ready for its photo shoot. The gorgeous beach juts out into a turquoise sea, with the old town of Bol, Croatia, as a beguiling backdrop. Watch carefully. The shape of the golden-pebble beach peninsula changes shape with the tides. The beach is a favorite for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Go out on a pedal boat, try scuba diving, ride a banana boat, go paragliding over the sea, play beach volleyball – the list goes on. Want another angle on Zlatni Rat Beach? From Brac’s highest peak, Vidova Gora, you can look down at the beach, the Golden Horn, Bol and Hvar.
Mirca Bay
A pretty spot with lots of beach options and beautiful scenery, Mirca Bay is just one bus stop from Supetar. Dine on the beach or at a restaurant outside the village with a lovely view of an olive grove. Care to walk? It’s just a ten-minute stroll along the beach from Supetar to Mirca Bay. You’ll find the beach village on one side of the bay and the older, traditional stone village in the upper part. If you’re a cyclist, rent a bike and explore the paths through the olive groves.
Sutivan Bay
Want to go farther off the beaten path? Visit the seaside town of Sutivan Bay near Supetar Bay. It’s perfect for swimming thanks to calm waters and boasts a quaint old town with numerous dining choices. There are several options for walking and biking here, as well.
Splitska Bay
Drive down through an enchanting valley roam the coastal road above and you’ll arrive at this hidden bay with beaches on both sides. From here, you can explore coastal paths to Postira village and its sandy beach, Lovrecina.
In the hills above Splitska, there are early Roman stone quarries near the village of Skrip – stone from those quarries has been used in many significant buildings worldwide, including the Diocletian Palace in Split.
Povlja
For a remote setting, head to Povlja, surrounded by coves and beaches and a great place to get away from it all. Walk on the promenades, sunbathe, go for a boat trip to explore the coves, rent a scooter and, later, enjoy local Croatian food at one of the various restaurants.