The largest island in central Dalmatia, Brac offers dreamy landscapes with pine forests, steep cliffs, and cobalt waters. It’s best known for its gleaming white limestone that was used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split and even the White House in Washington, D.C. the island is also famous for Zlatni Rat, a stunning beach that extends a third of a mile into the sea. Often named among Europe’s most beautiful, it’s frequently splashed across Croatian tourism ads, popular for swimming and relaxing with pine trees for shade.
Despite Brac’s proximity to Split, it’s less visited than glamorous islands like Hvar to the south. You’re unlikely to see the rich and famous pull into the harbors with their yachts. Instead, it’s a place to enjoy more authentic island life and a more tranquil setting for peaceful contemplation.
The most popular places to stay in Brac are Bol in the south and Supetar to the north. Bol has the greatest range of accommodation options, with a romantic old town and many restaurants, cafes, and wineries. It’s also the closest to the famous Zlatni Rat beach. Supetar on the north coast is easily reached via ferry from Split and has a picturesque harbor with konobas and restaurants lining the waterfront. Milna is a typical Mediterranean village with sandy and pebbly beaches on either side of a magnificent harbor while walking paths connect the town center with vineyards and farms in the interior.
The paradise Golden Horn beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic and a recognizable panorama of Bol. The very tip keeps changing its shape constantly due to the influence of winds, waves, and sea currents. Top up your tan and enjoy the beautiful views from the pebble beach. For the more active, the beach is renowned for surfing.
Known for its striking color, this famous stone has been used for many important monuments throughout history. The White House is the best-known one, followed by Diocletian’s Palace in Split and many more.
Gathered around a compact marina, the old town of Bol is a delightful place made up of small stone houses and winding streets dotted with pink and purple geraniums. Take a stroll down narrow cobbled roads for a full Mediterranean experience and enjoy the many buildings marked with interpretative panels explaining their cultural and historical significance.
The best time to visit Brac is late May through September when ferry service is frequent, everything will be open, the weather is pleasant, and the sea will be warm enough for swimming. July and August are the busiest months, so if you go during this peak time, you’ll need to be prepared for longer ferry lines, higher accommodation prices, and crowded beaches. June and September are often ideal, bringing all the pros and few of the cons.
How many days do you need in Brac?
It is possible to see most of the highlights of Brac on a day trip from Split thanks to the many ferries running back and forth. That includes Zlatni Rat Beach, Blaca monastery, taking in the view from Vidova Gora, enjoying a scenic drive to Milna, and perhaps dining in Supetar. But ideally, you’ll have at least two full days which will give you time to cover it all without rushing. Many people like to spend a full afternoon or even an entire day at the beach. You could easily spend a week here, mixing up your exploits with time relaxing on the sand.
What is the best time to visit Zlatni Rat?
During the peak of the summer season, as many as 10,000 tourists visit Zlatni Rat every day. It tends to be less crowded in May/June or September/October. If you’re visiting during the busiest part of the year and want to enjoy it when it’s a bit more tranquil, consider arriving early in the morning or just before dusk.
What are the essential sites to see in Brac?
The No. 1 attraction in Brac is photogenic Zlatni Rat beach so be sure to spend some time there soaking up the scenery and enjoying a refreshing dip if you visit during the summer or early fall. For those up to the challenge, hiking to the highest point in the Croatian islands is essential. From the top of Vidova Gora, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view over Hvar, the mainland, and the sea. Just down the coast from Supetar, the Roman quarry and the former Roman settlement of Splitska are well worth a look.
Is Brac worth visiting?
Brac is an island that should be on every Croatian itinerary. There are several must-sees here, including Zlatni Rat AKA the Golden Horn that’s been a symbol of tourism as one of the most photographed and spectacular beaches in Europe. As it’s not as visited as islands like Hvar with its famous nightlife, it’s also an ideal place for those who want to escape the noise and crowds, preferring to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility, along with some impressive historic sites and plenty of delicious, authentic eats.
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