Surrounded by turquoise sea water lie the beaches and fishing villages of the Croatian island of Brac. The island is so small that you can drive around the most popular attractions in a day. Beach watching, village seeing, and back to the mainland. What a pity, as there is so much to see on Brac! We share six less touristy activities that will allow you to see and taste the best of Brac.
Brac | Croatia
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→ Hotel tips: Apartments Mel, Hotel Lipa, and Apartments Siesta
How to Get to Brač?
First things first, here’s how to get to Brac when you are in Croatia:
By Ferry from Split
The most common way to reach Brač is by ferry from the city of Split. The Jadrolinija ferries regularly depart from the port of Split to Supetar, the largest town on Brač. The crossing takes about 50 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the port of Split or online in advance.
A less-known but beautiful route is to the village of Milna on the west coast of Brač. This crossing takes about 45 minutes. Want to go straight to Bol and the famous Zlatni Rat beach? Take the ferry to Bol, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
By Ferry from Makarska
The ferry from Makarska to Sumartin is the fastest way to reach the eastern part of Brač. The crossing takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Sumartin is a small fishing village; you are truly away from the crowds. From here, you can easily explore the island’s nature and hidden bays.
Things to Do on the Island of Brač
And yes, then the most important question: What is fun to do on Brac? We share our favorite tips with you:
(Get) Lost on Secluded Paths
Brač is not very large, with an area of 396 km², but it is big enough for a road trip. For an adventurous road trip, fill up the gas tank of your rental car and bring enough food and drink. This way, you can stay away from civilization for as long as you want. Deviate from the busiest roads and let yourself be surprised by the spots that most visitors skip, such as Dračeva Beach in the south of Brač. You don’t have to fear getting too lost, as long as you don’t drive into the sea, you’re never too far from your accommodation.
Tips
- Parking: Most villages have free parking at the edge, so you can easily explore on foot.
- What to bring: Ensure to have comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and a cap or hat, especially in the summer months. It can get hot on the island!
- Timing: Staying a day on the island? Keep the ferry schedules in mind. Plan your day so that you have enough time to return to the port for your departure.
Visit the Fishing Village of Sumartin
The town of Pučišća is the most well-known and touristy place on Brač. With its white limestone houses with orange roofs nestled between the sea and green hills, Pučišća is indeed very photogenic. Stroll through the cobbled streets and enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Then head east for a lesser-known fishing village: Sumartin. Here too, you can stroll along white houses with orange roofs but with fewer tourists on the streets and more greenery between the houses. Walk along the harbor and taste fresh local dishes. Nearby is Zlatni Rat beach, which is slightly less of a hidden gem.
Climb Vidova Gora Mountain
Looking for a challenge with a wide view as a reward? Hike to the top of the 800-meter-high Vidova Gora mountain. This mountain is not only the highest on Brač but also of all the other islands in the Adriatic Sea. It is no surprise that the view from the top is breathtaking. Not only do you have a view of most of the island’s attractions, but you can also gaze endlessly over the sea. The trails are well-marked on both the northern and southern slopes. The route along the northern slope is shorter and easier than that along the rougher and warmer southern slope. The southern slope route is indeed beautiful, but with so many elevation changes and a hiking time of about five hours, it can be challenging for the average hiker.
Relax in Your Own Private Cove
Along the coast of Brač, there are many beautiful beaches shared with many other beach lovers in high season. Prefer some peace and space? Then rent a boat in one of the coastal villages and sail over the clear water along the island. From the water, you can reach bays that you cannot reach by car. The further you sail away from the inhabited world, the greater the chance that you will have a quiet bay all to yourself. See a beautiful beach? Bring your boat ashore and take a sunny nap on your private beach.
Taste Olive Oil during a Bračchia Olive Oil Experience
You might not quickly think of olive oil in Croatia, but on Brač, they press delicious oil. In the quiet village of Selca, you can see the picking, pressing, and bottling process. On a large sunny terrace, you will experience the Bračchia Olive Oil Experience. Here you can taste Bračchia olive oil, and you can also order a delicious three-course dinner. You can first take a tour and learn about the history of olive oil on the island. You can take a little Brač home in the form of a bottle of local olive oil from the regional products shop.
Toast with Local Wine at Konoba Tomic
The inhabitants of Brač make tasty olive oil, but they also know how to deal with grapes. Be sure to taste a wine from one of the small vineyards on the island during your trip. At the restaurant Konoba Tomic in the middle of the island, dine in an 800-year-old natural stone building among the vineyards. Under the cozy lighting of the tavern or in the charming courtyard, you can taste the best wine and olive oil from the island, served with the house specialties. For example, order roasted potatoes or lamb from the spit. And of course, a glass of wine from the (museum) wine cellar with an old wine press, old stone oil jars, and schnaps barrels.
Staying Overnight on Brač
Do you want to experience the island fully? Then be sure to spend a night there. In the evening, many tourists have left, and the island is enveloped in tranquility.
A nice accommodation in Bol is Apartments Mel. Here you can rent a beautiful apartment with a large balcony and a view over the sea. Hotel Lipa is located in Postira. The hotel is very comfortable and has a lovely location by the beach. In Sumartin, Apartments Siesta is highly recommended. The view is fantastic, and the apartment is clean, comfortable, and spacious.
Is your trip to Brac already planned?
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