Top reasons why we love visiting Brac Island, Croatia
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One of the most popular destinations in Croatia is Brac Island. The island attracts tourists with gorgeous bays and beaches, fascinating history, and upscale accommodations.
As the largest island in the central Dalmatian archipelago, Brac is popular with visitors thanks to its rugged coastline, secluded coves, and diverse landscapes.
Its most famous feature, Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), is a sandy beach whose shape dynamically changes with the tides and winds, offering an ever-shifting vista of golden sands and azure waters.
Brac Island is dotted with ancient towns and archaeological sites where you can learn more about local history and heritage.
Charming coastal towns like Bol and Supetar also feature quaint stone buildings, winding streets, and lively harbours.
reasons why we love visiting Brac Island, Croatia
Its most famous feature, Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), is a stunning beach whose shape dynamically changes with the tides and winds, offering an ever-shifting vista of golden sands and azure waters.
This paradise island is located in the Adriatic Sea southeast of Split. Thanks to its location, Brac is easily accessible on a day trip. Alternatively, you can stay overnight to experience what this offers.
Top Reasons to Visit Brac Island Croatia
The Beaches
There are some genuinely gorgeous beaches on Brac Island. They offer endless relaxation opportunities because they are famous for their deep turquoise waters and golden sands.
Zlatni Rat is the most popular beach on the island. Martinica, Lovrecina, Murvica, and Jezero are other great choices.
The Variety of Outdoor Activities
Brac Island is the place to be if you love to keep active. After relaxing on the island’s pristine beaches, you can tackle scenic hiking trails. The Bol to Vidova Gora summit route is popular and boasts outstanding views.
Mountain biking is another fantastic activity to do on the island. The endless snorkelling, diving, and sea-kayaking opportunities draw in many travellers too.
Brac’s Rich History
The island’s rich history and culture also entice visitors. Traces of life on Brac date between the 12th and 8th centuries BC, and various settlements are found throughout the island.
With Illyrian, Roman, and Christian influences, Brac offers a melting pot of cultures. Throughout history, it’s also been governed by numerous rulers, including the French Empire, the Kingdom of Hungary, and the Republic of Venice.
The Delicious Local Cuisine
Like many other cuisines in the Mediterranean, the traditional dishes here are centred around seafood and meats (but with a Central European influence).
Regional specialities are found all across Croatia, but Brac is an excellent choice for sampling the local cuisine. Brodetto, a type of fish stew, is a delicious dish typically made with various seafood.
Offers an Authentic Croatian Experience
Compared to the major cities of Zagreb, Split, and Zadar, Brac feels much more authentic. This captivating island allows you to embrace the local culture, visit historic villages, and learn about the local people’s lives.
Brac offers you the chance to escape the tourist hotspots of mainland Croatia and enjoy a relaxed vibe while taking in all the country has to offer.
Things to Do on Brac Island
Relax on Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach)
Visiting Zlatni Rat is undeniably one of the best things to do on Brac. Also known as Golden Horn Beach, it’s one of the country’s most beautiful beaches and gets the name from its unique shape.
Offering golden sands, tree-lined shores, and turquoise waters, Zlatni Rat will blow you away. There are plenty of amenities here, including beach bars and watersports companies.
Visit a local winery
You’ll find some fantastic wineries on Brac Island. Wine Tasting Brac is one of the top options, offering excellent wine and olive-tasting tours in Nerežišća. The setting is beautiful, and you’ll also get to sample local produce.
Stina Winery is another excellent option. Set in Bol Town, it’s in a central location right by the beach, so you can enjoy wine tasting with sea views.
Head up to Vidova Gora
At nearly 800 metres high, Vidova Gora is the island’s highest peak. It has expansive views across the Adriatic and Brac, so I suggest visiting on a clear day for the best experience.
You can drive up the mountain or walk from Bol to reach the summit. The hike is roughly 5 km and takes around 1.5 hours.
Explore Blaca Hermitage
Visiting Blaca Hermitage is one of the best things to do on Brac Island. This former monastery is set on a cliff and has a long history, with priests arriving in the 1500s.
Although the Blaca Hermitage hasn’t been open since 1963, taking a guided tour is possible. The tour details the history and significance of this place, and you’ll see an impressive collection of items during your visit.
Visit the Olive Oil Museum
The Olive Oil Museum is in Škrip, the island’s oldest settlement. Here, you’ll learn all about the process of olive oil production on Brac and see traditional tools used since the oilery was founded in 1864.
You can enjoy olive oil tasting and a guided tour of the museum. Several menus are available, each offering different local produce.
Stay at luxury villas
Brac has many gorgeous luxury villas for rent; here are some of our favourites.
Beachfront Villa Seven Sins with an infinity heated pool, is the perfect place for relaxation. It’s surrounded by greenery and far away from the crowds.
Luxury Villa Botanica with heated pool is on a luxurious property. This lovely stone mansion has beautiful sea views from all its parts.
Another beautiful villa is the beachfront Villa Octagon with an infinity pool. Enjoy the world of luxury and tranquillity, with wonderful sea views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
These villas are available for rent on the VIP Holiday Booker website. The site also has a more in-depth luxury travel guide, so check it out.
How to Get to Brac Island
You’ll have no issues reaching the island with frequent ferry crossings between Brac and the Croatian mainland.
The easiest way to visit is to fly into Split first and then drive to the city’s ferry port, which is about a 30-minute drive away.
The ferry crossings from Split are regular and take 50 minutes. During the summer, ferries are more frequent, with over ten crossings daily, and they service cars and foot passengers.
