Island Brač

Island of Brač – Stone, Sea, and Timeless Charm

Located amid Dalmatia’s rich archipelago, the island of Brač is known for its unforgettable scenery: steep cliffs, crystal-clear sea, olive groves, and dense pine forests. It is the largest island in central Dalmatia and home to Vidova Gora, the highest peak among all Adriatic islands. Standing at 778 meters, Vidova Gora is easily accessible by car and offers spectacular views over Zlatni Rat Beach, the island of Hvar, and the rugged Dalmatian coastline.
Beyond its natural beauty, Brač is a favourite destination for travellers who enjoy an active and varied holiday. The island offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more demanding treks, along with opportunities for rock climbing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, mountain biking, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.

Bol
Set on the southern part of the island of Brač, Bol is one of the oldest settlements on this spectacular island. This perfect summer oasis offers a myriad of gravel and sandy beaches, exquisite culinary experiences, and high-quality accommodation.
Gathered around a lovely marina, the old town of Bol is a quiet little place made up of small stone houses and winding, colourful streets.
This charming town also boasts a rich cultural heritage and several historical landmarks, including the Dominican Monastery from 1475, with its collection of prehistoric and ancient maritime artefacts, the Lady of Mercy Church, the Illyrian fortress Kostilo, a fortified Gothic summer palace, and the Branislav Deskovic Gallery of Modern Art.
However, the most famous feature of this summer hideaway is undoubtedly the prestigious Zlatni Rat Beach, also known as the Golden Cape or the Golden Horn.
Seen from afar, Zlatni Rat may appear to be a sandy beach, but in fact, this one-kilometre-long stretch is made up of smooth white pebbles and extends into the sea like a tongue.
Its tip constantly changes shape due to the influence of winds and sea currents, making it a unique natural symbol of the island.

Surrounded by deep blue and turquoise waters, Zlatni Rat Beach is perennially popular with tourists, which is why it is best explored by yacht. With your own yacht, you can even visit a submerged Roman villa from the 1st century AD, located just off Zlatni Rat, a unique underwater site with visible mosaics. A boat is also the best way to explore former submarine bunkers, which today are a tourist curiosity and excellent swimming spots.
A perfect counterpoint to a day at the beach is indulging in a variety of sports activities. Bol offers a wide range of ideal summer sports such as volleyball, basketball, scuba diving, windsurfing, and sailing, whereas Mount Vidova Gora is perfect for trekking or free climbing. If you are a fan of adrenaline, windsurfing and kiteboarding are extremely popular activities at Zlatni Rat due to its reliable winds.
A valuable addition to your summer vacation in Bol is the variety of excursions that can be arranged. For example, you can visit the Glagolitic hermitage Blaca, the mystical Dragon Cave, or other nearby ports and cities. Bol is also renowned for its wine production. Be sure to visit the state-of-the-art Stina Winery located along the main promenade, which serves some of Croatia's finest wines.
While staying in Bol, you can opt for accommodation in luxury villas or comfortable apartments, while those seeking peace and tranquillity can rent a sailing yacht and explore lesser-known beaches and bays. For those looking to explore the Croatian coast from a different perspective, Bol and Zlatni Rat present an experience worth considering.

Milna
On the western side of the island of Brač lies the picturesque fishing village of Milna, known for its safe harbor, considered the best natural harbour on the island, and beautiful coves that stretch along the coast to each side of the bay. These coves, with sandy and pebble beaches, invite you for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. Milna’s rich maritime history dates back to the 16th century when it served as a major port for Venetian ships, thanks to its naturally protected bay. The village still charms visitors today with its classic Mediterranean atmosphere, from stone houses and narrow cobbled streets to the waterfront promenade lined with inviting cafés and high-end seafood restaurants. Here, you can enjoy locally produced olive oil, fresh seafood, and authentic Dalmatian specialties while watching the sunset over the harbour.
The Church of Our Lady of Annunciation, built in the 18th century and adorned with priceless Venetian paintings, adds a historical and artistic dimension to the village. Another symbol of local pride is Milna’s historic shipyard, where the first Dalmatian vessel, the bracera, was built, a testament to the island’s strong shipbuilding tradition.
The surroundings of Milna are just as picturesque: farms, fishermen’s houses, vineyards, and olive groves create a postcard-perfect backdrop. For those seeking nature and peace, scenic trails through pine forests offer breathtaking sea vistas, accompanied by the gentle sound of waves and the scent of Mediterranean herbs, creating the ideal setting for relaxation.

Sutivan
Sutivan is a charming harbour village on the northern coastline of the island of Brač, best suited for smaller boats due to its size. Despite its modest size, Sutivan offers plenty to visitors, from cosy restaurants and traditional taverns to seaside cafés and lush gardens, all contributing to its authentic and peaceful charm.
Nearby beaches such as Majakovac, Likva, Bunta, and Justitija are perfect for swimming and relaxing in crystal-clear waters. Sutivan is ideal for those seeking tranquillity, but also offers a variety of sports and recreational activities. The nearby Sutivan Bike Park is a favourite among active travellers.
Families will enjoy the Sutivan Nature Park, a unique spot with domestic animals, picnic areas, and walking paths.
Although small, Sutivan boasts a lively cultural scene during summer, with open-air concerts, art exhibitions, and local festivals. With its natural beauty, laid-back charm, and warm hospitality, Sutivan is a memorable and refreshing stop on any sailing itinerary.

Supetar
Situated on the northwestern part of the island of Brač, Supetar is the main port and the largest town on the island.
Well connected to Split by frequent ferries, this charming seaport comes alive during the summer months, yet remains intimate enough to offer a beautiful setting for romantic moments.
Nestled among olive groves and vineyards, Supetar attracts many visitors with its fine pebble beaches, sapphire-blue waters, and a wide selection of restaurants, cafés, bars, and traditional taverns.
The town is also home to several cultural landmarks, such as the Church of St. Martin from the 18th century, the Parish Church of the Annunciation with its iconic Leroj clock tower, the neo-Byzantine Petračić Mausoleum, and the Ivan Rendić Art Gallery. 
History enthusiasts will also appreciate the remains of Roman villae rusticae in the surrounding area.
For those who enjoy an active holiday, Supetar offers countless opportunities, from hiking and beach volleyball to paragliding and water skiing.
Food lovers will enjoy discovering the rich flavours of Dalmatian cuisine in the town’s many restaurants. Thanks to its diverse coastline, you might want to rent a yacht and explore Supetar from the sea, or stay on land in a comfortable apartment or a luxury villa.
Well connected to the rest of the island as well as the town of Split, Supetar is a great place to enjoy your vacation and an ideal stop for sailors exploring the stunning Adriatic coast.

Postira
Located on the northern side of the island of Brač, Postira is a peaceful coastal village that combines traditional Dalmatian charm with natural beauty. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, it offers quiet bays, inviting beaches, and a touch of cultural heritage.
The surrounding area features several sheltered anchoring spots, ideal for those who enjoy calm moments at sea. The most popular is Lovrenčina Bay, known for its rare sandy beach and the remains of an early Christian basilica. Smaller bays like Dučac and Trstena provide more secluded places to swim and relax.
Postira also has several historical landmarks worth visiting, such as the Lazaric Castle, the ruins of a Roman villa, and the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist from the 16th century. Stone houses and narrow streets reflect the village’s traditional character and its deep connection to fishing and agriculture.
The local cuisine is shaped by long-standing traditions of olive oil and wine production. Visitors can enjoy simple, authentic meals in family-run taverns, including locally caught seafood, lamb, homemade pasta, and traditional desserts.
In summer, Postira hosts a few cultural events, including the Postira Seaside Film Festival, concerts, and local celebrations that offer a glimpse into island life.
Whether you’re sailing nearby, exploring the countryside, or simply taking time to unwind, Postira is a pleasant and welcoming stop along the Adriatic coast.

Splitska
Surrounded by lush pine trees, the small coastal village of Splitska is another great sailing destination situated on the northern side of the island of Brač. Beautiful coves and beaches in the vicinity make Splitska a wonderful addition to any sailing itinerary, while the harbour offers safe anchorages. Splitska once served as a Roman port for the transport of stone from Brač, and legend has it that this very stone was used to build the famous Diocletian's Palace.

Pučišća
Pučišća is one of the largest settlements on Brač, located on the northern coast in a well-sheltered cove, offering excellent protection from winds and calm waters, an ideal place to stop and enjoy the surroundings. This hidden gem is a popular stop on many Adriatic sailing itineraries.

Pučišća is world-famous for its stonemasonry, with three large quarries just outside the village that extract the renowned Brač stone, used in some of the most famous landmarks in Croatia and around the world. One of the highlights is the Stonemasonry School, one of only three such institutions in Europe.
You can take a guided tour to learn about traditional tools and techniques used in stone carving, which have remained largely unchanged since the Renaissance, or buy a unique Brač stone souvenir from local shops.
For history lovers, the Renaissance-era Žuvetić and Moro palaces are worth a visit. If you want to experience local life, try a game of dubicigin or virgin billiards, traditional games invented by the people of Pučišća.
Active holidaymakers will find plenty to do, from windsurfing, diving, and paragliding to cycling along scenic coastal trails. The well-equipped harbor provides safe mooring with access to water and electricity, making Pučišća an ideal stop for sailors exploring Brač and the Adriatic.
And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the freshly baked, locally famous donuts at Fontana, a true favorite among residents.

Povlja
Nestled in a small valley and surrounded by lush greenery, Povlja is a small seaside village located on the northeastern coast of the island of Brač. For those visiting Povlja as part of their sailing holiday, the harbour offers a well-sheltered berth for yachts; however, it can be exposed to northern winds. Fortunately, there are several other excellent anchorage spots nearby that are even more suitable for yachts. Secluded coves, inviting swimming areas, and delicious homemade food make Povlja an appealing stop on any sailing itinerary.
Known for its early Christian basilica and the spirit of a traditional fishing village, Povlja retains its authentic Dalmatian charm and is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and a true local atmosphere. The basilica dates back to the 6th century and features one of the best-preserved early Christian baptisteries in the region, a rare find among Adriatic islands. Still untouched by mass tourism, Povlja offers a quiet, family-friendly environment where time seems to slow down, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the island’s natural rhythm and everyday life.

Sumartin
Sumartin is a port village located on the eastern tip of the island of Brač. Relatively close to Makarska on the mainland, Sumartin is easily accessible via daily ferry connections. With several restaurants, a laid-back charm, and beautiful beaches, Sumartin is a great spot to include in your sailing itinerary.
Recently, it has become more yacht-friendly with the completion of a new quay on the northern side of the harbour.
In addition to its relaxed vibe, Sumartin is known for its historic Franciscan monastery, founded in the 17th century, and its deep-rooted fishing and small shipbuilding traditions. Unlike some of the more crowded places on Brač, Sumartin offers a peaceful experience — perfect for travellers looking to unwind and enjoy hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and a slower pace of life.