Experience Brač

The best tips for a dream vacation

QUAD RIDE

Brač as a holiday destination offers you stunningly beautiful scenery full of beaches, hidden bays and wooded areas in the inland of the island. The surroundings are best explored on a quad tour.

Off-road tour for a unique adventure on the island

The holiday destination Brač is an approximately 40-kilometre long Dalmatian island with beaches whose overall length equals 175 kilometres. Along with the crystal clear blue sea and the secluded bays, the landscape is also characterised by the 778-meter high Vidova Gora, the largest mountain of all Adriatic islands. There are more than 40 caves on the shore, as well as several fresh water sources in the inland of the island, which make its landscape unique. In order to enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the island, you can choose to explore it on foot or by bicycle. There is also one other off-road tour option – a quad.

Quad ride in Croatia – a pure adventure

When it’s summer, the quad offers you a pleasant alternative way to enjoy the fun, recreation and nature. It gives you a chance to reach the most secluded parts of the island of Brač without getting tired. The quad ride is ideal not only for those who enjoy motor sports and off-road tours, but also for adventurous tourists who can find a variety of ways to enjoy the secluded beaches, beautiful landscapes, untouched nature and breath-taking scenery with this kind of motorised vehicle. There are different quad ride offers available to you on the island of Brač. We would be happy to arrange a quad tour for you and offer you the right vehicle with all the equipment you might need.

Off-road tours in Croatia – conditions and information

As opposed to driving a motorcycle, you do not need to maintain balance when driving a quad since quads are equipped with four wheels. However, as a quad is a motorized vehicle, certain safety measures have to be taken into account and followed. In order to drive it, you need to have sturdy shoes with slip-resistant soles which will provide you with stability on the surface. It is recommended that you wear long trousers in order to avoid burns. You should also have a certain level of physical fitness in order to be able to handle off-road rides and to fully enjoy the tour. In order to be able to drive a quad in Croatia, you also need a B category driver’s license. You can have an S category license only if the quad is smaller than 50cm.

Possible quad excursion sites on the island of Brač

Guided quad tours allow you to safely explore the island of Brač. Experienced guides will show you the most beautiful parts of the island by taking the safest roads. Many of those roads lead to the inland of the island, through windy forest trails and numerous puddles up to Vidova Gora, the highest peak of the Adriatic Sea. You will be able to enjoy the breath-taking scenery while traveling along dirt roads leading down to the sea and to hidden bays where you can swim and enjoy yourself on enchanting beaches. You can refresh yourself in cold water or enjoy a glass or wine in a typical local tavern at sundown.

HIKING

The beautiful island of Brač has a surface of 395 square kilometres and approximately 14,500 inhabitants, which makes it the biggest Dalmatian island. Its name probably originates from the ancient Illyrian term “brentos” (= deer). Brač lives from tourism, viticulture, olive growing, fishing and mining of precious stones.

The region is intended in particular for tourists who enjoy hiking and going on long walks in nature. On the coast you are offered the opportunity to enjoy beautiful beaches and bays, while in the inland of the island you can take different themed and trekking trails and routes if you would like to explore the area.

If you enjoy hiking on your holidays, you can take the island trails which will lead you through picturesque forests, evergreen shrubland and idyllic vineyards and olive groves. You can also visit numerous chapels, churches and monasteries or climb to the highest peak of Brač, Vidova Gora, and enjoy a beautiful view from a height of 778 meters. Remember to always have a map of Brač handy, so you don’t get lost.

Hiking on Brač – the steep road to Vidova Gora

The trekking route leading to Vidova Gora partially passes through extremely steep trails which will bring you to the top. The climb is relatively intense, so you should be in good shape in order to be able to handle it. After the climb, you will be rewarded with a breath-taking view of the whole island, and under your feet you will see the famous beach Zlatni Rat near the coastal town of Bol. Whoever would like to experience an even more intense hiking route on Brač, can choose to climb the mountain on the south side.

Route “Dolce Vita”

The hiking route called “Dolce Vita” is a successful combination of local tradition, sophisticated culture and fine gastronomy. It is in fact an educational and culinary tour leading you through a wonderful area of pure nature in the close vicinity of the agro restaurant “Ranjak”. There are also two art galleries, five restaurants and a vineyard which you can visit, enter and where you can take a break.

Brač and hiking through olive groves

Hiking through the olive groves of Brač begins in the idyllic village of Mirca, about four kilometers west of Supetar, the only town of the island. There, you can take a stroll along the coastal promenade before going hiking, or admire the Early Christian mosaics from the 6th century near the church. An approximately six-kilometer long walk through the gardens and olive groves will lead you to the village of Prihod, where you can buy original souvenirs.

Brač and hiking on the themed trail “Heraklo” (“Heracles”)

The themed trail “Heraklo” (“Heracles”) will lead you through the village Splitska, six kilometres east of Supetar, up to a quarry on a hill. In the past, minerals that were excavated there were used for the building a number of remarkable monuments, such as Diocletian’s Palace in Split. In the quarry, you can take a break and admire the image of Heracles, the Greek god of healing and prophecy, engraved on stone.

Guided hiking on the island of Brač: the road to the Blaca Hermitage

Along with going hiking and exploring Brač, you should absolutely pay a visit to the Blaca Hermitage, a unique monastery complex founded in the 16th century by the Glagolitic priests. The visit is in fact a guided tour whose organizer can be found in Sutivan, eight kilometres west of Supetar. Among other things, the organizer also offers various other excursions and trekking tours. You can get the hiking map of Brač on-site or find it online.

WATER SPORTS

The Croatian island of Brač is known for its several kilometers long coasts surrounding the most beautiful beaches. Those who would like a break from sunbathing and swimming in the refreshing sea, should absolutely not miss the water activities, which involve exploratory boat tours, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling in crystal clear waters etc.

Renting a boat on Brač

There is a large variety of boats to rent on Brač, from small rowing boats or pedalos to motorised speedboats or sailing yachts. In the south of the island in particular, for example in Sumartin, there is a vast offer of charter yachts and boats. You can also visit Bol in order to rent a boat. The picturesque fishing village of Bol is known for its many beautiful beaches, including the unusually shaped Zlatni Rat, which according to the Daily Telegraph is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. If you do not have a license to operate a boat, there is a possibility of renting one which will then be operated by a skipper. In addition, we would also like to recommend the possibility of a guided boat trip to the neighbouring islands such as Hvar or Šolta as an alternative to renting a boat in Bol.

Brač as a water sports and kitesurfing paradise

In recent years, kitesurfing has turned into the most popular water sport. Having both feet on the kiteboard equipped with a sail will allow you to perform fantastic jumps and experience wonderful moments which give you an adrenaline rush whenever there are perfect waves and wind. In order to learn how to surf on Brač as quickly as possible, it’s best you take some of the available courses.

If you are an experienced kite surfer, you can rent the equipment you need in many places on Brač. The most popular place for kiteboarding is Bol. Its position between two islands, as well as the heat present there, create the perfect conditions for a fantastic experience. The kitesurfing school in Bol offers you a variety of multi-day courses for beginners and advanced surfers. Optional private lessons are also available. You will be taught about the theoretical and practical bases of kitesurfing, material composition, safe start and landing, as well as all about safety and behaviour rules.

Scuba diving on Brač: experience the beautiful underwater world

Scuba diving offers you the opportunity to get acquainted with a whole new world from up close. Underwater, you will be greeted by untouched flora and fauna, and sometimes also by flooded shipwrecks, which represent the most attractive diving areas. One of the most attractive areas for underwater experiences on Brač is the cave Lučice. In this large two-part cave, you will see a colourful world of underwater plants, interesting coral shapes and various colourful fish. As a professional diver, you can rent the equipment you need on multiple locations on the island. In addition, you can also find a few professional diving schools, such as the Big Blue Diving Centre in Bol. For beginners, it is best to start with a diving course in the Adriatic Sea in order to get acquainted with the equipment for their first underwater experiences. You can also choose snorkelling as an alternative to scuba diving. Snorkelling on the island of Brač is simple and easy to learn for all age groups, and it offers you a fantastic insight into and knowledge of the enchanting underwater world within a short time.

ZLATNI RAT

Croatia is a synonym for the sun, the sea and holidays. Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn of Croatia, is a particularly famous beach. The term “horn”, by the way, does not come anywhere. From a bird’s eye view, the beach actually looks like a horn sicking out into the turquoise blue sea. Its unusual form makes it so popular that many tourists decide to visit it while in Croatia, or even rent a room directly on-site.

Always new

The Horn is located in Dalmatia, on the edge of the island of Brač and near the town of Bol. Zlatni Rat is a bright pebble beach in contrast with the glittering blue sea water, where visitors are offered a heavenly ambience. The pine forest extending far into the beach creates a Mediterranean atmosphere. The pine trees grow further inland and stretch in height through the strikingly shaped hills in the surroundings. The Horn possesses an astonishing feature: its shape is constantly changing due to the sea currents. Sometimes the 500-meter long Zlatni Rat near Brač sticks out straight into the sea, and sometimes its tip leans to the left or right. This effect is completely natural. Zlatni Rat is one of the most unusual beaches in Croatia!

How to get there

Whoever wants to discover the beautiful beaches of Brač must first reach the island. In the Croatian city of Split, in high season there is a number of ferries for Brač every day, so you can easily take a ferry to Supetar. The ride lasts 50 minutes, and the ferries are intended for both people and cars. In high season, you might have to wait in lines for a ferry. Supetar is 35 kilometres away from the Horn on the other side of the island. Alternatively, there is a possibility of taking a ferry from Makarska, and the ride is about ten minutes longer. In the vicinity of Zlatni Rat, there is a possibility of parking on a parking lot which requires payment.

On-site comfort

The Horn is suitable for family holidays or holidays for couples. The beach has a Blue Flag. The water is shallow, so children and non-swimmers can enjoy it as well. The pine forest nearby provides natural shade. There is also a possibility of renting parasols on the beach. The surroundings are well adapted to the desires and needs of tourists. Scuba diving, renting of pedalos and playing of different games is possible in various places. There is even a water park for the children! In addition, there are various other possibilities of doing sports activities such as water sports. You can also go biking or play beach volleyball. Furthermore, there is a vast variety of food, snack and recreation options. The area is very well equipped with sanitary installations.

Other attractions nearby

Dragon’s Cave Murvica is located six miles west of Bol. You can reach this artistically decorated cave on foot. Sightseeing is only possible with the appropriate shoes and a guide. The peak Vidova Gora gives you a magical panoramic view of the sea, including Zlatni Rat and the island of Hvar located on the other side. The climb from the Church of Our Lady of Carmel lasts for about two hours. The Blaca Hermitage is a historically interesting monument with an observatory and a monastery.

BLACA DESERT

Blaca Hermitage – a remarkable cultural site

In the hermitage, you can buy souvenirs and honey. There are no restaurants, but the monastery surroundings are ideal for a cosy picnic. You can also get recommendations for restaurants to try out in the evenings.

Fleeing from the Ottoman invasions in the 16th century, a group of Glagolitic priests built a well-hidden monastery undetectable from the sea: the Blaca Hermitage on the Croatian island of Brač.

It is in fact a magnificent monastery complex, which during the time the priests lived there included a school and a printing office. The hermitage is one of the largest cultural attractions of Brač. For a while, the Monastery of Brač served as an agricultural establishment, but in time it got abandoned. It came back to life again in the first half of the 20th century, thanks to the monk Nikola Miličević. Father Miličević was a learned mathematician and an astronomer who set up an observatory in the Blaca Hermitage. Some important astronomical discoveries, which during that period attracted a lot of attention, were made in that observatory. Today, the Blaca Hermitage is a remarkably famous museum. Its various exhibits, some of which date back to the observatory age, give insight into the old times. Among these exhibits is Father Miličević’s telescope, which he had delivered to the monastery on donkeys since there was no adequate infrastructure for it to be brought over there by any other means.

Blaca desert today – different paths to the Monastery of Brač

Nowadays, the trip to the secluded monastery hidden in a cliff is very pleasant. There is a partially wild road leading from Nerežišće to Blaca. After reaching the parking lot (an open area with a souvenir shop), there is a one-kilometre wooden path that must be travelled on foot since the monastery is not accessible by car. The monastery can also be reached by boat from the Blaca bay. The picturesque bay, which is undoubtedly one of the most important attractions of Brač, is surrounded by a dense pine forest. Slightly above the beautiful beach, there a small chapel waiting for you to discover it. An approximately two-kilometre long forest trail will lead you from the bay to the hermitage. Passionate hikers are given the possibility to explore the excursion sites of the island of Brač on foot. One of the most attractive, but also longest walking routes leads from Bol through Murvica and Faska to the Blaca Monastery. The tour begins on a partially paved street in the direction of Murvice. The street passes above a hotel west of Bol. Near the hotel Bretanide there is a signpost for hikers in the direction of the monastery. If you have enough time, you can take an alternate route through Obršje and Vidova Gora on your way back to Bol – the picturesque attractions around Brač will definitely make the long journey worth your while.

Sightseeing tour of the hermitage

Sightseeing tours can be booked on-site, for instance in the travel agency in Supetar. A tour for a small group includes transport, a guide and a ticket for the hermitage.

Gastronomy and shopping

SUPETAR

Supetar – the most beautiful part of the island of Brač

The town of Supetar owes its name to St. Peter. The picturesque seaport town in the north of the island of Brač was already inhabited in the Roman period. Today, approximately 4,000 people live in this popular tourist destination. Supetar can be reached from Split by ferry (the ride takes 50 minutes). As soon as you arrive there, you will be welcomed by a lovely coast promenade full of cosy restaurants. Let the local cuisine of typical Dalmatian taverns spoil you with its rich selection of excellent wines which mature in the Mediterranean climate of Dalmatia, as well as with local delicacies such as ham, goat cheese and olive oil.

Exploring the metropolis of the island

In the background of the island’s largest ferry port, there is the church of St. Peter. The 17th century building is in fact one of Supetar’s main attractions creating an impressive panoramic view of the town. In addition to the artistically designed interior of that Baroque church, there is also a sundial. As soon as you arrive to the port, you will be able to see the city tower of the town hall. That magnificent building with an imposing hall can be explored on a guided tour. Out of all the attractions in Supetar, the mausoleum at the Cape of St. Nicholas is the one with the most unusual architecture. The cemetery dating back to 1914 unites all building styles of the island. By contrast, the church at the cemetery seems rather modest. The street Put Vele Luke will surprise you with its lively atmosphere, and the promenade from Supetar to Brač will make your heart beat faster if you are a shopaholic.

Activities not related to dreamlike beaches

Supetar, the biggest town of the third largest island of the Adriatic Sea, has a very rich nightlife as there are always parties in a number of bars and nightclubs. If you would like to have a quieter holiday, sunsets spent in idyllic bays can offer you unforgettable experiences. One of the most popular swimming places is the beach Tri Mosta, where you can take surfing lessons or rent a boat. Those who enjoy the sun will be dazzled by the beaches Bili Rat and Vela Luka. Next to the main attractions of Supetar, right behind the port, there is the town beach Vlačica. Families usually prefer the beach Banj. During the day children can also enjoy the swimming pools of the Supetar waterpark. In the evenings, the 5,000 square meter area of the Supetrus Hotel turns into a cosy cocktail bar. In Supetar, there is also an amusement park where you are bound to have a lot of fun. From mid-June to mid-July, the cultural manifestation called Supetar Summer takes place, so there is a number of festivals, concerts and theatrical performances. You can also visit other excursion sites such as Bol, Milna, Makarska, the island of Hvar and Biokovo Nature Park.