Things to do in Brac, Croatia
Though Brac is an upcoming destination in Croatia, it still feels a bit hidden compared to neighboring hotspots like Split or Hvar. The laidback island is dotted with many little beaches, wineries, and some beautiful coastal towns. It’s not too big or too small, and although some of the roads are unpaved, it makes a great location to discover by rental car or scooter.
Swim in secluded bays, lounge on large beaches, roam through olive trees and vineyards (often flocked with many goats!) and admire the beautiful white buildings in historic towns. No matter where you go, you get to soak up the adventure, nature, and authentic island life of Brac, making it a must-visit destination on any Croatia itinerary!
Did you know? You can drink tap water in Croatia! There’s no need to buy plastic bottles when exploring the country – a great example of traveling more sustainably.
1. Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach)
Zlatni Rat, also known as Golden Horn, is one of the most famous beaches in Croatia, and it’s easy to see why. This impressive V-shaped pebble beach aligns with crystal-clear water that slowly transitions into a beautiful dark blue. It makes the perfect location to sunbathe and swim for a couple of hours, with many trees offering a little break from the heat.
Rent a sunbed and relax with a delicious drink in hand, soaking up the warm summer sun. Sunloungers cost 5 EUR (5.60 USD) per hour or 20 EUR (22.50 USD) for the full day and are spread across the sand. There are a few food shops, restaurants, and a beach club, too, from where you can watch the windsurfers out on the stunning turquoise waters.
How to Get to Zlatni Rat
The easiest way to get to Zlatni Rat is to walk along the wide boulevard from Bol town. This seaside promenade is shaded by many pine trees, making it a comfortable 20 – 25 minute journey. However, you can also hop on the little tourist train or get to the iconic beach by water taxi. These boats run throughout the day and cost 5 EUR (5.60 USD) each way. Please note that if you plan to drive there, that parking costs 20 euros per day and 5 per hour in 2023.
2. Bol Town
On the southern coast of Brac lies the bustling harbor town of Bol, booming with incredible seaside restaurants, cafes, and beautiful stone buildings. It’s the arrival port when traveling from Split by ferry, and it’s very upmarket, with many luxury yachts and sailing boats bobbing out front in the beautiful Mediterranean waters.
Though the town is not quite that old, you’ll find many stunning buildings perched along the narrow streets. Walk along the popular waterfront, and enjoy a delicious meal or Aperol Spritz at one of the buzzing seaside restaurants. One of our favorite cafes was Marinero Cafe and Bar, which was nicely shaded by trees.
3. Olive Oil Museum
While you make your way across the island, stop at the oldest settlement, Skrip. Here, you’ll find the Museum of Olive Oil, one of the best things to do in Brac, Croatia. This former oil press mill is a small family-run olive oil museum that offers tours and an incredible tasting experience.
Learn about the process of a century-old practice and the unique olives as you tour the museum. It’s a very small mill and incredibly lovely, with different tasting menus to choose from at the end. Indulge in bread, olive oil, and tapenades while escaping the heat and delving into the island’s heritage. The pestos and olive oil were incredibly delicious, and tasting menus start at 6 EUR (6,75 USD).
Roam around the picturesque harbor, looking out over the fishing boats bobbing on the water as the sun sets. At night, the streets fill with atmospheric lights, adding to the quaint vibe of the town.
5. Vidova Gora
Look out over the shimmering Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands from the highest point on Brac – the very top of Vidova Gora. With many hiking trails, this area of the island makes the perfect location for those looking to exercise (you can also drive to the top!). Take in the cool air and soak up the beautiful views of Brac, Croatia, and neighboring Hvar.
We recommend to rent a car in Croatia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Take on the challenge and hike up to the mountain’s peak at 778 meters (2,559 feet) high, which is the highest point in the entire Adriatic region. The marked 10.5-kilometer trail starts in Bol and is a steep one with little shade. Along the way, you’ll pass through valleys, rocks, and many beautiful shrubs full of grazing sheep.
Tip: Keep in mind that there’s no shade on this hike, so come prepared with lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Dragon’s Cave
Another popular hike you can do near Bol is towards the so-called Dragon’s Cave of the Murvica village. This hiking trail begins just 10 minutes west of Bol and is a 30-minute journey up the mountain. Here, you’ll find a cave on the cliffsides with ancient structures, including small buildings and sculptures. These carvings date back hundreds of years and have many stories. This includes one about a giant one-eyed dragon, making it a unique thing to do in Brac, Croatia.
6. Kotlina Beach
When Zlatni Rat becomes too crowded, there’s the stunning Kotlina Beach on the other side of the bay. This little strip of pebbles secluded in an azure blue bay is our favorite beach on the island and only a 15-minute walk from Bol town. There’s a lovely local vibe here, with colorful towels spread across the sand, views over a monastery, and lush surrounding trees.
Spend some time swimming in the beautiful shallow waters, relaxing on the sand, and enjoying a meal with incredible views. The colorful Kotlina Beach is one of the best things to do in Brac, Croatia.
Tip: There’s a lovely restaurant near the beach called Ribarska Kućica, with delicious food, a stone deck, and incredible views. You’ll find parking nearby.
7. Supetar
Supetar is the largest and main town on the island of Brac, Croatia. Many ferries from the mainland arrive here, full of visitors eager to dive into the vibrant local atmosphere. The cute harbor town is lined with a broad promenade but is far less busy than Bol, offering a quiet experience.
Roam along the lovely harbor decorated with beautiful buildings, shops, and delicious restaurants. A few meters further, you’ll find the town’s main square, church, and many authentic stone buildings tucked in medieval streets. There’s also a lovely little pier on the waterfront, perfect for hopping into the sea. Supetar is a great place to base yourself while exploring Brac, with many cheaper accommodation options.
The tiny village of only 400 people makes the perfect location to unwind, surrounded by luscious vineyards and olive trees. There are a few beautiful beaches perched along the northern coast, with soft sand and pine trees. Immerse into a slow summer pace while taking in the views of local Croatian life.
Tip: For a lovely dining experience, visit Konoba Toni and try the famous Hrapocusa cake!
9. Plaža Lovrečina
One of the most beautiful beaches on the northern side of the Croatian island of Brac is Plaza Lovrecina. This lovely quiet spot has a white pebble beach, luscious surrounding greenery, and gorgeous blue water beckoning you for a swim. You can access the water directly from the sand or hop in via the small stairs on the wooden terrace.
Cool off in the shimmering waters while listening to the buzz of people on the beach, or enjoy a packed snack by the sea while soaking up the sun.
Tip: Just a 10-minute drive further, you’ll find the cute Inkognito Bar, just a few steps away from the sea. Under the shade of the trees, enjoy a delicious cocktail in a relaxed seat, looking out over the waters.
The Best Restaurants on Brac
The island’s culinary scene is full of rich flavors, from its renowned olive oil to local seafood specialties like grilled fish. Croatian food is known for its hearty and diverse offerings, with most of the ingredients fresh and locally sourced. Some of our favorite restaurants on the island were:
- Marinero Cafe and Bar (Bol)
- Ribarska Kućica (Bol)
- Vinotoka (Supetar)
- Konoba Toni (Splitska)
Start with marinated anchovies, order a main course of stew or soup, and try a Hrapocusa cake for dessert – there’s so much to try!
How to Visit Brac, Croatia
Brac is one of the islands just off the coast of the bustling city of Split, making it an easy destination to get to from the mainland. From Split, you can hop on a 45 to 50-minute ferry ride to Bol (foot passengers only) or Supetar on the island’s northern side (car ferry).
In the summer, there are frequent ferry rides daily, making it easy to hop around. This way, you can continue on to other Adriatic gems, like the island of Hvar (50 minutes by ferry from Bol).
Getting Around
By Car or Bike
Even though the stunning island of Brac is not that big, it does take about 50 minutes to get from north to south. Because of this, we recommend renting a scooter or car if you plan on exploring outside the towns of Bol or Supetar.
We recommend to rent a car in Croatia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
You can either rent a car on the island or bring your rental car over from the mainland via the car ferry to Supetar. If you’re just exploring Bol, a vehicle isn’t necessary as everything can easily be reached on foot. Most of the roads on Brac are good, except for a few gravel roads that require an off-road vehicle.
Tip: If you’re renting a motorbike, note that vehicles stronger than 50 cc require you to have a motor driving license.
By Public Transport
If your own transportation is not an option, there are some bus services around the island or local tours you can join. Bus routes are more frequent during the summer months, and a journey costs just a few euros.
Where to Stay
With lots of quaint little villages, bustling seaside harbors, and incredible beaches, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Brac.
If you’re looking to be more amongst the people, stay in the popular towns of Bol or Supetar. If you’d like a bit more quiet and local atmosphere, choose to stay in locations like Splitska.
How Many Days on Brac Island?
Though Brac can be visited on a day trip from Split, it’s worth it to spend at least a couple of days roaming the island’s diverse locations. We recommend 2 – 3 days to be able to experience all the best things to do in Brac, Croatia.
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Budget for Brac, Croatia
Depending on your travel plans, a road trip through Croatia can be quite affordable. While Brac may not be the cheapest destination in the Mediterranean, there’s a good balance of value and experience here. And, it’s slightly cheaper than neighboring destinations Split and the luxe island of Hvar.
Best Time to Visit Brac, Croatia
While Brac is Croatia’s third largest island, it doesn’t see the level of tourism that some other locations do. Because of this, it remains a beautiful spot to visit during the warm summer months, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the shimmering Adriatic Sea.
However, if you’re seeing more of the country, we’d recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons. The weather remains sunny in May, June, or September, but crowds are smaller, offering a more peaceful travel experience.
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