Located just 20 nautical miles south of Split and north of Hvar island, the island of Brac (pronounced "brache") is the third largest island in the Adriatic and one of the largest in central Dalmatia. Included in the list of the most beautiful islands in Croatia to discover by boat, Brac is still not interested by mass tourism, and it is ideal for families, sportsmen and nature lovers. It will be difficult to resist its special charm and everything it has to offer: lush vegetation, typical villages and beautiful beaches including the legendary beach of Zlatni Brac, one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. In this article you will find all the must-see attractions and our selection of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Set sail for this fascinating island!
What to visit on the island of Brac?
Brac island deserves a special visit and is a tourist destination accessible to everybody. The island has managed to protect itself from mass tourism and has a lot to offer its visitors: typical villages, exceptional diving spots, gastronomy with Mediterranean flavours, water sports and heavenly beaches. Brac island is the ideal destination to enjoy peace, quietness and its slow rhythms! In this list you will find activities not to be missed when hiring a boat on the island of Brac:
Enjoy the beautiful view from Vidova Gora: it is the highest peak of the Adriatic archipelago with a height of 780 meters and one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the Adriatic. The peak can be reached with an excursion of about an hour and a half from the village of Bol for the more sporty, but you can get there by car as well. Once you reach the peak, from here you can enjoy a breathtaking view: you can see the famous beach of Zlanit Rat, the surrounding islands such as Hvar, Korcula and Vis and, as the Croatians say: "On clear days, you can also see Italy".
Trip to the Blaca Desert: Blaca Desert is located south of the island of Brac and it is one of the most beautiful excursions you can make on the island. In 15th and 16th centuries many priests took refuge on the slopes of Mount Vidova Gora to escape the Turkish attacks. In 1551 two priests found refuge in Blaca Desert and over the centuries a monastery, a church and several buildings were built. Blaca Desert has since become a real historical jewel and is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, in this place many objects, books, printing equipment and even a small observatory and a telescope, are kept and preserve. The cloister library contains 11,000 books, most of which date back to before 1800. The site has preserved its treasures, which can now be discovered by visiting the museum. After the visit we recommend a refreshing swim in Blaca Creek.
Visit the typical villages of the island: Brac island will amaze you with its many typical villages. Among the most beautiful villages on the island we recommend you to visit the village of Postira, an authentic small fishing village where you can enjoy the clear sea, admire the stone houses and enjoy the delicious dishes of fresh fish and food produced on the island. You can also visit Bol, a very typical village, whose stone streets and port are part of a postcard landscape. Located at the foot of Mount Vidova Gore, Bol allows you to discover a picturesque and traditional Croatia. To make the most of this small village, you need to take the time to sit on a terrace, sip a coffee and watch passers-by strolling along the docks of the old port. Finally, don't miss a visit to the village of Pucisca, the largest village on the island, whose symbol is the white stone of Brac. You will also discover a village famous for its old olive groves, its quality olive oil and its excellent wine.
The most beautiful beaches of the island of Brac
When we talk about the most beautiful beaches on the island of Brac, how can we not think about the popular beach of Zlatni Rat? Brac island has many other treasures. You can find pebble beaches, rocky or sandy beaches. The island is full of coves that you can explore on board your sailboat or catamaran in the midst of the wild Mediterranean nature and the blue sea.
Zlatni Rat Beach: this beach is the most beautiful and popular of Croatian beaches. It is particularly famous for the fact that its extremity constantly changes shape due to the influence of waves, ocean currents and winds, which have made it so fascinating. This beach is a protected area and one of the favourite places for surfers and kitesurfers from all over the world. This beach can accommodate up to 10,000 people and you will be amazed by the crystal clear sea and old pine trees that surround it. A natural attraction not to be missed during your cruise to Brac island!
Lovrecina beach: located about 4 km from the village of Postira, Lovrecina beach is the only sandy beach on the island. It is loved by families but also by divers thanks to the clear sea ideal for scuba diving. Under the sand of the bay you can find the ruins of a Roman summer residence.
Sutivan beach: it is the ideal beach for a family outing. The water is shallow and the beach is ideal for relaxing and having fun.
When hiring a sailboat in Croatia, do not miss the opportunity to discover the fascinating island of Brac! Whether you rent a boat in Split or on a different island, you won't regret your holiday in Brac. You can explore the many typical villages, swim in the transparent turquoise sea, enjoy the local cuisine and find peace and quietness on this authentic Croatian island.