Island Brač- Travel guide

by Welcome Center Croatia | Last updated Feb 21, 2022 | Published on Feb 21, 2022

Picture this, mystical white pebbles and sandy beaches, turquoise and specially margined blue waters and an amazingly soothing breeze with a touch of lush nature. Brač Island, one of the most stunning islands in Croatia, is an idyllic vacation destination for you. Whether you intend to relax on the beachside, relish the irresistible food and wine or engage in adrenaline activities, Brač Island is the model place to be.

This guide has been specially crafted and designed to help you get around the island for the epitome of your holiday. Explore new towns, accommodations and scenic beauties such as the Zlatni Rat beach and other historical sites that will help you understand and appreciate Croatian culture.

1. General information on Brač Island

Brač island is one of the largest (occupies 395 square kilometres) and mountainous islands in the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to its striking beaches and blue waters, the island is one of the most beautiful travel destinations globally. Moreover, the weather is excellent with the winds supporting activities such as windsurfing and kite surfing in the sea. The island has many attractive attraction sites you will enjoy upon your voyage there.

The highest point on the island is at Vidova Mountain, about 780m high. The island is located on the southeastern side of Split city. The inhabitants of the island mainly practice fishing and agriculture. The agriculture is mostly a combination of vineyards and olive tree rearing. However, the economy of the town primarily benefits from tourism.
The lush environment is straddled with pastures on which the locals graze their goats. These grasses help the goats produce cheese with a special aroma and taste. There are quarries on the Nothern side of the island that make the Brač stone used to construct some of the best buildings in the world.

2. History of Brač

This 153 square miles of the island was inhabited since Bronze Age and Iron Age, as evidenced by archaeological findings. Some indigenous people were found at the Dalmatian hinterland, indicating that trade happened through the Brač Island to the mainland.

The recorded history of this island starts with the occupancy by the Illyrians from which its name originates; Brentos, meaning deer. The Greeks later called it Elufasa, which also emanates from a native term meaning deer. The island gradually became a part of the Roman Empire.

In the 7th century, the Croatians occupied Brač Island, which later became a part of a Croatian kingdom. King Tomislav ruled the kingdom, and after the rule changed between the different rulers. These include the Venetian Empire, Croatian Hungarian Empire and Bosnian rule.

In 1797 the empire fell out of rule, and the Austrians took over until 1805 when the French ruled. The Russians took over in 1806, followed by the French one more time from 1807-1814. The Austrians took over again in 1814, and through their rule, the island grew both economically and culturally, Supetar being the main administrative centre as of 1827.

As the 20th century set in, the population increasingly grew. However, there was an epidemic and other contributing factors that led to the emigration of most occupants.
The epidemic was vine lice that affected most of the island's grapes, which in turn had an adverse effect on the winemakers. Most of these people moved to Latin America.

In 1941, the island was taken over by Italy, and in 1944, the German forces took over until later that ear in July when they were freed. Brač remained a part of Yugoslavia and stayed until Croatia gained its independence in 1991. Brač was then divided into its current seven municipalities, and a city after Croatia got independence. Brač Island has since then continued to grow due to fishing, agriculture and as a growing tourist attraction.

3. Why you should visit Island Brač

Tradition

The most fulfilling part of any voyage is the people's tradition, beautiful culture and history. Croatia gives you the ultimate on-island experience. Islands such as Pag and Hvar already take pride in being the most splendid party and festival destinations globally.

On the other hand, Brač Island has less tourist traffic and is mainly occupied by the locals. This guarantees you an authentic interaction with the locals.

Food

Considering food is the warmest way to your heart and a significant way to feel the culture, Brač Island will uphold your taste buds. The restaurants prepare some of the best local cuisines such as lamb, pršut, cheese, and seafood such as shellfish, squid and fish. The finest olive oil is produced on this island. The product is so good and ancient that a museum is dedicated to it, the Museum of Olive Oil.

Wine

The inhabitants have grown and continuously advanced in viticulture since time immemorial. Brač Island has some of the best wineries globally with the best connoisseurs and superbly designed space to give you a memorable incident.

Beaches

Brač Island provides you with the most remarkable variety of beaches for the perfect summer vacation. Zlatni Rat beach (Golden Horn) is one of the most breathtaking pebble beaches globally, ideal for water sports activities, swimming and basking in the fantastic weather.

4. Brač Island Stone Story

Brač Island is remarkable for its quarries and stone production. Renaissance construction greatly attributes to the locals' tradition and even motivated its aesthetics and landscapes. Some of the best works include the Diocletian's Imperial Palace in Split, the Parliament in Budapest and the Governor’s Palace in Trieste. The shepherds and workers gathered the stones for ages in an attempt to clean the karst soil to transform it into arable land. The cultivation and development of Brač's property are likewise connected with a significant degree from the hour of the Venetian rule when no man from Brač was permitted to wed until he established 100 olive trees.

These stones became a special part and symbol of the island. Having been cultivated for generations, the white stone of Brač continued as a motivation for hard work, persistence and steadiness for the people. They then adapted in their lives to carve out their roofs, walls, sacral decorations, tables, and chairs. According to architectural stone classification and grouping standards, Brač stone is natural white commercial marble, making it a substantial part of their economy.

5. Great places to visit in Brač

Supetar

Located on the island’s northern side, Supetar is worth every dime and second. It is the largest city and the centre of the island. Considering it has a good population of inhabitants and is the most urbanized town, it will provide you with the perfect combination of Croatian culture, history and a modern enjoyable and comfortable aspect.
If you are looking for a peaceful and soothing experience, Supetar is your ideal destination. This beautiful town has amazing baroque architecture and historical buildings that date back to Roman times. Exploring the town would be a great adventure for your family or friends; buildings such as the church of Mary Annunciation, Mosaic remains, Villae Rustic, Leroj or touring the 'pjacete', romantic squares. The restaurants serve very affordable fresh seafood and top-notch Croatian wine. Enjoy its beautifully serene beaches and clear waters while at it.

Postira

Surrounded and inhabited by pine forests, olive fields and lush vineyards to the south, Postira is an all-season lovely Mediterranean town. This charming harbour town oozes tranquillity and romantic beaches such as the Lovrecina Beach and its beautifully shaped landscape and picturesque bay. As part of some travelling packages, snorkelling is a great activity along the rocks on Lozna Mala Beach as you explore the underwater. Postira is the perfect tourist destination attributed to the various accommodations, taverns, lush environment and the scenic view of the Lovrečina and Konopjikova coves. Here is a fun fact for you; the prominent Dalmatian writer, Vladimir Nazr, was born in this town.

Pučišća

Like the name, Pučišća is one of the prettiest European towns. All these towns and villages in Brač Island are striking, but Pučišća has a special touch to it. This is attributed to the glistening white stone, and the beautiful blue Adriatic waters making it an idyllic swim and bask stop. Having been a host to the productive stone industry, the town holds a stone carving school which continues the masonry tradition. You can relish the amazing white-stone crafts and get incredible souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the culture through the Summer of Culture and the Brač Summer Music Festival. Have you heard of the legend where the stones used to build the White House were obtained from this village?

Povlja

This beautiful harboured village is surrounded by lush green trees on the hills, nuzzling the town into a small valley. A walk up these hills will significantly bring you peace as fewer tourists along the route. You get to enjoy their authentic culture as you meet the locals rearing the goats and doing their daily activities. Explore the hidden coves using paddleboards and canoes as you want the serenity of the waters and fresh air. The harbour is a frequent docking spot for sailors and yachters thus has amazing restaurants and more people you can interact with during your vacation.

Bol

Brač Island's oldest town is an ideal tourist destination to explore in the south of Brač Island. Whether you are on a romantic getaway or a family vacation, there is something for you to do in Bol. You can first calm your nerves and relax off the jetlag at the golden Zlatni Rat beach as you enjoy some of the best Croatian wine.
Once recharged, go on an adventure to the Black Monastery that dates back to the 16th century. Do you or travel buddies love mysteries? The Dragon's cave is the perfect experience for you to indulge in as you figure out which of the conspiracy theories surrounding its origin and history. Moreover, the town is just an attractive scenery with its streets showcasing pink and purple geraniums, brightening the mood.

Mountain Vidova Gora

Would you love the impeccable view of the Adriatic and its islands? Being the highest mountain on the Adriatic islands, Mountain Vidora Gora should be your next stop. In addition, you can keep fit during your vacation as you hike on the clearly marked trails. Once you reach the top, the reward is an alluring view of the islands green belt surrounding and the magnificent Zlatni Rat beach. The rocks are quite steep; hence you need to be careful during your hike to avoid any mishaps. You can stay at Bol during your visit as it is close and has some of the best accommodation facilities.

Dominican Monastery

Founded in 1475, this unique destination is the ultimate spot for history, archaeology and artefacts lovers. The monastery houses the belfry and an interesting museum. You will find maritime and religious objects used in Roman and Greek times, manuscripts, and even artworks at the museum. The gallery houses some of the most valuable paintings on the island, such as Tintoretto' altar painting and the artwork by Tripo Kokolja, the Baroque painter that did the ceiling frescos. The historical collections found at the museum will help you get a deeper understanding of the island's past. Moreover, the monastery has a fantastic garden for you to enjoy strolling in as you take in deep fresh breaths.

Dragon’s Cave

What makes this cave mystical? Situated in Murvica, 5kilometres from Bol, the Dragon cave has the most unusual yet attractively decorated walls. Carvings such as a gaping dragon, animals and angels are all over the walls. They are believed to have been carved by an imaginative friar in the 15th century. The cave was a temple and residential space for Glagolitic priests. There are different myths and legends surrounding the caves, such as werewolves, fairies and witches, making it worth the escapade.
It is advisable to get on a guided tour for full-on access to the cave. In addition, get on your expedition early in the morning if you intend to visit during summer.

Windsurf Zlatni Rat

You can get to this beach via ferry from Split to Milna, then a taxi to the Zlatni rat beach. The beach is a haven for adrenaline activities you can partake in.

The strong 'mistral' winds in the environs are ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing. You can rent out the equipment from the centre and even sign up for classes if you are a novice.

In addition, there are kayaks, paddleboards and mountain bikes that you can rent out as you go out on your discovery mission.

The wind mostly blows in the afternoon, as the mornings remain calm.
You can also go o parachute rides to get the ultimate view of your environs.

Peruse the Statues of Selca

Just like Disney world is full of cartoon characters and funfairs, Selca is inundated with statues, domestic greats' and monuments. Statues of prominent people such as Leo Tolstoy, the writer, were erected here. Legendary role players in recognition and creation of Croatia; Franjo Tuđman, former German vice-chancellor Hans-Dietrich Genscher and former Austrian foreign minister Alois Moc were also honoured by having the statues erected in this town. The town also has gastronomy and luxurious hotels and clubs that will give you an experience of a lifetime.

Sample Stina wine

Croatia has some of the best locally made wines in the world.

The Stina winery started in 2009 spearheads some of the best productions. The magnificently decorated wine tasting room makes the exploration even more appealing.

The wines are made from grapes such as Vugava, Pošip, Plavac Mali and Crljenak, used in wineries worldwide. Explore the different tastes and aromas of these top-notch wines.