Things to do in Brac, Croatia

The third largest island in the Adriatic, there’s plenty to discover on this peaceful corner of Croatia too, from one of Europe’s best beaches to a centuries-old olive oil industry and Brač’s beautiful white stone, used in some of the world’s grandest buildings, including Diocletian’s Palace, Budapest’s Parliament buildings, and reputedly even the White House in Washington DC.

So whether you’re visiting Brač on a small ship cruise in Croatia or spending longer on the island, these are the best things to do in Brač, Croatia.

Zlatni Rat

The most famous spot on Brač, the distinctive V-shaped Zlatni Rat – also known as the Golden Horn – is unmissable. The gleaming white pebbles of this beach stretch for a third of a mile, surrounded by shallow turquoise waters and the deep blue of the Adriatic beyond; backed by pine forests, it’s a picture postcard sight that’s just as beautiful in person.

This unusual beach also changes shape every day, as the dazzling spit of land is shaped by the wind and waves, so every visit brings something slightly new.

Lovrecina Bay

While Zlatni Rat is the best-known, it’s far from the only beach on Brač, so save time to hop around some of the others. Lovrecina is one of the few sandy beaches on the island, not far from the town of Postira, while you can hop from beach to beach near Milna, where four several coves line up next to each other, with clear water that’s great for snorkelling.

If you’re feeling adventurous, head out in a kayak to discover some of the other little coves and bays hidden along the coastline.

Vidova Gora is the highest point of all the Adriatic islands, with its peak rising to 778m above sea level where you can gaze out on wonderful views out across Brac, including to Zlatni Rat and the sea beyond. There’s a hiking trail from Bol, which takes around 90 minutes to two hours, as well as a mountain biking route for keen cyclists. It’s also possible to drive to the peak and enjoy the panoramas without any effort – Hvar is visible on a clear day.

Traditionally, herders would bring their sheep to graze here as it’s grassy rather than the stonier surrounding countryside, so you may also see flocks on the hillside as you venture up.

This remote monastery was founded after two monks fled to the island following the Turkish invasion of Dalmatia in the 16th century. After hiding out in the island’s caves, they were given permission to build a church and monastery in 1570, itself set into the side of a cliff.

The monastery quickly thrived, with the monks planting olive groves and vast vineyards, plus hives producing honey to sell alongside the wine and olive oil. Occupied for around 400 years, the monastery also functioned as a school, as well as an observatory for its final inhabitant, a priest with an interest in astronomy.

The remote site isn’t easy to reach, best approached on foot (or there’s a walk of at least 30 minutes from the nearest parking spot) but it’s a fascinating slice of island history to keep on your list of Brac island things to do.

Brac coastal walk

Walkers will be in heaven here, with a network of walking trails across the island, including easy hikes which are some of the best things to do in Brac. Stroll through pine forests and olive groves, stopping at traditional villages or secluded beaches along the way. One route takes you from Bol, near Zlatni Rat, to Blaca, famous for its historic monastery, while another leads from the village of Murvica to discover the carvings in the ‘dragon cave’ on the coast. For a real challenge, you could even take on the Via Brattia, a 140km circular trail around the island.

Brac is home to a string of picturesque historic villages, and it’s easy to spend hours or longer exploring them. If you only visit one, make it Dol, a protected village that dates back centuries, with a stream running between the stone houses perched on the hillside.

Still a living village rather than an open-air museum, you can visit the caves above Dol where the first residents are thought to have made their homes, as well as seeing ancient stone beehives used over the centuries. The village is also known for its annual Good Friday Procession, but whenever you visit, you can see the little stone church tucked away under cypress trees which marks the procession’s starting point.

Set on the north coast, not far from the main port and town at Supetar, save time to stroll through the old town of Postira, through narrow cobbled alleys with views looking down to the water. The heart of the old town is Pjaca Postira, home to the town’s 16th century church, although the remains of Roman settlements have also been found here.

Then head down to the harbour with its pastel buildings, to people-watch from one of the cafes along the waterfront or to relax on the small pebble beach.

It’s not only the monastery’s monks who planted vineyards on Brac, with a string of family-run wineries on the island, and a chance to tour them and taste a few glasses while you’re there. One of the best-known is Stina, set on the waterfront in Bol, which has been winning awards since 1909 and still has more than 75 hectares of vines on the island, producuing around 350,000 bottles per year.

Named for the island’s white stone, there’s a chance to learn more about Croatian grape varieties, including their own white Posip and red Plava Mali, with tastings accompanied by sheep’s cheese and bread dipped in local olive oil.

Olive groves cover much of Brac and the island’s olive oil industry thrives to this day, including a factory in Postira that’s open to visitors. Or head to the village of Skrip, the oldest settlement on the island, to the Olive Oil Museum where you can learn about traditional techniques and the history of olive oil production on Brac.

Along the way, you can see various historic oil-making devices, from an olive press and mill to traditional tools before enjoying a tasting or buying a few bottles to take home.

With award-winning wine and olive oil created on the island, as well as fabulous fresh fish and seafood, it’s no surprise that Brac has its own array of local dishes to try during your visit. Look out for brodet, soup packed with local fish and seafood, along with spices, vegetables and local wine and olive oil, and often served with polenta.

Finish with Hrapoćuša cake, traditionally baked in Dol, and inspired by the rough stone used to construct the houses – as opposed to the gleaming white stone exported from the island’s quarries. The two layer cake has a sponge base, and a topping using walnuts, sugar, and egg white, with every house having its own closely guarded recipe.

Pucisca Stonemasonry School

Visiting a stonemasonry school might not seem the most obvious option on a list of what to do in Brac, but the island’s famous white stone makes this a fascinating stop during your time exploring. Set in Pucisca, it’s one of only three places in Europe which teaches manual stone-carving techniques, and during the summer, visitors can learn how statues and other carvings are created, as well as viewing works made by some of the students.

Explore Brac on one of our holidays to Croatia, including small ship cruses, escorted tours and hotel holidays