Brač Island

The tranquil island of Brac situated directly across the the mainland port city of Split and metropolis of Dalmatia, is captivating with its rugged beauty. The 395 square kilometer island is the third largest in the Adriatic and its approximately 14,000 inhabitants subsist mainly from tourism, the cultivation of olives and wine as well as the mining of high-quality limestone. The quality of the limestone found on the island was even recognized by the ancient Romans, who used it to build Dalmatian cities, theaters and amphitheaters. In addition, the white limestone from Brac was used among other things for the Diocletian's Palace in Split, the White House in Washington, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin as well as for the New Hofburg in Vienna.

The Golden Horn and Other Beaches on Brac

On Brac is one of the most beautiful - and famous - natural beaches in Croatia. This beach is in the shape of a sickle or a horn, which is why it is also called the "Golden Horn" (Zlatni rat). Contrary to the statement in many guidebooks, however, is not a sandy beach, but a nice pebble beach. The Golden Horn is located near the Bol spa and resort and is a destination for many visitors, especially in the high season. Those looking for the holiday idyll must look not further- here there are numerous secluded coves and beaches. The beaches on Brac generally fall flat into the sea, so even small children can swim safely here. The summers are hot and dry with an average temperature of about 25°C and winters are mild and rainy. There are approximately 235 days a year - or about 2,700 hours - of total sunshine on Brac. So, here you can find the ideal conditions for a vacation perfect for recreation. Brac is popular with sporty cyclists who appreciate the island's curvy and steeply graded roads, and they especially like coming in spring and autumn.

Cultural Heritage on Brac

Archaeological excavations have shown that the island was inhabited in the Palaeolithic period. Furthermore, there are traces everywhere of where the Romans once roamed. Throughout Brac, often well hidden and not signposted, there are many old Croatian and early Christian churches. Some are difficult to reach due to the difficult terrain. Among the best known religious buildings, among other things, include the remains of the basilica, which dates from the 6th century, located by Povlja and east of Postira. Also, from the 6th century is the Jadro Church which lies on the road between Splitska and Skrip. All these treasures can be discovered wonderfully while hiking. Brac does have a lot more experiences to offer than just opportunities for bathing. There are, especially in the coastal region, numerous footpaths for long walks. The mythical idyll, the wonderful nature and the laughing sun looking down from the sky make hiking a very special experience - perfect relaxation during a dream vacation. "Vidova Gora" is 778 meters and the highest peak on the island of Brac, as well as on all other Croatian islands. From here you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the whole land- across to the mainland and the Split Riviera, Omis and Makarska, and to the south to the southern coast of the Golden Horn, as well as to the neighboring islands of Hvar, Korcula and Vis.

How to get there

Brac is one of the largest and most populous islands in the Adriatic Sea - no wonder, then, that different regions with different island ferries can be reached from here. The shortest connection to mainland Europe, is route 631 run by the Jadrolinija ship company between Split and Supetar in the north of the island. The car ferry runs 14 times a day and needs about 50 minutes for the direct crossing. Those who have booked a hotel in the north of Brac or those who want to pay a visit to the sandy beach near Lovrecina Postira, are well advised to take this relatively quick and cheap ferry. The second car ferry connects Makarska on the mainland to Sumartin in the east of the island in about 60 minutes. Route 638 run by Jadrolinija leaves every day, four times a day in the off-season and five times a day during the peak season.

In addition, the Jadrolinija ship company offers between late May and late September two catamaran service routes to popular resorts. The route number 9603a connects Milna on the west coast of Brac with Split (40 minutes) and to the island of Hvar (55 minutes). You should note that the ferry only runs once a day between mid-June and late September and only once a day on Tuesdays between late May and mid-June. Also, the catamaran route 9603 makes a trip once a day between Jelsa (Hvar), Bol (Brac) and the port city of Split. This ferry is mainly recommended for water lovers and sun worshipers who want to spend an enchanting day at the Zlatni Rat Beach near Bol. By the way: In Bol and Supetar there are taxi boats that, for a correspondingly high rate, will not only take you on tours, but provide easy transport to near lying islands and the mainland.