Brač Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Brač with this comprehensive guide, including things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.


Introduction to Brač

Brač is a beautiful island located in Split-Dalmatia, a region in Dalmatia, Croatia. The island has a rich history dating back to the 4th century BC, but it’s also a great destination for modern-day travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. With its unique combination of cultural attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor activities, Brač is a perfect vacation spot for all types of travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Brač

Whether you’re interested in exploring museums or hiking trails, here are some of the best attractions and places to visit in Brač:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Museum of the Island of Brač: Learn about the island’s history, art, and culture at this fascinating museum.
  • The Vidova Gora viewpoint: This scenic viewpoint is the highest point on the island and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
  • The Olive Oil Museum: Discover the history and production of extra-virgin olive oil, which is a staple of Dalmatian cuisine.

Natural Attractions of Brač: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Zlatni Rat: This iconic white-pebble beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic Sea. It features crystal-clear waters and is a popular spot for windsurfing and other water sports.
  • Blaca Hermitage: This secluded monastery is located in the middle of a gorge and offers stunning views of the surrounding nature.
  • Lubenice Beach: This secluded beach is located on the west side of the island and features clear waters and a beautiful white-pebble shore.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brač

For adventure lovers, Brač offers many hiking and biking trails that lead visitors through stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Some of the best routes include:

  • Brač Hiking Trail: This trail spans across the island and covers 180 km of beautiful trails, passing through ancient villages and scenic landscapes.
  • Vidova Gora: This moderate hike takes visitors to the island’s highest point, where they can enjoy stunning panoramic views.

Best Things to Do in Brač: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, Brač offers a range of exciting activities and tours:

  • Wine tasting: Brač is known for its high-quality wines, and there are many wineries throughout the island that offer wine tasting tours.
  • Scuba diving: The crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea make diving in Brač an unforgettable experience.
  • Fishing: Brač is one of the best fishing spots in the region, and visitors can enjoy fishing tours or fishing on their own.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brač

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Brač:

Day Activity
1 Explore Supetar
2 Visit Vidova Gora and Bol
3 Relax on Zlatni Rat beach
4 Go hiking in Blaca Hermitage
5 Visit the Olive Oil Museum and learn how to make your own olive oil
6 Take a wine-tasting tour
7 Enjoy a boat tour around the island

Food and Drink Scene of Brač

The local cuisine in Brač is heavily influenced by seafood, olive oil, and wine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Brudet: A traditional Dalmatian fish stew made with a variety of fish and vegetables.
  • Janjetina: Roasted lamb with a crispy skin and a tender, juicy interior.
  • Peka: A traditional Croatian dish made of meat or fish, potatoes, and vegetables cooked in a covered dish with olive oil.

Local Beverages

  • Plavac Mali: A local red wine that comes from the island’s vineyards and is known for its rich flavor.
  • Rakija: A traditional Croatian fruit brandy that is often served as a digestive after meals.

Where to Stay in Brač: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Brač offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Some of the best options include:

  • Hotel Lemongarden: This chic boutique hotel is located in Sutivan and offers luxurious rooms and suites with stunning sea views.
  • Villa Adriatica: This classic Mediterranean-style villa is located in Supetar and offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and a garden.
  • Hostel Villa Zora: This budget-friendly hostel is located in Bol and offers clean and comfortable rooms, a shared kitchen, and a garden.

What to Buy in Brač: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back from Brač include:

  • Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is a staple of Dalmatian cuisine and is considered some of the best in the world.
  • Mandarins: Brač’s mild climate is perfect for growing citrus fruits, and the local mandarins are known for their sweet and juicy flavor.
  • Brač stone: This beautiful white stone is unique to the island and is often used in local architecture and art.

Local Culture and Customs of Brač

Brač has a rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times, and the locals are proud of their traditions. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  • The island has a strong tradition of stone-masonry, and you can see some of the best examples of the craft in local architecture and sculptures.
  • The locals are known for their hospitality and friendliness, so don’t be surprised if you’re invited to share a meal or a drink with them.
  • The island has a strong fishing tradition, so seafood is a staple of the local cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Brač

The best time to visit Brač is during the summer months (June-September) when the weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the spring or fall when the weather is still pleasant, and the island is less crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brač

Here are some things to keep in mind while visiting Brač:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, especially seafood and olive oil.
  • Visit some of the island’s historical sites and learn about its rich cultural heritage.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Swim in areas where swimming is prohibited.
  • Wear revealing clothing outside of the beach.
  • Be disrespectful of locals’ customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brač

Brač is generally a safe destination with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take normal precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their belongings.

Health in Brač

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Brač. However, visitors should be aware of the risk of sunburn and heatstroke during the summer months, and they should drink plenty of water and use sunscreen to protect themselves.

Getting to Brač: Transportation Options and Logistics

Brač is easily accessible by air, bus, and ferry.

Airports Near Brač

The nearest airport to Brač is the Split Airport, which is located about 20 km away. There are regular flights to Split from major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Brač

There are regular bus connections to Brač from major Croatian cities, including Split and Dubrovnik.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Brač by ferry, which departs from Split and Makarska.

How to Get Around in Brač

The best way to explore Brač is by car, as it allows visitors to reach all of the island’s attractions and natural wonders. Visitors can also rent bikes or scooters, which are perfect for exploring the island’s many hiking and biking trails. Public transportation is also available, but it can be infrequent and unreliable.

Where to Go Next from Brač: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Brač is located in a beautiful part of Croatia, and there are many nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore:

  • Hvar: This beautiful island is known for its lavender fields, vineyards, and beaches.
  • Split: This vibrant coastal city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s home to many historical sites and cultural attractions.
  • Dubrovnik: This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its ancient walls, rich history, and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Brač is a fascinating island with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums or hiking trails, this destination has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip to Brač, and make the most of your visit to this unique and beautiful destination.

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