Unmissable Brac
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
SUMARTIN
Heading to the East coast, you’ll find the smaller town of Sumartin, founded in the 17th century by pilgrims attempting to flee from Turkish rule. Here, fishing, ship-building and olive growing are the main occupations for locals, and this bustling town has a host of things to offer, from secluded bays, wonderfully fresh seafood and mouth-watering restaurants, head here to escape the masses and get a feel for the genuine, true Dalmatia.
SKRIP
On Brac’s north coast, this hamlet is this island’s oldest settlement and home to a couple of charming museums. Dating back over 300 years, hilltop Skrip is great for a peaceful afternoon wandering historic streets and exploring its charming museums.
SUPETAR
Although Supetar is small, it’s the largest town on the island. As soon as you land on Brac (after the short ferry hop from Split), you’ll be drawn to the aromas coming from the bustling harbourside restaurants. Here the fish is fresh and the olive oil is always locally produced.
On a practical note, there are several small supermarkets where you can buy standard provisions and a couple of local bakeries for fresh bread.
BOL
On the south coast, this little town is well worth a visit. See the Dominican Monastery and the Deškoviæ Gallery, then spend the afternoon bathing on neaby Zlatni Rat beach or climbing Vidova Gora.
Island Hopping
HVAR
Long, lean Hvar Is Croatia’s most luxurious beach destination. Hvar Town offers elegant restaurants and a general sense that, this is the place to see and be seen - rub shoulders with young partygoers, dancing on tables at the town's legendary beach bars.
For something more subdued, head to the northern coastal towns of Stari Grad and Jelsa. In between, Hvar's interior hides abandoned ancient hamlets, craggy peaks, vineyards and the lavender fields that the island is famous for. The island's southern coast has some of Hvar’s most beautiful and isolated coves.
BISEVO
Five nautical miles from Komiža, Biševo is best known for its rare natural phenomenon, the Blue Cave.
The cave interior and the sea inside it are illuminated with an indescribable silver-blue light. The rays of sun passing into the cave through a small crack in its ceiling are reflected in the sea, creating incredible light effects.
On the island there is also Medvedina špilja (‘Monk seals’ cave) – a cave where the Mediterranean monk seal used to reside. You can swim and snorkel inside the cave and see a small beach where Monk seals used to come ashore.
SPLIT
Croatia’s alluring second largest city faces the twinkling Adriatic, with its shops, restaurants, churches and houses built into the ancient walls. There are several good beaches, with sandy Bačvice being the closest (and busiest).
VIS
Crystal clear, glistening warm waters lap gently against the shore, and there are ample spots for swimming.
The island hub, Vis Town is on the north east coast, with the main marina, ferry port and a sweet chapel. There’s plenty of opportunities for long, relaxed meals - try one of many wonderful restaurants in the Kut neighbourhood.
With friendly locals, buzzy little bars and deliciously fresh seafood straight from the fisherman’s boat, it’s little it was chosen as the location for Mamma Mia 2.
TROGIR
A World Heritage Site, Trogir is an exquisite medieval walled city with four Gothic campaniles, set on a tiny island linked to the mainland by a bridge. In the heart of town, St. Lawrence Cathedral has some of the finest carvings in Croatia and the bell tower offers wonderful rooftop views.
Trogir’s warren-like streets are home to some interesting boutiques and courtyard cafés, as well as a handful of churches, renaissance palaces and museums. In the evening, locals come out to relax in squares and cafés.
Dining & Drinks
Restaurant Bilin
Wonderful restaurant serving platters of freshly grilled seafood, calamari and risottos. Very friendly service.
Sumartin | +385 91 901 4730
Kartolina
Waterfront bar/restaurant offering breakfast lunch, dinner and cocktails. Plenty of delicious fresh fish and good pizzas. If the kids have become fed up with long lunches they can head off for a swim whilst grown-ups relax in peace.
Sumartin
Konoba Bernado
A good mix of Croatian and Italian food. Don’t miss the seafood sharing platters for two - a delicious selection of calamari, fried ‘little fish’, octopus salad, prawns and chips.
Sumartin | +385 91 784 2648
Konoba Top
Lovely views and cheerful staff serving grilled meats, seafood gnocchi and risottos.
Sumartin | +385 91 519 2610
Pizzeria San Martino
Great place for a quick lunch, serving pizzas, pizza sandwiches and gelato on the waterfront. Open from 1pm till middnight.
Sumartin
Escalero
Away from the bustle of Sumartin port, this is a small, laid back beach bar on the waterfront at Punta Puntinka.
Sumartin | +385 21 639 038
Konoba Dalmatino
A little further round the harbour, this pizzeria/restaurant has tables on the pier out into the water. A lovely evening setting.
Sumartin | +385 21 648 155
Konoba Dinko
This lovely restaurant is situated right on the sea front. It’s small and the food is excellent. Try and get a table on the lower level so you can listen to the sea and watch the world go by.
Bol | +385 98 522 479
Konoba Mendula
This one is slightly off the beaten track as it is located right at the back of town on Hrvatski Domobrana. Don’t be fooled though, the food (and prices for that matter) are excellent; this is where the locals go to eat. Always packed between 7pm-9pm, so go early to avoid the queue and don’t be shy to share a table with other guests, it can be a fun way to spend an evening.
Bol | +385 91 515 8593
Mali RaJ
A lovely garden restaurant set in a pretty olive grove just 20m above Zlatni Rat beach.
Bol | +385 98 756 922 | maliraj-bol.com
Ribarska Kucica
Right on the edge of the water in the former harbourmasters' house and tucked away under the old Bijela Kuca hotel.
Bol | +385 95 902 9844
Topolino
Located right on the sea front, in front of the hotel Kastil, grab a table, listen to the live music and watch the world promenade past you.
Bol | +385 91 233 3467
Varadero
Club in the center of town, the evenings start here.
Bol
585 Club
Great for later in the evening, enjoy the all night parties.
Bol | +385 91 233 3471 | 585club.hr
Bolero Bar
Located half way along the beach promenade, more of a relaxed vibe.
Bol | +385 1 3844 288
Ribarska Kućica
This revered little seafood restaurant is balanced at the end of a stone path atop a secluded beach and miles of sea. Set in a stone fisherman’s house, they serve monkfish with smoked prosciutto, and exquisite lobster.
Bol | +385 95 902 9844
Tavera Riva
Great for a modern twist on traditional local cooking – think octopus, lamb, mussels, clams, grilled dishes, homemade pasta and Dalmatian desserts. It’s located in an old stone house, this two storey restaurant has various dining areas, including a magnificent sea view terrace overlooking Hvar.
Bol | +385 21 635 236 | tavernariva-bol.com
Zrno Soli
Meaning ‘Grain of Salt’, this smart restaurant serves imaginative dishes and has great views over the marina.
Split | +385 21 399 333
Zoi
Michelin-starred dishes with a modern twist and local ingredients.
Split | +385 21 637 491 | zoi.hr
Kadena
A long-term, Michelin-starred favourite with island views from its chic terrace.
Split | +385 21 389 400 | restorankadena.com
Uje Oil Bar
Tucked away on a quiet corner, this stylish restaurant specialises in regional olive oils and seasonal Dalmatian ingredients. Think generous charcuterie and cheese boards, plus unusual dishes such as olive oil ice cream. You can even do a guided olive oil tasting here.
Split | +385 95 200 8008 |oilbar.hr
Konoba Fetivi
Close to the waterfront, this traditional family-run taverna offers fresh fish and hearty meat dishes. Be sure to leave room for the excellent apple strudel pudding.
Split | +385 21 355 152
Alka
Family run restaurant opened in 1966, serving Croatian classics. Plenty of outdoor seating with parasols for shade.
Trogir | +385 21 881 856 | restaurant-alka.hr
Konoba Trs
Rustic Konoba Trs tavern serves imaginative dishes such as boar gnocchi, panko octopus and hearty pasta. Ingredients are local and there’s a delightful vine shaded courtyard.
Trogir | +385 21 796 956 | konoba-trs.com
Vinotoka, Jobova
Run by a fisherman and his family, this restaurant is said to serve the freshest seafood on the island. It’s hidden away up a narrow, cobbled alley a couple of blocks behind Supetar’s riva (seafront promenade) and is fabulous for lunch or dinner.
Supetar | +385 21 630 969
Palute
A good seafood restaurant overlooking the water - ideal for a family lunch.
Supetar | +385 21 631 730
Restoran Punta
At the far edge of Supetar beyond the cemetery, this restaurant is a great spot for lunch or dinner. It serves excellent grilled fish and meats in tranquil surroundings, backdropped by the Adriatic. The seafood platters are fabulous, plus there are tasty pizzas for the shellfish averse.
Supetar | +385 21 631 507
Benny’s Bar
Benny’s is a popular beach and nightclub with a trendy bar and sunbeds on the private pebble beach. The vibe gets clubby as the night progresses.
Supetar | +385 91 543 7884 | facebook.com/atbennys
Ranjak, near Supetar
If you’re willing to head out of town, this family farm and olive grove restaurant offers a delightful rural dining experience. Specialties include stuffed courgette flowers, barbecued lamb (a Brac classic) and the homemade herb cordials.
Supetar | +385 91 631 6699
Best Beaches
Sumartin
Handy pebble beach just round the corner from Sumartin. Go early as it can be busy in high summer. If you walk a little further round the coast to Beach Jezero it’s quieter but you swim from the rocks.
Zlatni Rat Beach, Bol
Known as the famous ‘Golden Horn’ spit, this beach is perfect for kitesurfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding. In the nearby pine forest, you’ll find hip Auro Lounge Bar, which serves great cocktails.
Tri Mosta, Supetar
The 'Three Bridges' beach is just past the cemetery. There's a good restaurant and you can rent boats and jet skis nearby.
Banj, Supetar
Supetar's main beach is a large eastward-facing curve lined with pine trees and beach bars.
Vrilo, Supetar
This beach is close to the ferry wharf, immediately east of the town centre.
Vlačica, Supetar
The closest beach to the west of the old town.
Vela Luka, Supetar
A lovely little beach set on a peaceful bay.
Do & See
Island of Brac Museum, Skrip
Perfect for getting a little context on the island towards the beginning of your trip, this lovely little museum is carefully curated and very informative. It’s also a great place to escape the heat.
+385 21 637 092
Olive Oil Museum, Skrip
Family run museum showing guests how the building was previously used, as an olive oil mill. The mill started operation in the 1860’s. Having been restored, you can now see many of the original tools as well as demonstrations of how it all worked.
muzejuja.com
Vidova Gora, near Bol
Walk or mountain bike to the top of Vidova Gora (780m), the highest peak on the Croatian islands, for fantastic views over the sea to Hvar, with Vis rising on the horizon.
Blanca Monastery, near Bol
Trek to the Franciscan Blanca Monastery, originally established in 1551. Afterwards, reward yourselves with lunch at Konoba Vidova Gora.
Stonemason School, Pucisca
Brac is famous for its stonemasonry and this school has been in operation since 1909. Located In Pucisca, students come to study here for 3-4 years. It’s amazing to see the skill, effort and craftsmanship involved in the students work, with some pieces taking teams of students multiple years to complete.
Scuba Diving, Supetar
Amber Dive Center can arrange dives to underwater caves and wrecks, as well as courses for those looking to learn. For a low effort option, you can try snorkelling too.
Aqua Park, near Bol
The inflatable water park at Bol has a floating course that you can run, jump and slide across. With different obstacles, it’s a bit like being on your own episode of Wipe Out (although perhaps a little less intense). Great fun for older kids.
aquapark-bol.com
Cycle
Bikes can be hired in Sumartin at Brač e-bike, a little hire shop on the harbour.
Sumartin | +385 99 631 6716
and in Bol, at Activ-Bol
Bol | active-bol.com
Stina Winery
The waterfront Stina winery is the perfect place to sit at tables or on the edge of the stone walkway, taste some of Brac’s renowned local wine, and marvel at the luxury yachts bobbing with the waves. There is a showroom and tours available - take a peek at the winemaking process then pick up a couple of bottles. White and red wines are available.
Bol | stina-vino.hr
Diocletian’s Palace
City life still focuses on the remarkable and extensive Roman remains of Diocletian’s Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these Roman remains were built as an imperial palace and military fortress for the emperor. Dating back to the 4th century AD, city life still swirls around them.
Split
Cinema
There is a great retro outdoor cinema in Bol; the entrance is opposite the Marinero Bar. They tend to screen two films per night, so keep an eye out for the posters around town to see what’s showing and when.
Bol
Boat Hire
Boats can be hired through the company Afitat based in Bol - mention our island contact Milka and they will do a good price.
info@afitat-bol.com | +385 99 218 9876 | afitat-bol.com
Shopping
Bakeries
The best in Sumartin is round the corner at the port, handy for picking up a few things for breakfast.
In Bol, the best is opposite the fish market.
Studentac Market
Handy little supermarkets dotted across Brac- in Sumartin there is one on the harbourside next door to the bakery.
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.