Brač is the largest island in central Dalmatia and the third largest in Croatia. It sits directly south of Split, close enough that the mountains of the mainland are visible from most vantage points on the island’s north coast. Brač is most famous for Zlatni Rat, the distinctive pebble cape near Bol that extends like a horn into the sea and shifts shape slightly depending on currents - it is the most photographed beach in Croatia and has appeared on numerous European travel best-of lists.
The island has two main bases for visitors: Bol on the south coast (closest to Zlatni Rat) and Supetar on the north coast (main ferry port and the largest town). A number of smaller villages - Milna, Pučišća, Postira, Škrip - suit travellers with cars who want to explore beyond the main tourist circuit.
Polish and Czech tourists make up a significant share of visitors to Brač. The island is well-served by charter flights into Split Airport, and the frequency of ferry crossings from Split makes logistics straightforward. The combination of clear water, pebble beaches, and reasonable prices relative to Hvar (the neighbouring island) makes Brač a popular choice for first-time visitors to the Dalmatian islands.
The Main Areas
Bol
Bol is the most visited settlement on the island, positioned on the south coast directly facing the open sea. The town itself is compact and pretty, with a line of pine trees along the promenade, a modest collection of konobas (traditional restaurants), and a pleasant harbour. Zlatni Rat beach starts at the western edge of town and the famous pebble cape is a 20-minute walk along the shore.
Accommodation in Bol is mostly apartments, guesthouses, and small hotels. A handful of larger hotel complexes are located close to Zlatni Rat. The south-coast position means Bol gets more direct sun than the north coast and is slightly warmer on average in summer.
The main drawback of Bol is that it is more tourist-oriented and consequently more expensive and crowded in peak season than Supetar or the smaller villages.
Supetar
Supetar is the island’s administrative centre and main ferry port, a 50-minute boat ride from Split. The town has a small harbour, a market, good supermarkets, and a more authentic day-to-day atmosphere than Bol. The main beach in Supetar is a long pebble stretch west of the centre, with pine shade and calm water.
Supetar is the best base for:
- Arriving by car ferry (no advance booking needed for foot passengers; car ferries run throughout the day)
- Exploring the island by rental car
- A quieter, more residential experience with local cafés and restaurants
- Access to the smaller villages on the north coast (Postira, Pučišća, Škrip)
Milna
Milna is a small bay settlement on the southwest of the island with one of the best natural harbours in Dalmatia - frequently filled with sailing yachts. The village is quiet, the pace slow, and the accommodation mainly apartments and a couple of boutique guesthouses. Milna suits couples and travellers who want to escape the main tourist circuit; it requires a car to explore further.
Other Villages
Pučišća is a working quarry town (Brač stone has been used for centuries, including in parts of Diocletian’s Palace in Split) with a beautiful enclosed harbour. Quiet and characterful; mainly apartment accommodation. Škrip is the oldest settlement on the island with an Illyrian fortress; mainly visited as a day trip from Supetar.
Budget Options (Under €70/night)
Apartments in Supetar (Supetar, from approximately €45–65 per night): The most affordable options on the island. A range of family-run apartments within walking distance of the Supetar beach and harbour. Standards vary; look for recent reviews and confirm air conditioning.
Hostel Bol (Bol Town Centre, from approximately €22–28 per dorm bed): A small hostel in Bol, primarily used by solo travellers and groups. Private rooms from approximately €50–70. Well-positioned for early morning access to Zlatni Rat before the day crowds.
Apartments near Zlatni Rat (Bol, from approximately €55–75 per night): Apartments within a 10-minute walk of the beach entrance. Self-catering; convenient for families and couples who want the Zlatni Rat access without paying hotel prices.
Mid-Range Options (€70–150/night)
Hotel Kaktus (Supetar, from approximately €75–115): A well-regarded mid-range hotel in Supetar with a pool, terrace restaurant, and a short walk to the main beach. Good base for those exploring the whole island. Air conditioning throughout; comfortable rooms.
Hotel Elaphusa (Bol, from approximately €95–145): A larger hotel close to Zlatni Rat with multiple outdoor pools, a private beach area, and tennis courts. Family-oriented; the combination of pool facilities and beach access makes it popular with Polish and Czech families. Book from January for July and August availability.
Heritage Hotel Stari Grad (Bol, from approximately €85–130): A boutique-style hotel in a renovated stone building in Bol’s older quarter. More character than the larger resort hotels; smaller pool, quiet terrace. Better suited to couples or travellers who want atmosphere over scale.
Splurge Options (€150/night and above)
Hotel Bluesun Alan (Bol, from approximately €150–230): A four-star hotel directly on the promenade west of Bol, within easy walking distance of Zlatni Rat. Sea-view rooms, a spa, a formal restaurant, and direct beach access. The most complete hotel package in Bol; the sea-view rooms justify the premium in good weather.
Villa Giardino (Milna, from approximately €160–240): A boutique property in Milna’s harbour area, with a small number of rooms, a private garden, and personalised service. Suited to travellers who want seclusion, character, and a sailing-village atmosphere over resort facilities.
Practical Booking Advice
Brač is notably cheaper than Hvar, the neighbouring island, which makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious visitors who still want the Dalmatian island experience. Hotel prices in peak season (July–August) are 30–50% lower than equivalent properties on Hvar.
The key practical constraint is the Split–Supetar ferry for cars. Car spaces fill early in peak season, and travellers arriving on busy summer Saturdays (the standard changeover day for apartments) can wait for multiple sailings. Foot passengers have no such problem - simply turn up and board the next available boat.
Brač can be explored comfortably by bicycle or scooter if you are staying in Bol or Supetar - the main road along the north coast is manageable, though the central mountain road (to Vidova Gora, the highest point of the Dalmatian islands at 778m) is a serious climb. Rental shops in both Bol and Supetar offer bicycles, scooters, and cars.
Zlatni Rat beach is pebbly and the water is shallow for a good distance from shore - excellent for families with young children. The cape is exposed to the maestral wind in the afternoons, which keeps temperatures comfortable but can make the water choppy. Morning visits before 10am are the most pleasant in peak season, before the day-trip boats arrive.
Browse all Brač island accommodation on Booking.com.
Best Area for First-Timers
Bol for beach access (Zlatni Rat within walking distance); Supetar for ferry convenience and a more local experience. Hotel Elaphusa for the best combination of pool facilities and Zlatni Rat proximity; apartments in Supetar for the best value on the island.
Plan Your Trip
Ferry from Split: The Split–Supetar ferry operates throughout the year; the Split–Bol catamaran runs in summer only. Check schedules at the Jadrolinija website or buy tickets at Split harbour.
Flights: Search flights to Split - Split Airport has seasonal direct flights from multiple Polish and Czech airports.
Travel insurance: Get travel insurance for Croatia - covers medical costs, cancellation, and travel delays.
eSIM: Get a data plan for Croatia - EU roaming applies for most European SIMs.
See also: Where to stay in Split | Where to stay in Makarska | Where to stay in Hvar