Brac Island holidays

Best hotels in Brac Island

When you're looking for a trip off the beaten path, you can't go wrong with Brac holidays. The island of Brac may be the biggest in Croatia, but it's raw, authentic, and ideal for those craving a taste of the Mediterranean as it used to be. Laze on the Zlatni Rat beach (a famous, winding stretch of white-stone pebbles) or hop from bar to bar along Bol's winding cobblestone alleyways.

The island of Brac features unspoiled beaches, historic stone villas, and lush evergreen forests. Although Brac is one of Croatia's largest islands, it's remarkably uncrowded and free of tourists, so there's plenty of space to explore. Dive into the blazingly blue sea while admiring dramatic peaks - there are plenty of opportunities for watersports and outdoor adventures. Explore holidays to Brac Island and find yourself amongst olive trees and vineyards, crystalline waters, and the breathtaking Adriatic coast.

Get a taste of the Adriatic

Families and couples alike will enjoy holidays to Brac Island. Get your adrenaline pumping with a watersports adventure or simply relax on the beach at Zlatni Rat, one of the world's most enchanting seascapes. You can explore ancient caves and marvel at amazing architecture, and then indulge in local fare; locally-produced sheep’s cheese and dry white wine are among the highlights. The Island of Brac produces some excellent wines, and many wineries operate year-round, welcoming visitors to enjoy a tour of their vineyards.

Visit one of Europe's most beautiful beaches

Brac Island has one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, ideal for those who want to spend their days relaxing and rejuvenating. The beach of Zlatni Rat extends into the Hvar Channel, where a gentle current brings crystal-clear waters - great for swimming or snorkelling. Windsurfing is also popular on the beach, so you can learn or improve your skills while you're away. If you want some quiet time, head to one of the wilder, windswept coves or rent a boat to explore them by sea.

Embrace Adriatic island life

When it comes to attractions on Brac Island, you'll find some fantastic experiences that'll make your trip unforgettable. Spend some time admiring the vineyards of the Stina Winery before tasting the fruits that make the wine, or climb up to the Blaca Hermitage, a crumbling monastery that rises up from the hills. Nautic Center Bol offers boat trips and action-filled excursions if you're looking for some water-based fun.

Sample traditional specialities

Bol on the southern coast is one of the more popular towns on Brac Island, but the island also has several picturesque fishing villages with pretty harbours and beautiful villas, built from the local white stone. Rent a car to explore the area at your own pace, stopping off at the ruins of an ancient basilica in Povlja, in the northeast.

For a satisfying meal after a full day of sightseeing, local specialities like vitalac (skewered lamb grilled on open-flames), or peka, a dish of potato and squid cooked for several hours under a metal dome, will not disappoint. The island is also famous for its wine, cheese and olive oil, all perfect accompaniments for an evening meal.

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9 to 25 ℃

Want to soak up the sun? July and August are your best bet, with highs in the low 30s°C

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3 hours

Fly to Split International Airport, around 50km away

Map of Brac Island

Brac Island is best for...

Beach lovers: Looking for picturesque shorelines? You’re in luck. Make a beeline for Zlatni Rat, which is generally thought to be one of Europe’s finest beaches.

Foodies: Croatia is famous for its sharp ewe’s cheese, outstanding wines, delicious lamb, and fruity, fragrant olive oil. You can tuck in during your stay on the island of Brac.

Adventurers: Windsurfing, mountain trekking, and scuba diving; it’s all here. Zlanti Rat Beach is one of the best spots for water sports. Plus, there’s even an annual extreme sports festival in July (it’s called Vanka Regule).

Getting around Brac Island

By car hire: Want to explore the island of Brac at your own pace? Renting a car gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

By bus: If you’re not planning on hiring a car, you could travel around by bus instead; it’s a convenient and inexpensive alternative.

By boat: Hop from beach to beach by hailing down a taxi boat, or rent your own boat and take a trip along the coast.

Fast facts for Brac Island

Language: The language spoken is Croatian. The locals know the odd bit of English, but it’s worth packing a phrasebook or downloading a language app to help you out with the essentials, like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

Currency: Croatian Kuna is the currency in Croatia.

Local time: Brac Island is an hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Split International Airport, which is around 2 hours from Brac Island by coach and ferry.

Flight time from the UK: 2.5-3 hours.

Tourist information: Find out more before going to Brac Island Croatia over at www.bracinfo.com.

Events in Brac Island

Supetar Summer Festival: In late June, the tiny town of Supetar erupts into a three-month-long festival. It’s a real celebration of local culture, featuring classical, pop, and jazz music, a famous fisherman’s feast, klapas evenings, theatrical performances, and loads more.

Vanka Regule: Held in July, this extreme sports festival is all about trail running, mountain biking, free climbing, windsurfing, and more. It’s combined with a film festival, too, with plenty of al fresco screenings for adventure lovers.

Open-air cinema: When summer rolls around, a pop-up cinema shows up on the waterfront in Bol. Catch recent releases and all-time classics depending on when you go. When you’re done, head for a laid-back drink along the promenade between Bol and Zlanti Rat Beach.

Brac Island safety and security

Visa / Health: Before you travel to Brac Island, head to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/croatia for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Brac Island weather

Temperature: 9°C to 25°C

Brac Island enjoys the privilege of being located in one of the sunniest spots in Europe. Basking in an average of 12 hours of sunshine a day in spring and 13 hours in the summer, you’ll find the warmest months are between May and September, with the mercury hopping into the low thirties between July and August. May and June offer slightly cooler conditions, making them ideal times in which to explore the island’s natural attractions. September and October also see the mercury hovering in the low-to-mid-twenties. November is the wettest month and the temperatures continue to fall, hitting their lowest in January, at around 9°C, but it’s still mild enough to get some exploring done.