Brac Island

Brac Island

Brac is one of those islands that feels immediately welcoming. It’s close enough to the mainland to be easy to reach, yet once you arrive there’s a noticeable shift in pace — the sort of gentle rhythm that makes you slow down without really trying. Travelling around the island, we’ve always been struck by how varied it is: quiet coves on the north coast, dramatic limestone ridges inland, and long stretches of pine forest that seem to swallow the heat of the day.

Zlatni Rat is, of course, the island’s headline act. Even if you’ve seen the photographs, nothing quite prepares you for the way this pale shingle spit pushes out into the sea, changing shape with the winds. It’s busiest in summer, but early in the morning or late in the afternoon it has a completely different atmosphere — calmer, more reflective, with the light catching the water in a way that’s hard to forget.

Away from the coast, Brac’s interior is a patchwork of olive groves, vineyards and small hamlets where life still feels anchored to the land. Vidova Gora, the island’s highest point, is well worth the climb. The path winds through fragrant pine forest before opening out to a sweeping view across the Adriatic; on a clear day you can pick out Hvar and even the distant outline of the mainland mountains.

The island’s towns each have their own character. Supetar is the natural gateway, with a lively harbour and plenty of places to settle in for a long lunch. Bol, on the south coast, has a more energetic feel, especially along its waterfront promenade. Postira, by contrast, is quieter and more traditional — a place where fishing boats still set out at dawn and the evenings unfold at a gentler pace.

Brac’s heritage is woven into its stone. Pučišća, with its renowned masonry school, is a reminder of the island’s long tradition of stone carving; watching students work by hand is a rare insight into a craft that has shaped buildings across Croatia. Inland, the small monastery near Nerežišća offers a moment of stillness and a glimpse of the island’s spiritual history.

Food on Brac is wonderfully straightforward: fresh fish, excellent olive oil, local cheese and lamb that the island is rightly proud of. Many of the best meals are found in small konobas tucked away in the villages, where the cooking is simple, generous and rooted in local ingredients.

Brac is an island that rewards unhurried exploration. Whether you’re walking through pine forest, lingering over a seafood lunch or wandering through one of its harbour towns, it has a way of drawing you in and revealing itself slowly — which is part of its charm.

We look forward to being of service.