Guess Which Croatian Island is my Dream Holiday Spot
Brač is my favorite Croatian island, a place to which I keep returning over and over again. The best time to visit? It is undoubtedly the end of September, when most tourists have bid farewell and returned to their everyday lives 😀.
How extraordinary it is to be able to claim a piece of beach time without having to fight for towel space. And the best part is that there’s no scent of sun cream in the air! I can simply relax and bask in the sun’s rays, which still tenderly caress my skin.
The locals on Brač are very friendly, and their warm welcome always impresses me. As I walk through the streets, they greet me with a sincere smile and a friendly “Eee!”. In September, the restaurants on Brač turn into a true haven for gourmands. When the tourist rush is over, it feels as if time stands still, and the staff devotes their attention to each guest individually.
Grape harvesting
Late September on Brač is also the perfect time for lovers of natural sweets! That’s when the island offers its sweetest gifts: mandarins, pomegranates, and carob fruits are ripening. And the grapes… The grape harvest on Brač is a special event not to be missed by anyone visiting the island at the right time. When I was invited to the harvest, I was delighted. It was not just a harvest; it was a celebration—a celebration of the yield, work, and community. Full of laughter, songs, and joy, it was a wonderful experience that added a whole new dimension to my visit to Brač. Well, I didn’t do much work myself, I admit, as I was trying to capture as many events as possible through my lens 📸.
But Brač Isn’t the Only Beautiful Croatian Island. Take a look:
To me, Brač is a true Gem.
Both for the soul and for photography. At the end of September, peace, relaxation, and a genuine connection with the island await me there. After multiple visits, I already feel quite at home here. That’s why I always eagerly anticipate my journey to this beautiful island, where I can surrender to the sun, culinary delights, and the warm welcome of the locals.
I would be delighted to share with you other wonderful destinations stored in my archive. However, I must admit that I’m not quite satisfied with the old photographs I’ve taken. My photographic skills and eye for detail have evolved and improved over the years, making these old images seem somewhat faded.
Nevertheless, I hope to return to the island of Brac soon. At that time, I’ll have the opportunity to once again capture stunning sunsets, uncharted moments, and beautiful tourist gems through my lens. And when I return, I’ll be more than happy to share these new snapshots with you. Next time, I will definitely bring along my FM Nikon, my favorite analog camera. I absolutely must capture these island beauties on film as well.
Photography on Brač
Brač is a true paradise for photography enthusiasts. This magical island offers numerous motifs and scenes that are truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just a lover of creating images, you’ll find an abundance of inspiration for your photos on Brač.
One of the most recognizable features of Brač Island is its coastline, adorned with picturesque beaches, a crystal-clear sea, and rocks. If you get the chance, be sure to visit Zlatni Rat Beach. This scene is perfect for capturing beautiful sunsets or creating portraits surrounded by a natural environment.
Besides beaches, you’ll also find picturesque villages on Brač, such as Pučišće, with its white stone houses and narrow streets creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. Capturing these architectural peculiarities will undoubtedly add a special charm to your pictures.
However, the natural beauties of Brač are not limited to the coastline. The island also boasts impressive landscapes that include mountains, vineyards, olive groves, and hidden bays. Take a walk along the scenic trails and immerse yourself in the untouched nature, where you’ll find opportunities to photograph beautiful views, colorful sunsets, and vibrant plants and animals.
Brač Island’s cultural heritage is also an inspiration for photographers. Churches, monasteries, and historic buildings offer unique motifs that bear witness to the island’s rich past. Every corner of Brač hides its own story, which you can capture with your camera, thus immortalizing a piece of this cultural heritage.
How do I get to Brač?
The easiest way to reach your destination on the island of Brač is by ferry from Split or Makarska, regardless of whether you are traveling by car, train, bus, or plane.
From Split, you can take a ferry to Supetar (50 minutes) or from Makarska to Sumartin (60 minutes). Both ferries transport cars. Outside the tourist season, the ferry from Split to Supetar runs nine times a day, and from Makarska to Sumartin three times.
During the tourist season, the number of sailings increases—ferries from Split to Supetar sail 14 times a day, and from Makarska to Sumartin 4 to 5 times.
- Timetables for ferry from Split to Supetar: https://www.croatiaferries.com/split-supetar-ferry.htm
- Timetables for ferry from Makarska to Bol: https://www.croatiaferries.com/makarska-bol-ferry.htm
By car:
If you are heading to Brač by car, depending on the direction of arrival (from Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, or Bosnia), you will most likely start your journey via Zagreb, on the A1 motorway or the Adriatic Highway, to Split or Makarska.
By plane:
The nearest airports to the island are in Split and Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is 165 km away from Makarska (Makarska-Sumartin ferry). You can take a bus to Makarska or Split, or rent a car or taxi. The airport in Split is 30 minutes away from the ferry port in Split, connected by minibuses and taxis. From there, you can continue your journey to Brač by ferry, catamaran, or hydrofoil to Supetar, Milna, or Bol.
By train or bus:
Don’t worry; the driver or train conductor knows the way. The bus and train stations in Split are directly opposite the ferry port in Split.
My Accommodation:
Each time I visit Brač, I move into the Matulić apartment. It’s a place I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. Its comfort, spaciousness, and pleasant atmosphere are just perfect for a relaxing getaway.
The apartment owners, the friendly Matulić couple, are the ones that make my island visit particularly special. Through them, I have experienced the island in a way that most tourists never do. They have taken me to hidden corners of the island where I discovered the genuine beauty of Brač, far from the tourist trails.
The apartment itself is a space where I feel at ease. It’s spacious and comfortable, equipped with everything I need for a worry-free stay. Every part of the apartment is nicely decorated, giving it a sense of warmth and homeliness.
And then there’s the view from the covered terrace. Every morning, as I step outside, I am greeted by a scene that’s like coffee for my morning eyes. The sea, shimmering under the morning sun, and red stone roofs rising above green pine trees—this is a sight I will never forget.
I am always eagerly awaiting my return there, where my days are filled with discoveries, laughter, and peace.
Discover Fascinating Spots on this Beautiful Croatian Island:
Postira
The town of Postira developed into a settlement in the 16th century as residents of Dol, an inland village on the island of Brač, began to move towards the coast once the threat of pirate attacks had subsided. This shift to the coast breathed new life into Postira, and it gradually became one of the island’s significant settlements.
This charming little fishing town has a lot to offer. The name “Postira” is derived from the Latin word “pastura,” which means pasture or meadow, and refers to the fertile land found in the hinterland of the town. The town is home to a successful fishing factory aptly named “Sardina,” specializing in fish processing.
In the past, Postira’s inhabitants primarily made their living from olive oil production, fruit farming (particularly excellent mandarins and kiwis), cheese-making (using sheep’s milk), and, of course, fishing.
Cultural tourism plays a significant role in Postira’s tourism offerings. Around the town, three archaeological sites have been discovered, with remnants from various historical periods. Among them, Lovrečina is the most interesting. Besides its archaeological value, it’s also famous as one of the most popular sandy beaches on Brač. In Postira, you can see the remnants of an early Christian basilica, sarcophagi, and remnants of an ancient ship harbor. Lovrečina is also the site of various beach parties, where you can enjoy sunbathing and indulging in sea delights.
Postira will captivate you with its history, cultural richness, and picturesque beaches. Visit this beautiful settlement, immerse yourself in its past, and enjoy the unique experiences it offers.
Pučišća
Pučišća is renowned worldwide for its exceptional stone masonry tradition, top-notch stone masons, and the remarkable Brač stone, which has become synonymous with quality and beauty.
Stone masonry in Pučišća goes centuries and is closely intertwined with the history and heritage of this place. The town fabric, public buildings, churches, and many other architectural masterpieces bear witness to the skill and craft of local stone masons. These experienced artisans create beautiful sculptures, statues, relief patterns, and details that have captivated numerous visitors and customers around the globe.
The Brač stone, found in nearby quarries, is known for its exceptional quality and unique properties. Its bright color, strength, and texture provide an excellent basis for the creation of top-tier stone masonry products. Many buildings around the world, including the famous White House in the USA, have been built with the use of Brač stone, demonstrating its grandeur and durability.
Stone masonry is so deeply rooted in Pučišća that a stone masonry school has developed here, where traditional skills and stone-working techniques are passed on. Students learn from experienced masters and delve into the art of designing and creating with stone. This contributes to the preservation and further development of Pučišća’s stone masonry heritage.
Pučišća is truly a place where you can experience and admire top-notch stone masonry and be inspired by the exceptional Brač stone. This combination of remarkable heritage, craftsmanship, and beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression. Visit Pučišća and allow yourself to be taken over by the charm and elegance of stone masonry art that has spread across the world.
Ložišće
Ložišće is one of the youngest settlements on the island of Brač, which locals from Bobovišća began building only in the 18th century. Despite its youth, Ložišće represents an authentic example of classic island stone construction. These settlements bear witness to the hard and persistent work of the inhabitants of Brač, who built their homes on rugged and rocky terrain and removed stone obstacles to free up the land for vineyards and olive groves. This is reflected in the numerous stone heaps and dry walls that can be seen in the vicinity.
The village boasts a picturesque panorama as it is located on a hill above the sea. Stone houses, arranged in a row, rise all the way to the top of the settlement, their facades facing the sun. At the center of the settlement stands the remarkable bell tower of the Church of St. Peter and Paul, considered one of the most beautiful bell towers in Croatia and even beyond.
Ložišće is a place where you can admire the heritage and strength of the people who shaped this picturesque settlement with their work. Visit Ložišće and walk its streets; feel the energy and history it carries within. This place will show you how, with persistence and love for the land, something extraordinary can be created.
Dol
Dol is a charming eco-ethno village that serves as a living monument to ancient times and is now one of the gastronomic centers of this Croatian island. It’s as if you’ve truly stepped back into the Stone Age.
The village is located in a deep valley, 2 km away from Postira, and has only about 130 residents. In this idyllic environment, there are top-notch taverns where you can taste numerous Brač specialties. Among them is Konoba Toni. Yes, it is not cheap, but it offers high-quality and tasty local food and, above all, an excellent atmosphere.
In this place, everything comes together: nature, typical Dalmatian architecture, and a charming atmosphere that prevails. As an interesting fact, locals like to mention that many natives can’t swim, even though the sea is just over 2 kilometers away.
Dol will enchant you with its picturesque beauty. Stone houses with typical roofs, covered with stone slabs, create an authentic atmosphere and take you back to times past. Through narrow alleys and corridors, you can explore traditional Dalmatian architecture. You can delve into the rich cultural heritage of this place. The oldest bell on the island of Brač, located in the bell tower of the Church of St. Peter, testifies to the long tradition and religious significance of the place.
The village of Dol is truly a unique destination, where natural beauty, historical architecture, and an authentic atmosphere combine. Visit Dol on the island of Brač and surrender to its unique charm, which will enchant you and leave a lasting impression.
Bol
Bol is a picturesque coastal town, known for its unique beauty, crystal-clear sea, and beautiful beaches. That makes it a favorite destination among tourists.
The most significant attraction of Bol is undoubtedly the Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) Beach. It is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic. This extraordinary beach extends in the form of a spit, changing its shape depending on the sea currents and wind. Zlatni Rat is a paradise for sun, sea, and watersports enthusiasts, offering activities like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and diving.
Bol’s seaside promenade is full of vibrant cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can indulge in local cuisine and shopping.
Beyond its natural beauty, Bol is also a historic town with a rich cultural heritage. The old part of the town charms with its narrow streets, stone houses, and lively atmosphere. Near Bol, you can also find the Blaca Monastery, once a refuge for hermits and a unique cultural landmark.
Bol is a popular destination not only for its natural beauty but also for its diverse range of activities, such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and exploring the surrounding villages. You will find numerous restaurants here offering delicious local specialties. Freshly caught fish, excellent olive oil, and other Dalmatian delicacies will impress you.
Bol is a true gem, offering everything a tourist could wish for. Natural beauty, rich culture, sports activities, and the friendliness of the locals are breathtaking. Whether you’re seeking beach relaxation, active holidays, or a cultural experience, Bol is sure to provide an unforgettable experience. However, it’s the most popular tourist spot on the island. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, you may need to venture off the beaten path.
Conclusion
Brač is island of astonishing beauty and immense cultural heritage. It boasts numerous natural and architectural attractions that impress visitors with their uniqueness. From picturesque stone settlements, pristine beaches to rich vineyards – every corner of this island offers something special.
As far as photography is concerned, Brač is a feast for the eyes. With its natural beauty and diversity, it’s ideal for creating unforgettable shots. You can capture the early morning light spilling over vineyards or the stunning sunset by the sea. Ancient churches, narrow streets, and rustic stone houses all provide endless opportunities for exceptional captures.
I hope to return to this wonderful Croatian island oasis soon. I can’t wait to count the sheep again, breathe in the fresh air infused with the scent of the sea, and taste all the natural goodness that Brač offers. Returning to Brač means not just going back to a place I love, but also rediscovering all the wonders this island provides through the lens of my camera.
And which Croatian island is your favourite 😀?