Activities on Brač Island
Brač
Brac is more than just a beautiful island - it's a place where you can indulge in authentic Dalmatian cuisine, explore ancient sites, and soak up the Mediterranean sun!
An authentic Mediterranean island and a must-see on your Croatia itinerary is Brač (bratch). The famous Golden Horn beach changes its shape according to the currents and waves, and it’s a windsurfers utopia while small towns such as Milna are known for their relaxed appeal.
Definitely visit the Blaca Hermitage Monastery founded by Glagolitic priests in the 16th century. Hidden gems such as Rasotica cove, which reminds of a fjord or an interesting Smreka (Smrika) where you can anchor your boat in a tunnel fortified by old warplanes make Brač a top island for the Dalmatia itinerary.
The island is famous for its white limestone, which has been used to build many iconic structures, including the White House in Washington D.C. The island is also home to one of the oldest olive trees in the world, estimated to be over 2,000 years old! And, Brac is the birthplace of several notable Croatian figures, including the famous sculptor Ivan Rendic and the writer Vladimir Nazor.
Explore Activities on Brač Island
The Story of Brač
History
Brač history can be traced back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. The island was originally called Brentos which means “stag.” Although the Greeks never had control over the island, they named it Elaphusa.
Similarly to other parts of Dalmatia, Brač became a part of the Roman Empire later on, but there is little visible evidence of the Empire on the island today.
In the 7th century, the Croatian people migrated to Brač, and the island became part of King Tomislav’s Croatian Kingdom in the 10th century. Brač was ruled by the Venetian Empire, the Croatian Kings, and the Croatian-Hungarian Empire in the centuries that followed. Bosnian King Stjepan Tvrtko I gained control over much of the Dalmatian region, including Brač, in 1390, but his death saw King Sigismund of Hungary take over the island.
In 1420, Brač became a part of the Venetian Empire for an extended period, with a Count appointed by the Venetian Senate governing the island. After the Empire’s fall in 1797, Brač fell to the Austrians for a brief period, interrupted by French and Russian rule until the fall of Napoleon in 1814.
Brač’s time under Austrian rule saw cultural and economic improvements, and Supetar was established as the island’s primary administrative centre in 1827. The island’s population peaked in the early 1900s, followed by a significant period of emigration due to a vine lice epidemic that impacted the grape crops.
After World War I, Brač became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, and was occupied by Italy in 1941 and Germany in 1944. The island was liberated from German control after their defeat in July of that year. Brač became part of Yugoslavia after World War II until Croatia declared its independence in 1991.
Gastronomy
The island of Brač has a rich gastronomic tradition that draws on its Mediterranean climate, fertile soil, and abundant seafood. Traditional dishes on the island include lamb roasted on a spit, octopus salad, and fish stews, often prepared with local herbs and olive oil.
Brač is also known for its wines, which have been produced on the island for centuries. The island’s grapevines thrive in the sunny, rocky terrain, producing bold and flavorful wines such as Plavac Mali and Pošip. Many wineries on Brač offer tours and tastings where you can experience the island’s rich culinary culture firsthand!
Olive oil is a staple ingredient in many of Brač’s dishes, including fish stews, salads, and grilled seafood, and is often served alongside freshly baked bread.
In addition to olive oil, Brač Island is also known for its honey, which is produced by bees that forage on the island’s wild herbs and flowers. Honey is used in many local desserts and sweet pastries, including fritule, a type of fried doughnut, and krostule, a twisted pastry dusted with powdered sugar.
If you are visiting Brač, you can also sample the island’s cheeses, which range from soft and creamy to sharp and tangy, and are often served with figs or other local fruits.
Nature
One of the island’s most famous landmarks is Zlatni Rat Beach, a crescent-shaped beach that changes shape with the tides and winds. The island is also home to Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic Islands, which offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
You can explore the island’s historic sites such as the Blaca Hermitage, a 16th-century monastery carved into the cliffside, and the Dragon’s Cave, a unique geological formation.
Nature lovers can also enjoy hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the island’s picturesque landscapes, including the Sutivan Nature Park and the Bol Promenade. Brač Island has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums and galleries showcasing the island’s art and history. All in all, Brač Island offers a wealth of natural, cultural, and historical attractions to explore and enjoy.