Gazing out at the turquoise green water of the Adriatic Sea never gets old, but the homes and storefronts on Brac that are nestled next to it are ancient. The orange tile roofs contrast sharply with the beige stone walls. It all looks like something in a travel brochure or a gorgeous painting. I had no idea Croatia was so stunning. It is only one of many reasons you should visit the Island of Brac, Croatia.
Picturesque Beauty
The crystal clear water of the Adriatic Sea
The greenish-blue water of the Adriatic Sea is crystal clear and when you look down you can see the colorful stones aligning the shore and schools of fish swimming about trying to avoid the clutches of a fisherman’s rod or net. The shore isn’t sandy, it’s full of little pebbles, but it’s spectacular none the less. The island itself is full of rolling hills and rocky cliffs. Currently Spring wild flowers are popping up all over the place. I’ve seen plenty of purple wild iris, yellow primrose, and some other cute little flowers I don’t recognize. I’ve been taking so many pictures I keep expecting my smartphone to run out of memory!
Charming Villages
Bol, on the The Island of Brac
Scattered among the rolling hills and rocky shores are a number of picturesque villages full of friendly locals. Supetar is the largest town on the island and home of the busy ferry terminal. You can easily island hop to many of the other Adriatic islands in the area from Supertar. Skrip is the oldest settlement and looks like something out of a fairytale. Mirca is a quaint little fishing village and sailing hub. It’s a great place to stroll and take in the local culture. Bol is where I’m staying, and it won my heart from the moment I stepped on its cobblestone streets. One thing is for sure, each village on Brac has its own personality and they are all charming in their own special way.
Fascinating History
Pustinja Blaca
Ancient ruins are scattered around the island and lend mystery to the fascinating history of the Island of Brac. Pustinja Blaca is probably the most world renowned of historic places on the island. It is a massive monastery that was built during the 15th century into the rocky cliffs of a noble mountain. When I first saw it, I gasped in wonderment. How could something so intricate have been built with such crude tools?
Olives and Vineyards
Everywhere you turn on Brac there are olive trees and vineyards. In fact, Brac is home to some of the best olive oils in the world. At one time it was home to over two-million olive trees, but now there are only about half a million cultivated on the island. Some of the rarest and most expensive bottles of olive oil sell for over $175 per bottle!
A small private vineyard on Brac
The grapes grown on the island are equally as impressive. The red wines are particularly popular. Many of the locals make their own wine or sell their grapes to one of the major wineries on the island. Stina Winery is my personal favorite and is located in Bol, right on the waterfront. It’s the perfect place to take in the incredible view of the sea while sipping on your favorite vino.
Amazing Hand-Carved Stone
Brac is home to several large stone quarries that are famous for its quality white limestone and the talented craftsmen who carve it. The village of Pucisca is the central hub for stone masons to learn their ancient art. Lovely stone handicrafts made from gifted artisans are proudly displayed for sale, and very hard to resist. You can find everything from enormous marble tables to little intricate candle holders or clocks.
The Island of Brac, Croatia is a fun and memorable place to visit. The busy season is May to August and there is much more to do during that period. Off-season is cheaper and quieter, and the beauty remains despite variable weather, fewer open restaurants and the absence of seasonal activities.