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Bol Brac: Beaches, Bars & Insider Travel Tips
This is the only Bol Brac travel guide you’ll ever need.
I’ve been living in Croatia for over ten years, but Bol has been part of my life since I was a kid. Every summer I’d stay here with my best friend whose family has a house in town, and some of my favorite memories were made in this little seaside place. We’d jump off the pier after the catamaran left, sneak out through the window at night, swim in spots only locals knew about, and end the evenings at Varadero.
Hi! I’m Olivia, a US-born Croatian who’s been living in Croatia full-time since 2014. I’ve spent over 30 years exploring the country, from childhood visits to now traveling every corner as my job.
📍 Make sure to grab my free Croatia map with 500+ places I’ve personally visited and recommend.
I still go back all the time, and Bol hasn’t lost its magic.
It’s beautiful, of course, but what keeps pulling me back is the laid-back island vibe that makes you slow down and just enjoy being there.
Over the years I’ve figured out all the best beaches in Bol, where to eat, where to go out, and how to make the most of your time. I’ve wrapped it all up here so you don’t need to look anywhere else to plan your trip.
How to Do Bol Brac Like a Local
Brac is Croatia’s third-largest island, famous for its white stone and Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach, the most photographed beach in the country. The island’s landscape is rocky and dry compared to greener Croatian islands, which gives it a different kind of beauty. You’ll also notice plenty of olive groves and vineyards as you explore.
✅ Stay: Villa Dalmatina – my top pick in Bol, modern, comfortable, and in a great location.
✅ Eat: Boket78 – tucked-away courtyard restaurant with incredible food and service.
✅ Drink: Varadero Cocktail Bar – best spot in town for coffee by day, cocktails and DJs at night.
✅ Beach: Zlatni Rat – Croatia’s most famous beach, with clear water and that iconic horn shape.
✅ Explore: Best Day Trips from Bol – from Hvar Town to Blaca Monastery, here’s where to go when you’ve had your fill of the beach.
How to Get to Bol
The easiest way to get to Bol is by high-speed catamaran from Split. The ride takes just under an hour and drops you right in the harbor.
During high season (between June and August), I recommend booking your catamaran tickets in advance as tickets tend to sell out quickly.
If you’re bringing a car, you’ll need to take the ferry from Split to Supetar and then drive about 45 minutes to Bol.
How Many Days to Spend in Bol
I’d recommend at least 3 days here. That gives you enough time for beaches, wandering the Old Town, and trying some of the restaurants and bars. If you want to explore more of Brac or take a day trip to Hvar, stay 4–5 days.
Best Beaches in Bol Brac
Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn)
This is the beach you’ve probably seen in every photo of Croatia. Zlatni Rat is a long triangle of pebbles that juts into the sea, and the very tip actually shifts depending on the wind and currents. It’s pretty wild to see from above, but even at ground level it’s impressive.
The beach itself is a mix of paid lounger sections and free areas where you can just throw down your towel. The path from town to Zlatni Rat is half the fun — it winds through a pine forest, shaded and smelling amazing, with little food stands, bars, and smoothie kiosks along the way. It does get busy in July and August, but it’s iconic for a reason.
Racic Beach
If you head in the opposite direction of Zlatni Rat, following the coastal path past the harbor, you’ll reach Racic Beach. It’s smaller, quieter, and feels more local. It’s tucked between the Dominican Monastery and Ribarska Kucica restaurant, with gorgeous views back toward town. There’s a tiny café in the shade that’s cash only — perfect for a quick coffee or beer. This was always one of the go-to “after school” beaches for locals, and it still has that everyday feel.
Martinica Beach
Right behind the Dominican Monastery, Martinica is one of my favorites. I used to swim here in the mornings when I stayed with my best friend’s family, and it’s still the place I go when I want something simple and quiet. The water is crystal clear, but there’s almost no shade, so mornings or late afternoons are best. Behind the monastery, there’s a small café with an incredible sea view. The service isn’t great, but honestly, it doesn’t matter when you’re sitting there with the sound of the waves below.
Murvica Beach
If you have a car, make the short trip west of Zlatni Rat to Murvica. It’s more low-key than the beaches in town and doesn’t get crowded, even in summer. The beach is pebbly with unbelievably clear water, and there’s a stretch of forest above where you can find natural shade. It’s the kind of place you bring a picnic and spend the whole day.
Best Beach Bars in Bol
One of the best parts of Bol is that you can spend all day by the water and never be far from a good cocktail or coffee. The beach bars here range from casual and family-friendly to full-on party spots.
- NOA – A chilled-out bar with a bit of style. It’s a great place to grab a light lunch or sip a cocktail in the afternoon while watching kite surfers skim across the water. The vibe is relaxed but polished enough that it feels like a treat.
- Ured – Right next to NOA, Ured is more laidback. They only serve pizza, which hits the spot if you’re happy with something simple. If you want more variety, there’s a food kiosk just above that does smoothies, burgers, and sandwiches, but the line can get long and slow.
- Fanatik na moru – My personal favorite when I want something low-key. It’s got that surfer-bar feel, with people lounging around in swimsuits and salty hair, cold beer in hand. Unlike most places in Bol, this one stays open later, so it’s a good option if you’re not ready to call it a night.
- Auro Beach Bar – Located right on Zlatni Rat, Auro is where things pick up. During the day it’s a solid spot for a casual drink, but at night it transforms into a beach party. DJs, dancing, cocktails in the sand — the full summer experience.
And then there’s Varadero in town, which is the place everyone ends up at some point. It’s open from morning to night, with great breakfast (avocado toast, smoothie bowls) and solid coffee. At night it turns into the main cocktail bar, with DJs and a fun crowd that skews more 30s+ than teen summer break.
When the music stops at midnight (local rules), you can jump on the free shuttle to 585 Club up in the pine forest. It’s a proper nightclub with a big dance floor, international DJs, and a late-night party vibe.
Where to Eat in Bol Brac
- Konoba Dinko – A family-run tavern outside the Old Town with authentic, home-cooked food.
- Caffè Bar Kala – Relaxed spot with sea views, pizza, lasagna, and cash-only. Feels like a local hangout.
- Loggia 1884 – Excellent service, modern menu, and you can pay by card.
- Boket78 – Tucked-away courtyard, top-notch food, and one of the best dining experiences in Bol.
- Konoba Gušt – Generous portions, friendly service, and fantastic traditional dishes.
- Stina Winery – Right on the water. You can sip a glass of wine, do a tasting, or even join a winery tour. Their Vugava is a must-try.
📍🗺️ Find the exact location of all of these spots and more on my Croatia map! 👇
Things to Do in Bol Brac (Beyond the Beach)
Bol is known for its beaches, but if you only swim and sunbathe, you’ll miss out on a lot. Here’s what else to add to your list:
Rent a bike and ride the coast – The path from town to Zlatni Rat is perfect for a casual ride, and if you’re up for more, you can continue west toward Murvica. Bikes are easy to rent in town and give you the freedom to explore beyond the main spots.
Vidova Gora – At 780 meters, this is the highest point on Brac and gives you the postcard view of Zlatni Rat from above. You can hike, bike, or taxi up. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Hvar, Vis, and Korcula.
Try windsurfing or kitesurfing – Bol is famous for its maestral wind, which makes the conditions perfect for these water sports. Even if you’ve never tried before, there are schools right by Zlatni Rat (near NOA and Ured) where you can take lessons. If you’re not up for it yourself, it’s still fun to watch the action.
Ljetno Kino (Summer Cinema) – An outdoor cinema on a rooftop in town. It’s small and charming, and there’s something magical about watching a film under the stars after a long beach day.
Vinarija Senković – A small winery in the countryside, about 20 minutes from Bol. It feels hidden away, with a cozy terrace and excellent wines. Their dessert wine is a standout, and it pairs perfectly with a plate of homemade sweets.
Olive Oil Museum – A small but interesting spot where you can learn about the history of olive oil on Brac, one of the island’s main traditions.
Blaca Monastery – A 16th-century monastery built into the side of a cliff, accessible via a bit of a hike. It’s one of the island’s most unique cultural sites and worth the trip if you want a break from the beach.
Kaštil Gospodnetić – A family-run agroturismo in Dol, just outside Bol, where you can eat homemade dishes on a terrace overlooking the valley. The setting is incredible, with grapevines overhead and old stone walls around you. You need to book ahead (and even place your order in advance), but it’s absolutely worth it.
Where to Stay in Bol Brac
1. Villa Dalmatina
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Villa Dalmatina is my top pick because it is perfectly situated right between Zlatni Rat Beach and the Old Town. It’s perched on a hill, just far enough away from the buzz of the Old Town, but close enough to walk everywhere in just 10 minutes.
This adults-only boutique property has only 11 apartments, all of them with views of the sea. Beautifully designed spaces with a calming color palette and airy vibe.
Breakfast here is superb, and they mix up the menu each morning with innovative salads, toasts, mini American-style pancakes and more. Everything is prepared fresh, and the breakfast area is to die for (especially the terrace!).
There is also a saltwater pool which is ideal for relaxing when you just want to hang back. You can rent bikes from Villa Dalmatina as well, which I’d recommend doing. Take it to Martinica Beach for the day 😉
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
2. Hotel Elaphusa Bol
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Hotel Elaphusa sits right on the scenic path that leads to Zlatni Rat, so you can be at Croatia’s most famous beach within minutes. Location-wise, it’s hard to beat if beach access is your priority.
The hotel has everything you’d expect from a resort-style stay: modern rooms, both indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a wellness center, and a cocktail bar for winding down in the evenings. Families are well covered too, with a Kids’ Club and complimentary activities designed to keep little ones entertained.
The breakfast buffet is another highlight, with an impressive variety and quality that consistently earns praise from guests.
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
3. Hotel Kaštil
⭐️ RATING: 4/5 Stars | 🏨 View on Booking.com
Hotel Kaštil is right in the heart of Bol, set inside a former baroque fortress that once belonged to a local aristocratic family. Staying here feels like being part of the town’s history, while still enjoying all the modern comforts of a boutique-style hotel.
The location couldn’t be better: just steps from the sea and surrounded by Bol’s restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Rooms are air-conditioned, many with sea views, and the hotel itself has some of the town’s best dining and nightlife on site. Guests can enjoy dinner at the à la carte restaurant Vusio, grab a pizza at Terrace Pizzeria Topolino while listening to live music, or start the night at Varadero, Bol’s most popular cocktail bar.
Its central setting makes Hotel Kaštil a favorite for couples, who rate the location especially high for a two-person getaway.
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
FAQs About Bol Brac
How many days do you need in Bol?
Three is perfect, but four or five gives you more time for day trips.
Can you take a day trip to Hvar from Bol?
Yes. There’s a direct catamaran to Hvar Town, which makes it easy.
How do you get from Split to Bol?
The high-speed catamaran is fastest at just under an hour. Or take the ferry to Supetar and drive.
Is Zlatni Rat worth visiting?
Definitely. It gets busy, but it’s one of the most unique beaches in Croatia.
Final Thoughts on Bol Brac
Bol has a way of getting under your skin. Between the beaches, food, bars, and relaxed island vibe, it’s one of those places you’ll want to return to again and again. If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, Bol deserves a spot at the top of your list.
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As of January 1st, 2023, the official currency of Croatia is the Euro and NOT the Kuna (which is also the name of the national animal of Croatia).
🇭🇷 What language do they speak in Croatia?
Croatian is the official language of Croatia. Learn some phrases in Croatian before your trip with the Ling app!
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10000% YES – Seriously, don’t leave home without it. You never know what can happen on the road. I like SafetyWing because they provide excellent coverage for as little as $1.50 a day.
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For Croatia hotels, Booking is by far the best site.
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I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
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Yes! – In fact, renting a car in Croatia is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend Discover Cars because they check both local and international rental companies to ensure you get the best deal. (Get your Croatia road trip itinerary here)
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Depending on where you are coming from you may or may not need a visa to enter Croatia. Check the official Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information on who should apply for a visa.
