19 Things To Do In Bol, Brac Island Croatia

Of all of the things to do on Brac Island, Croatia, we suggest you get ready to discover Bol. Here are 19 things to do in Bol Croatia.

Ready to start your Dalmatian island getaway? Travel to Croatia and head to Bol. It’s a fascinating port town in Brač, Croatia. Brač Island sits on the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia, easily reached by ferry from Split or Makarska in Dalmatia.

This guide of top picks for things to do in Bol will help you plan that annual family holiday, romantic getaway, or that once-in-a-lifetime trip with friends. We’ve selected places with authentic Croatian food, the best local experiences, and tips for the beach and must-see cultural attractions.

1. Zlatni Rat Beach

Croatian holidays must include at least one beach trip – and I think of all of the things to do in Bol – the prettiest beach in Croatia is Zlatni Rat Beach. This beach is long, golden, and covered in pebbles; this beach protrudes over 500 meters out into the Adriatic Sea in a v-shape, surrounded by deep blue and turquoise water. The shape of the beach changes with the wind and water current, making it one of the unique in Croatia.

2. Try The Local Wines Of Bol

A beach day can make you thirsty, so we suggest visiting Stina Winery, situated on the main promenade. The newly formed winery is a blend of new and old traditions serving some of Croatia’s finest wine. The Stina Wine Project began in 2009 when local winery Jako Vino leased a cellar from the Agricultural Cooperative of Bol and began purchasing grapes from the local vineyards.

3. Step Back In Time At Blaca Monastery

In the early 16th century, two Glagolitic monks fled the Turks and were offered protection and shelter in a cave in Bol. After receiving the ownership certificate, these founding monks built a church surrounding the cave, and the jaw-dropping Blaca Monastery was born.

Now a museum, the monastery has dozens of eye-opening artifacts, including 8,000 books, many written in Glagolitic script. These were acquired using payment in the form of wine, olive oil, and honey from the monastery’s farm, shipped to Blaca via boats from Italy and Vienna, and carried up the mountainside by workers. Be sure to opt for the guided tour, and you’ll be shown many exhibits, including paintings, armor, a 400-kilo piano, and a telescope.

4. Get Caught Up In The Mystery Of The Dragons Cave

Known as Zmajeva Spilja to the locals, Dragon’s Cave is one of four monasteries in Bol, and there are some theories about its age and original purpose. Our guide told us that many believe the cave dates back to the 4th century, but most claim it to be from the 15th century.

Choose between these disputing theories during your visit to Dragon’s Cave – tours start in town and require a 1.5+-hour hike up fairly steep terrain overlooking views out to the sea. Carefully examine the carvings to your left and see if you can spot where one theory suggests the original carving was changed hundreds of years later. Not for the faint-hearted or unfit but undoubtedly suitable for those interested in ancient Slavic history and conspiracy theories. 

5. Eat Croatian Cuisine

Vagabundo Restaurant & Bar | Serving exceptional Croatian dishes with a modern twist. Vagabundo has an extensive wine list, a great children’s menu, and incredible views. We could not agree on the standout dish – try them all. Bonus. Vagabundo offers free WiFi

Konoba Vallum. Traditional Mediterranean food served in a cozy and inviting Konoba. We especially enjoyed the fish soup | Visit: Bracka Cesta 13

Terasa Santo. A family-run restaurant with a spectacular view of the port. Don’t pass up the fish platter for two.

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6. Go Back To School

The art of lapidary, a centuries-old tradition, is kept alive in Bol at the Sculpting Academy in Pučišća. It is here where students learn how to take enormous slices of Brač stone and transform them into decorative pieces. Amazingly, it’s the only stone masonry school in Europe, and best of all, you can check it out while school is in session and watch how the stone comes alive.

Fun Fact: The Roman Emperor Diocletian had a palace built in Split made from Brač stone. Roman slaves quarried the stone over many years. You can find out where else Brač stone is said to have been used by checking out these facts about Croatia.

7. Spot The Sculptures

With the stone masonry school on this part of the Dalmatian Coast, it comes as no surprise that the town is covered with sophisticated works chiseled from Brač stone, including many sculptures that are dotted around the picturesque town. See how many you can spot along your travels.

8. Wander Along The Promenade

Stroll along the Bol Promenade, which takes you along the seashore from the town of Bol all the way to Zlatni Rat Beach. The route is lined with Brač stone and shaded with sizeable overhanging pine trees. I’d suggest wandering along with ice cream in hand on your first day to pick out your favorite beach spots.

9. Get A Brač Stone Souvenir

Clocks, mortar, pestles, candlestick holders, and magnets are just a few Brač stone souvenirs cut, sanded, polished, and waiting to be taken home with you. One of the best places to pick up a souvenir is at one of the several kiosks along the beach promenade.

10. Sip Coffee At The Bol Marina

Simple but mandatory. The port is small and has more than a handful of places to drink Croatia’s finest brew. See if you can spot the 15th-century palace with Gothic windows.

11. Head-Up High To Vidova Gora

The highest peak on the Dalmatian Coast is Vidova Gora on the island of Brač. We suggest you ride up to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Bol, Zlatni Rat beach, and out to the brilliant blue sea.

12. Take A Day Trip From Bol

Hvar, Makarska, Split, and many other places are all accessible as day trips from Brač Island, Croatia. Popular tours like this one include lunch, drinks, and transport, meaning all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the sites. A tour of Croatia would be incomplete without visiting one of the Croatian Islands – so why not make it to more than one?

13. Explore The Other Side Of Brač Island, Croatia

Though not quite as charming as Bol, Supertar makes a fun day trip to the other side of the island, 45 minutes away by road. Head to the marina, take a stroll around the town and catch a glimpse of the 18th-century Church of the Annunciation to see partial remains of 6th-century mosaic work.

 

14. Get Out On The Water

You can windsurf, dive or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in many of the Croatian Islands – but Bol has special powers along this stretch of the Dalmatian Coast. The Maestral winds that blow along the southern part of Brač Island make perfect conditions for wind and surf sports.

Both experienced windsurfers or those looking to start should check out the team at Zoo-Station (thanks for the photos, guys) for equipment hire and windsurfing classes in Bol. For kayaking and SUP hire, you have several places to go for equipment for hire at easy-to-find locations.

Windsurfing is just one of the many fun things we recommend for kids to do in Croatia.

15. Rent A Bike In Bol

If you want to arrange bike hire for your Croatian family holidays – there are many places on this Croatian Island to do that; ask your hotel about the closest place to rent a bike in Bol. With an abundance of things to do in such scenic surroundings, you should get on two wheels. A detailed bike map of Bol can be printed off or picked up a copy at the tourist office.

16. Get Pampered At The Spa In Bol

Make a booking at one of the largest and best wellness centers in Croatia. A welcoming team of masseurs & beauty therapists awaits to pamper you at the Thalasso Wellness Centre.

Stretching out in 4,000 m2 of glorious relaxation space, the spa at Elaphusa is one of the largest wellness centers along the Adriatic. I can recommend you book one (or all!) of their unique olive oil treatments. I had both the olive oil facial and the full-body massages in this luxurious spa. Both left me feeling hydrated and wishing I had more time.

17. Visit The Churches Of Bol

There are several churches for you to admire in Bol. The Gothic-Renaissance church, Our Lady of Grace, is the most famous from the 15th century. Standing at the altar is a renaissance painting of Madonna and Child with Saints, painted by the famed Jacopo Tintoretto. The altarpiece was restored in 2003 at the Croatian Conservation Institute, and I was fortunate enough to see the painting in an exclusive private viewing earlier this year. Once open again to the public, I would encourage you to visit to appreciate this intricate portrait close-up.

18. Visit The Local Market In Bol

Scout out the place known as the ‘Kings Stairs,’ and you’ll find the heart of the city, where fruit and vegetables can be purchased. Locals are here daily with the season’s best offerings. The Kings Stairs, where the markets are, were built in honor of Emperor Francis Joseph in 1875.

19. Marvel At The Branislav DešKović Gallery

The Branislav Dešković Gallery is complete with over 380 exhibits collected over 50 years from artists born in or inspired by Bol. The gallery is positioned in the port of Bol, in a 17th-century renaissance-baroque palace named after the first Impressionist sculptor in Croatia, Dešković, of which many of his sculptures are on display. You can’t miss the gallery if you look out for the huge dog statue by the entrance.

As the trees rustle and the waves lap against the shore, don’t forget to take the time to daydream while in Bol.

Is Brac Island Family-Friendly?

Hint: we think that Croatia family holidays are perfect for kids of all ages, even teenagers – yes, we said teens! Deciding if a Croatia holiday is the right choice for your family can be made easier with this helpful guide to Croatia for families. The islands of Brac and Bol, mainly, are excellent for families. With safe beaches and a friendly and welcoming attitude for your wee ones.

So, after you tour Croatia – well, okay, Bol, you’ll need a place to rest your head. Where shall you sleep?

Accommodation In Brac

Now that you know of just some things to do in Bol, you’ll need to know where to stay in Brac. Because Brac Island is so much more than just Bol, there are several places you can find beach accommodation, luxury accommodation, or perhaps you need budget accommodation. Croatia vacation rentals are also available on Brac Island – you need to book your Brac accommodation in advance to get a good deal and nab the best of the bunch.

Croatian villas can vary in price, from ones with many zeros at the end to a very budget-friendly bunch. The Brac villas on offer are booked well in advance, but there is an abundance of them.

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Accommodation In Bol

Enjoy 4-star luxury accommodation at the Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa; it’s where we enjoyed views of Zlatni Rat and one of the other Croatian Island hotspots – Hvar. Family-friendly Croatia resorts come no better than Hotel Elaphusa. It is a 10-minute leisurely stroll to Zlatni Rat along the shaded promenade and provides exceptional service. It has our tick of approval.

More Bol Accommodation Options

Beach accommodation right by Zlatni Rat Beach costs a little more, so consider booking vacation rentals just a few streets back to save some money (and avoid the late-night noise).