Bol, Brac Island - Croatia
Brac, Bol - Bold and beautiful
For an island that boasts one of the world’s best beaches, Brac remains relatively unknown.
Located along the island-speckled Dalmatian Coast, Brac is often overshadowed by its bigger, brasher neighbours. Despite this, Brac offers breathtaking natural beauty, history to boot, interesting architecture, and a decent serving of wine and seafood. Plus it’s all easily within reach via ferry or plane from Dubrovnik or Split.
Life at the old port town of Bol passes at a leisurely pace. Arriving by sea the white stone buildings beckon visitors into winding streets. Al fresco restaurants and cafes take advantage of sublime weather providing for an atmospheric meander during the evening. If you can manage to venture further inland go to Kopacina, which serves the island’s famed lamb in all ways you can imagine as well as the island's fresh seafood.
From Bol, take a leisurely stroll along the seaside promenade to nearby beaches. The path provides views of the Adriatic Sea and is shaded by large overhanging pine trees. Along the way the daily market stalls proffer souvenirs of the island's most famous exports, lavender and white stone. The high quality stone has been utilised to build Roman Palaces and even the White House in Washington.
The photogenic Golden Horn beach (‘Zlatni rat’) protrudes into the Adriatic Sea with its iconic v-shape. Born from the forces of wind and tide, the beach is characterised by sapphire waters and golden pebbles. The round pebbles are surprisingly therapeutic to lie on and beautiful to the touch. And best of all there’s no pesky sand to deal with after a long day at the beach. For those more inclined to recline, there are deck chairs and umbrellas on offer. Otherwise grab a kayak, paddleboard or windsurf the tranquil waters.
Shifting your eyes inland and away from the glimmering coast, an almighty mountain looms into view. Vida Gora is almost 800 metres high and is accessible by road or walking trail. The panoramic views of the Golden Horn and surrounding islands from the summit inspires the stuff of legends. Another great walking trail leads to the medieval Dominican monastery. The monastery has a unique botanical garden and museum with important historical artefacts and baroque paintings.
Like a freshly written poem, Bol eagerly awaits its visitors with the promise of beauty.
