Ultimate Guide to Bol on Brač Island Croatia

Bol, on the southern coast of Brač Island in Croatia and just a quick ferry ride from Split, is known for its sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear waters, and cultural experiences. Is Bol (Brač) worth visiting though? It’s ideal for those looking for a tranquil vacation, focused on outdoor activities and a slower pace of life. You can enjoy Bol’s famous Zlatni Rat beach, historic sites, wine tastings, and hiking trails. For those looking for more nightlife and entertainment, Split or Hvar Island may be better options. Here is our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Bol on Brač Island, Croatia, how to get there, how long to stay, and what to expect from the weather.

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How to Get from Split to Bol on Brač

Most people who visit Brač Island travel from Split, though it is possible to travel from other cities and islands. To get from Split Airport to the Split ferry terminal, drive, take a bus, or take a taxi/Über. Once there, there are a number of options to get to Bol, depending on whether you are bringing a car or not.

By car ferry (with or without a car)	The Jadrolinija car ferry runs from Split to Supetar (approximately 50 minutes), on the north side of Brač Island. From there, drive or take a taxi about 45 minutes to Bol. Reserve a taxi in advance, especially in high season.
By catamaran (without a car)	During high season, take a Jadrolinija or Krilo catamaran directly from Split to Bol. This ride takes about 1 hour.
By private boat transfer (without a car)	For a more luxurious and flexible option, hire a private boat from Split directly to Bol. This is ideal for groups or those looking for a personalized experience.

Ferries do run between Bol and other islands, such as Hvar and Korčula. Check the latest ferry schedules with Jadrolinija and Krilo. Jadrolinija runs both car ferries and catamarans, while Krilo operates catamarans.

Pro tip: the Croatian islands can get quite windy. There are times when the catamarans are cancelled due to high winds. We’ve had this happen twice when leaving Korčula, though it’s never happened to us on Brač or Hvar. In both cases, the car ferries were still running, so we could get off the island. It can happen that the car ferries are cancelled, but this is much more rare.

Best Things to Do in Bol on Brač, Croatia

The top things to do in Bol on Brač, Croatia include visiting the Zlatni Rat beach, exploring the Dominican Monastery, hiking Vidova Gora for spectacular views, taking a wine tasting tour, and exploring and spending time in old town. There is so much more to see and do in and around Bol for those who have the time, including water sports, visiting the Dragon’s Cave and exploring the small and charming town of Murvica. Let’s dive into more details on the best things to do in Bol:

1. Visit Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach)

Zlatni Rat, which is often called the “Golden Horn,” is one of Croatia’s most iconic beaches. Its unique shape changes with the wind and currents, making it a fascinating natural phenomenon. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or trying water sports like windsurfing and paddleboarding. There are designated swim areas that are roped off from boats for your safety.

The Zlatni Rat beach is a roughly 1.8 km or 25 minute easy walk from the center of Bol town. The walk is on a paved path sprinkled with beaches, restaurants, cafés, and ice cream stands. Beyond Zlatni Rat, the path continues as a rocky dirt path for a stretch before ending around the campground.

2. Explore the Dominican Monastery and Martinica Beach

The Dominican Monastery is perched on a tranquil bay just east of Bol. It is a peaceful retreat with stunning views. Some of the things to see at the monastery are:

• Visit the monastery’s museum, which houses artifacts and artworks, including baroque works by Bartolomeo Litterini. Don’t miss also seeing the first Croatian printed book, dated 1483.
• Make a stop at the Church of St. Mary of Mercy, where the main altar was crafted by the Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto. Visitors who are dressed appropriately can attend mass in the church on Sundays.

After exploring the monastery, take a short stroll to Martinica Beach, located just next door. This charming pebble beach offers a serene spot to relax by the clear waters, which we found much more laid back than Zlatni Rat. There is a casual beach bar on the beach, which is a great spot to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset. This is one of our favorite spots for a late afternoon swim and drink or snack overlooking the monastery.

For a perfect ending to the day, head to Ribarska Kućica, a seaside restaurant nearby, for a sunset dinner with spectacular views of the monastery. Be sure to make reservations if you’d like one of the outdoor tables under the thatched umbrellas that you can see in the photos. The location alone made this our favorite dinner spot, but the seafood was excellent as well.

3. Hike Vidova Gora

One of the classic things to do in Bol is to hike up Vidova Gora. It’s the highest peak on the Adriatic islands, and is moderately challenging (hard according to Alltrails) with loose rock. We felt it was worth the effort, but there are other ways to the top for those who prefer not to tackle this hike. Biking Vidova Gora is quite popular and you can drive a car to the parking lot near the top. It was just a short walk from the parking lot to the views. You’ll be rewarded with vistas of Zlatni Rat, nearby islands including Hvar, and the open sea.

You can find the details of the hike here on Alltrails. It is a 10.7 km (6.7 mile) hike, with 714 m (2,345 ft.) elevation gain if you start in the center of Bol. It is possible to cut off some of the distance by parking closer to the start of the trail.

Some tips for hiking Vidova Gora on Bol:

• We suggest downloading the Alltrails map on your phone before leaving, in case you are out of cell range. We did refer to the map a few times (trying to find the start of the trail). Once on the trail, it was fairly easy to follow.
• Most of the hike is exposed to the sun. Take advantage of the few shady spots to get a break from the sun. Be sure to bring along plenty of water, snacks, a hat, and sunscreen. Refer to our Essential Day Hike Checklist for more suggestions on what to bring along on your hike.
• There is a snack bar and portaloo’s near the main parking lot near the top. The snack bar had very few options when we were there, but they did have water, some other drinks, and a few flavors of ice cream. We have also seen reviews that it is periodically closed. Be sure to bring along enough water for your hike in case they are closed.
• The trail has a lot of loose rock that can be a bit slippery on the way down. It would have been nice to have trekking poles for the descent, though we managed fine without them.

For those more comfortable with a guide, consider this guided hiking tour, with a stop at the olive oil museum in Gažul after the hike. As an added benefit, the starting point reduces the distance of this hike to approximately 7 km.

4. Take a Wine Tasting Tour

Bol is known for its Plavac Mali wine, made from local grape varieties. Visit one of the town’s wineries or vineyards to sample this robust red wine and learn about traditional winemaking methods. Some of the top wineries and wine shops to visit include:

• Stina offers wine tastings in Bol town, which can be scheduled online. They include a guided winery tour, tastings of either white, red, or classics, as well as some light snacks to accompany your tasting.
• Witrina Bol is a wine store in Bol, which also carries olive oils, truffles, and more. They are extremely knowledgeable and provide wine tastings before you buy.
• Wine Tasting Brač is outside in Nerežišća, offering both wine and olive oil tastings in a very traditional setting between white stone houses. Driving or taking a taxi from Bol is easiest.

Pro tip: Bol’s Olive Oil Museum is another great find. Located in Škrip on Brač, it is worth the trip to tour the museum and join in the olive oil tasting.

5. Stroll Through Bol Old Town

The charming streets of Bol’s Old Town are lined with stone houses, shops, and cafes. We felt like they offered an ideal blend of history and Mediterranean ambiance. Start your stroll at the picturesque waterfront promenade, where you’ll find colorful fishing boats and markets. Take your time exploring Bol Old Town, and be sure to stop by local shops to pick up unique souvenirs such as olive oil, lavender products, or handmade crafts. Don’t miss seeing:

• Bol’s Parish Church: A beautiful 17th-century church dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, located in the town center.
• Gallery Branislav Deškovic: Featuring works by Croatian artists, this small gallery is a cultural highlight.
• Historic Stone Houses: Wander through the narrow streets to admire the traditional Dalmatian architecture.

When it comes to meals, consider these recommended spots in old town:

• Konoba Dalmatino: Known for its fresh seafood and local specialties in a cozy setting.
• Restaurant Pumparela: A waterfront restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes with stunning sea views.
• Ranc Restaurant: while not in old town, we’d be remiss not to include Ranc Restaurant on the list. It is located up the hill from town, right near the Tommy grocery store. When we visited, there were more locals than tourists enjoying the typical seafood and Dalmatian food.

6. Go Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, or Paddleboarding

Bol’s breezy conditions make it a hotspot for kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiasts. Beginners can take lessons at one of the local schools, while experienced surfers can enjoy the challenging winds. You’ll find plenty of options for renting equipment or taking lessons.

• Active Bol offers a kiteboarding school for all levels.
• Kite School Croatia has kiteboarding lessons on Zlatni Rat.
• Big Blue Sport offers windsurfing lessons and rentals, paddle board and kayak rentals, bike rentals, and even a volleyball court (and ball) rental.

7. Hike Up to the Dragon’s Cave in Murvica (Drakonjina špilja)

Located near the village of Murvica, just a short drive from Bol, this fascinating cave features carvings and a dragon relief from the 15th century. The dragon cave is a monument to the monastic lives of the 15th century Glagolitic priests. It is notoriously hard to find according to reviews, though we had no issues when following an Alltrails map.

Pro tip: You can’t go into the cave without a guided tour. We’d highly recommend arranging for a tour with local guide Zoran Kojdić to make the most of this experience. He’s incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the cave and the area. Call or text him on WhatsApp (+385 91 514 9787) to arrange the tour.

Dragon Cave Hiking Tips:

• This hike is steep and hard, 2.7 km (1.7 miles) with 307 m (787 ft) elevation gain.
• While the descent loops around a less steep road, it has a lot of loose rocks, which can make it easy to slip. Wearing the right shoes and using trekking poles can make this a more enjoyable experience.
• Be sure to download the Alltrails map before you go; we referred to our map numerous times on this hike.

While you are on this hike, be sure to make stops at one or more of Murvica’s hermitages.

• Stipancic hermitage: the views of the surrounding landscape and islands, were just spectacular.
• Dutić hermitage: Visit the small chapel and living quarters for the hermits, set on a hillside overlooking the sea.

8. Bike from Bol to Murvica to Explore Town and the Beach

Take a scenic bike ride from Bol to the charming village of Murvica, about 5.5 km (3.4 miles) away. The route offers stunning coastal views and passes through vineyards and olive groves. While this ride is on a road, there is a shoulder to bike on and relatively few cars. We rented bikes at the Bluesun Elephusa, as it was convenient to Zlatni Rat and had very knowledgeable staff.

Once you arrive in Murvica, find somewhere to lock your bikes, so that you can explore on foot. We locked our bikes up in the main parking lot in town. Take some time to explore town, including:

• Historic Stone Houses: Admire the traditional architecture that gives the village its timeless appeal. It’s a small town, so easy to wander from end to end.
• Murvica Beach: After exploring the village, head down to the beach, perfect for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying a good book.

For a bite to eat, consider stopping at:

• Konoba Raj: A cozy spot offering traditional Dalmatian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
• Beach Bar Murvica: Located right by the beach, this casual spot serves refreshing drinks and light snacks.

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How Long to Stay in Bol

How long to stay in Bol and Brac depends on your travel goals.

• A short stay of 1-2 days is perfect for those who want to visit Zlatni Rat, explore Bol Old Town, and enjoy a quick tour of the island.
• A medium stay of 3-5 days) gives ample time to delve deeper into hiking Vidova Gora, visiting the Dragon’s Cave, and exploring nearby beaches like Murvica.
• A long stay of 1 week or more is ideal for those looking for a truly relaxing vacation, giving you time to adapt to Bol’s laid-back lifestyle. You can add day trips to nearby islands or simply explore all of the small towns around Brač Island.

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Bol, Brač Weather

Enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean climate in Bol year-round. Here’s what you can expect during each season (see the Best Time to Visit the Coast of Croatia for more recommendations):

Summer (June to August):	Hot and sunny, with average high temperatures from 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F). Bol has the least rain in summer, with July being the driest month.	Ideal for beach activities and water sports.
Spring (March to May):	Mild and pleasant, with high temperatures averaging 17°C and 25°C (63°F to 77°F).	Perfect for hiking and exploring the island.
Autumn (September to November):	Warm and less crowded, with high temperatures averaging 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F). November has the most rain of any month of the year.	Earlier autumn is great for wine tasting and outdoor activities in Bol. Rain increases especially during the 2nd half of autumn.
Winter (December to February):	Cooler and quieter, with high temperatures averaging from 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F). Winter typically has more rain than in other seasons.	Bol is very quiet in winter, with many shops and restaurants closed. For those looking for a very quiet holiday for walks with few tourists, this could be a nice time to visit.

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Where to Stay in Bol

Bol offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. Some top picks include:

• Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa: A beachfront resort with excellent amenities, including a spa and tennis courts.
• Villa Giardino Heritage Boutique Hotel: A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Bol.
• Apartments Villa Jadranka: Perfect for couples looking for self-catering options (adults only).
• House Marti: A vacation rental offering a comfortable and private stay with all the amenities of home, ideal for families or small groups.

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Bol, with its incredible natural beauty and rich cultural experiences, is a destination that will help you to relax. Plan your trip today and discover why this gem on Brač Island is one of Croatia’s most beloved destinations.

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