If you’re in Split and want to visit one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, this Split to Brac island day trip guide is exactly what you need!
Brac is an incredibly stunning and very popular island in Croatia, and trust me, for good reason. If you’re staying in Split and have even one extra day, I highly recommend taking a day trip from Split to Brac so you can experience the magic of this island for yourself.
This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about a day trip from Split to Brac from a Croatia native, including two itineraries you can use, depending on whether you’re visiting with or without a car!
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WHERE IS BRAC ISLAND?
Brac is a Croatian island located in the stunning Adriatic Sea. It’s part of the Dalmatian archipelago, and the closest big city to it is Split. Brac is the largest island in Dalmatia and the third-largest in all of Croatia, covering an area of approximately 396 square kilometers. Since it’s located near the mainland, Brac is easy to reach and absolutely worth the trip.
IS BRAC WORTH VISITING?
Brac is a truly beautiful island that’s absolutely worth visiting. Croatian islands are known for their laid-back vibe, which makes them perfect for a relaxing holiday. Brac is no exception! The island’s nature is stunning, the waters are crystal-clear, and the beaches are incredible. You must see Zlatni Rat Beach, one of Europe’s most unique beaches, and Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic.
Besides its breathtaking nature and crystal-clear sea, Brac is home to several charming villages, such as Bol, Supetar, Pucisca, and Skrip. These are all worth visiting, so there’s plenty to explore on Brac. The island is also known for its famous white limestone, which has been used in iconic landmarks like Diocletian’s Palace. On top of all that, you HAVE TO try fresh seafood, local wines, olive oil, and delicious lamb. Since it’s so easy to reach, Brac isn’t just worth visiting, I’d say it’s a must-do on your itinerary.
IS ONE DAY ENOUGH TO SEE BRAC?
Obviously, one day isn’t enough to fully explore the third-largest island in Croatia. But a day trip to Brac will give you just enough to make you want to come back for more. While you might not have time to discover all the hidden gems, a day is plenty to explore the island’s most popular spots and enjoy the sun on the stunning beaches. If you’re wondering whether Brac is worth visiting even if you only have one day, I can tell you: it absolutely is!
HOW TO REACH BRAC FROM SPLIT
Split has a large port that connects you to almost anywhere in Dalmatia. Because of that, there are a few different ways to get from Split to Brac. On top of that, there are two additional options if the routes from Split don’t quite fit your plans. So no matter what you’re looking for, I’m sure at least one of these will be perfect for you!
SPLIT TO SUPETAR FERRY
The first and most popular option is the ferry from Split to Supetar, operated by Jadrolinija. Supetar is the largest port on Brac, and the ferry runs 12 times a day between these two locations during the summer. The ride is just 50 minutes, and the return trip for a car and two passengers costs around 70 euros. This ferry is a great choice if you have a car and plan to explore the island, as there isn’t much to do in Supetar itself. If you don’t have a car, though, you might want to consider other options.
Tip: Keep in mind that while you can buy your ticket online, ferries in Croatia operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, make sure to arrive early and wait in line to secure a spot on your preferred ferry!
SPLIT TO BOL CATAMARAN
The catamaran from Split to Bol is a great option if you’re visiting Brac without a car, as most of the island’s attractions are in or near Bol. However, the catamaran only runs once a day, and it’s not possible to visit Brac and return to Split on the same day. So, you’ll need to stay overnight in Bol. This is a great choice if you enjoy going out. Bol has a lively nightlife scene, so you can enjoy the beaches by day and the nightlife by night. The catamaran ride takes around an hour and is comfortable and enjoyable. You can book your tickets on Jadrolinija’s website!
SPLIT TO BRAC TOURS
If you’d like to visit Brac from Split but prefer not to go on your own, you can always book a tour. These tours usually include visits to other islands as well, so you won’t have more than an hour or two on Brac, but they’ll likely take you directly to the must-see spots. Visiting other islands is definitely a bonus, especially if you’re short on time. You can book these tours through Viator or GetYourGuide, and I’ll leave a few popular options below!
MAKARSKA TO SUMARTIN FERRY
If you’re staying somewhere between Split and Makarska, it’s good to know that there’s a ferry to Brac from Makarska. The ferry takes you to a small village called Sumartin, from where you’ll need to drive to Bol. The drive takes about 50 minutes, and this option is a bit cheaper than taking the ferry from Split.
ITINERARY #1 – SPLIT TO BRAC DAY TRIP WITH A CAR
Start early in the morning and catch a ferry from Split to Supetar. Ferries run quite frequently, but plan for one that leaves no later than 9 or 10 a.m. to make sure you have enough time to explore as much as possible. Once you arrive in Supetar, head straight to Bol. The drive takes about 40 minutes along winding roads, but the views are absolutely stunning, so you’ll definitely enjoy the journey.
Once you arrive in Bol, park your car (either at the Marina or near Hotel Sol) and explore the town on foot. You’ll find a charming little riva where you can grab a drink or enjoy some breakfast, while also enjoying the stunning sea views.
After exploring Bol, take a walk to Croatia’s most famous beach – Zlatni Rat. It’s only about a 20-minute stroll from Bol Center along a beautiful, shaded promenade. If you’d prefer not to walk, you can hop on the tourist train that runs between Bol and Zlatni Rat.
Once you’re at the beach, spend a few hours relaxing by the sea. Zlatni Rat Beach has everything you need, so it’s easy to spend half a day there. You can grab some lunch, enjoy a drink, or even treat yourself to a massage. If you’re feeling adventurous, try kitesurfing or parasailing.
When you’re ready to leave the beach, head back to your car and drive to Pucisca, one of the cutest villages on the island. It’s small, so you won’t need a lot of time to explore, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Finally, make your way back to Supetar. Before you board the ferry, take a stroll along the Supetar riva and stop by the Petrinovic Mausoleum.
ITINERARY #2 – SPLIT TO BRAC DAY TRIP WITHOUT A CAR
If you don’t have a car and want to visit Brac on your own, you’ll need to stay overnight. Board the catamaran from Split to Bol at 15:30, and you’ll arrive around 16:30.
Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, head straight to Zlatni Rat. There’s nothing more magical than spending a late afternoon at one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Rent a sunbed and umbrella, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy a swim or some sunbathing. Definitely stay until sunset because it’s truly breathtaking on Zlatni Rat.
After the sun sets, head back to your accommodation and get ready for a fun night out in Bol. If you’re in the mood for something relaxing and low-key, take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy dinner at one of the charming restaurants. You must try the local food and wine. If you’re looking for a party, head back toward the area near Zlatni Rat. There are two nightclubs to check out, 585 Club and Ela’s Club. Both are lively, fun spots, and you’ll surely have a great time.
In the morning, explore some of the other beautiful beaches near Bol, as they’re just as stunning as Zlatni Rat. I recommend spending your time at Kotlina Beach, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear sea and relax. Before heading back to Split at noon, grab a bite to eat at Ribarska Kucica (on the beach!).
Planning a day trip from Split to Brac is a must-do. Hopefully, this blog post gave you some ideas on how to spend a great one day on Brac island.
