2026 Bol Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Brač Island, easily accessible by ferry from Split, is one of the most charming holiday destinations in the Adriatic Sea of Croatia. While not ostentatious, its unique tranquility, emerald waters, and picturesque beach towns harmoniously captivate travelers. It is especially famous for Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach), a globally renowned beach. Known as 'Europe's most unique beach,' its shape changes with the wind and currents. 🌊 Highlights of Brač Island • Emerald waters and the world-famous Zlatni Rat Beach The calm and clear waters are a masterpiece, and you can enjoy various activities like windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. • The home of premium white stone used in UNESCO World Heritage Sites The island is famous for its 'Brač White Stone,' which has been used since Roman times and is renowned for its history and quality, even being used in Split's palace and major European architectural landmarks. • Peaceful and charming island villages Each village, such as Bol, Supetar, and Povljena, has its own unique atmosphere, making it perfect for a relaxing island getaway. A simple stroll through the alleys or a coffee break is enough to bring happiness. • Scenic mountain terrain – Vidova Gora viewpoint As the highest point in the Dalmatian Islands, the view of the sea and Zlatni Rat from here is a must-see highlight. 🧡 Recommended for: • Travelers seeking a 'true retreat' centered on the sea and nature • Those who prefer quiet and atmospheric islands over bustling tourist spots • Fans of swimming, marine activities, and beach life • People looking for a 1-3 night getaway near Split.

▪️I flew to Rome specifically for the Borghese Gallery. I hadn’t been able to go before due to lack of time, and after longing for it for three years, my wish finally came true. It was only when I entered the museum that I truly felt like I was traveling. ▪️In one room, you can see both Bernini and Caravaggio at the same time (photo 18; their books are displayed together in the souvenir shop, haha). The dazzling Bernini and the dazzling Caravaggio. Baroque art always makes you go “wow” at first sight. The paintings, reflecting so much light that they are almost hard to see, cover the entire wall (only then did I realize how dim and perfect the lighting was at the PuMei Caravaggio exhibition). 🔸Map on p17 🔸【Gallery Collections】 ▪️Bernini: “Rape of Proserpina” p2, 5 “David” p3 “Apollo and Daphne” p4 “Self-Portrait” p9 “Aeneas, Anchises, and Ascanius” p15 “Time Unveiling Truth,” unfinished work ▪️Caravaggio: “Boy with a Basket of Fruit” p6 “David with the Head of Goliath” p7 top “Saint Jerome” p7 bottom “Sick Bacchus” p10 bottom “Saint John the Baptist” p13 ▪️Raphael “The Entombment of Christ” p8 top ▪️Titian “Sacred and Profane Love” p8 bottom ▪️Galleria “Judith with the Head of Holofernes” p10 top ▪️Canova “Venus Victorious” p11 There are so many collections; the walls are covered with paintings, and whether they reflect light or not seems irrelevant. For learning, I recommend a content creator named Gu Ye; his videos are very interesting. Me: I can’t take it anymore. I think I’m already about to have Stendhal Syndrome even though I haven’t been to Florence yet. C: You’re probably just exhausted from the flight. 🔸【Tickets】 Tickets for the Borghese Gallery are always in high demand, so it’s best to prepare in advance. Tickets are also purchased on the museum’s official website through tosc.it. Visits are limited to 2 hours. Full-price tickets cost 17 euros. Closed on Mondays.

Had a lovely four nights in Bol on island of Brac, Croatia. Lots of lovely shops and restaurants and a lovely shaded walk to the islands famous beach. Sit in the harbour and watch the world go by. We celebrated our wedding anniversary there at a romantic restaurant just on the waters edge, food was lovely, had to take the trip to supertar on other side of the island to catch car ferry as passenger ferry cancelled due to impending storm

#croatianislands Zlatni Rat, or the Golden Horn, is one of Croatia’s most photographed beaches, famous for its ever-changing horn-shaped tip. Located on Brač Island, this white pebble beach juts into the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by turquoise waters and pine trees. It’s ideal for swimming, windsurfing, or just sunbathing in serene beauty. The natural phenomenon of the beach shifting with the tides and winds makes every visit unique. It truly embodies the charm of Croatian island life.

#croatianislands Few places in the #Mediterranean take your breath away like the Blue Horn Viewpoint in #Bol, Croatia. Overlooking the famous Zlatni Rat beach, this spot offers a double view of the peninsula’s unique shape as it stretches into the Adriatic’s turquoise waters. ☀️ Why I loved spending an afternoon here From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate why Zlatni Rat is considered one of Croatia’s most iconic beaches. The two-sided sandbar changes shape with the tides, and the contrast of green pines and blue sea is mesmerizing. 🍽 Where to eat Right next to the viewpoint, I found lovely seaside restaurants like Borak, where I enjoyed fresh seafood while gazing at the beach. There’s nothing quite like tasting grilled calamari and sipping chilled white wine with such a view. Expect prices for mains around €15–25, and cocktails or wine for €5–8. 🚶 How to get there The viewpoint is an easy 10-minute walk from the center of Bol, or you can drive up and park nearby if you’re exploring the island. I rented a car via Trip.com, which made hopping between Bol’s hidden gems effortless. 📸 Tip: Visit during the late afternoon for golden hour light and fewer tourists—it’s perfect for photos and a relaxed meal. 🌟 Why I recommend it The Blue Horn Viewpoint isn’t just a place to see; it’s a place to pause. To breathe in the Mediterranean air, enjoy the local flavors, and let the beauty of the Adriatic coast sink in.

#croatianislands On the southern coast of #Brač island in #Croatia lies the charming town of Bol, home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach and breathtaking Adriatic views. Staying in Bol was already a dream—but booking Luxury Seaside Apartments made it unforgettable. From the moment I stepped onto the terrace, I realized I had found one of the best views in the world. 📍 Where is Bol and how to get there? Bol is located on Brač, one of Croatia’s most stunning islands. To reach it, I took a ferry from #Split to Supetar (about 1 hour) and then drove across the island. Booking my ferry and car through Trip.com made the journey seamless. 🌟 Why I loved Luxury Seaside Apartments ✔️ First-line beach views: The terrace overlooked the crystal-clear Adriatic waters, and every sunrise felt like a private show. ✔️ Modern comfort: The apartment was spacious, stylish, and perfect for unwinding after a day exploring. ✔️ Perfect location: Just steps away from Zlatni Rat and the charming Bol promenade. 🍷 Sitting on the terrace with a glass of Croatian wine while watching the sunset over the Adriatic was pure magic. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, or anyone wanting to experience Bol in style. 📌 Tip: Book early during summer months as this spot fills up fast—it’s worth every moment.

If you are looking for a great food experience, I would highly suggest going to this place. Let them know what you want to try and they will provide you suggestions, but everything we had was amazing. Their house wine is great as well.

In Bol we had a great experience. I think it’s a perfect town for 5-7 day vacation. If you want to go for more you might get a bit bored.

#croatianislands Croatia is a country that seems designed for slow mornings, golden sunsets, and nights spent under the stars. And while hotels are great, there’s something extra special about staying in a local apartment. Whether it’s a seaside studio with Adriatic views or a stone house tucked into a medieval old town, Croatian apartments feel like a home away from home and they often cost less than you think. On my trip through Croatia, I booked most of my stays through Trip.com and discovered places so charming they felt like part of the adventure itself. From sipping coffee on private balconies overlooking turquoise waters to falling asleep to the sound of waves, these apartments added a layer of magic I’ll never forget.

#croatianislands When people talk about Croatia’s islands, most mention Hvar’s nightlife or Korčula’s medieval charm. But there’s a little town on Brač Island that stole my heart in a completely different way. #bol is small, peaceful, and home to one of the most iconic beaches in #europe yet it still feels like a place you can escape the crowds and sink into true relaxation. On my Croatian adventure, Bol became my favorite stop. Planning the trip with Trip.com made it so easy to organize everything, from flights and ferries to booking a cozy seaside hotel and even a rental car for exploring the island’s hidden gems. Getting to Bol is part of the adventure, and there are several options: By Ferry: From Split, take a car ferry to Supetar (50 minutes), then drive across the island to Bol. Or by car, I rented a car through Trip.com, which made exploring Brač Island effortless. Having my own car meant I could stop at quiet coves and explore off-the-beaten-path villages.

#croatianislands Croatia is renowned for its stunning islands, each offering unique charm and beauty. Here are some of the most popular Croatian islands: Hvar: Known for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and lavender fields, Hvar is a popular destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and entertainment. Brač: Famous for the Zlatni Rat beach, Brač is ideal for water sports and offers picturesque villages and olive groves. Korčula: Often referred to as the birthplace of Marco Polo, Korčula boasts medieval architecture, beautiful vineyards, and lovely beaches. Vis: Known for its unspoiled nature and crystal-clear waters, Vis is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil environment. Pag: Famous for its unique landscape and cheese, Pag also offers lively beach parties and beautiful coastline. Cres: Known for its natural beauty and wildlife, Cres is less touristy and offers serene landscapes and charming villages. Enjoy your trip!

The film Vox Lux, starring Natalie Portman, filmed a terrorist attack scene on the island of Brač. Located next to the small town of Bol on the south coast of Brač Island, Croatia, Zlatni Rat Beach is known as "the most dreamy beach in the Adriatic Sea" and is also one of the most recognizable natural beaches in the world. Another movie that became a hit across Europe was shot here. The German romantic comedy "Faraway" (2023) was shot on the islands of Brač and Šolta. The filming locations included Vidova Gora on Brač and the Blaca Desert.  The naturally formed white gravel beach is shaped like a golden spear extending out. Due to changes in ocean currents and wind direction, the sand spit changes shape slightly with the season, tide, and wind speed, sometimes heading east, sometimes west, like a living beach. The beach is about 500 meters long, with crystal clear water on both sides. The water color changes with the sunlight, showing three layers of blue, green and transparent white. It is a mecca for surfing, windsurfing, SUP and water sports, as well as a paradise for photographers and aerial photography enthusiasts. 📸 The best time to take photos is in the morning when the sun reflects off the sea, making the entire beach sparkle with golden light. In the evening, the sun sets behind the mountains, and the sky turns orange and purple, which is extremely romantic. 🍽️Nearby food: Beef stew rice paradise, five minutes drive from the beach! There is one nearby, which has a sea view as shown in the photo, and the price is moderate. Or walk through the charming alleys of the town of Bol, where you will find Konoba Dalmatino, a traditional authentic restaurant loved by both locals and tourists. 🔥 The signature dish is Dalmatian Pašticada (Dalmatian beef risotto), a traditional Croatian home-cooked dish made with beef leg that is slow-cooked for several hours with red wine, spices, and tomatoes, and served with handmade Gnocchi (potato dumplings). The sauce is rich and smooth, and melts in your mouth. You'll fall in love with the taste after just one bite. •Paired with local red wine Plavac Mali, it perfectly blends the flavors of the sea and mountains. •Located in the center of Bol town, about 15-20 minutes’ walk from Zlatni Rat Beach. Stroll along the seaside and enjoy the fishing village and port, which is romantic and relaxing. •Golden Point Beach is crowded during peak season, so it is recommended to go there before 9 am or after 4 pm. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can walk along both sides of the sand spit to the small bay away from the main beach, which will give you a more peaceful and private feeling. For dinner, it is recommended to make a reservation at Konoba Dalmatino, especially during the peak season (June-September), which is often fully booked.

The island of Brač, a sun-drenched jewel in the Adriatic, is a breathtaking fusion of natural beauty, rich history, and Mediterranean charm. Known for its dazzling white limestone, which built palaces from Split to faraway Venice, Brač is a place where rugged cliffs meet serene beaches, and lush olive groves stretch under the golden Dalmatian sun. The island’s crown jewel is Zlatni Rat, an iconic beach in Bol that changes shape with the tides and winds, extending like a golden tongue into the crystal-clear sea. But beyond this famous stretch of sand, Brač is full of hidden coves, secret inlets, and pristine bays where the turquoise waters invite you to swim, sail, and surrender to the island’s tranquil rhythm. Inland, the landscape is a patchwork of cypress trees, vineyards, and centuries-old olive groves, their silvery leaves dancing in the breeze. Tiny villages, with their stone houses and winding alleys, feel untouched by time. Supetar, the island’s main town, offers a picturesque harbor lined with cafés and charming promenades, while Pučišća enchants visitors with its world-renowned stonemasonry school and fairytale-like architecture. For those seeking adventure, Vidova Gora, the highest peak of all Adriatic islands, rewards climbers with a breathtaking panoramic view stretching from Hvar to the Croatian mainland. Meanwhile, the Blaca Hermitage, a centuries-old monastery carved into a cliffside, tells stories of solitude and resilience. Whether you’re soaking in the sun on its beaches, wandering through fragrant pine forests, or savoring local delicacies like fresh seafood and Brač’s famous lamb, the island offers an unforgettable escape. Brač isn’t just beautiful—it’s a masterpiece of nature and tradition, waiting to be explored.

#getgoing2025 Over time the exact shape of the spit of land shifts shape and the furthermost tip of the beach will curve to the east or west depending on the weather conditions. The beach is also shaped by the strong currents of the Hvar Channel which runs between the islands. This current keeps the water crystal clear, but also a little cool. It is only considered a minor risk to swimmers as you would have to swim a considerable distance of the end of the beach for it to make a perceivable difference.

Zlatni Rat beach otherwise known as Golden Horn beach is located on the Croatian Island of Brač just off the coast south of Split, near the town of Bol. Zlatni Rat (Beach) is considered by manage to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean made up of smooth white pebbles, an elegant strip of beach that stretches out into the sea. #getgoing2025 #croatia #zlatnirat #bol #beach

Bol is a beautiful laid-back town on the Croatian island of Brač. It is calm and quiet and a beautiful place just to enjoy the good life and take it easy. It’s famous for it’s 16th century Dominican monastery which was built in the 16th century and also for its very famous beach called Zlatan rat or ‘Golden Horn’. Bol can be reached by ferry from Split. #getgoing2025 #bol #bolisland #croatia

Zlatni Rat Beach, also known as the Golden Horn or Golden Cape, is one of the most famous and stunning beaches in Croatia. Located on the southern coast of the island of Brač, near the town of Bol, Zlatni Rat is renowned for its unique shape, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful surroundings. Zlatni Rat is known for its distinctive triangular shape, which extends into the Adriatic Sea. The tip of the beach constantly changes direction due to tides, currents, and wind, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.#mytravelhacks