Destination Focus - The Stunning Island of Brac, Croatia

The Island of Brac is the largest of the central Dalmatian group of islands and the third biggest of all the Adriatic islands. With an area of 394.57 sq km and population of 13,824 it is separated from the mainland by the Brac Channel, from the island of Solta by the Splitska Vrata (Split Gate) and from the Island of Hvar by the Hvar Channel. The highest peak on the island, Vidova Gora (Vitus' Mount) at 778 m, is also the highest peak of all the Croatian islands. Part of the island's coastline consists of a limestone surface which is rocky and steep, while the rest of the island is low and sandy, on the southern side from Farska to Bol and on the northern side from Sutivan to Supetar.

The island's landscape is dominated by a karst limestone relief with a number of gullies, crevices, cavities, round valleys and coves. Milder forms of the relief, with brown Primorje soils, the most fertile on the island, are found mostly in the inner part of the island between Lozisca and Nerezisca, as well as between Selca, Novo Selo and Sumartin.

Primarily consisting of limestone and dolomite, these quarries on the island of Brac have been a source of stone for building decorative stonework for centuries. The old Romans used this very stone to build cities, amphitheaters, temples, palaces and graves all over Dalmatia because of its excellent quality. This kind of building stone was also used in the construction of the White House in Washington and the Palace of Diocletian in Split.

Some places on the higher parts of the island are covered with beautiful black and Aleppo Pine forests, which can also be found around all the coastal towns and villages, dominant with dense evergreen underbrush and rocky ground. A comprehensive transport network has been constructed throughout the island with well maintained roads and ferry lines from Split to Supetar and Makarska to Sumartin.

The island of Brac is home to the most famous beach on the Adriatic coast - the Zlatni Rat also known as the Golden Horn. Not only is the beach famous for its stunning natural beauty but also for the fact that it changes shape dependent upon the wind direction. Just along from this beach is the small town of Bol, a well known medieval seaport with an abundance of cultural sights and intriguing places for you to explore. Plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants line the busy harbour promenade and guests can rely on the mini-train to travel to and from the hotels.

Balkan Holidays feature a number of hotels within easy access of both the town and the Golden Horn beach with its numerous water based activities including the following:

Hotel Elaphusa
4*, Bol, Brac, Croatia
This modern hotel offers comfortable accommodation very close to the Zlatni Rat beach, separated only by a promenade and pine trees. The lovely town of Bol is only 10 minutes away.

Hotel Bonaca
4*, Bol, Brac, Croatia
Ideal for families with children the Hotel Bonaca comprises eight pavilions and set amongst beautiful pine trees. There is a large swimming pool and a separate children's pool with water slides.

Hotel Kastil
3*, Bol, Brac, Croatia
Located in the town centre within a baroque fortress the Hotel Kastil is only 500 metres from the coast. This is the perfect location for rest while ensuring you are close to restaurants, cafes and activities.

With a rich cultural and historic heritage that dates back to ore-historic times, unique gastronomy, beautiful beaches & bays, crystal blue sea, high quality accommodation and the friendly hospitality of the local people, you are sure to enjoy a unique and unforgettable holiday experience on your holiday to Brac.