Brac Island in Croatia: photo, description, sights, history
There are more than a thousand different islands in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia. Brac is one of the largest and most famous. The mild Mediterranean climate and extraordinary landscapes attract travelers from all over the world.
History of the island
Brac has a rich history. Since the Neolithic times, thanks to the climate, fertile soils, magnificent landscapes, the island has been a coveted prey for different peoples. Pre-Indo-European tribes lived here, Illyrian, Slavic. Was under the control of the Romans, Franks, Venetians, Byzantines, Dominicans, Austrians. Excavations are constantly being carried out here, artifacts belonging to different times and peoples are found.
Beaches
The length of the coastline of the island is 175 km. The beaches here are mostly pebbly. The coast is heterogeneous, there are many different backwaters and lagoons that have retained their original beauty. At the same time, villages of various sizes and types are located along the entire coast. Each of them has hotels, entertainment venues, health centers. Certainly favorable conditions have been created for tourists on the island.
Along the way, we suggest you read the article on purchasing cheap air tickets.
Things to do on the island
Fans of outdoor activities are given the opportunity to practice almost any water sport, there are also playgrounds for football and tennis. Children on the beaches are waiting for animators, playgrounds, water attractions.
There are plenty of restaurants on the island that satisfy the tastes of the most sophisticated gourmets. Here they prepare dishes from seafood, meat, vegetables in phenomenal combinations. All dishes are not only very tasty, but also healthy, and wonderfully decorated. Wine from local vineyards will not leave indifferent even the most demanding connoisseurs.
sights
The city of Bol is a visiting card of Croatia
The resort town of Bol, which is located on the island, is the hallmark of Croatia. The hotel business and the entertainment industry are highly developed here. Tourists from all over the world come here to relax under the gentle sun, swim in the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Golden Cape Beach – the most beautiful in Europe
The Golden Cape Beach, located nearby, was named the most beautiful in Europe according to the Daily Telegraph in 2009. The “Golden Horn”, as it is also called, protrudes into the azure waters of the sea for several hundred meters, constantly changing its shape depending on the current and wind. Golden-white, pebbly “horn” as if “dressed” on a pine forest.
species mountain
The cape is clearly visible from Vidovaya Gora, another natural attraction. This mountain owes its name to St. Vid. The ruins of his church, built in the 13th-14th century AD. are still at the top. There are many legends about Vidova Gora among the locals associated with the ancient Slavic god Svevid. You can only climb it on foot.
natural beauty
The landscapes that can be seen along the way are mesmerizing. Pines growing right on the rocks, at an angle, from under the picturesque stones, juicy grass and green shrubs grow. Somewhere far below are vineyards, olive groves and red roofs of small houses, standing in separate groups. This beauty is surrounded by crystal clear blue sea. Mountains of other Dalmatian islands are visible in the distance. The exorbitantly vast expanses that can be seen are striking. In such places, a person especially feels the grandeur and power of the nature around him.
School of stone carving
The island is famous not only for its resorts. A very beautiful stone is mined here, which has the color of ivory. Small souvenirs, jewelry, and large statues, interior and exterior items are made from it. In the town of Pucisce there is even a stone carving school where students create real works of art. Some famous buildings are also lined with this stone, for example, the White House in Washington.
In addition to tourism and stone processing, the islanders are engaged in winemaking, olive oil production, and fishing. They are very hardworking and distinguished by their hospitality and friendliness. This applies not only to travelers, people here are really kind by nature.
Supetar – the largest city on Brac
The houses here are built in the Romanesque style. Walking along such streets, tourists, as if through a time machine, find themselves in an old village with cozy streets and colorful churches. The whole region is dotted with monuments of the distant past.
On the outskirts of the city, archaeologists still find fragments of estates that Roman nobles built for their vacation. Not far from Supetar is the village of Shkrip. The houses here are ancient, buried in thickets of wild grapes. Everything here is lined with stones, walls, paths and even roofs.
Blaca Desert
Brač is also famous for other sights. In the depths of the island, on the western slope of Vidovaya Gora, on a steep cliff, surrounded by greenery, there is an ancient monastery. This place is called “Blaca Desert”. The building was built by verbal monks fleeing the Turkish invaders in the 16th century.
It seems as if his buildings “grew” out of the rock. The monks were educated people, engaged in writing and astronomy. In 1963, after the death of the last priest, this place was used as a museum. Visitors can see amazing household items here, paintings with religious images, a scientific library with thousands of books, powerful telescopes that made it possible to open two stars, and printing presses.
dragon cave
Not far from the village of Murvitsa, on the southern slope of Vidovaya Gora, there is the “Dragon Cave”. According to legend, the ancient Slavic goddess Makosha lived here. Divided into four parts, the cave is 20 meters long. In one part of it there is a chapel. The walls are decorated with rock carvings of a dragon, a lion with an open mouth, the moon and the Virgin Mary with angels. Researchers have not yet come to a consensus about the origin of these bas-reliefs. This gives rise to many myths.
How to get around the island
Local roads deserve special attention. All are smooth and well-groomed. Getting around the island is pure pleasure. It is worth noting that there are few cars here. And, although you can get here by ferry with a car, tourists rent bicycles and scooters.
The landscape here is quite hilly, and when choosing a vehicle, it must be borne in mind that it will be difficult to pedal downhill. But, at the same time, frequent stops will only help to see the delightful pictures of this region. Admire the view of fragrant plants growing between stones, breathe in the healing air of a pine forest, watch grazing sheep and goats, feel the breadth of the boundless expanses of the Dalmatian Islands.
The Mediterranean is a real paradise for travelers, lovers of new sensations, warm air and clear sea, connoisseurs of the beauties of nature, admirers of historical heritage. The island of Brac is a real find for them.
The most popular beaches in Croatia – read on our website.