If you perhaps haven’t heard of Bol, you’ve surely already seen it – Bol on the island of Brac is home to Zlatni Rat Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Croatia. The town is the second largest on Brac (after Supetar) with 1,700 inhabitants but certainly the most popular place for visitors and holidaymakers to come to, thanks in no small part to that beach. Bol is also something of a windsurfing hotspot thanks to the local Maestral winds, as well as offering numerous other sports and activities. All in all, Bol is ideal for an active holiday, a beach holiday and/or a family holiday!
Getting to Bol
Ferries and catamarans
There is a regular, daily catamaran service from Split to Bol run by Jadrolinija. Operating year-round, the catamaran sails in the mid-afternoon to Bol and takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. This catamaran then travels on to Jelsa on the island of Hvar, and the journey time from Bol to Jelsa is 20 minutes.
Jadrolinija‘s seasonal summer catamaran (which runs June to September inclusive) that operates from Split to Dubrovnik makes a stop at Bol. This catamaran has a 1 hour journey time from Split, or a 4 hour 40 minute journey time from Dubrovnik. This catamaran also travels on to Hvar Town and Korcula, so you can use it to travel from Bol to these islands too.
Kapetan Luka‘s coastal catamaran also operates from Split to Dubrovnik, making a stop at Bol. This ship sails on to Makarska, Korcula and Pomena on the island of Mljet as well. Journey time is 50 minutes from Split or just under 5 hours from Dubrovnik.
If you intend to reach Bol by car, you will need to take the car ferry from Split you will need to take the Jadrolinija ferry to Supetar on the north of the island. It is then about a 40 minute drive down to Bol.
By Air
Would it surprise you to learn that this island own airport, just a 20-minute drive away from Bol? Hooray, you’re (probably) thinking, I’ll just fly directly there! Unfortunately, you’ll likely be out of luck – Brac Airport is very small and is only served by a handful of flights each summer.
Of the most use to travellers is a twice weekly service from Zagreb with Croatia Airlines that has a flight time of just 30 minutes. There are also some international routes from Graz (also with Croatia Airlines), from Bolzano in Switzerland and Verona with Sky Alps and from Luxembourg with Luxair.
Buses to and from Bol
Arriva operates buses between Bol and some of the other main towns on Brac, including Supetar and Postira.
What to See and Do in Bol
Beaches
Did you mention a little beach called Zlatni Rat?! Of course we did! Regardless of what other beaches you may find yourself on during your stay, you’re bound to spend at least one day on Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach. Why is it so famous? Well, the horn-shaped piece of land – with beaches on either side – changes shape depending on the weather conditions, wind and tides. And its striking shape coupled with crystal clear beautiful waters make it a visually stunning beach, so no wonder its image is used so frequently in advertising and promotion.
Do note that despite its appearance (in aerial shots!) this beach is a fully pebble beach, not a sandy one.
The beach is actually located 2km to the west of Bol – you can reach it by tourist “train” or taxi boat from the centre of town. Or perhaps you’d like to do a little light exercise before you hit the beach and make the 20-minute walk on the seaside promenade. Zlatni Rat is essentially two beaches in one – one on each side of this strip of land. The trees by the beach provide some welcome shade, and you can rent beach furniture or keep your energy levels up with food and drink from one of the food huts.
Borak Beach is a beach that you will come to should you be making the walk from central Bol to Zlatni Rat. With typical beach facilities, this is another beach with breathtakingly clear water although it can be a little rocky here in places. Here is where a number of windsurfing/kitesurfing companies are located.
Towards the eastern end of Bol is Martinica Beach which is a small yet popular beach with beach loungers available to rent and kayaks available to hire. Swim with an amazing view of the nearby Dominican Monastery.
Racic Beach is a tiny little beach right in the centre of town – not exactly the kind of place where you’ll be sunbathing for hours on end, but definitely suitable if you need a quick dip in the sea.
Sports and Activities
This part of Brac is an excellent place to base yourself if you’re after a sporty kind of holiday. There are plenty of activities here to keep you occupied. Two of the most popular sports in these parts are windsurfing and kiteboarding – the winds that blow through the narrowish channel between the southern part of Brac and the northern part of neighbouring Hvar island make ideal conditions for these sports. If you’re interested in giving windsurfing or kiteboarding a go, contact one of the local schools such as Kite School, Johnny’s Windy Way or Active Bol to set up some lessons. Or if you’re already confident about your ability level, these companies can also rent equipment.
Hone your tennis skills whilst on holiday at the local tennis school. The school offers individual lessons as well as week-long summer camps for kids and teenagers, and three-day camps for adults.
Diving is also another activity that can be done here, best done on an organised tour with a guide. Contact local companies such as Big Blue Diving or Diving Centre Dolphin to set up a diving session.
If you head to Zlatni Rat Beach you will encounter a plethora of other water sports activities and equipment for rent, from pedal boats to the inflatable aquapark and more.
Stina Winery
Sampling some of the locally produced wine is a must, especially at Stina Winery which was originally established in 1903. This winery is most famous for its Plavac Mali red wine. Pop along to book a wine tasting to sample this and its other wines – you won’t be sorry!
Sightseeing
The Dominican Monastery in eastern Bol was built in the 15th century and is now home to a museum that includes ancient coins and works of art.
Branislav Deskovic Gallery presents the works of several famous Croatian artists and sculptors including Ivan Mestrovic, Ivan Rendic and Edo Murtic.
Near Zlatni Rat beach is the remains of a villa rustica, a Roman villa. This one even had a pool, of which you can still see the outline today.
Day Trips
The highest point on the island of Brac, Vidova Gora (at an altitude of 778 metres), can be hiked to from Bol if you’re feeling up for something a bit more energetic during your stay here. The walk/hike will take about 1.5-2 hours each way, but you will be rewarded with amazing views.
A day trip to the largest town on the island, Supetar – it takes about an hour using the bus. It is worth the trip for its picturesque bay and harbourfront and lovely selection of restaurants, cafes and shops.
Explore what else Brac has to offer on one of the organised excursions below:
Events in Bol
As with many locations all along Croatia’s coastline, Bol hosts a summer festival each year (from June to September) which includes all sorts of live music, dance, theatre, gastro offerings, kids events and more.
Graffiti na Gradele is an annual international graffiti festival that brings together artists, DJs and other creatives at the end of July.
Eating and Drinking in Bol
Biomania is a highly-rated vegan restaurant that serves tasty plant-based dishes. They have two locations – one smaller one by Zlatni Rat Beach and one in the centre of town that offers a larger menu, including breakfast items and kids dishes. Try one of their tasty bowls, veggie burgers or falafel wraps, and leave room for their tasty treats such as double chocolate cake!
Taverna Riva is a family-owned smart option right by the harbourfront in the centre of town that serves typically Mediterranean fare.
Mali Raj is a good option (away from quick bites, that is) close to Zlatni Rat beach, with Dalmatian dishes – meat options and fish too – made using the freshest ingredients.
Pumparela Restaurant is absolutely the place to come to if you’re hankering after a massive steak, although there’s plenty more to devour here too – from pastas and risottos to tuna steak and seafood.
Head to Cocktail Bar Bolero for cocktails amongst the trees near Zlatni Rat Beach.
Accommodation in Bol
Take a look at the search map/box below to search for hotels and rentals in and around Bol:
Do also take a look at our extensive Accommodation in Bol page.
Accommodation Highlights in Bol
Families will find the Bluesun Holiday Village Bonaca or the newly renovated Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa ideal – both are 4-star and offer large pools as well as restaurants, playgrounds and family rooms, and are a very short walk from the nearest beach. Another similar option is Bretanide Sport & Wellness Resort, ideal for the active types who also want to spend some time relaxing. This hotel offers all-inclusive accommodation,
Those looking for a more grown-up holiday will love Boutique Hotel Bol and the Villa Giardino Heritage Boutique Hotel, both rated 4-star and in a very central location right in the heart of the town. Another well-located option is the 3-star Hotel Kastil.
There are a number of excellent campsites in and around Bol, including some rather swish glamping sites. Camping Aloa offers bell tents and mobile homes and is located right on the beach. The Abeille Maison Glamping Resort couldn’t be better situated for Zlatni Rat Beach and is home to super-lux bell tents (even featuring kitchenettes, TVs and air con!) as well as numerous pools, a beautiful garden and a bar. Sorry kids, this one is adults only!
More info
Learn more about the town on the Bol Tourist Office website.