If a trip to Croatia is on your summer holiday wish list, then Brac is an island worth considering. It is known for its beautiful beaches, charming harbours and relaxed Mediterranean vibe. It has small-town Croatian charm abd is less crowded than its more famous neighbour, Hvar. For a full guide to Croatia, including an itinerary with links to hotels, restaurants and activities, see the full website page here.
Stay
Sutivan is a great spot to base yourself in for a trip to Brac. It is a picturesque seaside town with a lively little port that has several cafés and restaurants.
For our trip, we stayed at Villa Livka one of the houses in the Hideaways Club, of which we are members. It is a modern villa just a short walk outside Sutivan with a sleek, South Beach Miami feel and minimalist interiors. The arrival by private boat transfer, was a spectacular start to our stay, pulling up to a jetty in front of the villa felt very James Bond!
Do
Sutivan has a small, simple beach with crystal-clear waters. While it may not have the frills of larger beaches, it is a perfect spot for morning swims with a little kiosk selling ice creams and drinks. The beach was just steps from Villa Livka where we stayed.
No trip to Brac would be complete without visiting Zlatni Rat, a stunning strip of land jutting out into the sea. It is the island’s most famous beach, often featured in brochures and travel posters. The collection of beach bars, cafes and restaurants make it a lively change of scene versus the calm coast of Sutivan.
Another fun activity is a day trip with a skipper on a small boat, touring round the island and stopping off a nice place for a lunch of fresh fish.
Dine
Hotel Lemongarden is cute place for dinner, set right on the port of Sutivan (below left). The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Croatian flavours and the outdoor terrace is a lovely spot to spend a summer evening.
For a taste of tradition, visit Kaštil Gospodnetić, a rustic agriturismo located in the hills of Brac (below middle and right). You dine on a terrace with scenic views. Set in old farm buildings, this restaurant focuses on cooking over an open fire. You can dine on the traditional dish Peka, a slow-cooked mix of veal, lamb and chicken with potatoes and vegetables, baked under an iron bell.
If Croatia is one your list of places to visit this summer, Brac is a great choice of island. It’s a beautiful and authentic place for your break, with beaches, scenic views and places to dine and drink. It has something of a “back-to-basics” feel in a good way, less flashy than some other European summer break options.
Check out our website for a more detailed guide to Croatia, including weblinks to all the places we recommend here.
