1. Explore „Vidova gora”
The highest point of all the islands in the Croatian Adriatic, Vidova gora is a satisfying and signposted walk from Bol on the south coast of the island. Setting out from Donje Podbarje at the north-western edge of the town centre, hikers make the steady, sturdy trek up to the peak of 778 metres (2,552 feet), a three-hour jaunt, the views becoming more and more impressive.
From the top, you can see Hvar and the Croatian mainland, best observed with a beer from the summer-only bar, equipped with a handy picnic table.
2. Summer sports at Zlatni rat beach
Photogenically shaped like a tongue, its tip altering every so slightly as tides and wides dictate over the course of a year, this extension of fine shingle sits alongside the island’s main resort of Bol on the southern coast. The stroll to Zlatni rat (‘Golden Cape’), amid fragrant pines, prepares holiday goers for a day’s relaxation.
Those staying at nearby campsites and hotels can reach the beach and claim their spot a little earlier, space at a premium in high season. Zlatni rat is revered by windsurfers, who take advantage of the wind patterns, the light morning Levanat, the afternoon Mistral and the stronger Tramontana. The notorious Bura is rare in summer. Sports schools in Bol offer tuition from beginners’ level up.
3. Discover the „Murvica Dragon”
Though close to the crowds of Bol, the tiny hamlet of Murvica offers splendid isolation. Even today, its official population barely numbers two football teams.
In the 15th century, monks and hermits made their homes in the karst caves here, away from marauding Turks, eking out a meagre living and spending the rest of the time in prayer. In one hollow, an unknown artist among them created the lifelike shape of a dragon, giving the rock its name of the Dragon’s Cavern – Drakonjina špilja. Other shapes also appear humans, birds and the moon, causing debate whether their creators were pagan, Christian or a mixture of both.
4. Discover new stars
Halfway between Milna and Murvica, on the south-west corner of Brač island, Blaca Monastery was last occupied by Father Niko Miličević in the mid 20th century. When he died in 1963, 500 years of tradition died with him, generations of monks living here since 1551.
The monastery library is said to contain more than 10,000 books. Father Miličević cast his eye beyond the printed page and up to the stars.
A keen astronomer, he established a modest observatory here, using what is considered the third most powerful telescope in Croatia. Light pollution then would have been as minimal as now, and visitors can study the instruments he used, including his collection of vintage clocks, also bequeathed for generations to come.
5. The statues of Selca
Tucked inland from the eastern port of Sumartin, Selca has always held literature and education in high esteem – the first school in the region was opened here in 1859. The first statue erected to Leo Tolstoy was unveiled here, shortly after the writer’s death.
Noted politician Stjepan Radić, assassinated in parliament in 1928, has also been honoured in stone. In the Park of Gratitude, the figures of the three main personalities behind the creation and recognition of Croatia as an independent nation, revered Croatian leader Franjo Tuđman, former German vice-chancellor Hans-Dietrich Genscher and former Austrian foreign minister Alois Mock, stand in unison.
Taste the local wine
If you’re a wine lover or someone who just wants to sit by the water then a visit to Stina winery is the perfect place for you. Along the waterfront, in Bol, you can sit at tables or on the edge of the stone walkway and marvel at the luxury yachts and watch the waves as you taste some of the local wine, which Brac is known for.
White and red wines are available with quite a few options for both and some delicious platters (including local olive oil) to pair with your wine.
There is a showroom where you can buy wine and tours are available so you can take a peek at the winemaking process.
Works of art in Stonemason School
In Pucisca you can visit the Stonemason school to be truly blown away by the amount of work and incredible details that go into stonemasonry.
Brac is famous for its stonemasonry and is where a school has been since 1909. Students come to study here for 3-4 years and some of the pieces made take multiple students a number of years to make. In fact, the stonemasonry in Brac is so good that some of it is even in the White House.
Visit the olive oil museum
In Skrip, an olive oil museum was opened in 2014 in a building that housed an olive oil mill. The building was restored and today visitors are guided through to see a piece of history.
The mill started operation in the 1860s and now the family-run business lets guests come to see the mill for free along with many of the tools and demonstrations of how it all worked.
You can buy olive oil, vinegar, jams and more directly from the family for their efforts.
0 Comments