Exploring Brac Island

Return to the car.

Car ferry services to Brac island are operated by Jadrolinija with sailings year-round (although more limited in the winter). If you are travelling in high season, I recommend that you book tickets in advance online as the ferry is extremely busy. Book the 9am ferry from Split – Supetar here. You can check up-to-date sailing schedules online.
Make sure you get a one-way ticket only, as you’ll be returning to the mainland on a different route!
The journey takes around 50 minutes. There are seats outside and the views of Split and Brac Island are fantastic, so keep your camera handy.

In my opinion, some of the tastiest olives are grown in Croatia and this restored old mill, now a museum, is one of the best places to learn about and taste these delicious fruits (and, yes, an olive is a fruit). What makes this place extra special though is that your guides are the grandchildren and relatives of the family that started the olive oil business here almost 150 years ago. For me, its these kinds of connections that really bring history alive.
Established in 1864 the Krstulovć family produced olive oil using a traditional press for 100 years before the introduction of more modern technologies closed the business down. It wasn’t until 2013 that the great grandchildren of Kruno Krstulovic decided to revive the family tradition and restored the old mill.
For a small fee, you can book a guided tour and tasting where you will be shown around the property and learn how olive oil was produced, transported and stored in the ‘old’ days. The tasting part of the tour showcases some of their award-winning products (which you can buy from their shop) including whole olives, olive oil, tapenades, and marmalades, washed down with fresh juice and/or local wine.
If you are doing this trip during the Winter, the owners request that you contact them beforehand to arrange your visit. Contact them on: Tel: +385 95 811 4643

Vidova Gora is the highest peak in the Adriatic Sea with jaw-dropping views across from Brac to Hvar Island, and beyond to Vis Island. From here you can also see Brac’s famous Golden Horn beach that you’ll be stopping off at this afternoon. From the car park, it’s a short, easy walk along the path out towards the cliffs, where you’ll get the best view.

Seafront restaurants can be hit and miss but this one is definitely a hit. There’s some great ‘Dalmatian’ dishes on the menu including fresh, steamed mussels and cuttlefish ink risotto. There’s also an outdoor terrace overlooking the impossibly blue waters of Bol beach.

The ariel view of Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach) is splashed across most of the region’s tourism brochures – and justifiably so. The narrow spit of pine forest framed by white ‘sand’ stretching out into the turquoise sea is a photographer’s dream.
But the reality can sometimes be different and, in high season, don’t be surprised if you have to battle your way through a hundred sun umbrellas to find the sea. If this is the case, just walk further along the beach, on the West side, until it gets quieter.
It’s just as beautiful but more tranquil. Note; if you walk as far as the next bay, you’ll reach the ’clothing optional’ beach, which may or may not float your boat! Either way, find a spot on the sand, get your beach towel out and take a dip in the awesomely clear water.

The Sumartin to Makarska ferry service is also operated by Jadrolinija but sailing times are more seasonal than the Supetar ferry. During the low season, the last ferry of the day leaves at 6pm; in June and Sept it leaves at 6:30; and in July and August, at 8:15pm. If you are doing this trip in high season and won’t be catching the ferry until later in the evening, it might be worth grabbing some dinner in Sumartin before you leave: Kartolina Lounge Food Bar has a decent burger and pizza menu, and you can sip a cocktail with a fabulous view across the bay to the harbour. Note it’s closed on Sundays.
Whenever you’re travelling, book online. You can check up to date sailing schedules here.

Hotel Porin is a beautifully renovated historic building, right in the middle of Makarska’s palm-fringed promenade, and backed by the narrow, winding streets of the old town; the perfect location. Get a seafront-facing room if you can for lovely views from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Konoba Kalalarga is a rustic, taverna-style restaurant, tucked into one of Makarska’s old town backstreets. It specializes in freshly caught fish and seafood, so the dishes on offer vary daily. The fish is usually simply grilled and served with just some seasoning and lemon (what more do you need?) and the portions are hearty – expect mountains of accompanying vegetables!
Closed on Monday

Return to the hotel.