Day Trip to Bol, Croatia: 7 Special Things to Do on Brač Island
Looking to take a day trip to Bol, Croatia?
You certainly won’t regret visiting this picturesque destination floating in the Adriatic Sea.
Welcome to Bol, a beautiful seaside town on the island of Brač, off the coast of mainland Croatia. Bol is known for the world-famous Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn Beach) as well as its vibrant city center. The town is complete with stone houses, narrow cobblestoned streets, and local restaurants serving up iconic Mediterranean cuisine.
From sunbathing on the beach to windsurfing in the sea to climbing the highest peak in the Adriatic Islands, you can get a little sample of everything in Bol. The idyllic island town is one of the most sought-after escapes from the bigger cities of Croatia.
After experiencing a fantastic 36 Hours in Split, or 48 Hours in Dubrovnik, taking a day trip to Bol is a great addition to your Croatia itinerary. Thanks to frequent ferries, access to the island is efficient and hassle-free. Pack your sunscreen and swimsuit for an unforgettable day trip to Bol. You might even find yourself adding a night at a local boutique hotel to extend your period of relaxation. Bol is the epitome of a Mediterranean paradise.
Happy sampling!
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How to Get to Bol, Brač
How many times have you been interested in a destination but have thought to yourself – okay, it’s pretty, but how do I get there? Most of the time, the most beautiful and untouched destinations are hours and hours away. (I’m looking at you, Ubud Rice Terraces of Northern Philippines).
Not only is Bol a gorgeous town, but it is reachable from two major ports on the island of Brač, making it a perfect day trip from the mainland.
3 Ferry Options
- Option 1 is to take the car ferry from Makarska to Sumartin and drive 40 minutes west to Bol. This is the best route when coming from Dubrovnik.
- Option 2 is to take the car ferry from Split to Supetar and drive 40 minutes south. It is no surprise that this is the best route when coming from Split.
- Option 3 is to take the ferry from Split directly to Bol. This is the best route if you do not have a rental car and want to stay in the center of the city without venturing out.
All ways to reach Bol are efficient but tend to operate on completely different timetables depending on the day. Make sure to check out the ferry timetables based on your dates of travel. This will help determine which route works best for you.
Furthermore, if you choose option 1 or 2, we highly suggest that you bring a rental car. While there is a bus from Supetar and Sumartin to Bol, they take approximately twice as long as driving. It will be more comfortable to bring a car so you aren’t at the mercy of the bus schedule. Both towns are equidistant to Bol, so it comes down to where you’re coming from, and what ferries are running.
Things to Do in Bol, Croatia
Now you know how easy it is to get to Bol, Brač. Once there, relax and drink wine or elevate your heart rate with extreme sports.
(1) Zlatni Rat Beach
It’s no visit to Bol without spending time on Zlatni Rat Beach. Named one of the top beaches in the entire world, it is easy to understand why. Also known as the Golden Horn, Zlatni Rat is an incredibly picturesque beach on the outskirts of Bol. It is located a 25-minute walk from the center of Bol. After traversing through a patch of forest, the trees open up into the jaw-dropping horn. There, you can sunbathe and take in the serene landscape. Interestingly, Zlatni Rat changes shape frequently depending on wind and weather conditions. If you decide to take a nap, you might find yourself completely submerged when you wake up!
Additionally, Zlatni Rat Beach is the center of frequent events, including a club that appears to have a constant group of party-goers 24/7. If you enjoy partying on the beach, Zlatni Rat will be your new favorite place. If you prefer a peaceful experience, check out their calendar of events. You’ll make sure that your day trip to Bol, Croatia occurs on a quieter day.
(2) Hike Vidova Gora
Hiking lovers will rejoice at this next activity. Hiking Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Adriatic Islands, gives travelers some of the best views of Brač. Some would even argue that they’re the best views in all of Croatia! The moderate trailhead takes you up to an overlook, and it’s about three to five hours to complete the 10.6-kilometer round-trip hike.
At the top, marvel at Golden Horn Beach, and enjoy lunch on the provided picnic table. Your stomach will thank you after finishing the summit of your hike. The trail is mostly unshaded, and you will find yourself in direct sunlight for most of the trek. Make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen – the hike is an extremely rewarding addition to your day trip to Bol, Croatia.
(3) Indulge in Water Sports
Of course, given that the Bol is located on an island, there are a lot of water sports that you can enjoy in the area. Most of these tours have base camps in Zlatni Rat Beach. Enjoy parasailing, water skiing, taking a banana boat tour, and other water adventures. Unfortunately, jet ski lovers will be disappointed to hear that the water vehicles are outlawed in Bol.
Due to the wind conditions in the area, windsurfing and kite surfing are incredibly popular. For more information on what sports to do and how to book the tours, check out Bol, Croatia’s blog about Thrilling Water Sports In Bol.
(4) Olive Oil Museum
Now, the Olive Oil Museum is technically not in Bol itself but is a must-see attraction if you come into Bol via Supetar. This museum is worth the visit as it’s a genuine example of independently owned olive oil production companies. In the Olive Oil Museum, local guides show you how olive oil was produced in medieval times, and the tour ends with a fantastic tasting. Try their olive oil blends along with warm, fresh bread. The museum is a heartwarming illustration of the friendliness of the locals and the amazing nature of olive oil production.
Their special offer is a €12 guided tour along with their most popular menu option – a selection that includes green olive spread, black olive spread, salted black olives, extra virgin olive oil, marmalade, and wine.
(5) Rent a Bike
If you don’t have a car and would like to see more of Brač’s coastline, it is a great idea to rent a bike. While Bol is certainly not a flat area, the views along the trails will be worth it, even when your blood is pumping. Many trails are not paved, so it’s best to rent an electric or mountain bike that will allow you to navigate the rustic terrain.
Big Blue Sport is a fantastic company that offers E-bikes as well as regular mountain bikes available for four hours or the entire day. Pricing starts at €15 for a four-hour mountain bike ride and goes up to €60 for an E-bike for the entire day. Both bikes include helmet rentals as well as the option to add a GPS to navigate the trails without getting lost. Big Blue Sport has a center located next to Zlatni Rat Beach and offer guided trips along the island of Brač.
Of course, if the idea of taking a bike on an unpaved road isn’t your cup of tea, the Big Blue Sport group has rentals for windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. And for those who aren’t interested in exercise, they have a café where you can relax and have a cup of tea while your loved ones sweat a few gallons!
Note: I don’t receive any affiliate commission for these referrals. I just like to shout out the companies that are doing great things in the world of travel!
(6) Explore the Port Area
Bol has a fantastic and quaint port area which also doubles as their downtown. This neighborhood has tons of bar and restaurant options for every palette. The waterfront itself is walkable, taking only 10 minutes from one end to the other, and all restaurants offer great views of the Adriatic Sea. We highly recommend Stina Winery to enjoy a glass of crisp Croatian wine while watching the colorful sunset.
Above all, the best restaurants in Bol are all located in the port area. For the most mouth-watering local Mediterranean food and al fresco dining options to add to your day trip to Bol, Croatia, check out Ranc Restaurant, Pumparela, and Konoba Dinko.
(7) Visit the Dominican Monastery
Just a quick 15-minute walk from the port area, visit Bol’s Dominican Monastery overlooking a pebble beach on the peninsula of Glavica. Built in 1475, the Dominican Monastery contains a chapel from the 9th century and foundations dating as early as the 6th century. History lovers will geek out over the altar painting from Tintoretto, a Venetian painter from the 1500s. The monastery contains a museum showcasing manuscripts, artifacts, and other archeological wonders. The Dominican Monastery also boasts an intricate garden that doubles as a popular wedding venue amongst the lush trees and dark green bushes! The island of Brač contains over 100 churches, with ample space to continue your exploration of historical and religious buildings.
Where to Stay in Bol, Croatia
Think you’ll enjoy your stay too much and want to add a night to your day trip to Bol, Croatia? We highly recommend staying in the center of Bol. Later in the night, most of the island shuts down while the center stays alive. For those interested in nightlife, there are great bars and restaurants in the downtown area, and the grand majority of hotels are located in this neighborhood as well.
Top-rated choices include the Villa Giardino Heritage Boutique Hotel, Boutique Hotel Bol, and Villa Mira Bol Apartments & Rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bol, Brač
Can you do a day trip to Bol from Split?
Yes, you can certainly take a day trip from Split to Bol, and it is highly recommended! Visiting Bol is a great way to escape the busy city of Split and get a taste of larger beaches, gorgeous coastal views, and quieter wineries and restaurants. The direct ferry from Split to Bol makes the trip incredibly doable, and if you don’t plan on venturing outside the center of Bol, a rental car won’t be necessary. With plenty of land and water activities, Bol is a haven for outdoor lovers as well as slower travelers who want to relax on the beach with a glass of wine.
Can you do a day trip from Hvar to Bol?
If you are planning to travel from Hvar to Bol, a day trip is possible, but you must time your trip carefully. Although both cities are two popular ports that are close together (approximately 50 minutes away by direct ferry), the journey only operates once daily in each direction. Therefore, while you can arrive in the morning, it is imperative that you make the trip back in time or you will have to spend the night. Spending the night in Bol is certainly not a bad thing – the town is incredibly cute, and you will enjoy viewing the sunset over the Adriatic Sea.
Hvar and Bol are two popular destinations, and it can be hard to choose between the two. While Bol has gorgeous famous beaches, Hvar boasts fewer crowds and a more laid-back style. Can’t decide between the two? Check out both! Croatian ferries are famous for running smoothly and on time.
That is all for your day trip to Bol, Croatia. We hope you enjoyed your time on the island of Brač and that you return to Croatia’s mainland feeling relaxed and fulfilled after spending time on the beach and eating seafood. Looking for more ideas to travel in Europe? Check out our Europe destination guides for more cities to tack onto your trip to Croatia.
Happy sampling!