Bol

Bol is a municipality and small town in Croatia on the south coast of the island of Brač in central Dalmatia. It is best known for Zlatni Rat beach and its Dominican monastery, and it ranks among the island's most visited places.

What to see in Bol

What is Zlatni Rat?

West of the town lies Zlatni Rat, one of the best-known beaches on the Adriatic and a symbol of the area. It is a spit of pebbles almost half a kilometre long, shaped by winds and sea currents, so its outline shifts over time. It is the most famous beach not only in Bol but on all of Brač.

How do you get to Zlatni Rat?

Taxi boats run to the beach from Bol's old harbour. You can also walk, which takes about 20 minutes. In summer the beach can get very busy, so if you prefer calm, consider going earlier in the day or outside peak season.

The Dominican monastery

At the eastern end of Bol, on the Glavica peninsula, stands the Dominican monastery. One source dates it to the fifteenth century. Inside is a museum, and among its treasures is a rare altarpiece attributed to the Italian master Tintoretto.

Quieter beaches

Near the monastery is a beach split into two sections, Kotlina and Bijela Kuća, regarded as less crowded than Zlatni Rat. Martinica beach, also close to the monastery, is another calmer option.

The town centre and harbour

Around the harbour you will find a Baroque summer residence, a loggia with a small chapel, a Renaissance-Baroque palace with an art gallery, the parish church, a small square and the Kaštil fortress. Together they make a compact area that is easy to explore on foot.

Activities and views

From Vidova Gora, the highest peak of all the Dalmatian islands, you get views across the islands of central Dalmatia. The area around Bol also offers water sports, hiking and a chance to explore the island's natural scenery.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bol famous for?

Mainly for Zlatni Rat, a beach almost half a kilometre long, and for the Dominican monastery with its museum.

Can you walk to Zlatni Rat?

Yes, the walk from the centre takes around 20 minutes. Taxi boats from the harbour are the alternative.

When is it least crowded?

In summer the beaches, especially Zlatni Rat, can be packed. You will find fewer people outside peak season and at nearby Kotlina, Bijela Kuća and Martinica.

What is there to do besides the beaches?

Visit the Dominican monastery and its museum, see the historic buildings around the harbour including the Kaštil fortress, enjoy the views from Vidova Gora, or hike in the surroundings.

Are water sports available?

Yes, the area offers water sports as well as hiking.

Bol suits travellers who want to combine beach time with light sightseeing and a trip into the hills, all on the same island.