Brac Island, Croatia Guide

Brac Island is the largest of Croatia’s Dalmatian islands and offers quaint seaside towns with exquisite Mediterranean gastronomy. Sublime luxury beachfront properties offers stunning views overlooking the sea. With its coastline of hidden coves, beautiful deserted beaches and immaculate bays, Brac Island is an exceptional destination adored by the most discerning of travellers. 

The island has long been known for its milky white stone, a mix of marble and limestone, which formed the building blocks of some of the world’s most famous buildings including the White House, parliament buildings in Budapest and Vienna and Croatia’s very own Diocletian’s Palace in Split. 

Home to the world famous Zlatni Rat Beach, also known as the Golden Horn, this dreamlike shapeshifting beach is the most stunning landmark of the island. Other beautiful beaches include Lovrecina in Postira, a shielded sandy beach with shallow and warm waters surrounded by a green forest, ideal if travelling with small children.

Before you retreat to the privacy of your luxurious villa, take a stroll around the picture-postcard harbours and stop off to sample delicious seafood dishes, famous island cheeses and speciality prosciutto at various water’s edge restaurants and eateries.

Brac Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and charming villages. However, this picturesque island has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years.

The island was first inhabited by the Illyrians, an ancient Indo-European tribe, around 3,500 years ago. They were skilled farmers and fishermen, and their influence can still be seen in the island’s agriculture and fishing industries today.

In the 4th century BC, the Greeks arrived on the island and founded the colony of Tragurion (modern-day Trogir). They brought with them their advanced culture and architecture, which can still be seen in the ruins of ancient buildings scattered across the island.

Over the centuries, Brac Island was ruled by various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. Under the Roman Empire, the island prospered and became an important trading center due to its strategic location in the Adriatic Sea.

In the 7th century AD, Slavic tribes began to settle on the island, bringing with them their own culture and traditions. This marked the beginning of the Croatian influence on the island, which is evident in the local dialect and customs.

During the Middle Ages, Brac Island was constantly under threat from pirates and other invaders. To protect themselves, the locals built fortified settlements and towers, some of which still stand today as a testament to the island’s turbulent past.

In the 15th century, the island came under the rule of the Venetian Republic, which brought a period of peace and prosperity. The Venetians left their mark on the island’s architecture, with many churches and palaces built during this time.

In the 19th century, Brac Island became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and its economy shifted from agriculture to shipbuilding and fishing. The island’s famous white stone was also discovered during this time and became a valuable export.

In the 20th century, Brac Island went through significant changes as it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, followed by the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Today, the island is part of the Republic of Croatia and has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world to its beautiful beaches and historic towns.