Bol guide
Bol, island of Brač
Bol is a small town on the south coast of Brač, the largest island in Dalmatia, and the home of Zlatni rat beach. It is about 55 minutes from Split by catamaran, sits below the highest peak of any Adriatic island, and is at its best from June to September.
Why go to Bol
Most people come for Zlatni rat, the spit of fine pebbles that reaches into the sea west of town and changes shape with the wind and currents. They stay for the rest: a stone harbour town with a 15th-century Dominican monastery, clear water along the whole coast, the steady afternoon wind that makes the channel between Brač and Hvar one of the best windsurfing spots in the Adriatic, and Vidova gora rising 778 m straight behind the town.
Bol is also the start of the best day trips on Brač: the Blaca hermitage built into a cliff, Dragon's Cave above Murvica, and the catamaran across to Jelsa on Hvar.
How many days you need
Three days covers Zlatni rat, an evening in the old town, and the climb or drive up Vidova gora. A week leaves time for Blaca, the coves around Murvica, a day on Hvar, and a windsurf or dive course. Without a car, Bol works well: the town, the beaches and the catamaran are all within walking distance of each other.
When to go
June and September give you a warm sea, long days and fewer people. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months, with everything open and the town lively late into the night. Most restaurants, bars and activity centres open from May to October; in winter Bol is quiet and many places close. See when to visit for the month-by-month detail.
Getting here
The direct catamaran from Split lands in Bol harbour in about 55 minutes and runs all year. With a car, take the ferry from Split to Supetar and drive about 40 km across the island, or cross from Makarska to Sumartin. In summer, flights also land at Brač Airport, about 14 km from Zlatni rat. All the options, with times from the operators, are in getting to Bol.
Where to stay
Stay in town to walk to the harbour, restaurants and the catamaran; on the Zlatni rat side for the hotels and the pine woods by the beach; or in Murvica for a villa and quiet. Our where to stay page compares the areas.
In this guide
- Zlatni ratZlatni rat beach in Bol: how to get there on foot, by tourist train, taxi boat or car, the best time of day, facilities, wind and the shape-changing tip.
- Other beachesThe beaches of Bol besides Zlatni rat: Martinica by the Dominican monastery, Borak for water sports, the children's beach in the centre and naturist coves.
- Old town and sightsThe sights of Bol town: the harbour, the Dominican monastery, the House in a House, the Small Format Gallery, and a short self-guided walk.
- Hike to Vidova goraThe hike from Bol to Vidova gora, 778 m, on your own: start point, every turn, distances and heights, time up and down, water, and the loop via Murvica.
- Vidova goraVidova gora above Bol, at 778 m the highest peak of the Adriatic islands: the hiking trail from Bol, the road to the top and what to bring.
- Blaca and day tripsDay trips from Bol: the Blaca hermitage by boat or on foot, Dragon's Cave above Murvica, Hvar by catamaran, and the villages of Brač, with how to reach each.
- Active BolActive Bol: windsurfing in the afternoon maestral, diving, boat trips, cycling and hiking to Vidova gora, parasailing and more, with our picks.
- Food and drinkWhat to eat and drink in Bol and on Brač: lamb and peka, fresh fish, vitalac, hrapoćuša cake, Plavac mali wine and olive oil, with our restaurant picks.
- NightlifeNightlife in Bol: beach bars by day, cocktail bars on the harbour and clubs near Zlatni rat in summer, when things get going and how to get home.
- When to visitThe best time to visit Bol on Brač: sea temperature, weather, wind, crowds and what is open in each month, and why June and September are the sweet spots.
- Where to stayWhere to stay in Bol on Brač: the town centre, the Zlatni rat side and Murvica compared, with our picks for apartments, a villa and camping, and tips for booking direct.
- Practical BolUseful numbers in Bol: doctor and tourist clinic, pharmacy, petrol station, car repair, car wash, towing on Brač, emergency numbers and parking.
- Weather and windThe 7-day weather and wind forecast for Bol on Brač: temperature, sky, rain and wind by day, the local winds explained, and live wind links for windsurfers.
Questions about Bol
Is Bol worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want a beach holiday with a real town around it. Bol has Zlatni rat, clear water all along its coast, a walkable old town, good wind for water sports and some of the best hikes and day trips on Brač.
How do I get from Split to Bol?
The quickest way is the direct catamaran from Split harbour to Bol, about 55 minutes, all year. With a car, take the ferry from Split to Supetar (about 50 minutes) and drive across the island to Bol.
Do I need a car in Bol?
No. The town, the harbour and Zlatni rat are linked by a seaside promenade, and a tourist train runs to the beach in summer. A car or bike helps for Vidova gora, Blaca and the rest of Brač.
Is Bol good for families?
Yes. The beaches are pebble rather than rock, the small beach in the centre of town is popular with children, and Zlatni rat has lifeguards, showers and shade under the pines.