Save money and time in Bol

Save money

1. Leave the car in Split

The foot-passenger catamaran lands in Bol harbour, and the town, the beaches and Zlatni rat are linked by the promenade. The cheapest is the Jadrolinija catamaran, which runs all year and leaves Split at 16:30; the other lines run only in summer and cost significantly more. Without a car you skip the car ferry fare, fuel on the island and paid parking in Bol. Rent a bike or scooter for a day if you want to explore. Split to Bol by catamaran.

2. Book your stay direct

Booking platforms charge owners a commission. Many families in Bol give a better price or more flexible terms when you contact them directly. Ask about weekly rates and early or late-season prices. Where to stay.

3. Come in June or September

The sea is warm, nearly everything is open, and accommodation costs less than in July and August. When to visit.

4. Walk to Zlatni rat

The promenade from town takes 20 to 25 minutes, mostly in the shade of pines, and costs nothing. Parking by the beach fills early and costs money. Zlatni rat.

5. Eat a set lunch

Many restaurants offer a cheaper lunch menu or marenda. Dinner on the harbour front costs more than the same food a street back or at a konoba inland. Food and drink.

6. Bring your own beach gear

For a week's stay, buying or bringing an umbrella and mats costs less than renting sunbeds every day. The pines behind Zlatni rat give free shade.

7. Do the free things

The beaches, the promenade, the old town walk, sunset over the channel and the trail up Vidova gora all cost nothing. Old town walk, Vidova gora.

8. Pay in euros, and skip the costly ATMs

When a card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, choose euros. Use bank ATMs rather than standalone cash machines, which often charge high fees. Practical Bol.

Save time

9. Fly to Brač if you can

A seasonal flight to Brač Airport skips the transfer to Split harbour and the crossing. Otherwise fly to Split. Flights to Brač.

10. Take the direct catamaran

Without a car, the direct Split to Bol catamaran is quicker than the ferry to Supetar followed by the island bus.

11. Buy tickets before the day

Summer catamarans and ferries can sell out. Buy online as soon as your plans are fixed.

12. Book the Makarska ferry for summer weekends

Friday to Sunday is changeover time for many holiday rentals, so the car ferries are at their busiest and cars queue at Split port. The Makarska to Sumartin ferry is the only car ferry to Brač where your ticket reserves a place, and the drive on to Bol is short. Book it a few days ahead on the Jadrolinija website. Makarska to Sumartin. Driving? Read our sat-nav warnings too.

13. Check for cancellations on windy days

Strong wind stops catamarans before car ferries. Look at the notice on our getting to Bol page and with the operator before you set off.

14. Beat the crowds at Zlatni rat

Arrive before 10:00 or after 17:00 in July and August. The afternoon maestral cools the beach and fills the water with sails after lunch.

15. Book sunset tables and boat trips a day ahead

In July and August the best restaurant tables and boat trips go early. A day ahead is usually enough.

16. Use a ready-made plan

For a first visit: day one, the old town and the harbour at sunset; day two, Zlatni rat in the morning and a windsurf lesson or a kayak in the afternoon; day three, Vidova gora early, then Blaca or Murvica. Our Bol guide has the detail.

Questions about saving money in Bol

What is the cheapest way to get to Bol?

As a foot passenger, the all-year Jadrolinija catamaran from Split straight to Bol, leaving Split at 16:30. You avoid car ferry fares and parking, and the town and beaches are walkable.

Is Bol expensive?

Bol costs about the same as other popular Dalmatian resorts. It is cheapest in May, June and September, and you save most by booking direct, eating a set lunch and walking rather than driving.