Holidays in Bol - how to get there and where to stay, beaches and prices

Bol travel guide: how to get to and where to stay, what to see and where to sunbathe. The best things to do in Bol: places to see, signature attractions and beaches.

Bol is the oldest town on Brac and at the same time one of the most famous tourist centres on the Adriatic. It is situated in the southern part of the island at the foot of the Balska Kruna mountain range (this is where the highest peak on the Adriatic islands is located at 778m above sea level). It is the largest tourist centre in the south of the island. There are plenty of fun bars and restaurants offering an abundance of local food, as well as the most popular discotheque on the island.

The town takes its name from the Latin word vallum meaning "fortification".

There are just a little over 1600 inhabitants in the town. Bol used to be a village inhabited by fishermen, sailors and wine-growers, but since 1923, the fortunes of the town have changed drastically, as people from various countries began coming there to relax. Not just a few people a season, but thousands. The best time to relax is July and August.

Bol's Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Head or Golden Horn) is the most popular beach in Croatia, and it is famous for changing its shape depending on the tides.

How to get there

The popular way to get to Bol from any city in Croatia is first by car to Makarska (6.5-8 hours from Zagreb, 4.5-5.5 hours from Dubrovnik ) and then by ferry to the island of Brac. A more picturesque option is to take a boat from Split Railway Station to the town of Supetara on Brac (daily departures), and then take a drive to Bol.

Transport

Public transportation in Bol is by bus only. There are also taxis; the price for a taxi is just over 1 EUR per 1 km. For trips to the islands or the mainland, one needs to rent a boat.

Hotels and apartments

Tourism has been developing in Bole since 1923, the first hostel was opened in 1928, and from the mid 20th century it began to focus on holidaymaking. The hotels range from modest budget hotels to elegant four star hotels with designer furnishings, gourmet meals and 24 hour service. Finding a private villa in Bol is not a problem, but be prepared well in advance.

If you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway, look no further than the Hotels in Bol . These properties offer stunning ocean views, top-quality amenities, and impeccable service. Whether you're looking to spend a quiet vacation alone or with loved ones, there's a perfect hotel in Bol for you. Consider the Lifestyle Hotel Vitar if you're looking for stunning ocean views. This property is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy the sound and smell of the waves crashing against the shore from your room. The hotel also offers a range of excellent amenities, such as a spa, a fitness center, and a pool. If you're looking for a family-friendly hotel, the Bluesun Hotel Bonaca is a great choice. This property offers spacious and comfortable rooms, as well as a variety of on-site activities for kids of all ages. Guests can enjoy the hotel's pool, playground, and game room, or explore the town of Bol on foot or by bike. No matter what type of traveler you are, there's a perfect hotel in Bol, Croatia for you. These properties offer unbeatable ocean views, top-notch amenities, and impeccable service. So why wait? Book your stay today!

Cuisine and restaurants

Special mention must be made of the cuisine that is specific to the island of Brac and to Bol in particular. Brac is an island and this means that more than 30 species of fish and shellfish are served here. The food is incredibly tasty, healthy and beautiful, such as grilled lamb roast, prsut, vegetables in incredible combinations. An assortment of sardine and anchovy snacks appear for lunch, while for dessert you will be served a variety of pancakes with stuffing, sweet rolls, and puff pastries. Lunch at a Bola restaurant usually costs 15-25 EUR per person. It's not possible to eat the enormous portions on your own, so it's more cost-effective to come here with a group.

Beaches of Bola

One of the best beaches here, located in the south of the island near Bol, is called Zlatni Rat (Golden Head or Golden Horn). The fine pebble cape is occasionally shaped by the wind and waves, juts out 300m into the sea, and is lined with pine trees. Half of the cape is a nudist beach. Zlatni Rat is an ideal place for windsurfing and tennis (20 dirt courts).

There are sea urchins in the sea near Bol and it's better to stay away from them if you don't want your vacation getaway to turn into a hospital trip.

Bohl Entertainment & Attractions

The most famous attractions of Brac are situated near Bol, such as Vidova Gora, Zlatni Mys, Dragon's Cave, and the Glagolic Monastery in Blace.

Zlatni Mys is an extraordinary place in itself, attracting travelers from all over the world, and next to it, archaeologists have found the ruins of a Roman rustic villa - a rural villa in the open countryside. Vidova Mountain nearby is the highest peak on the islands in the entire Adriatic Sea (778m). At its summit, the most adventurous tourists can see the ruins of the church of St. Vid, after whom the mountain is named, as well as benches, a café, and an observation deck.

The mountain range of Balska Kruna, at the foot of which Bol stands, was once home to the 15th century Glagolitic monastery Drakonjska Cave (Zmajeva spilja or Drakonjina spilja). It was the home of the monk Polžić, who managed to turn a lonely hermitage into a famous monastery. The Dragons Cave was the place where they started keeping the Glagolitic inscriptions, one of which was written in the 13th century and is now kept in the Dominican Museum.

The Blaca Monastery is located on the same mountain, but on the west side, far from populated areas. In the 15th century Glagolitic monks arrived here from the mainland, escaping from the Turks, and built an entire city-state on the mountain. It has all the necessities of life, including facilities for the production of wine and olive oil - which the monks exchanged for the goods they needed. Even the beehives for the bees were carved in stone! But Blace Monastery is not only an amazing architectural structure but it is also the centre of the scientific life of the island. It has a large library with books in German, globes, powerful telescopes, astronomical maps and a school for villagers.

An interesting landmark of Bola is the art gallery named after Branislav Dešković. It is located in the town hall. Croatia's most famous artists are exhibited here, including contemporary ones.

The microclimate of Bola is very suitable for asthmatics.

There are 25 tennis courts, a bowling alley, mini-football, basketball and volleyball courts at the disposal of sports and leisure enthusiasts. Surfers and aficionados of other water sports are welcome, as well as diving and scuba diving schools. Bolet has the biggest disco on the island and a lot less loud and flashy but equally attractive scene.

The local club offers speedboat tours for its members. The programme includes visits to nearby islands, caves, of which there are many in Croatia, and coastal towns.