Brac Holiday Guide

Airport Brac is about 15 kilometres from the main town of Bol. Alternatively, some fly to Split on the Croatian mainland, which is less than an hour away by car ferry.

If you're based in the busy tourist centre Supetar, there are regular buses to other parts of the island.

The Zlatni Rat, also known as the Golden Horn, on the south side of the island at Bol, is the most famous. It's good for sunbathing and windsurfing, so you can be sure to return home from your holiday in Brac with a glowing tan.

A unique natural phenomenon, this long spit of sand stretches about half a kilometre into the clear Adriatic sea, its tip shifting with sea currents. It can get pretty busy on the shoreline but sea temperatures are warm until September. There are good beaches too at Dominikanski, Samostan, Murvica, Mala Lozna and Lovrecina.

Get a sense of Brac's history with a visit to the Dominican monastery at Bol with its botanical garden and museum. The scenery is stunning, dominated by pine forests and limestone with numerous spectacular gullies, coves, valleys and cavities.

Look out for the quarries where the famous Brac building stone is excavated; if it looks familiar that's because it was used to build the White House.

Head to the top of the island by car, bike or foot and climb Mt Vidova Gora for amazing views. It's the highest of all the island peaks in the Adriatic sea. On a clear day you can see not only the neighbouring islands of Hvar and Vis, but also spot Italy in the distance.

Nearby is the Dragon's Cave, named after the dragon which a monk chiselled on the wall in the 15th century. There are ruins of the old Christian basilica at the charming village of Povlja, while at Skrip (the oldest island settlement) is the 16th century Tower Radojkovic, which now houses a museum.

Those who are feeling a little homesick on holiday in Brac can fear no more, for it is embracing the tourist trade so it's not too difficult to track down your favourite foods - but the fresh fish is particularly good so do try some - you can always have chips with them.

The speciality is lamb and Vitalac (lamb's liver) washed down with the local red wine, Plavac. The more adventurous may like to try traditional favourite, Puh (grey squirrel).

Brac attracts young holidaymakers, meaning its nightlife can be pretty lively. There are tons of café bars, nightclubs and cocktail bars with dance floors in Bol, so there are plenty of places to go for late night fun.

Be sure to walk along the seafront too where you may be lucky to catch some street entertainers.

Sumartin, Postira and Milna, Pucisca, Supetar, Bol and Sutivaal are the places to head if you're a keen shopper.

Stock up with excellent olive oil, cheese and sour cherries and almonds. Check the opening times though, some shops shut between noon and 4pm.

Brac is a wonderful family destination for those who love messing about on the beach, relaxing in the sunshine, trying their hand at windsurfing or visiting historical sites.

Families wanting endless amusement arcades and rides or looking for high-octane excitement at theme parks will not find what they're looking for.