The Croatian island of Brac is the largest island in the Central Dalmatian archipelago and has a population of almost 14,000 people. It is separated from the mainland by the Brac Channel, from the island of Solta by the so-called Splitska Vrata and from the island of Hvar by the Hvar Channel. The highest mountain on the island, Vidova Gora, is 778 meters tall and is also the highest peak of all Croatian islands. The calcareous part of the coast is rocky and steep, while the rest is rather low and sandy.
The island landscape is dominated by a karst limestone relief with numerous gorges, crevices, cavities, round valleys and bays. Most of the limestone and dolomite quarries on the island of Brac have been a source of stone for the construction of decorative masonry for centuries. The ancient Romans recognized their quality and built cities, amphitheaters, temples, palaces and tombs all over Dalmatia from this stone.
Vacationers are invited to explore this fascinating island, which has everything one could need for a relaxing vacation in an unspoilt natural setting. A rich cultural and historical legacy from prehistory, beautiful beaches and bays, unique gastronomy, crystal clear sea, high quality accommodation in private facilities and the hospitality of the local people guarantee tourists an unforgettable vacation.
Sights and activities
Brac wants to be discovered by his visitors. The island of sun, stone and sea offers you numerous possibilities:
- Stroll through mountain villages and port towns very comfortably by car
- Cycle to the highest mountain and over the karst hills
- Hiking through pine forests and olive groves
- Sunbathers will love the Golden Horn beach
At the port of Splitska, it is worth visiting the ancient quarry. The Romans already mined limestone here. The material was also used for Diocletian’s Palace in Split, the Reichstag in Berlin and the White House in Washington.
Traces of the Venetians
In addition to all the other conquerors of the island of Brac, the Venetians in particular left a lot of traces. The port towns of Supetar, Sutivan or Postira with their monasteries, churches and palaces still exude a lot of Venetian flair.
Relaxing on the beach
The beaches on the north coast offer refreshment and relaxation after a day’s excursion. A bay between the pine forests near Postira is particularly beautiful. Food and drinks are also well catered for on the island of Brac. Toni, the landlord, is particularly recommended in the mini village of Dol. Enjoy tasty lamb or fish from the grill with homemade wine.
Sibenik
The city of Šibenik
The city of Šibenik is located in Croatia in a fjord-like bay on the Adriatic coast. It is reached from the water by driving around some beautiful islands and reefs. The Svetog Ante canal then leads directly to the bay. Šibenik is part of Dalmatia.
What sights does Sibenik have to offer?
Šibenik has a medieval old town famous for its 2800 stairs. The city’s fortification system with four fortresses and a cathedral are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 24 churches, six monasteries, two national parks and many other sights belong to the rather small town with 46,000 inhabitants.
The cultural monuments, galleries, museums and Šibenik’s eventful history attract countless tourists to the city every year, including many participants on study trips. A visit to the city in June is particularly interesting for families, as the international children’s festival takes place every year.
Groznjan
Artist village in Istria
Grožnjan in Croatia is known as the “City of Artists” and is an ideal destination for day trips with art, galleries and concerts. It is located in the hinterland of Istria in the west, near Brtonigla and Novigrad, only 15 kilometers from the sea. It is the only village in Croatia with an Italian-speaking majority. In addition to numerous other music events, Grožnjan hosts a jazz festival every year, which was launched by Boško Petrović and attracted international artists such as Georgie Fame and Mike Sponza. In 2008 it was awarded the European prize for the best small jazz festival. It takes place two to three weeks in the second half of July.
Picturesque alleys in a medieval old town
Grožnjan is a medieval village whose original beauty has been preserved to this day thanks to preserved walls, forts, churches and monuments. The key moment in the history of Grožnjan happened at the beginning of the 20th century when the railroad came to the city, followed by the accelerated development of domestic oil production and increased trade with neighboring countries. In 1956 the Croatian Groznjan became the “City of Artists”. It was then that, following the suggestion of the artist and sculptor Aleksandar Rukavina, artists began to populate empty and decaying houses. In return for the free use of the buildings, they campaigned for the renovation and maintenance of the houses in the village.
Sights and activities
Much of today’s population is still made up of artists. Today their ideas make this city one of the most popular destinations for a relaxing and creative vacation. Parades and shows by popular musicians take place regularly in the stone streets of the city, and visitors and locals can spend time with the artists in their galleries. Over 30 studios and galleries invite you to take a tour. The parish church from the 14th century is also well worth seeing.
