July 18, 2022 - Brac island already has a solid reputation and may not need more advertising, but for those curious who want to see the island beyond Zlatni rat (Golden horn), here are some must-see destinations.

Brac island is the highest and third largest among the more than 1,000 Croatian islands, and it is thanks to this vast territory that it has numerous and varied destinations to visit. While it is true that Brac island has become popular in recent years thanks to the highly recognizable Zlatni Rat in Bol, it would be unfair to reduce such an island to just one beach. It could be said without hesitation that Brac island has something for everyone, from olive oil to adventure sports. The island has spectacular hiking trails, interesting towns both on its coast and inland, and even a museum dedicated exclusively to olive oil.

Due to its proximity to the Croatian mainland, specifically to the City of Split, Brac island is easily reachable by ferries and catamarans, as well as with small boats that offer daily tours. The main ports of the island are Supetar (from Split), Milna (from Split), Bol (from Split and Dubrovnik), and Sumartin (from Makarska). If you plan to visit Brac island via any of these ports, consider checking out these destinations.

Supetar

If you find yourself vacationing in Split, especially in the south of the city, it is difficult not to recognize Supetar from a distance. It is undoubtedly the best reachable destination from the Dalmatian city due to the high frequency of ferries that take you to Supetar from the port of Split. However, this does not stop it from being a town that deserves all your attention. Supetar has many cultural events, and numerous beaches to choose from. It also serves as a starting point for various themed trails on the island, including Via Brattia, which you can learn more about here.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Sutivan

Just 13 minutes by car from Supetar, Sutivan lies on the northwest coast of the island of Brač. It is a small picturesque destination with a Mediterranean vibe and beautiful pebble beaches stretching west. Numerous cultural landmarks, various events, and sports activities make it a good place for a pleasant vacation. Despite having its fair share of beaches, another great way to spend your time in Sutivan is learning about its diverse religious heritage, by visiting St. Rocco's Church or St. John's Church. Likewise, Sutivan is a friendly town for bicycles, in addition to having trails both by land and also for diving.

Image: Sutivan Tourist Board

Splitska

East of Supetar is Splitska, just a 9-minute drive away. Splitska is a settlement developed in the 16th century, after the foundation in the 13th century was destroyed by pirates from Omiš.  Historically, the stone of Brač was transported from the port of Splitska, which was used to build Diocletian's Palace in Split. Splitska is a small and quiet place, ideal for families and travelers looking for a peaceful vacation. 

Photo: Mario Romulić

Postira

Postira, located 7 minutes east of Splitska, is a town founded in the 16th century and today has a great tourist offer that successfully unites its agricultural and fishing traditions. In addition to having a wide variety of beaches and accommodations, Postira definitely stands out for its countless activities to do, since Postira is home to the World Olive Picking Championship. Yes, you heard it right. During the fall, in the olive picking season, teams made up of people from all over the world gather in Postira to compete against each other to see who picks the most olives. You can learn more here.

Image: Postira Tourist Board

Pučišća

This list is of destinations that you cannot miss, but there are some destinations that you simply cannot miss. For me, one of those destinations is Pučišća, on the northeast coast of Brač. Pučšića is the largest settlement on the island of Brač, and is known not only for its picturesque buildings but also for the stonemasonry tradition of its famous school, the best examples of which are erected throughout the town, visible also in its beautiful harbor. Pučšića is an excellent destination to spend relaxing days, where you can enjoy beautiful beaches, spectacular local food and top quality olive oil.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Povlja

This picturesque village exudes peace and quiet and is ideal for a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the larger tourist destinations on the island. Povlja is surrounded by numerous bays, ideal for enjoying the abundant sun and crystal clear sea. Don't forget to visit one of the most spacious sacred buildings of its kind in Croatia, an early Christian basilica with a baptistery from the 6th century. Two legends are associated with Povlja. It is believed that St. Jelena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, was originally from Brač and was taken to Constantinople via Povalje. Another legend says that St. Ivan, who is the patron saint of the place, walked on the sea and drove away the plague with his sermons.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Pražnica

Who says that the only destinations worth visiting on Brač are on its coast? Being the highest island in Croatia is no surprise that its inland hides incredible villages with a lot of history. One of them is Pražnica, a small medieval town, 7 km south of Pučišća. Surrounded by numerous pastures, livestock farming has developed in the village, and rural tourism is also developing nowadays. Many visitors enjoy traditional Brač delicacies here, such as the famous Brač cheese, lamb on a spit, homemade olive oil, and high-quality Brač wines.

Photo: kruno/Flickr

Nerežišća

Fifteen minutes west of Pražnica, also inland on the island of Brač, the village of Nerežišća is located. As a district, Nerežišća comprises much of the interior of the island of Brač, as well as part of the southern coast of the island. Nerežišća is one of the smaller settlements on Brač, with a population of less than 1,000, but was once the capital of the island, built inland rather than on the coast as protection from pirates who sailed long ago. Nerežišća is an ideal destination to feel closely the rural life on the island, without being far from the paradisiacal beaches. An unmissable landmark is a chapel with a bonsai, located in the center of town.

Photo: Argo Navis/Wikimedia Commons

Sumartin

Located on the easternmost point of the island of Brač, Sumartin is an increasingly popular tourist destination. It is also the youngest settlement on the island, which was founded by settlers from the mainland in the 17th century fleeing the Turkish invaders. Aside from its popular and beautiful beaches, you'll find numerous coves and hidden beaches that can only be reached by boat. Fans of active tourism will surely enjoy exploring the hiking and biking trails that lead through ancient olive groves and vineyards, offering unique Mediterranean scenes. Sumartin is a popular destination not only for those already on the island of Brač, but also for those in the Makarska Riviera, as both towns are directly connected by a ferry line.

Image: Selca Tourist Board

Milna

Milna, located on the western tip of the island of Brač, is perhaps one of the most popular destinations, not only due to its connection by catamaran from the port of Split but also because it is a beautifully hidden bay with numerous coves and beaches, protected of storms in the region. With an identity strongly marked by its fishing and sailing traditions, Milna is today a popular destination for tourists during the summer season. If you are looking for spectacular events, you will not want to miss the Mrduja Tug of War, an event that takes place every last Saturday of July, where the inhabitants and guests of the islands of Brač and Šolta compete to define who owns the islet of Mrduja. Learn more here.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Bol

Bol, what else can be said about this destination that is not already known? Well, believe it or not, a lot. Known worldwide for its spectacular and beautiful beach, Zlatni Rat, Bol has an endless offer of experiences for all types of visitors. Being the oldest settlement on the coast of the island of Brač, the heritage that can be found in the village is a matter of wonder for those history buffs. Likewise, its beaches are praised by windsurfers and kitesurfers alike. Bol is located on the southern coast of the island and is reachable not only from Split and Dubrovnik but also for those looking to do a bit of island hopping, with the possibility of traveling from Hvar as well.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Murvica

Also on the south coast of the island of Brač, 6 kilometers west of Bol, our last unmissable destination is located: Murvica. Although it contrasts with other destinations mentioned in this list, due to its small size (Murvica has a population of just over 20 inhabitants), it is absolutely worth being included in your itinerary, since you will not only find beautiful beaches, but also the Dragon's Cave, whose incredible stone carvings have never been properly explained. Zoran, a very enthusiastic local guide, provides an outstanding experience.

Photo: Mario Romulić

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July the 15th, 2022 - Postira olive oil made from totally wild olives is earning recognition and winning gold medals. Teo Santic from Postira on the Central Dalmatian island of Brac is one person who has got stuck into this way of doing things.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, the story of wild olives was practically forgotten in Croatia, but scientists, experts and other enthusiastic olive growers are bringing it back to the present day and saving it from being totally lost to the often cruel hands of time, reports HRT.

"A wild olive is any olive produced from a seed, i.e. by generative propagation. Within the entire population of wild olives, we distinguish two subgroups, one is the original true wild olive, which are very difficult to find, because they're a far cry from the cultivated ones. Another variant is the so-called ''seed type'', these are olives that also came from seeds, but are the typically the product of a cross between cultivated olives and wild ones,'' explained Dr. Tatjana Klepo.

Teo Santic produces Postira olive oil, he's very much an innovator at heart and he wanted to create something a little bit different, so he decided to restore the process of using wild olives, and now he has about seventy of them.

"I've been making olive oil for ten years now and every year it's been getting better and better, and last year and the year before last, when I had the best possible option for that oil, I won a gold medal," said Teo Santic, the creator of Postira olive oil which stands out from the rest.

Wild olives can be distinguished by their leaves, which are small, thin and prickly branches, and by the fruit, which is small and has very little pulp from which the oil is squeezed.

"That's why they're not cultivated, because they don't have a large amount of oil in the olives, somewhere between five and seven percent can be obtained on average," added Santic.

Wild olive oil is something completely new and different, and it has been very much forgotten about in Croatia, despite its long tradition of making olive oil all along the coast and on the islands. It's tasty, a little tart, but extremely high quality. Despite the fact that these wild olives were forgotten on neglected areas and that they were included in the proper programme only ten years ago, they definitely have their importance.

"They are like a reservoir of genes for resistance; drought resistance, genetic resistance to diseases, both against those diseases which are already present and those that are yet to come, resistance to a whole hosts of parasites and pests, to a whole series of factors that can or have already affected olive growers in the production process,'' said Klepo when explaining how important it is that people like Teo Santic and his Postira olive oil are bringing the use of wild olives back from the brink.

For more, check out Made in Croatia.

October 7, 2021 - The 2021 Olive Picking World Championship kicks off this week in Postira on Brac, with the usual strong international lineup, and a new kid on the block - Team Digital Nomads.

With the main tourist season coming to a close, the thoughts of most Dalmatians turn to the fields, and their precious olive groves. 

But for one small part of the island of Brac, a unique idea back in 2017 combined tourism with the traditional olive harvest. 

Postira launched the Olive Picking World Championship four years ago, an event which has grown in stature (and international appeal) since its inception. After becoming a casualty of the pandemic last year, the 4th edition of the Olive Picking World Championship will take place this week, from October 8-10, in th fields of Postira. 

And it has become a truly international event, with olive picking techniques from as far away as New Zealand taking part in the past.  

Defending champions Montenegro have withdrawn at a late stage sadly, but there is still a high quality international flavour to this year's competition. Each team consists of four pickers, two male and two female, and there is a new kind of team this year to compete with the other 9 registered nationalities - Team Digital Nomad. 

1. Poland
2. Hungary
3. Slovenia
4. France
5. South Africa
6. Russia
7. Slovenia
8. Israel
9. Digital nomads
10. Croatia.

The team of four ar all participants in the award-winning Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence progamme earlier this year. 

The DN team has an international quality, with the quartet of former Dubrovnik nomads-in-residence hailing from Wales, Holland, USA and England, with a coach from Australia.

The coaching started earlier this week in Montenegro at the Cross Border Coworking Conference in Budva, where olive-picking techniques while holding a beer will bring a fresh perspective to the 2021 Postira championships (see video below). 

A great event, one more small example of great authentic experiences outside the season. 

You can follow progress on the Postira Tourist Board Facebook page, and TCN will bring you an in-depth report on this year's olive champion. 

Never experienced an olive harvest? After 18 years as a Dalmatian 'zet' (son-in-law), it has become part of my DNA - learn more in Natural Stress Relief: the Olive Harvest in Dalmatia.

Want to learn more about olive oil in Croatia? Check out the TC olive oil guide.

January 23, 2020 - The Olive Picking World Championship, which takes place in Postira on Brac in the autumn, has been named the most creative event at the Creative Tourism Network awards in Madrid.

RTL.hr writes that the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) is presenting its tourism offer again this year at the FITUR fair in Madrid from January 22 to 26. On the first day of the fair, Croatian Minister of Tourism Gari Cappelli and HTZ Director Kristjan Stanicic visited the Croatian booth. They also met with Spanish partners, tour operators and agencies such as Jet2com, Beautiful Destination and others.

“After Utrecht, Stuttgart, Helsinki, Vienna and Berlin, this month's total Croatian tourist offer is presented at the most important Spanish tourism fair in Madrid. Speaking of Croatia, Spaniards' favorite destinations are Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Hvar and the Plitvice Lakes. This year, we plan to improve the network of the Croatian National Tourist Board representative office by launching all the necessary procedures for opening an office in Madrid because of the extremely important Spanish market for us and the fact that the leading international tourist institutions are based here. Spaniards often travel and discover new destinations, and this is exactly the opportunity we need to take advantage of in 2020,” director Stanicic said, adding that last year, 315,000 arrivals and more than 708,000 overnights were generated from Spain, which represents a 10 percent increase compared to 2018.

The Creative Tourism Network awards ceremony was also held as part of the FITUR fair, and the award for the creative event of the year was given to the Olive Picking World Championship in the municipality of Postira on Brac, which took place in October last year. 

The Creative Tourism Network is an international non-profit organization specializing in the development of creative tourism. Among 160 entries and events, their expert jury decided that this Postira event was the most creative of its kind in the world because it innovatively preserves the centuries-old tradition and brings it closer to locals and tourists alike. The event was launched to promote the traditional Croatian custom of picking olives, but also to learn about the traditions of other Mediterranean countries. Twelve teams participated in the competition.

"Spain, together with France, is the leading country for the UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Program, which will work with governments, destinations and tourism companies to reduce the environmental impact of tourism, which is also an important premise for Croatia to pursue as a tourism policy in the future. We used our stay in Madrid, the capital of one of the most visited countries in the world and the seat of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), to exchange experiences in managing sustainable development policies, which are also the backbone of Croatia's EU Council Presidency in the field of tourism. The experiences and best practices we exchanged during our meetings with leading tourism authorities and officials will greatly benefit from the development of a new National Tourism Development Strategy based on quality and responsible and sustainable business, using modern technologies as creative solutions for the future,” Minister Cappelli said.

In addition to the Croatian National Tourist Board as its main exhibitor, ten co-exhibitors are represented at the FITUR fair, including the tourist boards of the City of Zagreb and Dubrovnik-Neretva County and Abacus Tours, Illyria - Camp Soline, Atlas, Olivari, Nave Travel, Uniline, Valamar and HUP Zagreb.

Research shows that the main motives for Spaniards' trips abroad are leisure, relaxation and recreation (54 percent), followed by visits to friends and family (26 percent) and business trips (14 percent). When traveling abroad, Spaniards usually go by plane, and Spain's direct air connection with Croatia improves from year to year, especially in the summer flight schedule. Currently, three airlines are operating in the winter timetable: Croatia Airlines, Iberia and Vueling Airlines on the route Barcelona - Zagreb, Madrid - Zagreb and Barcelona - Dubrovnik.

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

October 14, 2019 - After their third appearance among this years’ 12 national teams, the representatives of Montenegro picked the most olives and became new World Champions in olive picking.

Postira, Brač, October 10-13 – Their third appearance at the World Championship in Olive Picking, held in the olive grove of St Joseph in Postira on Island Brač, proved to be lucky and fully successful for the four-membered team of Montenegro. They managed to convincingly outperform their competition from other 11 participating national teams, by picking 77.6 kg of olives, as much as 20 kg more than the second positioned team of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Team South Africa won the third place, by picking 56 kg of olives from the ancient Brač olive grove.

“We are very happy. We have progressed more and more every year. In the first year we made it to fifth place, next year we were second, and this year, finally, first! Our mission is accomplished”, proudly says Ivan Mirković captain of the winning team.

Members of this years’ Croatian VIP team were the captain-blogger Danijela Dvornik, journalist and editor of Croatian National Television Franka Jović, Split – Dalmatia County prefect Blaženko Boban and our handball golden medalist Petar Metličić. In the manner of good hosts, they turned over the title of World Champion to Team Montenegro, settling for the sixth place, with 50.4 kg of picked olives, following Team Slovenia on fourth, and Team Slovakia on the fifth place.

“Although we haven’t accepted the organizers’ idea of letting others win the title of World Champion and tried our best to keep it in Croatia, this year it just didn’t work out. If the organizers invite our next year, we will be ready and again try for victory”, promised Croatian handball player Petar Metličić, Olympic gold medallist and World Champion.

The Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County had already proven himself a passionate olive grower. Two years ago, he fell off a tree while picking olives and broke two ribs, but the accident hasn’t stopped him from supporting this event – then as a sponsor, and this year as a participant of Croatian National Team. “The captain has forbidden me to climb trees, so I was safe. As for the organizers, like all people from Brač they are very resourceful: first, they bring tourists to the island, and then they make them pick their olives. Very clever”, concluded the Prefect Blaženko Boban with a smile.

The third edition of the Word Championship in Olive Picking organized by the Postira Tourist Board, Municipality of Postira and the Postira Agriculture Cooperative, gathered as many as 12 national teams, which is the highest number of participating teams so far. 

The main aim of this competition is the promotion of olive-growing and products of Postira and the island of Brač, as well as meeting and getting to know the olive-growing tradition of different countries. The teams are competing in two disciplines, the main one being traditional olive picking by hand in a designated time limit. The second discipline is a quiz where the teams test their knowledge in the field of olive growing and olive oil production. The most successful in solving the quiz was Team Belgium, which won a special prize.

The last in olive picking, but winning in personalities were the members of Team England. With only 22.6 kg of harvested olives, they haven’t managed to improve their last position from last year, which had been the teams’ main goal. “All year we’ve been saying: the technique is - pick the right tree. And then Johnnie drank a little bit too much last night and he picked the wrong tree. Again”, explained Mark Fitzpatrick the reason of their fail with a smile. “But this was one the best weekends of my life”, adds Mark, who loves this event, the island of Brač and Croatia.

The director of Postira Tourist Board Ivana Jelinčić is very happy and proud of this years’ edition of the Championship. The atmosphere and the participants’ impressions were fantastic. “We want to show that in Postira tourism and agriculture are walking hand in hand. I am so happy that our citizens and participants accepted this competition so well, and that it’s getting all the media attention it deserves. The story of our World Championship has travelled the World”, she proudly concluded once the competition was over, medals handed out to their winners and teams returning to their homes happy and full of great memories and impressions from her island.

Now that the World Championship is over, Ivana and her fellow citizens can finally concentrate on the activity they’re best at - on their island, and when they decide it, also in the World - picking olives.

Results:

1. Montenegro 77,6 kg
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina 57,6 kg
3. South Africa 56 kg
4. Slovenia 53,4 kg
5. Slovakia 53 kg
6. Croatia 50,5 kg
7. Poland 43,8 kg
8. USA 41,8 kg
9. Germany 40 kg
10. Belgium 37,6 k
11. France 32,8 kg
12. England 22,6 kg

A look back at last year's event by video.  

Until this weekend, an orienteering race was never held on a Dalmatian island.

Supetar is learning from the disasters of last year and pouring more funding into fire safety.

The Croatian team won the 1st World Championship in Olive Picking, held on Brač island

Tonight, Saturday 12^th August 2017, the traditional ‘Mala Noćna Regata’ or “Little Night Regata” will be held in Postira on the island Brač, for its eleventh year.

Enjoy short movie masterpieces from all over the world in Postira on Brač island from July 26 - July 30