Bol island Brač
Bol
It stretches few kilometers along the coast. The sea in front of it is crystal clear, transparent waves resemble a cut crystal. Bol has many beautiful beaches. To the west from Bol lies the beach Zlatni rat (Golden Horn) one of the largest and most beautiful attractions of the Adriatic. Like a small tongue it extends nearly half a kilometer into the clear blue sea. It “grows” with the depositing and sedimentation of small gravelly pebbles around the underwater reef. The point of the Zlatni rat (Golden horn) changes shape, attempting to conform to the will of the waves and gentle sea currents. Dominican monastery, rising in the holy peace is located on the east side of Bol, at the peninsula Glavica. Its museum has a rich archeological collection and diverse valuable objects and paintings. The urban core of Bol is shaped along the port. There are baroque summer residence, Loza with a little church, renaissancee-baroque palace with an art gallery inside it, parish church, little market and Kastil. Stylish buildings modestly fit the harmonious houses made in the original national architectural style… Bol is a locality of exceptional maritime benefits. Its coast with numerous corners of peace and pleasures gives a feeling of a large free space, is created for meditation and relaxation but also for active holidays. The scent of medicinal sage and rosemary under the sunny slopes,and chirring of crickets is the deepest primeval music. Once Bol was an area for wine growers, fishermen and seamen; today it is a spectacular tourist destination. The local people are open and friendly. This favourite Brac settlement has developed a network of state-of-the-art hotels and a variety of accommodation in private houses, apartments and campsites. Restaurants and caffes are complemented by several activity clubs, windsurfing schools, a large tennis centre, various sports grounds, a fitness centre and many other facilities. Bol is a favourite destination for excursion boats and yachtsmen; there is a special berth for yachts in the harbour. Bol is an attractive tourist destination with a recognisable cultural identity and local specialities that delight visitors. The wider area of Bol is a space with large recreational capacity, with unique cultural-historical, monumental and folklore elements and an original combination of continental and maritime enviroments. Small Murvica, with its vineyards and beautiful beaches is an idyllic place for Bol tourists. It is famous for its monuments and remains, especially Dragons cave, a miniature church in a cave where carved reliefs and religious figures have been sculpted. The Blaca, at the foot of the steep cliffs surrounding the bay, impresses with a monumentally stunning setting in which hermits placed stylish furniture, a piano and a telescope, valuable paintings, a library and a collection of antique weapons and clocks. The monastery has existed for four centuries and today it is a unique cultural monument to the human work and endurance of those who lived an exemplary ecological, inspirational and contemporary life. Whilst staying in Bol a visit to Videva Gora is a must, providing spectacular views of the island and summer days that enrich life.
Wine-growing
Wine-growing started prospering at the beginning of the 19th century (the outbreak of Phylloxera at west). Wine conjuncture motivated Bol residents to clear olive groves in order to free the area for planting vineyards. However, the conjuncture did not last long, since on 6 December 1891, a wine clause was introduced to the trading agreement between Austria and Italy (abolished in 1905), and Phylloxera appeared in 1894. The consequences were fatal (emigration).
Olive-growing
Bol residents cleared olive groves to either free the space for vineyards or simply neglected the olive-groves, so that for the last two centuries this economic branch was not significant. It was only more recently that the olive-growing has progressed, many new trees were planted, and the old olive-groves were renovated.
Fishing
After Milna, Bol was the most developed fishing settlement on the island. One third of Bol residents lived off fishing. Before the Second World War, there were 13 oily fishing groups in Bol during summer. Cca 200 tons of oily fish (which was salted) were caught during season. No one lives from the fishery alone these days. It is mainly an additional occupation. Bol residents gave a large contribution to fishing promotion in Europe. The modern tuna fishing started on the Adriatic and in Europe in 1929 when the first Adriatic tuna-boat, Napredak (progress) from Bol sailed under the leadership by a Bol resident Antun Vilicic in collaboration with his friends, fishermen Antun Pesutic and Vicko Breskovic, also residents of Bol.
Navigation
The golden age of Bol navigation was the second half of the 18th century. At that time, Brac was the third navigational center on the Croatian Adriatic (after Boka and Losinj), and on Brac, Bol was the leader. Somewhere around 1800, Bol had 15 patented ships (at that time Split did not have such ships). At the end of 17th century, there was one shipyard functional in Bol.
Brač
Brač (pronounced [brâːtʃ) is an island in the Adriatic Sea within Croatia, with an area of 396 square kilometers (153 sq mi), making it the largest island in Dalmatia, and the third largest in the Adriatic. It is an island of immense diversity, an island of culture, adventure and of course history spanning over centuries. Brač is the „tallest“ island in the Adriatic, with its highest peak Vidova Gora that stretches up to 778 meters above sea level. On a clear day, and especially after a day of strong Bura wind, one can see Italy while standing on the top of Vidova Gora. But that’s not the only reason why you should visit for the view is breathtaking and perfect for panoramic pictures without the use of a drone. Surrounding islands and world famous “Zlatni Rat” beach in Bol are right under your feet, and you can drive, hike or cycle up to Vidova Gora. Composed primarily of limestone and dolomite, the quarries of the island of Brac have been a source of stone for building decorative stonework for centuries. The old Romans have known its quality and used this very stone to build cities, amphitheaters, temples, palaces and graves all over Dalmatia. Diocletian’s Palace in Split was built from Brac stone and it is still used in the construction of buildings as far afield as Europe and north America. We invite you to explore this unique island that offers everything one needs for an unforgettable holiday in an unspoiled natural environment. Rich cultural and historic heritage that dates back to pre-historic times, unique gastronomy, beautiful beaches and bays, crystal blue sea, high quality accommodation in private facilities and the hospitality of the local people are the guarantees of a holiday you will always remember.