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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Croatia

Diverse Accommodation Types

Lodging Choices

  • Hostels

    Limited hostels exist, mainly in larger towns like Supetar and Bol, giving budget-friendly dormitory beds and private rooms.

  • Hotels

    Hotels range from small, family-run boutique properties, offering personalized service, to larger resorts with extensive facilities.

  • Apartments & Private Rooms

    One of the most common and authentic types of accommodation on Brac is apartments and private rooms, locally known as "sobe." Local families often provide these, giving good value and a chance to experience local life firsthand.

  • Luxury Villas

    For groups or families seeking privacy and space, luxury villas with private pools are popular, especially in scenic locations.

Unique Stays & Booking

  • Camping & Glamping

    Camping options are limited to a few designated campsites, like Camp Kito in Supetar. Glamping, a luxurious form of camping, also starts to appear on the island.

  • Agritourism

    Agritourism, or "Agroturizam," includes staying on farms, often in inland villages. These properties typically offer traditional meals made with local produce, giving an immersive rural experience.

  • Converted Lighthouses

    While not directly on Brac, converted lighthouses in the vicinity of islands give unique, remote stay options for a truly distinctive vacation.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Vacation rentals and apartment options are widely available on platforms like Booking.com and Vrbo, as well as through local agencies. These feature more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities.

Island Neighborhoods

Brac Island features diverse neighborhoods, each with a distinct character and appeal for travelers.

Supetar

Advantages
  • Island's main ferry port and administrative hub.
  • Good range of restaurants, shops, and amenities.
  • Excellent base for exploring the island with good bus and ferry connections to Split.
  • Good balance of activity and convenience.
Considerations
  • Can feel like a busy port town.
  • Less picturesque than smaller, charming villages.
  • Generally quieter in the evenings compared to Bol.
  • Limited traditional charm in central areas.

Bol

Advantages
  • Home to iconic Zlatni Rat beach.
  • Excellent watersports (windsurfing, kitesurfing).
  • Direct catamaran links to Split and Hvar.
  • atmosphere with dining and entertainment.
Considerations
  • Most expensive and most crowded, especially in high season.
  • Very tourist-centric.
  • Further from the main Supetar ferry port.
  • Can be noisy due to nightlife.

Milna

Advantages
  • Picturesque harbor town, popular with sailors.
  • Quieter, charming, and gives an authentic feel.
  • Good for relaxation and often gives better value accommodation.
  • Has its own passenger ferry link to Split.
Considerations
  • Fewer amenities and less nightlife compared to Supetar or Bol.
  • Generally very peaceful and quiet.
  • Limited public transport to other parts of the island.
  • Fewer direct beach access points.

Island-Wide Notes

General Safety & Vibe

All areas on Brac are generally safe. Take standard precautions in crowded tourist spots. The island vibe varies from lively port towns to peaceful inland villages, each with a distinct charm.

Transport & Access

Supetar has the best bus connections and ferry links to Split. Bol has direct catamaran links to Split and Hvar. Milna and Sumartin also have direct ferry links. All towns have local beach access.

Booking Your Stay

Booking your accommodation on Brac strategically secures your preferred lodging and may lead to better rates. Advance booking varies by season.

Seasonal Booking

  • High Season (July-August): Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance for popular spots like Bol and Supetar, or specific villas. Last-minute options are limited and highest in price.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, Sep-Oct): Book 1-3 months in advance for good selection and prices. Some last-minute deals may appear.
  • Low Season (Nov-April): Good deals appear a few weeks or days in advance, but accommodation choices are limited. Confirm operating hours, as many businesses close.

Booking Practices

  • Trusted Platforms: Use platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, and Expedia. Local tourist agency websites or direct property bookings sometimes offer better rates.
  • Negotiation: Walk-in negotiation for established hotels is less common. For private apartments, especially in low or shoulder season, slight negotiation for longer stays may occur. Generally, published prices are fixed.
  • Policies: Check deposit and cancellation policies. Many properties offer free cancellation up to a specific date. Deposits (20-30% of total) are common for longer stays.
  • Price Fluctuations: Seasonal price changes are notable. Prices are highest in July-August, drop 20-40% in shoulder seasons, and are lowest (over 50% less) in low season.

Helpful Considerations

Confirm Operations

Inquire about services and operating hours, especially if traveling during off-peak times. Confirm availability of amenities like pools and restaurants during your stay.

Booking Advantage
Cancellation Flexibility

Look for flexible cancellation policies to adjust travel plans without penalty.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are examples of accommodation types for different travel styles, focusing on the experiences Brac provides.

Budget and Mid-Range Stays

Budget-Friendly

Look for hostels in Supetar or Bol for dormitory beds. Private rooms (sobe) in smaller villages or slightly outside the main centers offer very good value.

  • Hostels in Supetar/Bol for dorms.
  • Private rooms ('sobe') for value.
  • Smaller villages for lower prices.
  • Self-catering options.
Mid-Range Comfort

Consider well-appointed apartments or private villas. Three-star hotels often give comfortable stays with amenities without breaking the bank.

  • Well-appointed apartments.
  • Private villas (smaller).
  • Comfortable 3-star hotels.
  • Amenities without high costs.

Luxury and Family Focus

Luxury Escapes

Explore four- or five-star hotels in Bol or Supetar, or secluded luxury villas across the island, many featuring private pools and stunning views.

  • 4/5-star hotels in Bol/Supetar.
  • Secluded luxury villas.
  • Private pools and views.
  • High-end services.
Family Comfort

Families benefit from apartments or villas with multiple bedrooms and kitchens, giving space and convenience for preparing meals. Resorts with pools and kids' clubs also entertain children.

  • Apartments/villas with multiple bedrooms.
  • Kitchens for meal prep.
  • Resorts with pools/kids' clubs.
  • Quieter towns like Supetar/Sutivan.

Solo Traveler Stays

  • Hostels

    Hostels create social interaction and opportunities to meet other travelers.

  • Private Rooms

    Private rooms in guesthouses offer a balance of budget and independence.

  • Activity Hubs

    For activity and social opportunities, Supetar or Bol are good choices.

  • Community Interaction

    Homestays give opportunities to engage with local hosts and gain insights into island life.

Extended Visits

  • Apartment Rentals

    For extended visits, consider renting an apartment or villa with weekly or monthly rates, especially outside peak season.

  • Long-Stay Discounts

    Many local owners offer discounts for longer stays, making possible a immersion into island life.

  • Self-Catering

    Kitchen facilities in apartments help save on dining costs during longer visits.

  • Island Immersion

    Longer stays foster a connection to the island's rhythm and community.

Culturally Significant Properties

Traditional Stone Houses

Seek out traditional stone houses or renovated villas in the older parts of towns.

  • Authentic island architecture.
  • Renovated historic charm.
  • Immersive local experience.
  • Unique aesthetics.
Agritourism Experiences

Agritourism properties in inland villages like Skrip or Dol give a genuine glimpse into traditional island life, often with local food production experiences.

  • Stay on working farms.
  • Enjoy traditional meals.
  • Learn about local agriculture.
  • Connect with Brac's heritage.

Brac's Unique Identity

Local Flavor

Brac's diverse accommodation options allow visitors to choose a stay that aligns with their travel style and budget, from bustling ports to serene inland villages.

Authentic Encounters

Many stays give a chance to interact with local families, providing a grasp of island culture and hospitality.

Tailored Experiences

Whether seeking nightlife or peaceful solitude, there are lodging choices to match every desired Brac experience.