To be honest, I’d never even heard of Bol until I was offered a job in the village for the summer. So when I arrived, it kind of felt like this imaginary paradise that had arisen out of nowhere, just for me. Which I’ll admit is a very egotistical way to think, and pretty disrespectful to the Croatians who have called the island of Braç home for generations. But alas, the vibrant landscape, the crystal clear waters, and the fairytale-esque architecture give visitors the unshakable feeling that they’re in some utopian world.
Bol is a popular day trip destination from Split. During the summer, several ferries travel between the two ports every day. The trip takes just under an hour, and tickets cost around €20 each way. If you’re limited on time, I think Bol is a great addition to a Croatian mainland holiday – allowing you a little fix of the magical Mediterranean beaches the country is so famous for.
However, if you’ve got the time and money to spare, I’d highly recommend spending a few days on the island. Whilst there’s a chilled, low-key atmosphere to the place (unlike party islands like Hvar and Pag), there’s still loads to do to fill your time. And I’d argue that simply lazing on the beach and wandering along the forest-laden coastline is fulfilling enough.
Whether you’re in Bol for a long time or just for a good time, here are my top recommendations of things to do.
Table of Contents
Best Activities to Do in Bol, Croatia
1. Hike Vidova Gora
I will preface this one with a warning that mid-summer in Croatia is scorching, so any heavy physical exertion is best left for the shoulder months (March-May or September-November). But if you time your trip right, this one’s a must-do.
Vidova Gora is the highest mountain peak on the island of Braç, and the hike is accessible from the centre of the village. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top, and the views are unsurpassed.
Bring plenty of water and a sturdy pair of shoes. The path is steep, and the terrain can get quite rocky, so a good level of fitness is advised. Even in Spring and Autumn, it’s best to set off early in the morning, as there is limited shade along the trek.
There is a small kiosk near the top that sells ice cream and cold drinks. And if the hike is beyond your capacity, it is possible to drive up the mountain, with only a short walk from the car park to the peak.
2. Visit the Monastery
Whether you’re religious or not, the Dominican Monastery is worth a visit. Claiming some of the best real estate in town, the 16th-century stone church sits between two picturesque little bays.
There’s a small museum housing art, jewels and local, historical artefacts. It’s just €4 to enter. But if that doesn’t interest you, wandering around the shaded gardens and soaking up the coastal views is equally entertaining.
There’s a restaurant with an outdoor terrace on the east side of the monastery. The food isn’t great, but it’s a nice spot to grab a coffee or an afternoon beer while overlooking the water.
The surrounding beaches tend to be better protected from the wind than Zlatni Rat, and often less crowded. So if you’re looking for a little hideaway, it’s well worth taking a walk up from the village to the pebble-laden shores.
3. Go Parasailing
For those in search of incredible bird’s-eye views without climbing a mountain, I recommend parasailing. That’s the one where you’re clipped onto a parachute and towed in the air behind a speedboat. Far less scary than skydiving and the like, but loads of fun.
There are a few water sports companies that operate from Zlatni Rat (the main beach). Things tend to be pretty lax in Croatia, so it’s possible to walk right up and arrange a tour on the spot. However, in the peak tourism season, it’s best to book ahead.
You’re in the air for about 15 minutes, but you’re treated to the most insane views during that time. The boat traverses the coastline, and you fly over the centre of the village, giving you a Sims-like view of the neighbourhood.
4. Have a Seafood Feast on the Waterfront
As with all Mediterranean coastal towns, Bol is renowned for its fresh seafood. There’s a small fishmonger at the back of the village from which you can buy a variety of locally caught fish and crustaceans. For a little extra, you can have your selection grilled for you, with a serving of fries. Perfect for a little picnic dinner.
But for something a little more swanky, there are several high-quality seafood restaurants in town. I will note that they’re not super affordable, as Bol really caters to the ‘honeymooners’ type market. But if you’ve got the splash to cash, they’re well worth it.
My favourites are Pumparela and Ribarska Kućica. The first is a popular restaurant on the promenade, perched right alongside the village port. I’ve eaten there many times, and both the food and the service have been bang on every time. If you’re not a big fan of seafood, they also do great wood-fired pizzas.
Ribarska Kućica is best for those looking for something extra special. It’s a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, situated right on the waterfront. There’s outdoor seating spread across the small, pebbled beach, or (my favourite) a handful of tables perched on a small stone terrace, with the water lapping right beside your feet. Incredible.
If seafood-laden holiday towns are right up your alley, check out my guide to Essaouira – a laidback coastal city in Morocco, renowned for its fishing port.
5. Hit Up Ultra Music Festival
Whilst I mentioned that Bol isn’t much of a party island, there is one nightclub south of Zlatni Rat to quench the thirst of the younger crowd. It’s a popular haunt for sailing charter guests who dock at Bol harbour for the night and want to let their hair down on dry land.
585 Club is an open-air venue – a must in the midst of summer. Each year, they host one leg of the Ultra Europe music festival, with a selection of the best international house and techno DJs making an appearance.
This is pretty much your only opportunity for a bit of proper nightlife on Bol. So if that piques your interest, check out the festival dates and make sure your trip aligns.
6. Go Kitesurfing
Bol cops a lot of wind in summer. Pair that with pristine waters and picturesque bays, and it’s a kite surfer’s absolute dream. I will add, though, for those not too keen on getting wind-blown at the beach, there is usually always one part of the coastline that remains protected.
There are several kitesurfing schools in Bol, and plenty of places to rent gear on the beach. If you’ve always wanted to give the sport a whirl, it’s the perfect place to do so.
Kite School Bol would be my top pick. The instructors are highly experienced and knowledgeable. You can take an impromptu lesson or sign up for a multi-day course to get the fundamentals down pat.
They also have wing foils and E-foils available for rent, and offer lessons for beginners.
7. Have a Picnic at Zlatni Rat
Most day trippers to Bol make a beeline directly to Zlatni Rat. Otherwise known as ‘Golden Horn’, the long strip of beach jutting out into aqua blue waters is the island’s pride and joy.
In summer, you’ll find rows of sun lounges and beach umbrellas lining the shore. On the east end of the beach, there is a large inflatable playground floating in the water. And kiosks renting out paddle boats and kayaks. There’s no shortage of things to do for beachgoers of all ages.
100m back from the water’s edge, there is a small food court nestled amongst the trees. There’s a pizza shack, a vegan cafe, a juice bar and a pancake house, plus several cocktail bars lining the beach.
However, for the best value for money, I recommend stocking up on a few bits and pieces from town and packing your own picnic. Arguola Fast Food makes the best sandwiches to order, and they’re super reasonable at under €5. Behind the main supermarket, you can also find a fruit and veg vendor, selling the freshest array of local produce – figs, berries and watermelon. Everything you need for a cheap and cheerful day at the beach.
8. Enjoy a Nude Swim
One of the things I like most about European coastal destinations is their partiality to beach nudity. But before you go getting your kit off at any public beach, note that this laissez-faire attitude towards clothing tends to be restricted to designated areas only.
In Bol, there are a couple of nudist-friendly beaches west of Zlatni Rat. Just follow the trail along the coastline, and you’ll soon come across an area sign-posted with ‘FKK’ (a German term translating to ‘free body culture’).
The coves are well-protected and equally as beautiful (if not more so) as the turquoise blue waters of Zlatni Rat. You can usually find a small pocket of beach hidden away from prying eyes.
If naturism isn’t your cup of tea, I still recommend taking a walk on the trail along this stretch of coastline. It feels much wilder and more rugged than the pristine shores of the main beach. And it’s a good opportunity to escape the crowds.
9. Sample Dalmatian Produce
The island of Braç is renowned for two forms of agriculture: high-quality olive oil production and Plavac Mali wine cultivation. I highly recommend tasting both whilst in Bol.
You can visit Mi Olive, it’s about a 15-minute walk from the centre of the village, and is an award-winning olive oil cooperative. The olives are pressed on site to produce the freshest, most flavoursome, pure olive oil. Samples are available, alongside a range of olive oil products.
For Plavac Mali, you can’t go past Stina. It’s a large winery situated right on the waterfront. You can book a tour of the winery, complete with tastings and a charcuterie board for as little as €28.50 per person.
There’s seating out the front along the boardwalk, which makes for a dreamy little spot for a sunset wine. You can take in the serenity of the gentle sea, eye off the luxury yachts, and watch the world go by.
10. Take a Boat Trip
Bol is a popular pit stop on many sailing charter itineraries. The week-long Croatian island hopping jaunts, often favoured by those in their 20s seeking long days drinking in the sun, and longer nights flirting with their shipmates.
I wouldn’t say no to a multi-day Mediterranean island cruise, but I suspect that that particular niche isn’t suited for everyone. Luckily, there are several other boat tours on offer, catering to every crowd.
A friend and I booked a day trip from Bol on an old wooden charter boat. It was nothing fancy, but at only €60 per person for a full day on the water, it was pretty ideal. Plus, there were no other guests booked that day, so we had the boat all to ourselves.
There are loads of other tours available, varying in price and comfort. Often they include lunch and drinks. I recommend heading down to the main harbour in front of the village. Most of the charter boats are docked there, with info of all the excursions on offer.
If you manage to check all of the above off the list, I can guarantee you’re in for an epic Croatian island holiday. For a little insight into how I’ve been lucky enough to secure a work-exchange gig in a place as dreamy as Bol, check out my tips on volunteering overseas.
