Brač

A visit to Croatia isn’t complete without some island hopping. The state-owned Jadrolinija ferries that connect all the Croatian islands to the mainland, as well as offering routes to and from Italy, were a very convenient and affordable way for us to spend a day on Brač from our base in Split.Brač is closest of the Croatian islands to Split, the friendly Uber driver that took us from the Split ferry terminal to our apartment earlier in the week suggested we hit Brač instead of some of the more touristy islands like Hvar (the Uber driver also put us onto the best beaches in Split, he was great…). The ferry was a roughly 50 minute ride across the Splitski Kanal, our return tickets only $30 for the whole family.

There were a few ferry ports on Brač, we hopped off in Supetar and took the bus around to the quaint seaside village of Splitska to spend the day at the beach. Splitska exuded such a relaxing atmosphere, picturesque stone buildings housing cafeterias and restaurants lining the edge of the harbor, the smell of the ocean in the air. Uvala Zastup was a 10 minute walk west from the town of Splitska, the rocky shoreline intermittently dotted with steps down from the road to small secluded coves inhabited by the occasional sunbather. The kids adamantly requested setting up shop for the day in a cove to ourselves instead of at the main beach so we could snorkel, it was an incredibly beautiful spot to relax, the color of the water was absolutely stunning. We eventually made our way around the the main beach, sharing the fine pebbles with a relaxed group of what seemed to be mostly Croatians. The beach bar was excellent to have on hand in the heat, can’t go past a cold beer for $3!

While on the island we also took some time to explore quaint Supetar, taking a stroll along the harbor and sampling some of the olive oil for which the island is known. Lisa and the kids hunted down a Christmas ornament made from local stone – something we always do when traveling to a new country – and we enjoyed a few brews at a beer garden tucked away in one of the stone alleyways off the harbor. Unbeknownst to us before arriving in Croatia, the country has quite a burgeoning craft beer scene. Some great beers on offer at Pub Beer Garden, the waiter also putting us onto a few breweries we’re going to try to hit whilst in the country.

A very memorable day trip for all of us. The beach and coves at Uvala Zastup pipped all other beaches for our favorite swimming hole on Our Walkabout Two to date. We’re all looking forward to more time on the Croatian islands after our little adventure toBrač.