Zlatni Rat (Bol Beach): Why Croatia’s Most Famous Beach Is Best Visited by Yacht
Zlatni Rat, also known as Bol Beach, is one of Croatia’s most iconic natural landmarks and a must-visit destination on the island of Brač. Famous for its shifting shape and turquoise waters, this pebble beach attracts thousands every summer. But the best way to experience it? By sea. In this post, discover why arriving by yacht offers a far more relaxed, scenic, and memorable experience than visiting by land.
Key Takeaways:
- Zlatni Rat Is One of the Most Famous Beaches in the World - Located on Brač Island, this beach is known for its iconic V-shape, crystal-clear waters, and white-pebble shoreline.
- Best Reached by Sea - During peak season, Bol gets very crowded. Arriving by gulet yacht allows you to anchor nearby and enjoy direct sea access without the hassle.
- Perfect for Swimming, Snorkeling & Watersports - The area is ideal for families and active travelers - offering calm, clear water for snorkeling and constant wind for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
- Great Hiking & Epic Views from Vidova Gora - For nature lovers, hike to the highest peak in the Croatian islands for panoramic views of Brač, Hvar, and beyond.
- Easily Included on Croatia Yacht Charter Routes - Bol is accessible on yacht routes from Split, Dubrovnik, Šibenik, or Zadar - perfect for a daytime swim stop or a lunch break on land.
First of all this beach is really amazing. But amazing in tourism also means “crowded”! And Bol is no exception. The access to this beach is from several hotels and in high season it can get very very crowded.
And to arrive at hotel and walk to get the best spot on this beach takes time and effort. Especially if you have smaller kids with you and ton of equipment for them carrying along the way. In this case, it can get quite frustrating.
But if you arrive from the sea! The gulet parks a couple of meters from this beach. And then he can either take you to the beach with a dinghy or you can basically swim to get there – well this is another story!
The sea is super turquoise and very very clean!
The beach is made from small stones and it is perfect for kids and for adults. The snorkeling is very nice! And this part of the Island is always a bit windy so if you are a water sports junkie this will be your heaven.
You have tons of possibilities for water sports.
You can also have a superb hiking experience and go on a bit longer walking trip to Vidova Gora which is the highest mountain peak in all of the Croatian islands and offers breathtaking views not only to Brač but also to Hvar Island!
Links to lots of images of Bol island.
Local web page about Bol Brač: Bol on Brač
You can check Bol on a gulet cruise from Split or if you cruise on way from Dubrovnik – Split.
Also, cruises from Šibenik and Zadar can do this.
I suggest you visit Bol during the day for swimming and lunch there.
If you wish to do some hiking and also check the town (which is nice as well), then spending a night there might be an option to consider. But some good planning in advance is good for this because there is not a lot of space in port there and also it is not a very good place to spend the night there on the anchor as it is a bit open sea and windy.
Mitja Mirtič
