A Sailor’s Guide to Brač: Anchorages, Marinas & Hidden Gems
Brač is not the flashiest island in Croatia, but it’s one of the most complete. Sitting just across from Split, it’s the third-largest island in the Adriatic and one of the most geologically and culturally diverse. Here, you’ll find everything: protected bays, excellent anchorages, ancient villages, dramatic cliffs, olive groves, vineyards, and the tallest peak of any Croatian island, Vidova Gora, standing at 778 meters.
Brač has been shaped by wind and stone. It’s the source of Croatia’s famous white limestone, used to build palaces in Split and even parts of the White House. Its inland roads climb past timeless villages, while the coastlines range from sleek to silent. For sailors, it offers a rare combination of authenticity, variety, and accessibility. This guide breaks down each side of the island, anchorage by anchorage, port by port, through the eyes of those who’ve sailed it dozens of times, in every season. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s an honest look at what Brač offers, from the helm, the shore, and the sea.
Part 1: The West Coast of Brač
Uvala Stipanska
Located at the northwestern tip of Brač, Uvala Stipanska is a rare example of a bay that can be both a sailor’s sanctuary and a midday regret, depending entirely on when you show up. What makes it special is its near-complete protection from wind and its closeness to Split, Solta, and Milna. What ruins it, temporarily, is Split’s daily flotilla of party catamarans.
Shelter & Conditions
Stipanska is shaped like a narrow funnel, widening at the mouth and narrowing deep inside, where the best shelter lies. If you push all the way in, you're protected from everything except Bura, which can sneak in, especially with strong gusts bouncing off the northwest cliffs.
Depths: Anchor at 6–10 meters
Bottom: Sand and patches of weed, holding is solid
Technique: Always drop anchor and take a stern line to shore. The cove is tight, and swell from passing traffic can turn boats sideways if they swing.
During Jugo, this bay is gold. It’s calm, clear, and glassy, while the rest of the channel is getting battered. In fact, if a Jugo blows hard for a couple of days, this might be one of the safest and most comfortable places on Brač. If you enter around 9–2 PM, expect chaos: Loud party boats from Split (often 3–4 at a time). Anchored sideways, music blasting, people diving from the 2nd deck. Drunken tourists shouting, music echoing through the cove. But by 4 PM, they’re gone, and the bay turns magical. You’re left with a turquoise cove, perfect silence, and maybe 1–2 other boats, if that. You can swim off the back of your ship in pure, clear water with a view west toward the setting sun, and no town noise, no fees, no distractions.
Stipanksa Bay, ©Photo Marinas.com
2. Bobovišća – The Quiet That Doesn’t Try to Impress
Bobovišća na moru is a narrow inlet and small stone village that sits in its own little time warp. To a passing sailor, it looks like the ideal stop: long bay, seemingly perfect shelter, and a sleepy harbor lined with cypresses and stone homes. But once you approach with the intent to stay, you realize this place has its quirks—and that’s what makes it matter.
Shelter & Wind
Bobovišća offers near-total protection from most directions, but in summer, the Mistral becomes a nuisance. It doesn’t threaten safety, but it ruins the calm.
The wind enters straight through the channel and causes constant rolling in the afternoon, even when it’s sunny and blue.
Depths: 6–12 meters
Bottom: Mud and soft sand—decent holding, but check your set
Swell: Expect movement every afternoon. Never dangerously rough, just constantly shifting.
What it lacks in calm, it makes up for in stillness of a different kind: no ferries, no beach bars, no Jet Skis.
Mooring Situation
This is where most skippers start to frown a bit. Mooring at the village quay is difficult: Shallow, narrow, not much space, locals often tie up long-term. Most yachts take the dense mooring field just outside the harbor. The setup works, but it’s tight: Boats are lined up in a row ,and there is not much privacy, especially when charter boats squeeze in late. It’s functional, but far from relaxing unless you’re one of the first ones in.
Atmosphere & Ashore
There’s nothing here trying to entertain you, and that’s the charm. One or two family-run restaurants might be open depending on the week. A tiny market sometimes sells bread and tomatoes. The water isn’t especially clear, and there’s no beach. But somehow, Bobovišća clings to its identity, unchanged. This is how coastal Croatia looked 70 years ago. If you're looking for clubbing, cocktails, or cafés, skip it. But if you're burned out from overstimulation and want to walk a few minutes into olive groves and silent stone paths, you’ll find something rare here.
Bobovišća, Brač
3. Milna – Shelter, Services, and a Solid Base for Everything
Milna is the nautical heart of Brač’s west coast, and for good reason. It’s where sailors go to resupply, recharge, or ride out a storm. It’s not a town that overwhelms or underwhelms; it simply works. Everything you need is here, wrapped in a natural harbor with some of the best shelter in Dalmatia.
Shelter & Safety
Milna is a deep inlet that curls in from the sea and blocks all wind and swell. It’s protected from Bura, Jugo, Maestral, and everything else. If there’s a storm anywhere near the Adriatic and you’re within 20 miles, this is your safe zone. You can easily spend two or three days here during bad weather without running out of things to do, especially if you explore inland (more on that below).
Berthing Options
Over 180 berths
Full facilities: water, electricity, Wi-Fi, showers, laundry
Short walk to the town center
Contact: +385 21 636 306
Smaller, quieter option tucked near the entrance
Boutique feel, fewer boats, same level of professionalism
Good restaurant and cafe on-site
Contact: +385 91 470 0089
Fuel Station – How to Avoid the Chaos
The fuel dock is located in the corner of the main harbor. It’s accessible, but not efficient. Here's what most skippers get wrong: Friday mornings are absolute madness. There’s space for one large boat or two mid-sized boats at most. The line often backs up 20+ boats deep, with crew shouting, fenders scraping, and near-misses.
Local tip:
If you’re spending Thursday night in Milna, arrive late afternoon and refuel immediately. The dock is often quiet after 5 PM, and you’ll avoid losing half your Friday morning stuck in line.
Milna, Brač
Going Inland – Day Trip from Milna
If you’re stuck in Milna for a couple of days (bad weather, waiting for guests, etc.), rent a car or hire a local driver. Within a few hours, you can see the best of inland Brač:
Škrip – The oldest village on the island, home to the olive oil museum and press, run by locals. Tasting + storytelling included.
Vidova Gora – The highest point of all Croatian islands, offering panoramic views over Zlatni Rat, Hvar, and Vis. A must-see on a clear day.
Pučišća – A fjord-like bay filled with white Brač stone and known for its ancient stone-masonry school and quarry. Quiet, striking, and unique.
Škrip Village
Dining & Evening
Milna is not a culinary destination, but it gets the job done. The scene is low-key, focused on grilled local fish, basic pasta, and house wine. Expect traditional over fancy.
Restaurant Palma
Nice view over the harbor
Grilled fish, squid, and solid house white
Contact: +385 91 922 9465
Olife Restaurant (at Marina Vlaška)
More modern and wine-focused
Good cocktails, fresh seasonal plates, and vegan/vegetarian options
Contact: +385 95 370 6012
There are also a couple of casual bars along the quay for a late drink, but no party scene. Milna is where sailors wind down, not where they lose control.
Konoba Bago
Owned by a local fisherman,
Contact: +385 91 575 3865
4. Uvala Zavraće – The "Secret" Anchorage Just Outside Milna
Tucked just a few hundred meters south of Milna’s harbor entrance, Uvala Zavraće is the kind of place most skippers overlook and later regret doing so. It doesn’t look like much from the outside: a small, quiet indentation in the cliffs. But once you slide in and drop anchor, you realize this is one of the most protected, most peaceful, and most convenient free anchorages in the entire region.
Anchoring & Shelter
Depths: 6–10 meters in most of the anchoring zone
Bottom: Sand and mud—good holding
Protection: Deep inside the cove, you’re safe from almost all winds
In strong Jugo, Zavraće is calm and glassy while the rest of the channel is choppy
The only exception: Bura. If it’s blowing hard, do not anchor on the exposed southwestern tip.
Always drop anchor and take a stern line to shore. It keeps you steady in side winds, and it’s the local way. With proper setup, it’s an excellent overnight anchorage. But every summer, at least a few boats end up dragged onto the rocks at the southwest side of the cove. Why? The crew went for dinner in Milna, thinking it was calm. Then the wind shifted, the anchor slipped, and by the time they returned, the boat was on the shore.
Zavraće is the kind of anchorage that makes you feel smart. You’re right next to the crowd, but entirely outside of it. You’re swimming while others are fending off fuel lines. You’re falling asleep in silence while someone is triple-rafting in the marina. It’s not a party spot. It’s not a social spot. It’s just simple, clean, and calm, and sometimes, that’s the best possible kind of sailing luxury.
Part 2: The North Coast of Brač
If the south and west of Brač are about cliffs, currents, and full marinas, the north coast is where the island slows down. It’s quieter, flatter, and more spread out. The prevailing winds, Bura and Jugo, make most of the anchorages here less reliable, but the tradeoff is space, authenticity, and towns that still feel like someone lives there in the off-season. Charters tend to skip this side, except for Pučišća and Povlja, which means the bays are open, the buoys aren’t overbooked, and you’re more likely to get a warm hello than a reservation form. But there are some caveats: protection is spotty, depths vary, and services are minimal. You need a clear forecast, but if the weather holds, the north coast rewards you with peace.
1. Sutivan, Supetar, Splitska, Postira – Linear, Lovely, but Exposed
These four towns are neatly aligned across the northwest curve of the island. They share the same vibe: real Croatian coastal life, not built for yachts, and that’s their charm. But they also share the same limitations—minimal shelter, occasional swell, and nowhere to anchor overnight unless the sea is flat.
Sutivan
A quiet harbor with a handful of moorings and a decent stone quay, but open to the Maestral and occasional ferry chop. Great for a lunch stop. The town is compact, with a couple of bakeries and one standout dinner option: Grill Garden (a short walk uphill): great meat, vegetables from their own garden, and a terrace with sunset views.
Contact: +385 99 830 1331
Supetar
The main ferry port on Brač, and you feel it. It’s busy, noisy, and functional. The harbor is wide open and always churning. No reason to sleep here on a boat—but useful for crew changes or provisioning.
Supetar, Brač
Splitska
A small, shaded bay lined with pine trees and olive groves. There’s room to tie up in calm conditions or drop anchor and back up. But like the others, don’t plan on staying the night unless it’s windless. A scenic 1-hour stop for lunch and a swim.
Postira
More developed than the others, with mooring buoys and a partially protected harbor. But it’s not safe in Bura, and swell rolls in fast with Jugo. A few good taverns ashore, most notably: Konoba Gustirna – known for fresh fish and simple, honest cooking.
Contact: +385 91 544 3254
Postira
2. Pučišća – Stone, Style, and Stillness
Pučišća is the jewel of the north coast and one of the most beautiful harbor towns in the entire Adriatic. Carved into a deep, protected bay, its white limestone houses climb the hillside like a mini Dubrovnik made of marble. The light here is magic—especially in late afternoon, when the sun bounces off the stone and sets the whole place glowing.
Harbor and Approach
The municipal harbor offers a few berths stern-to along the quay, but space is limited. There are a few mooring buoys just outside the harbor entrance. Depths: 3–6 meters inside, 6–10 meters in front of the mooring field. The approach is straight, clear of hazards, and well-lit at night.
Good protection from all winds, except in a strong N-NE blow, where swell may creep in. No anchoring in the center, space is tight and swinging isn’t practical Pučišća is a working town, not a marina resort. Fishermen still haul nets in the morning. Kids dive off the quay. It’s the kind of place that hasn’t been staged for Instagram, and that makes it feel real.
On Shore
A few small supermarkets and bakeries
ATM, post office, café bars along the riva
Famous stonemasonry school, open for visits if arranged in advance
Walking here is a pleasure—follow the stone paths up the hill for amazing views
Where to Eat
Restoran Brač – Right on the water, simple stone terrace, grilled fish and house wine.
Contact: +385 91 517 3857
Puteus Palace - Nestled in the backyard of a five-star hotel. Fancy, with cuisine is at the highest level.
Contact: +385 99 359 0715
If you need a break from the marina circus and want to wake up to the sound of church bells instead of a generator hum, Pučišća is the place for you.
Pučišća, Brač
3. Povlja – A Skipper’s Anchorage with Two Reliable Buoy Fields
Tucked into the northeast corner of the island, charter itineraries often ignore Povlja, but it’s one of the most reliable overnight stops on this side of Brač. The bay splits into multiple arms, but the only one that matters for yachts is the western inlet, where two excellent mooring setups await.
Pippo’s restaurant, yellow buoy field
Around 20 buoys
Suitable for boats up to 50 feet
Depth: 4–7 meters
Includes a concrete dock for short stays or loading
Usually calm in all weather, ideal for stormy nights
Usually, you cannot spend a night on a buoy without eating in the restaurant
Contact: +385 98 781 358
Konoba Rojen’s red buoy field
A row of buoys opposite Pippo’s, run by Konoba Rojen
No dock; tender access only
Simple, traditional meals are served above the mooring field
Depth: 5–6 meters
Great in all winds except violent Bura
Usually cannot spend a night on a buoy without eating in the restaurant
Contact: +385 98 867 292
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Why It Works
Totally protected from Maestral and Jugo
Buoy field is well-spaced and orderly
You’ll sleep without a wake or wind
Great jumping-off point to Makarska or Pelješac the next day
Minimal light pollution, a proper starlit bay
The village itself is sleepy. A bakery, small grocery shop, church, and a few benches. No DJs, no noise, and that’s the appeal. You anchor here because you’re done for the day, and this place lets you wind down.
4. Swimming & Day-Use Bays – Quiet Waters Between the Harbors
There are a few lovely swim stops along the north coast, best used as midday pauses while heading between Pučišća and Povlja or returning west.
Lovrečina Bay (between Postira and Pučišća)
One of the few sandy beaches on Brač
Shallow water, sandy bottom, anchoring in 3–5 meters
Exposed to any wind, daytime use only
Beach bar and ruins of an old basilica onshore
Great for kids or lunch on the anchor
Lovrečina Bay, Brač
Tičja Luka (east of Povlja)
Pine-lined narrow inlet, very pretty, well-sheltered from all but NE
Can fit 1–2 boats max, stern-to only
Depth: 4–6 meters, sandy bottom
Perfect for lunch and a swim in crystal water
Quiet even in peak season
The north coast of Brač isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have party towns, marina mega-resorts, or floating beach clubs. What it offers instead is a slower rhythm, solid protection (in the right places), and towns that still feel local. If you're chasing quiet nights, no rush for moorings, and a chance to sail off the beaten track, this stretch is absolutely worth your time.
The southern coast of Brač is something else entirely. Where the north offers villages and ferry lines, and the west leans into convenience, the south is raw, rugged, and beautifully underdeveloped. Here, limestone cliffs tumble into sapphire water, and pine forests dip their toes into the sea. There are no towns between Bol and Milna, just a chain of anchorages, some legendary, others overlooked. This stretch is for skippers with an eye on the weather and an anchor ready to set. But when it’s calm, it’s unbeatable.
1. Osibova Bay – Quiet Start or End of the Journey
Osibova sits just west of Milna and is often the first south-facing bay sailors reach after rounding the island’s western tip. The setting is tranquil: thick pine forest, private homes, and the occasional bell from a chapel up the hill.
Anchoring: 5 - 8 meters, sandy and weedy patches; good holding
Mooring: A small field of paid buoys, typically unmarked and operated privately; no services
Protection: Good from NW and Maestral; open to southerly winds, especially Jugo
Shore: No restaurants, no shops; you’re here for peace and a swim
Osibova is perfect for those looking to ease into the rhythm of the sea. A night here after picking up the boat, or before returning it, can do wonders.
2. Lučice Bay – Scenic Classic with Reliable Buoys
Lučice is arguably the most popular anchorage on the south coast, and for good reason. The bay forks into two lobes, each hugged by pine-covered hills, with emerald water and a reputation for calmness in the right conditions.
Anchoring: Limited; holding varies, so a stern line is usually necessary
Mooring: Two well-organized buoy fields
Western field: Operated by Konoba Familia (recommended)
Contact: +385 98 948 1174
Eastern field: Operated by Restaurant Lučice (avoid eating there if possible)
Contact: +385 91 530 0751
Protection: Very good from NW and W; not suitable in SE winds
Shore: Pine trees, walking paths, and two restaurants accessible via tender
You can pay for the buoy and stay overnight without dining, though in high season, a reservation is smart.
Lučice bay, Brač
3. Smrka Bay – Isolation, Echoes, and a Secret Tunnel
Smrka Bay cuts deep into the rocky southern coastline and feels like a hidden fjord. No towns, just one lonely house in a movie-like setting. Cliffs, trees, and astonishingly clear water. It’s one of the most atmospheric anchorages on Brač.
Anchoring: 6–10 meters; rocky patches and sand, good holding. The Stern line is recommended in all cases
Protection: Very good from Maestral and NW winds; avoid in SE or Jugo
Facilities: None
On the northern face of the bay is a Yugoslav-era military submarine tunnel. It’s cut straight into the rock, 50+ meters deep, and can be explored by tender. Inside, the temperature drops and sound echoes; it's surreal and strangely peaceful. Smrka is ideal for off-grid overnights. If the weather holds, you’ll sleep in complete silence.
Smrka Bay
4. Bol – Culture, Wine, and a Town Quay with a Pulse
Bol is the most developed town on the south coast and home to Zlatni Rat, the most photographed beach in Croatia. But beyond the tourist iconography, Bol offers wine tasting, excellent dining, and a lively promenade that still feels local.
Mooring Options:
Town Quay: Offers mooring lines, electricity, and water.
Safe in light NW winds or calm seas
Avoid in strong Bura (NE) or Jugo (SE)
Limited spots; arrive early in peak season
Buoys in front of town: A handful, used only in completely calm weather
Buoy field east of Zlatni Rat: Some protection from Bura, better than the main beach area
Contact: +385 91 737 4014
On Shore:
Full town infrastructure: groceries, pharmacies, ATMs, fuel
Stina Winery – Stunning waterfront tasting room in a historic building
Try the Plavac Mali Majsor and Posip Stina
Fishermen’s Night – Weekly event in high season: grilled fish, local wine, and live klapa singing
Varadero Bar – Cocktails, live music, sea breeze
Activities:
Quad or scooter rental – Loop up to Vidova Gora, the highest peak on any Croatian island (778m)
Breathtaking views over Zlatni Rat and Hvar
Half-day trip: ~3 hours round trip
Combine with a swim or sunset drink
Visit the Museum of Olive Oil in Škrip https://www.muzejuja.com/
Explore traditional olive oil production on Brač
Learn about the island’s agricultural history and try locally made products
Eat:
Konoba Taverna Riva – Local classics with reliable quality and a sunset view
Contact: +385 21 635 236
Senjković Wine Bar (in Nerežišća) – Family-run winery and wine bar in Nerežišća. Offers tastings of grapes like Pošip, Plavac Mali, Cabernet, Syrah, plus tapas and a slow‑food menu in an authentic Brač house. Book ahead for a full tasting lunch with paired dishes prepared by chef Magdalena.
Traditional fishing boats in Bol, Brač
5. Sumartin – Simple, Functional, and Overlooked
Tucked into the eastern tip of Brač, Sumartin is a small harbor town with a local population, a working ferry, and a laid-back charm that grows on you. It’s not fancy, but it’s dependable, and if Bol is full or exposed, Sumartin is a solid Plan B.
Mooring: Town quay with mooring lines, water, and electricity
Shelter: Decent in NW; exposed if SE kicks up
Contact: +385 95 537 0527
Where to Eat:
Kartolina Food & Wine Bar – Tucked above the town; great views and fresh ingredients
Contact: +385 91 169 5560
Top South Coast Swim Stops
Blaca Bay
A narrow, steep-sided bay with zero development. Anchor in 5–7 meters, stern line essential. From here, a stone path leads up to Blaca Monastery—a hermitage carved into the cliff by monks in the 16th century.
The hike takes 1 hour, moderate difficulty
Inside: antique telescopes, manuscripts, and an eerie stillness
Murvica Bay
Just west of Bol, this cove is often overlooked. Anchor in 4 - 6 meters, sandy patches, turquoise water, and pine shade. No buildings, no noise, just water.
Zlatni Rat
Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, it’s exposed. But in dead calm, anchoring just west of the horn in 6–8 meters gives you a view you’ll never forget. Avoid midday madness; early morning is best.
Zlatni Rat Beach, Bol
In Summary
The south coast of Brač isn’t for marina-hoppers. It’s for skippers who like setting a stern line in solitude, who want turquoise water under the keel and pine-scented silence instead of dance beats. Get the forecast right, and this stretch will give you some of your most memorable nights afloat and remind you what sailing in Croatia is really about.
