There’s plenty of things to do in Bol to keep you occupied.
There’s plenty to do in Croatia in general. It really is one of the most underrated countries there are. But unfortunately it’s getting more and more popular by the day, so head there before the masses descend!
But yes, back to Bol. That’s why you’re here. Here’s the top six things to do in Bol that’ll blow your mind. Like literally, blow it open. If you don’t want that, I’d recommend you stop reading immediately.
Note: When you’re done here, check out my 1-Week Croatia Island Hopping Itinerary, where I give the best stops on any trip to the Croatian Islands (including Bol, of course).
The 6 Best Things to Do in Bol
1. Visit Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach
Zlatni Rat is one of Croatia’s crown jewels, and what draws most tourists to Bol.
You’ve probably seen a picture of it. Seeing as there’s one at the top of this page.
It’s also known as the “Golden Horn” because of its unique shape with the beach jutting out like a horn into the water. And golden because of the color of the rocks and sand. Quite clever, yes.
There’s no denying its beauty. What I will say is that when the weather is nice, this place gets packed with all those loser tourists. Imagine being one of them.
If you’re like me and aren’t a fan of packed beaches, I suggest coming here either very early or very late in the day. If you stick around after sunset, you may even get the whole place to yourself!
2. Rent an ATV & Go Off-Roading
I had to put Zlatni Rat at number one because of its popularity, but renting an ATV might honestly be the best thing to do in Bol. Or at least the most fun.
Why? After renting one, you can drive west along the south coast of the island (yes, ATVs are street legal here) and you’ll soon reach a long expanse of dirt roads that are an absolute blast.
It’s not only fun but incredibly scenic- the views of the coast and mountains are incredible and there are many little coves and secret beaches that you can reach off the roads.
Note: The route above will take you through the dirt roads. At the end (“C” marker), you’ll reach a mountain pass that takes you up to the top of Brač. You can- and should- continue up to explore the rest of the island!
There are several places offering ATV rentals- the ones pinpointed on the map below are most convenient.
Just make sure to get to the gas station before it closes to refuel (there’s only one)- I was too late and they charged me extra. Fair warning in advance that they’re not the most pleasant of people.
Also stop to wash off the ATV before returning it. It’ll be cheaper. Ask the guys where to go, they’ll tell you. Just know you’ll need coins to turn on the car washing machine. Unless you get lucky like me and some nice Croatian dudes turn up to save the day.
It also may do you well to check the forecasts and not get stuck in pouring rain like us. The downside of quads is that they usually don’t come with roofs.
Note: I used the pin on the left (Quad, Buggy, etc.). The other one (Hop on) has far better ratings, and likely far better service- they had none left when I showed up, but I recommend going to them.
3. Hike to Vidova Gora
The peak of Vidova Gora is the highest point on any island in the Adriatic Sea. So naturally, it’s a nice flex to say that you made it to the top.
It’s an incredible hike that will treat you with incredible views of the southern coast of Brač, with the magnificent beach of Zlatni Rat jutting out into the sea.
The hike up takes around 1.5-2 hours (3-4 round trip). If you’re going in the summer, I’d recommend starting early before it gets too hot. Read more about the hike here.
You can also drive (or ATV) up to the top if you’ve got young kids or hiking isn’t your forte. But the view itself still makes this one of the best things to do in Bol.
4. Discover Lesser-Known Beaches
Zlatni Rat is undoubtedly beautiful and unique, but as mentioned earlier this often comes at the cost of hordes of loser tourists.
There are plenty of little beaches and coves for you to discover that offer plenty without all the crowds.
One of the best spots happens to be on the horn of Zlatni Rat, funnily enough. If you go to the side of the beach closest to Bol and walk back down the beach, there are a bunch of little coves that are often empty.
Another great one is Martinica beach, to the east of town. This one can get a little busier at times, but is well worth a visit with pristine waters and the backdrop of a beautiful monastery.
Other than that, there are dozens of spots that you’ll spot while walking the promenade from town to Zlatni Rat.
There are also plenty of spots after Zlatni Rat as well. These are mainly nudist, so if that’s your thing you’re in luck.
5. Explore the Old Town & Waterfront in Bol
The town of Bol itself is incredibly charming. It’s not very big- everything is concentrated on the promenade by the water, and can be walked from one end to the other in about ten minutes.
Even if your daytime adventures take you to the beaches and mountains of Brač, the town of Bol is a great place to unwind at night.
It gets nice and lively, and while Bol isn’t famous for its nightlife like the neighboring island of Hvar, there’s still plenty to do. I’ll discuss that more later on.
6. Try Windsurfing in Bol
Windsurfing is a very popular activity in Bol during the summer.
Zlatni Rat Beach is situated in the perfect spot for windsurfing, and the conditions change so that people of every level can enjoy themselves.
In the mornings, a light wind comes from the east, creating perfect conditions for beginners.
The wind cuts out around noon, but the afternoon brings in the west wind (the famous Mistral), creating heavenly conditions for the more advanced.
There are windsurfing centers around Bol, particularly closer to Zlatni Rat. You can shop around and find one that looks good.
Alternatively, you can book a beginner session with the link below.
Where to Eat in Bol
Most the restaurants in Bol are situated by the water and can be walked in about 5-10 minutes, so you can simply stroll and menu-shop.
That being said, here’s a few recommendations- and it just so happens that two of them are away from the waterfront.
Ranc Restaurant is about a ten minute walk up from the waterfront, and is a great place for traditional Croatian food. If you have a larger party, try the lamb Peka– a simple but delicious shared dish.
Argento has a fancy feel, also located a little away from the water but with excellent food (lots of menu diversity) and fair pricing.
For my fish fans out there, Fish Delish is quick and makes great salmon and tuna burgers and bowls.
For a cheap snack to bring to the beach, stop by the town bakery (Pekara Bol) and pick up a burek or a cheese roll.
Best Things to Do in Bol at Night
Don’t come to Bol expecting to party all night. You can do that next door in Hvar.
Generally, Bol has a relaxed vibe with a few bars that are pleasant to hang out in after dark. All of them are by the waterfront.
Varadero Bar was the spot that stuck out the most, with a great outdoor area with music where you can chill and have a drink.
That’s really the extent of it, but it’s peaceful and relaxing.
It’s also nice to just stroll along the waterfront. Bol is a great place to unwind and rest up before heading to the more intense Hvar.
How Many Days Do You Need in Bol?
Bol is great, but it’s also tiny, and it doesn’t take too long to run out of things to do.
If you simply want to check out the beaches, 1 day will probably be fine.
If you want to hike Vidova Gora, rent an ATV, or try windsurfing, I would suggest staying for 2-3.
There’s no reason to stay much longer, as there’s plenty of other spots to hit up in the Croatian Islands.
Where to Stay in Bol
Bol is filled with beautiful villas that often have an incredible view of the water, due to the way the town rises up quickly from the coast.
Luckily for you, I’ve written a whole post about where to stay in Bol, for every group size and budget.
That being said, here’s a quick summary if you don’t want to suffer through any more of my writing.
| Best Luxury Option for Solo Travelers / Couples | Lifestyle Hotel Vitar |
| Best Luxury Option for Small Groups (3-4) | Zlatni Rat Beach Resort |
| Best Luxury Option for Large Groups (5-6) | Villa Mediterranea |
| Best Mid-Range Option for Solo Travelers / Couples | Hotel SOL |
| Best Mid-Range Option for Small Groups (3-5) | Villa Mira |
| Best Mid-Range Option for Large Groups (5-6) | Apartments Villa Azzurra Bol |
| Best Budget Option for Solo Travelers / Couples | Rooms Andelka |
| Best Budget Option for Groups | Apartments Mija |
How to Get Around Bol
Bol isn’t very big, so you don’t really need anything other than your two legs to get around. Zlatni Rat can be reached in 15-20 minutes via the promenade, and that’s really about as far as you’ll have to go.
That being said, it’s still worth taking some time to explore the rest of the island of Brač.
We’ve already talked about ATVs, and you can use one for transport in addition to just having a blast on the dirt paths. The same goes for scooters- the roads on Brač are great and if you have the time, I highly recommend checking out the rest of the island.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning on going to or are already in Bol, you’ve made a great choice.
It’s one of my favorite stops in the Croatian Islands, and there’s a lot packed into a small space.
So get started with the list above, and when you’re done remember to check out my 1-Week Croatia Island Hopping Itinerary, where I give insights into Hvar and other nearby islands as well!
