Information
Landmark: SupetarCity: Split
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
Supetar, Split, Croatia, Europe
Overview
Supetar, the biggest town on Brač Island, sits in the island’s heart with its harbor opening to the bright blue waters of the northern coast.Supetar, the island’s main port, welcomes most travelers to Brač, especially those arriving from Split across the glittering stretch of sea.Supetar draws visitors with its lively mix of old-world charm, sunlit beaches, and a warm Mediterranean vibe, offering the perfect spot to unwind, explore local history, and take in the sea’s soft salt-scented breeze.Here’s a quick look at Supetar, where white stone streets wind down to the bright blue harbor.Supetar sits on the island’s northern coast, facing the city of Split across the blue stretch of the Adriatic, on Brač Island just off Croatia’s mainland.Regular ferries link the town to Split, making it a quick and convenient gateway to Brač for travelers arriving by sea.Boats run between Split and Supetar several times a day, year-round, their engines humming against the calm blue water.The ferry ride lasts about 50 minutes, ending in Supetar’s bustling harbor where most travelers first set foot on Brač Island.When you arrive in Supetar, you can set off to see the rest of the island by car, bike, or even the local bus, its windows rattling in the breeze.The town’s story stretches back to ancient days, with traces of Roman life still scattered in the soil.Over the centuries, the town has carried the imprint of Romans, Venetians, and Austrians, each leaving traces in its stone arches, narrow streets, and enduring traditions.In Supetar and the nearby hills, archaeologists have uncovered sites that tell the story of the town’s Roman past-weathered stone walls still catch the afternoon sun.Scattered around the area, you’ll find the weathered ruins of Roman villas and other ancient structures.In Supetar’s old town, medieval traces linger in its churches, sun-warmed stone buildings, and winding, shadowed streets shaped by Venetian design.Though the town now bustles with visitors and modern life, it still holds onto its Mediterranean soul, where the past and present meet without a seam.At its heart stands the Church of St. Peter, the town’s namesake and a beloved cultural landmark.People say the church first rose in the 5th century, though the stone walls you see now were mostly laid in the 1400s.Perched on a hill above the town, it looks out over the valley, where rooftops glint in the afternoon sun.The church stands out for its Romanesque arches and the centuries of history etched into its stone walls.Just beyond the town center, Supetar Cemetery offers a quiet, well-tended space where weathered 19th-century gravestones and intricate stone sculptures stand in the shade of old cypress trees.The cemetery sits high on a bluff, where the sea stretches wide to the horizon and gulls wheel in the wind.Supetar Marina is perfect for a slow walk by the water, where you can watch the sunlight glint off the waves and take in sweeping views of nearby islands and the Split coastline.You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and bars where you can linger by the water, fork in hand, tasting the region’s fresh seafood.Just a short walk from the town center, the Brač Heritage Museum packs the island’s history and culture into a few cozy rooms, with weathered stone tools and faded photographs telling its story.You’ll find displays of island life, from woven mats and carved canoes to vibrant artwork and delicate crafts, along with archaeological treasures unearthed nearby.Supetar sits close to Vela Luka Bay, where the water is so clear you can see pebbles on the bottom, and the shore is framed by quiet, beautiful hills.The bay’s ideal for a swim, a stretch of sunbathing, or just lying back on the warm sand with the sound of waves in your ears.Number four sits in the list, small and neat, like a lone pebble on a path.Supetar boasts several gorgeous beaches, from soft white sand to pebbled coves, making it a perfect spot for anyone who loves the sea.The town and nearby coastlines boast beaches of every kind, from smooth pebble stretches to warm, golden sand.Supetar Beach sits just a short stroll from the town center, where pale sand meets the clear, blue shallows.The beach stretches in a long ribbon of smooth pebbles, and the shallow, glassy water stays gentle enough for swimming with little ones.Cafes and restaurants stretch along the beach, their open doors spilling out the smell of fresh coffee and grilled fish, making it easy to relax and find whatever you need nearby.Banj Beach sits just a short walk from the town center, a quieter stretch of sand than the busier Supetar Beach.The beach is beautiful, with soft sand scattered with smooth pebbles, and tall pine trees casting cool, dappled shade.The calm turquoise water invites you in for a slow swim, and the quiet, sun-warmed air makes it an ideal spot to truly unwind.Vela Luka Beach sits just beyond Supetar, perfect for anyone seeking peace and space, with only the soft lap of waves breaking the quiet.The beach’s shallow water makes it perfect for snorkeling, with sunlight dancing over the sandy bottom.Punta Beach sits on Supetar’s western shore, a peaceful stretch of sand where the only sound might be the soft lap of waves.Its crystal-clear water invites you in, perfect for a swim or just floating quietly while the world feels far away.Number five is next, marked in bold black ink on the page.In Supetar, you can dive into everything from strolling its cobbled streets to hiking the pine-scented trails that wind into the hills.With its winding trails and sea-scented breezes, Supetar makes a perfect starting point for cycling or hiking your way into the wild beauty of Brač Island.Around Supetar, you’ll find cycling paths and hiking trails that wind through olive groves, shady pine forests, and sunlit vineyards, with glimpses of the blue sea and distant islands along the way.Around Supetar, the beaches are ideal for diving into water sports-grab a paddleboard at sunrise, ride the wind on a sail, kayak along the shore, or kick up spray on a jet ski.You’ll find plenty of rentals and sports centers where you can grab gear and sign up for lessons-even a pair of well-worn skis waiting by the door.Boat tours are a fantastic way to take in the rugged coastline and hop between nearby islands, feeling the salt spray on your face as you go.From Supetar’s marina, you can hop on a boat and glide across the bright, salty water to nearby islands like Hvar, Vis, or the sun‑dappled Pakleni chain.You could rent a boat and drift out on your own, with nothing but the quiet slap of water against the hull.Number six.In Supetar, you can grab a plate of fresh-caught fish at a cozy Croatian tavern or try something inventive at a sleek, modern café.The town’s famous for its seafood-especially the smoky grilled fish, tender octopus, and charred squid you can smell from the harbor.You’ll often spot local favorites on the menu, like pašticada, a rich slow-cooked beef stew, or brudet, a hearty fish stew.Down by the marina, the waterfront glows with cafés and bars where you can sip a drink and watch the sunlight scatter across the waves.In Supetar, nights move at an easy pace-think quiet bars with soft music drifting out to the cobblestone streets-ideal if you want a calm evening out.Summer, from June to September, is the busiest and most popular time to visit.The town buzzes with life, and the warm breeze makes it ideal for strolling the shore, exploring local sights, or savoring dinner at a café under the open sky.It can get crowded in July and August, but in spring or autumn-think crisp April mornings or golden October afternoons-you’ll find a calmer, quieter pace.The weather’s still mild, the streets feel open, and it’s the perfect moment to wander Supetar’s quiet paths, where pine-scented breezes lead you through the island’s beauty and history-Supetar is the gate.
