'Combining good looks with a bit of jet-set style, Brela's been a favourite of the rich and famous since the swinging Sixties.'
Wander along the pine-shadowed prom past a marina packed with shiny yachts and you'll be forgiven for thinking the South of France has been exported to the Dalmatian Coast. But remember, this is Croatia. So we're talking laid back chic and the kind of away-from-it-all atmosphere that's difficult to track down these days on the Cote d'Azur. Cue thickly forested coves and no less than 6km of beaches - including a stretch voted amongst the top ten in the world a couple of years ago by American magazine, Forbes. Scuba diving, windsurfing and sunbathing are all on the menu here. Or you can rent a boat and take a lazy trip along the picturesque coastline. Alternatively, just relax and breathe in the heady scent of jasmine and pine, while you watch the acrobatic windsurfers doing their stuff on the sparkling sea. Fancy a break from the beach? Head for the hills, where you'll find some of the world's most unspoilt scenery. Charming villages, fields dotted with sheep and plenty of greenery. Don't miss the amazing thousand-year-old oak tree at Soline, declared a national monument - or the fantastic views from Biokovo Mountain. After dark there's something for everyone too, from lively nightclubs and karaoke bars to elegant restaurants and cultural shows. With something to see round every corner, it's easy to sea why this quiet corner is so well-loved.
In 1968, Brela was selected as Croatia's tourism industry champion for its achievements in tourism, and in 2000 it was elected the runner up in Tourist Flower, a national competition for the best-arranged tourist resort. The local authorities make a special effort to keep the whole town and surroundings spotlessly clean and tidy, and the atmosphere is relaxed and tranquil despite the tourist hotels and a full range of leisure facilities. One of the town's most striking features is its pine-tree lined promenade which provides long and attractive walks along the coastline.
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Brela hotels and apartments
Our hotels and apartments in Brela include Hotel Soline.
More Croatia holiday destinations
Looking for holidays in Croatia? Our Croatia holiday destinations include Baska Voda, Bol, Brac Island, Brela, Brtonigla, Cavtat, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Korcula, Labin, Lanterna, Lopud Island, Loviste, Lovran, Makarska, Mlini, Novigrad, Opatija, Orasac, Orebic, Pjescana Uvala, Plat, Porec, Pucisca, Rabac, Ravni, Rovinj, Ruzici, Sibenik, Stikovica Zaton, Supetar, Trogir, Trpanj, Trsteno, Tucepi, Umag, Zaton Mali and Zaton Veliki.
Beaches
The inhabitants of Brela are proud the town has the first beach in Dalmatia to be awarded a Blue Flag, a special reward for quality, by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe. The town authorities ensure all of the six kilometres of pebble beaches, which curve around coves thickly forested by pine trees, are kept spotlessly clean.
Eating out
Try some of the little family restaurants which all serve exquisite local cuisine. Curing hams hanging from the walls are typically part of the decor, and for a starter Prsut , the excellent local cured ham, is recommended. Most local restaurants place particular emphasis on Mediterranean-style fresh seafood heavy on garlic and olive oil, with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit and local wines and liqueurs to wash it all down.
Nightlife
This is relatively serene in Brela, although lining the promenade and beaches are dozens of coffee bars and lounges many of which have live music and dancing. A short bus ride away in Makarska there is a thriving nightlife. The main town disco is the Opera, while a popular bar for the younger crowd is Pjer located alongside the harbour. Unique in town is Art Cafe which holds concerts, exhibits and other events and is well worth checking out.
Shopping
All the basic necessities for everyday life can be found in modern supermarkets and traditional markets and shops, while the new part of town is home to a number of boutiques and souvenir shops. For a day's hard shopping it's best to take the shuttle bus to the large nearby town of Makarska which has excellent shopping facilities and is just a 20-minute drive away.
Local information
Brela is able to provide all of the activities expected in a modern seaside resort with facilities including a diving school, a gym, tennis courts, a bowling green, and table tennis, mini golf, soccer, handball, basketball and volleyball facilities. Water sports include water-skiing, jet-skiing, wind surfing and parasailing. Both boats and bikes are available for hire, including mountain bikes for excursions up Mount Biokovo. Brela also has one of the top diving attractions in the Adriatic, a submarine spring called Vrulja under the main highway at the foot of 100-metre high sheer cliffs The old town has its own natural monument, a thousand-year-old oak tree with a huge crown, while architectural monuments worth visiting include the 14th century Church of St Nicholas, the Lady of Karmen Church which is a significant 18th century building and the 19th century church of St. Stjepan. There is a medieval necropolis in the graveyard, now designated an archaeological park, featuring eight tombstones decorated with bas reliefs
Location
15 km north of Makarska
Transfer time
About 1.5 to 3 hours (longer in high season)
Recommended
Luxury
