Zlatni Rat Beach, Croatia: The Beach That Changes Shape

Zlatni Rat Beach is by far and away Croatia’s most beautiful and unique beach. Here is how to get there and what to do. 

Okay, so let’s give this beach some credit. A clap, perhaps? Maybe a big cheer? It is one of those natural occurrences that makes you smile at Mother Nature.

Zlatni Rat beach is a long golden pebble beach that stretches out to the Adriatic Sea like a hand reaching out for more wine (or beer, you choose). The Zlatni Rat beach is located 4km from Bol, on Brac Island. Zlatni Rat Beach is a very popular spot for holidaymakers to spend their Croatia holidays and is arguably the best beach in Croatia.

The shape of the half-kilometer beach continually changes (albeit ever so slightly), forming the most unusual shape. Zlatni Rat has been named the Best Beach Destination in Europe several times and is sometimes referred to as the Golden Cape or Golden Horn Beach. No matter what you’d like to call it, it is regularly named one of Croatia’s top beaches. 

In Bol, we enjoyed a family getaway and arrived at Zlatni Rat beach about 30 minutes before sunset. We could not have timed our arrival more perfectly. The three of us, our local guide, and a couple occupied the huge V-shaped beach that evening.

With the crowds gone, presumably eating dinner and recovering from a day on the beach. I sat at the mid-way point along the picture-perfect postcard golden horn beach with the baby Donkey, who was too tired to walk the length of the beach. We laughed and giggled together as we threw rocks into the sea.  

At one point, we both went quiet – a rare moment for a 21-month-old. Sitting down in front of me, he sat staring out across the channel. I smiled a big smile looking at my little Croatian prince; it was like he, too, was loving the sounds of the waves gently lapping over the petite-rounded pebbles—a perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing in the town of Bol.

How Does Zlatni Rat Beach Get Its Unusual Shape?

Dip your toes into the crystal clear waters of Zlatni Rat, far and away the most unique beach in Croatia, where wind conditions and sea currents form the beach’s ever-changing shape. The far end of Zlatni Rat beach is often turned towards the east. However, the tip of the beach will shift to the west when a strong south-easterly wind known as the Jugo blows.

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Is Zlatni Rat Beach For Families?

YES! The beach has lifeguards on duty to protect you during summer. There is a century-old Mediterranean pine tree forest just 2 minute walk from the water’s edge, allowing you to take shelter from the blazing hot sun. Children can enjoy one of the several playgrounds, including one located in a close-by cafe. Things to consider for children

• Be sure to oversee children as the water gets deep very quickly.
• Although there are rounded pebbles –  you would benefit from a pair of water shoes to protect your feet.

Check out this guide- Croatia holidays for families- to help you decide if Croatia is the right choice for your family. 

Local Tips

Enjoy the sunset on the beach. Takedown a bottle of wine and some glasses, and sit on the beach before sunset. Because so many people spend all day on the beach, it is often vacant during that time.

Watch as the sun sets behind the mountains as you lay on the beach chair without a care in the world. A set of beach chairs and an umbrella will cost 20 euro during the day, but they are left unattended at sunset.

Watch out for nudists. Not a nudist beach, although on the western side, one of the smaller coves is an approved nudist beach. A great place to take photos of Hvar; keep your lens up and over the naked bodies.

Save money. If you are traveling on a small budget, bring with your snacks and drinks as the kiosks are known to have much higher prices than other places on Bol.

As with some places in Croatia, you’ll need to pay to use the toilet on the beach. Bring small change with you. Carry with you some .50 euro cents and euro coins with you. 

What Else Can You Do On Zlatni Rat Beach?

• The afternoon westerly wind (Maestral) has made Zlanti Rat a top destination for windsurfers. Close by are several windsurfing schools where you can learn how to surf or rent the necessary equipment
• Rent a paddleboat or jet-ski
• With no sand or seaweed, it’s a great place to snorkel. Don’t forget your goggles and fins.

Zlatni Rat Beach Amenities

• Beach beds and umbrellas available for rent
• Cafes and restaurants within a short walking distance.
• Showers
• Portable kiosks for food and drinks
• Beach waiter (provided by a nearby cafe)

Where To Eat Near Zlatni Rat Beach

Konoba Tomič – Gorni Humac

Located in one of the oldest villages on the island of Brač, you will find this family-run restaurant. The Michieli-Tomić family runs and operates a nearby farm that produces many of the ingredients used in their restaurant, and specialties include prosciutto, cheese, vitalac (offal), lamb on a spit, dishes prepared under a baking bell, olives, pickled onions, ash-roasted potatoes, and homemade bread. A wine cellar with homemade wine is located next to the restaurant, with many antique objects displaying the traditional, ancient ways of making wine. 

Topolino

Topolino’s is well known for its excellent pizza and pasta dishes. An outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and live acoustic guitar music makes it an excellent environment to relax and enjoy the island vibe. 

Kopačina

Located in the picturesque village of Donji Humac, this tavern serves authentic Brač cuisine. Top features include lamb specialties, their famous sheep cheese, and a lamb on a spit. Unique food and a romantic atmosphere make this an excellent dining place for couples, but groups and families are welcome too. Make sure to call ahead for a reservation when dining here in the summer!

 

How To Get To Zlatni Rat & Brac Island

From Split, you can take the catamaran (passengers only) direct to Bol, the closest town to the beach. Bol is situated in the southern part of the island Brač; there are regular ferry connections from many places, including Split. If you have a car, you can take the ferry from Split or Makarska to Supetar, where you’ll find a public bus service and taxis, or rent a car. The drive from Supetar to Bol takes around 40 minutes.

Bol Accommodation Close To Zlatni Rat Beach

We enjoyed views of Zlatni Rat and one of the other Croatian Island hotspots – Hvar. There are many Bol accommodation options close to Zlatni Rat beach. Including private apartments and small and family-run hotels, but your choice should be the 4-star luxury accommodations at the Bluesun Hotel Elaphusa.

Family-friendly Croatia resorts come no better than Hotel Elaphusa. It is a 10-minute leisurely stroll to Zlatni Rat along the shaded promenade and provides exceptional service. It also has one of the largest wellness centers in Croatia, offering unique olive oil treatments. It has our tick of approval.

Other Bol Accommodation Options

If you’d prefer to look at other options, we’ve selected a range of accommodations in Bol to get your search started:

• Bluesun Hotel Borak
• Hotel Bol
• Apartments Lovely Croatia
• Villa Christine Bol
• Penthouse Apartments Bol
• Bluesun Hotel Bonaca Bol 

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Where Is Zlatni Rat

 If you’d like to know more about Zlatni Rat, Croatia, the delightful town of Bol or Brac Island, visit the Tourist Board’s Facebook page here.

Have you ever been to Zlatni Rat Beach, or is it on your bucket list?