There are places that win you over with noise and endless lists of things you have to see. Brela isn’t one of them.
You come for the sea, and stay for everything else. For the pine trees that smell unlike anywhere else. For the locals who remember you by your second day. For that quiet feeling that you’ve discovered a place not everyone knows yet, even though Forbes discovered it long ago.
We wrote this guide the way we’d recommend it to a friend. Everything you need to know, all in one place.
Beaches in Brela: A Guide to All 14 Beaches
A 7 kilometre coastline and 14 beaches, each with its own character. Some are known worldwide, some only to locals, and some are waiting for you to discover them.
Punta Rata Beach is the symbol of Brela and it is no coincidence it made the Forbes list of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. The sea is shallow, warm and crystal clear, while pine trees provide shade when the sun is at its strongest. The beach you keep coming back to.
Podrače Beach is the most photogenic cove in Europe, the one you see on postcards and wonder if it is real. Yes, that is the one.
Jakiruša Beach lies in the westernmost part of Brela, a quiet cove for those who prefer a bit more space to themselves.
Jardula Beach is a family friendly spot with a shower, a restaurant and a beach bar, ideal for long summer days when you are in no rush.
Podcrkavlje Beach is pebbly and kid friendly, with a shower and pedal boats. And for those brave enough, hidden rocks here are perfect for jumping into the sea when no one is watching. The locals know.
Pročiok Beach is the only dog friendly beach in Brela. If you cannot imagine your holiday without your dog, this is your place.
Stomarica Beach is quiet and pebbly, perfect for an early morning swim before the crowds arrive.
Stari Porat Beach is located in the heart of the town, with restaurants and bars within easy reach.
Šćit Beach is a favourite among locals, long, pebbly and somehow always a bit more peaceful than the others.
Klačina Beach is secluded and calm, for those who know exactly what they are looking for.
Maestral Beach offers sun loungers, umbrellas and a children’s playground, while natural pine shade keeps it pleasant even during the hottest hours of the day.
Soline Beach is a family beach with children’s facilities, and all water activities depart from the small harbour of Soline.
Loznica Beach is a peaceful pebbly beach with natural shade, slightly smaller than Maestral, ideal for those seeking quiet a bit away from the main crowds.
Vruja Beach is the most secluded spot in Brela, often accessible only by boat. For those looking for the sea all to themselves and a kind of silence you cannot find anywhere else.
Sea Activities in Brela
The sea in Brela is not just for swimming, although swimming alone would be enough. For those who want more, Brela offers a small kingdom on the water.
SUP boards are perfect for exploring the coastline from a different perspective, easy for beginners and fun for everyone. Parasailing from the Soline harbor offers a view of Brela from a height of 300 to 600 meters. One, two or three people can fly at the same time, and no one who has tried it ever regrets it.
For a true underwater experience without diving, a semi submarine departs from the Soline harbor and offers a ride at a depth of two meters through a glass wall. Both daytime and night rides are available. A diving school is there for those who want to go deeper and explore the underwater world up close, and the seabed here does not disappoint.
You can rent a boat or a speedboat and head to hidden coves that cannot be reached from land. Brela looks completely different from the sea and it is an experience worth having at least once.
Hiking Trails in Brela
One morning you will wake up, look towards the hills and wonder what is up there. The answer is some of the most beautiful nature on the Makarska Riviera, trails scented with pine and sage, and views that make every step worth it.
All trails start from Gornje Kričke, and you can pick up a map at the Brela Tourist Board Info Centre. Do not forget to bring water, a hat and wear proper sneakers. 🙂
The French Road, also known as Napoleon’s Road, is about 5 kilometres long and takes around two hours to reach a viewpoint overlooking the sea and the Chapel of St Kaja. Perfect for a morning hike before the beach.
The St Nicholas Trail leads from Gornje Kričke through Nevistina Stina to the Church of St Nicholas, about 6.5 kilometres and around four hours of walking. When you return, the sea will look even more beautiful.
The Topići Trail is around 10 kilometres and takes about four hours, combining mountain and coast in one day. You descend to Baška Voda and return along the seaside back to Brela.
The Lungomare stretches along the coast from Vruja to Baška Voda, about 8.5 kilometres with no climbs at all. Ideal for families, a morning walk or an evening when the sunset deserves company.
Brela with Children: A Family Holiday
Brela is a place where children can simply be children. Beaches with a gentle entry into the sea are safe even for the youngest kids. In Soline, there is a children’s park with seesaws and slides, while older kids can enjoy street parks along the beach, and a diving school for those already ready to explore the real underwater world.
Restaurants offer high chairs and children’s menus, the streets are quiet and safe, and the pharmacy in the centre is open even on weekends. And one thing parents always appreciate when they discover it: here, children don’t ask when we’re going home. They ask when we’re coming back.
Food in Brela: Dalmatian cuisine
Come to Brela for the sea, but stay for the food as well. On the grill, you’ll find sea bream, sea bass, and squid prepared the traditional way, while brudet (Dalmatian fish stew) slowly simmers according to old recipes. For meat lovers, there is pašticada and lamb baked under the bell (peka).
For starters, there is prosciutto with homemade cheese and anchovies, and for dessert, rožata, almond and lemon-filled rafioli, and the “Kolač od zemlje s Biokova” (Cake of the Biokovo Earth), created by the restaurant Plima — a modern yet authentically Dalmatian dessert you simply have to try.
With every meal, there are local wines. The red Plavac Mali is rich and full-bodied, while the white Pošip or Rukatac pairs perfectly with fish.
And if you’re not sure what to order, just ask the waiter in Brela, every waiter knows their wines and will gladly recommend the perfect match for your plate.
Brela in the off-season
Brela in the off-season are not just a good alternative to the summer crowds — they might actually be the best version of this place.
In May and June, the sea is fresher, the beaches are empty, and restaurants have more time for you. The roads are free, parking is easy, and day trips to Split, Šibenik, Dubrovnik, or Pelješac are smooth, without traffic jams. Hiking on Biokovo in spring is a special experience, when nature is lush and the temperature is pleasantly mild.
And the spring light has that quality photographers love the golden hour lasts longer, and every photo looks like it was carefully planned, even though you were just out for a walk.
Fresh figs, grapes, and freshly pressed olive oil. The waiter has time to sit down with you and tell you the story of the recipe you’re enjoying right now. The only thing you might regret is not coming earlier.
Excursions from Brela
Brela are the perfect base for exploring Dalmatia. Makarska is just a 15-minute drive away, Split about 50 kilometres, home to Diocletian’s Palace. Biokovo and the Skywalk are around thirty minutes away, offering views that are hard to forget.
Šibenik and Krka National Park are ideal for a family trip with waterfalls and nature trails. Dubrovnik, 124 kilometres away, is a city of walls and sea that looks different from the south. Pelješac and Korčula offer island calm and excellent wine.
Every evening, you return to your base in Brela rested and full of impressions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brela
When is the best time to visit Brela?
The main season runs from June to September. July and August are the warmest and busiest months, while May, June, and September are ideal for a quieter stay with fewer crowds.
Is the sea in Brela really clean?
Yes. Brela regularly receive the Blue Flag, a European certification for high water quality. The seabed remains visible even at greater depths.
How do I get to Brela?
The nearest airport is Split, about 55 kilometres away. From Split, it takes around 45 minutes by car or there is a direct bus connection.
What can I visit nearby in one day?
Makarska is 15 minutes away, Biokovo about 30 minutes, Split around 50 kilometres, and the islands of Brač and Hvar are accessible via organized boat excursions.
Are Brela suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. Beaches with a gentle sea entry, a children’s park in Soline, street-style playgrounds, and restaurants with kids’ menus make Brela one of the most popular family destinations on the Makarska Riviera.
How many days do I need in Brela?
Five to seven days are enough for a relaxing stay, a trip to Biokovo, and a visit to Split. For a slower pace and more excursions, ten to fifteen days is ideal.
Apartments Jović: your base in Brela
Apartments Jović are located 550 metres from the sea, the town centre, and all the amenities Brela has to offer close enough so you don’t miss anything, yet far enough to truly relax.
Three apartments, each with a sea view, free parking, WiFi, and air conditioning.
Brela are waiting. And with them, your sea view.
Check availability and book your stay. 🌊
