Bijela Kuca Beach

Bijela Kuća is a beach on the eastern edge of Bol, the small port town on the south coast of the island of Brač, in the area known as Kotlina. Bol is world-famous for Zlatni Rat, the Golden Horn, a long spit of white pebbles that points into the sea and changes shape with the wind and waves. Bijela Kuća offers a calmer alternative, and many visitors prefer it because it is quieter, shadier and easier for families, while still being only a short walk or ride from the town centre.

The beach has a shoreline of fine and medium pebbles that slope gently into very clear water in shades of turquoise and green. This slow gradient makes it good for children and less confident swimmers. A line of pine trees and other vegetation runs along the back of the beach, giving natural shade for much of the day, which is a considerable advantage in the heat of July and August. The mood is relaxed and unhurried, closer to a local bathing place than to a commercial resort.

Facilities include a beach bar and restaurant where you can have a coffee, a cold drink or a full meal, so you do not need to leave if you want to stay for the whole day. Sunbeds and umbrellas can usually be hired, and toilets are available nearby. Even so, the beach has a more informal character than the large beaches at Zlatni Rat, and in the shoulder season it can feel nearly empty. The water is warmest in August and September, and swimming is possible from late spring.

Bol has plenty to offer on land as well. The Dominican Monastery of Bol, standing right on the seafront, dates from the fifteenth century and contains a museum and a church that houses a painting attributed to the Venetian artist Tintoretto. The Bol waterfront is lined with restaurants serving fresh fish and local wine, and the narrow lanes of the old town hold small shops. Bol is also a world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing destination, since the afternoon wind known as maestral blows steadily on this coast, and you may see sails on the water from the beach. Brač's highest peak, Vidova Gora, is a drive away and offers sweeping views of the islands.

The beach is simple to reach on foot along the seafront promenade. Bring sun protection and water shoes if you dislike pebbles, and arrive early in peak season to find shade. The beach suits families with children, couples and visitors who want a quieter swim near Bol's main attractions. Allow a few hours, or a whole relaxing day.