Gornja Sela

Gornja Sela is a small village in the municipality of Bol, on the south coast of the island of Brač, in central Dalmatia, set slightly inland from the coast. Very little has been written about it, so this description concentrates on the character of the settlement and on the area in which it lies, which is among the best known on the Adriatic. Bol is famous for Zlatni Rat, the Golden Horn, a long spit of white pebbles that extends into the sea and changes its shape with the wind and the currents, and the villages in the hills behind the town offer a calmer and more traditional side of the island.

Villages in the interior of Brač grew up away from the coast for safety, since pirates and raiders made the shore dangerous for centuries. They were built of the island's pale limestone, and the typical settlement is a cluster of stone houses with small windows and tiled roofs, joined by narrow paved lanes and surrounded by terraces and dry-stone walls. The land around them was farmed for olives, vines, figs and almonds, and in spring, the terraces are green and flowering, while in autumn, the olive harvest and the grape picking are the main events of the year. Many of the houses in such villages are now empty or used only in summer, which gives the lanes a quiet, timeless air.

Wine and olive oil are the great products of the area. Bol's best-known wine comes from the Plavac Mali grape, which ripens on the sunny southern slopes and produces strong, dark reds, and the olive groves of the island yield an oil that has won awards. There is a marked olive grove trail near Bol, listed in this guide, which leads through the terraces, and local producers often welcome visitors for tastings. The surrounding countryside is also good for walking and cycling, with trails through pine forests and over hills to viewpoints.

The highest point of Brač, Vidova Gora, is a short drive away. At about 780 metres, it is the highest peak on any Adriatic island, and from the summit, there is a panorama over the islands of Hvar and Šolta, and on clear days to the Italian coast. A trail leads up from the village area, and the view is one of the finest in Dalmatia. The Bol Art Gallery, housed in a historic building, and the Dominican monastery by the sea are cultural sights of the town.

Reaching the village is easiest by car, and roads are narrow, so drive slowly. There are few services, so bring water and food. Respect private property and the silence of the place. The village suits walkers, cyclists and visitors who like to see the quiet interior of an island. Allow an hour for the village, or a half day for the surrounding hills.