Brela is a charming Croatian tourist destination nestled between Makarska and Omiš, renowned for its stunning beaches and picturesque coastline. I had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful spot on June 10, 2019.

Brela
Brela

How did I arrive in Brela

I drove to Brela from Split, taking the scenic local road D8. The journey was enjoyable, just as you'd expect when passing through such beautiful landscapes. Luckily, the traffic was light, making the drive even more pleasant. I parked my car a few hundred meters from the village center, where the parking rate was 2.5 euros per hour.

idyll
idyll

I loved Brela at first sight. I can say it is unique among Croatian tourist destinations. I can't think of a destination where I could feel that people are so relaxed. I had a feeling that there is no clock, no obligations, and no stress. There were no disturbing sounds, no hurry, just a simple beauty of the relationship between nature and man.

The main reason for my fascination with Brela is the natural beauty of the place. Brela features more than 7 kilometres of the beautiful coast. Just near the coast, there are many trees which contribute to the soothing atmosphere.

The next reason was the lack of cars and the crowd. Most of the coast is not accessible by car, which is actually great because people don't have to hassle with cars while enjoying their walk near the sea.

Amazing Brela's coast shape
Amazing Brela's coast shape
Brela evening atmosphere
Brela evening atmosphere

The centre of life in Brela is its coast. It's a spot of romantic and family walks, entertainment and fun. It's also a great place for jogging and biking if you avoid the crowded parts of the tourist season.
As you walk along the coast, you will notice amazing forms of rocky beaches alternating with sandy ones. I believe many of them will be interesting to you as a selfie background.
Near the coast, there are restaurants and coffee bars where you can enjoy your favourite drink or meal while having a nice view of the sea.

Every week during the summer season, Brela organises live concerts on the coast, in the centre of the village.

Two widely known beaches in Brela are Punta Rata and Podrače.

Punta Rata is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Its famous attraction is so-called Brela's stone, a rock which emerged from the sea. Brela's stone is a recognizable symbol of the whole place.
The only Croatian beach that impressed me more than Punta Rata was Zlatni Rat on Brac.

Punta Rata beach
Punta Rata beach
Brela's Stone
Brela's Stone
Brela's Stone during night
Brela's Stone during night

Hundred meters above the centre of Brela you can see an interesting neo-Romanesque church from the 18th century. It was built in honour of the victory over the Osman Empire. That's why it was called The Church of Triumph throughout history. Near the church, there is a monument to a priest who made a remarkable effort in its construction.
Sunday masses are held at 9 am and 8 pm during the summer season.

Church Our Lady of Karmel
Church Our Lady of Karmel

The parish St. Stephen's church is located in the north part of Brela, a few hundred meters above the coast. The exact year of the church's construction is unknown. The written mention dates from the 16th century, but it was built earlier.
Sunday mass in St. Stephen's church is held at 11 am.
The church is accessible by car. You can reach it from the coast as well, but it takes some climbing effort.

St. Stephen's church in Brela
St. Stephen's church in Brela

Brela is not all about the coast, beaches, and sea: it's also an amazing place for those who like walking in forests, hiking and exploring nature. Above the D8 road, there is Biokovo Nature Park, featuring various activities. The most featured are walkways with different lengths and levels of difficulty.

Brela is a true pearl of Croatia tourism. It is kind of a destination I can recommend to all generations, young and older. The peacefulness and the natural beauty of the village will hardly leave anyone unimpressed. No matter if you arrive here with your wife, family, kids or friends, you will enjoy Brela. I recommend visiting in June or September when it is even more intimate and beautiful.

Find out accommodation in Brela on booking.com, platform of our choice.

Zvonimir Peran     2023-07-18

I enjoy Croatia, beautiful country with interesting places, history, culture, and people. I want you to enjoy it as well.
Contact me on email info@croatia-tourism.com, or using the form below.

Contact us

We will help you experience the best of Brela.

Latest on Croatia Tourism


Top 5 things to do in Split

Split has become one of the top tourist spots in Croatia over the last few years. Many visitors from all over the world, young and old, have been enjoying its beaches, nightlife options, cultural attractions, restaurants and charming Mediterranean atmosphere. I will list the top 5 things that all visitors who come to Split for a day or more shoul...

Top 5 day trips from Split

Except for being one of the most famous Croatian tourist destinations, Split is a great base for those who like to explore multiple places during their vacation. The neighbourhood of Split abounds with destinations and activities of all kinds, from sightseeing cultural attractions to adrenaline sports such as rafting. I will list the top 5 da...

Primosten beaches

Primosten is known to be one of the most famous Croatian beach destinations. With kilometres of pebble and rocky beaches, featuring clean sea and beautiful panoramic sea views, Primosten as a beach destination will hardly leave anyone unimpressed.

Visit also


Brela and Baska Voda autumn photos

Brela and Baska Voda are two places in Croatia which are usually visited during the summer season. People enjoy their beaches, beautiful coast, bars and nightlife. But for those who have a privilege to live in Croatia all year long, it's really nice to go there and see how these places look like during other seasons. Especially colourful is autumn,...

Brela beaches and attractions in 2020, after pandemic

Brela, a small town in the north of the Makarska Riviera, has been a favourite destination of visitors from Western Europe. Hundreds of thousands of visitors in recent years have enjoyed Brela, its beaches, and charming Mediterranean atmosphere. On July 2, 2020, I decided to go to Brela and see how does the town look like after the coronavirus pand...

Baska Voda

Baška Voda is a quaint Croatian tourist destination, situated 50 kilometers south of Split and just 10 kilometers north of Makarska, close to Brela. I visited this charming town for an evening stroll on June 11, 2019.

Related content


Sibenik old town

When you come in Sibenik prepare yourself for a walk through old town. There is interesting stuff to see there. Šibenik was first mentioned in 1066., so some of the attractions are almost millennium old. But most of them were built during the Venetian rule of Šibenik which began with the Venetian conquest of Šibenik in 1412. ...

Paths of ancient Berulia

If you find yourself in Brela and want to do some easy hiking, then you can climb the trail called Paths of ancient Berulia located in Brela Gornja village.

Sibenik in 2020 - top 5 places to visit

If you are thinking about visiting or staying in Sibenik this year, read our guide. Sibenik is a tourist hit of 2020. We explore the top 5 places to visit in the old town.