Zlatni Rat beach
Zlatni Rat or Golden Horn is a sandy spit on the southern edge of the island of Brač, located about 2 km to the west of the center of Bol. Picturesque sand and pebble coast, surrounded by typical Mediterranean landscape with turquoise sea and emerald pine trees, is a sort of business card not only for this Croatian island, but also for the whole of Croatia. It's the views of the Golden Horn, which got its name for the distinctive shape of the shore, that adorn most travel guides in this country, along with the Plitvice Lakes.
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Beach description
The length of Golden Horn beach on both sides of the spit is 630 m, but can vary depending on the currents and the power of wind. The landscapes that change depending on the impact of natural forces are the main phenomenon of this cape on the Adriatic coast. For this peculiarity of relief, the beach was even included in the number of country's protected areas. Its total area is 20 thousand sq. m, which makes it easy for a lot of people to stay here.
The following nuances can be distinguished among its other main characteristics:
- the waters here have impressive hues (from turquoise to dark blue) and are less warm due to underwater currents;
- strong currents pose a relative hazard to swimmers swimming far to the south from the shore;
- frequent and predictable west winds have made this Croatian beach one of the favorite places for windsurfers and kitesurfers;
- a part of the beach is distinguished by the calmest waters (it's especially windless on the coast in the mornings), which allows staying for families with small children
The coast here is covered with light sand and white pebbles (the smallest on the bottom of the sea), which together with surrounding pine trees brought the Golden Horn a reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Numerous sailing yachts near the coast of Golden Cape give this beach an even more picturesque view.
On its western outskirts there are several bays popular among lovers of naturalism. The Golden Horn has been rightfully awarded the Blue Flag for its clean water and coast combined with developed infrastructure. It's especially crowded in July. It's advisable to come here early in the morning or in the evening if you want to avoid large crowds.
When is the best time to go?
Although the summer in Croatia is hot (the temperature can rise up to 30 degrees), but thanks to the sea breezes it is very pleasant - the best time for a beach holiday. If you want to see the sights of this country rich in historical events, it is better to choose tours in spring or autumn: firstly, the weather is comfortable, and secondly, there are not so many tourists in these times of the year, which positively affects prices.
Video: Beach Zlatni Rat
Infrastructure
Zlatni Rat is located near the most popular resort of Brač – Bol, so the infrastructure here is perfectly developed. The coast has several luxury restaurants (one of the most popular – Zlatni Rat is located right on the beach surrounded by pine trees), focused on European cuisine, as well as offering the best Croatian wines. The resort itself hosts the largest disco on the island.
For the lovers of active leisure there are also many offers and services.
- Bol is famous as a center of tennis sport – there are more than 2 dozen tennis courts. You can also find a dive center that offers training and excursions with diving.
- Near the beach, there are several centers offering rental of kite and windsurfing equipment as well as professional instructors for training these sports.
- There's a volleyball court on the beach itself. You can rent water skis and banana boats, parasailing is also possible.
You can stay at the hotel Elaphusa (4 stars), located in just 10 minutes from the city's promenade near the beach. Just as popular, Zlatni Rat Beach Resort, which is located on the coast and in only a few minute drive from the city center.
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Beach relaxation can be combined with an exciting excursion program.
- It's worth ordering a sightseeing tour of the island of Brač – either by car or by powerboat, which will allow you to see the most picturesque places and appreciate the nature of this Croatian “Eden”.
- Lovers of hiking can climb Vidova Gora – the highest peak not only on Brač, but also among all the islands of the Adriatic.
- You can rent kayaks and go exploring the nearshore waters of the beach.
- History lovers should visit the ruins of the ancient Roman villa Rustica located near the coast.