Welcome to southern Croatia and the small coastal village of Brela. It’s a famous place for holidays on Makarska Riviera which the Brela is part of. There are many interesting things to do in Brela and places to see and experience too and this article will tell you all about them.
Experiences we are going to talk about range from light hiking or kayaking tours to adrenaline-filled rock climbing in Brela and the nearby area. Either way, there is a lot do to around so don’t even think about spending your whole Makarska Riviera vacation just lying on the beach and soaking up the sun.
Trust us, you’ll be a lot happier if you go out and discover at least one of the things to do in Brela we cover in this article.
Our selection of the tours you must try while staying in Brela
About Brela
As we already mentioned, Brela is part of Makarska Riviera located in southern Croatia. It’s one of the most famous places on the Riviera and has more than 100 years old tourism tradition. The reasons why people choose to spend their holiday in Brela are the beautiful nature and perfect beaches accompanied by a crystal clear and warm Adriatic sea.
One of the most popular landmarks in Brela is the famous Brela stone, a small island with pine on it. If you Google the term Brela, you’ll see a lot of images of Brela Stone which is located near the main Punta Rata beach. And while we’re at this beach, let us just say that Forbes put this beach in the top 10 list of the most beautiful beaches of all the world. It tells enough about how beautiful Brela is.
Brela was first mentioned in the old books under the name Beroyllia in the 10th century. They were a fortified city of Pagania, the local principality of that time. Another cool fact is that Brela is famous because of the cherry sort Maraska and this sort is considered to be one of the best Dalmatian cherry sorts out there.
And we leave a special legend for the end of our Brela introduction. It’s a legend about the sunken city of Pelegrin which was once large and a beautiful city that sunk after it was cursed. According to the legend, a chariot with a prince and princess emerges from the sea each year at midnight on Christmas night.
How to Get to Brela
There are many different ways you can reach Brela. Getting there by car is one of the most popular ones since the car allows you to explore the rest of Makarska Riviera and nearby places. Many tourists come to Brela from one of the neighboring countries such as Austria, Slovenia, or Chezch Republic… If you are coming from these or nearby countries, the fastest way to come to Brela is if you use the main Croatian motorway (A1) and take the Makarska exit (Zagvozd).
Coming to Croatia by airplane is the second most popular way of visiting this country. It’s not so expensive in the modern world, it’s fast and convenient. If you are coming from countries that are further away, then flying to Croatia is the best option for you. The closest airport to Brela is the Split airport and you’ll need a bit more than 1 hour of driving to reach Brela (using the motorway). If you have arrived in the middle of the summer, we suggest you take the motorway because local roads can be pretty congested with traffic.
If you come by airplane, we also suggest you rent a car at the airport. It will allow you to easily explore all the parts of Croatia and you’ll have a lot more freedom to visit all the different places around Brela. If you want to use public transport, there are frequent bus lines that connect Split with Makarska Riviera and you can reach Brela in no time although public transport can be unreliable during the summer months because of dense traffic. Unfortunately, there are no railway lines at all in southern Croatia. But what a scenic railway would that be.
To summarize how to reach Brela:
- By Car:
- Brela is about 15 km from Makarska and 60 km from Split. The scenic Adriatic Highway provides breathtaking coastal views along the way.
- Main parking is available, but spaces can fill quickly during peak season.
- By Bus:
- Buses frequently run along the Dalmatian coast, connecting Brela with nearby cities like Split and Dubrovnik. Beware that public transport might have delays during the summer months.
- The local bus stop is close to the town center, providing easy access to key attractions.
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Split Airport, approximately 65 km away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use shuttle services to reach Brela.
The Best Time of the Year to Visit Brela
Like any other tourist place in Croatia, Brela is most visited during the hot summer months of July and August. These are the hottest and dryest months in the whole year and they are the first choice for anybody who wants to enjoy just in sun and the sea. July and August are also the most crowded months of the year and all the beaches are full of people.
The alternative to these mentioned months would be June and September. The weather is still warm and nice, although not so hot, and you can swim in the sea since it’s warm too. Much better option to visit Brela and enjoy all of the things to do in Brela if you ask us. But you can’t miss either way.
The second good thing about preseason and postseason periods is that there are fewer people around and everything is much more humane. All the outdoor activities are better too, take hiking for example.
- Summer (June to August): Ideal for beachgoers and water activities, though it’s also the busiest season.
- Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October): Perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring nature through any activity with fewer crowds.
- Winter (November to March): While quieter, it’s a peaceful time for relaxation and mild outdoor activities. Unfortunately, not so many touristic vendors are open and it can feel pretty boring to be here at that period.
Introduction to Things to Do in Brela
When it comes to things to do in Brela, you have many different options and we’ll list some of them which we believe are the best to make your Makarska Riviera holiday better. All of these things mentioned are outdoor activities in some of their best forms. Why? Because life is best outdoors.
If you are going to do some of these things in Brela on your own instead of joining a guided tour, always make sure you’re doing it safely. Proper equipment is of the essence. Take hiking for example. If you are going to hike on a hot summer day, no problem, but leave early in the morning and take a lot of water. The same goes for any other outdoor activity around there. Just make sure you’re safe and enjoy.
Exploring the Brela Coast by Kayak
Brela kayaking is one of the best things to do in Brela. Kayaking is a great thing to do anywhere, but when you have a beautiful part of the coastline like Brela has, then kayaking is one of the best options out there. Kayaking near the famous Brela is a must if you are planning on renting a kayak. There are some options to rent a kayak but there are also guided kayak tours available.
- Why Try It: The calm, crystal-clear waters around Brela are perfect for kayaking, offering a unique perspective of the coastline.
- What to See: Paddle past hidden beaches and the iconic Brela Stone
- Tips:
- Rent a kayak from local providers or join guided tours.
- Bring a camera to capture the views and to recoil memories of the tour
Aerial view of kayakers exploring cave near Drvenik in Dalmatia, Croatia.
Visiting the Vruja Landscape
Next comes the Vruja, a unique landscape on the edge of Brela municipality. You can reach Vruja either by kayak or by light hike using a coastal trail. It’s the landscape characterized by steep rock cliffs and it’s something you must see when staying in Brela.
It’s also a barren landscape with almost no vegetation after a large fire that affected the area some time ago. After every heavy rainfall, you can see water coming out of the depths and ‘boiling’ on the surface of Vruja. That’s because some underground passages lead rain through the nearby hills straight into the sea. Finally, that’s the reason why Vruja is called that way. The name Vruja can be translated as a ‘spring’ in the English language.
- About Vruja: Located a short drive from Brela, this untouched natural area features dramatic cliffs, hidden underwater springs, and panoramic views.
- What to Do:
- Explore the coastline by boat or kayak.
- Enjoy snorkeling to discover marine life in the clear waters.
Hiking to Pakline Above Brela
We come to the great old hiking. Nothing compares to it. Well, almost nothing. Hiking is one of our favorites on the list of things to do in Brela. There are a few peculiar rock formations known as Nevistina Stina and Eye of the Biokovo mountain located just above Brela. It’s not a long hike and we suggest you explore these unique places of Biokovo mountain. Not so far away from it lies the Pakline part called that way because of Pakla, tar produced by pine trees and which was used in shipbuilding in the old times.
There is a new mountain shelter at Pakline now and reaching it is relatively easy through a hike that covers some of the most specific rock formations above Brela.
Once again, if you are hiking in the summer, make sure you have proper hiking shoes and a lot of water. If you want to go for a longer hike, we recommend one to the Bukovac peak on Biokovo mountain. Gornja Brela village is the starting point and this hike is pretty light and not so steep. Enjoy!
- Trail Highlights: The trail to Pakline offers breathtaking views of Brela, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby islands.
- What to Expect:
- A moderately challenging hike through pine forests and rocky terrain.
- Stunning photo opportunities and panoramic view at the peak.
- Pro Tips:
- Wear proper hiking shoes and carry a lot of water.
- Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Trying Rock Climbing in Brela Climbing Area
We come to the more adventurous things to do in Brela. The rock climbing site in Brela is one of the best on the Makarska Riviera. There are many climbing routes with varying difficulties. Some of these are good even for beginners. You can spot the Brela rock climbing site even from Brela itself, just look toward the slopes of Biokovo mountain and you’ll see a Croatian coat of arms painted on the rock. That’s it, that’s where you need to go if you want to do some rock climbing in Brela.
Since rock climbing can be a potentially dangerous activity, we suggest you take all the safety precautions and use all the safety equipment for rock climbing. If this is your first time doing this activity, find an agency that will show you the basics of rock climbing and enjoy your experience in the heights.
- About the Climbing Area: Brela’s limestone cliffs provide excellent climbing opportunities for all skill levels. Brela has one of the best climbing sites on all of Makarska Riviera.
- What to Expect:
- Routes of varying difficulty, are suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.
- Professional guides and equipment rentals are available locally.
Exploring the French Road (Napoleon Road) in Brela
Another interesting activity when it comes to things to do in Brela. There is a stone road just above Brela that was made by the famous Napoleon when he was waging wars across Europe. This road is still in very good condition and it won’t take you long to reach it. We suggest you combine the visit to Napoleon Road with other hiking routes in the Brela area and if you are hiking to Pakline we mentioned before, you’ll definitely walk this old Napoleon Road.
Brela rock climbing area is also not so far away and you can visit this road before or after your rock climbing session.
- Historical Significance: Built during the Napoleonic era, the French Road offers a glimpse into the region’s past.
- What to Do:
- Walk or cycle along this historic route, enjoying views of the coastline and surrounding landscapes.
Go Walking or Cycling Along the Brela Coastline
If you are not into more adventurous things to do in Brela, then simply walking by the sea will do just fine. The same trails you would usually walk can be explored by bike too so it’s up to you to choose what way would you like to do it. Brela lungo mare (sea promenade) goes through the whole of Brela and even further, passing near some of the most famous landmarks of this part of Makarska Riviera.
You can use these walking trails to reach nearby Baska Voda and other places of Makarska Riviera. it’s perfect for evening or morning walks. If you choose to explore these trails by bike, you can get even further. There are few options to rent a bike in Brela so choose one and explore around.
- Why Try It: The coastal promenade in Brela is one of the most scenic paths on the Makarska Riviera.
- What to See:
- Pine-shaded trails, picturesque beaches, and traditional Dalmatian architecture.
- Sunset views over the Adriatic.
- Tips: Rent a bike for a leisurely ride or take a long, relaxing stroll.
Visiting the Biokovo Nature Park
Many things can be said about Biokovo Nature Park and all of them are nice. It’s the protected part of the magnificent Biokovo mountain and something each person staying anywhere on Makarska Riviera must visit. There is a narrow road going through the park and reaching the second highest mountain peak in Croatia – Sv. Jure which is also at the top of Biokovo mountain.
Beware that going by your own car into the park can be nerve-wracking because of the narrow road and many visitors so we suggest you visit the Biokovo Nature Park on one of the guided tours for a stress-free experience.
- Why Visit: Located near Brela, Biokovo Nature Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
- Highlights:
- The Biokovo Skywalk is a glass platform offering jaw-dropping views and the opportunity to face the fear of heights if you have them.
- Hiking trails that lead to the summit of Sveti Jure, the second-highest peak in Croatia.
- Tips:
- Plan your visit early to avoid crowds.
- Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes.
Exploring the Rest of Makarska Riviera
As you already know by now, Brela is part of Makarska Riviera. The whole Makarska Riviera is among some of the most beautiful landscapes of Croatia. It holds many places to discover and experience. When you’re done with exploring Brela, you should turn your eyes to the rest of Makarska Riviera.
- Closest Destinations:
- Makarska: Known for its vibrant nightlife, charming old town, and pebble beaches.
- Baška Voda: A quaint village with family-friendly beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
Other Things to See and Experience in Southern Croatia Not So Far From Brela
Finally, there are even more things to do near Brela if you step outside of the Makarska Riviera boundaries. If you were to go in the Split direction, the city of Omis is the first largest city you would stumble upon. It’s a beautiful city with an interesting past but what’s even more interesting is the Cetina River canyon that is located near the Omis. It’s a beautiful place made by the Cetina River. You have many options of things to do there and rafting tours are among the most popular ones in Cetina Canyon. We suggest you also experience the Via Ferrata experience in Omis.
If you choose to go south, in the direction of Dubrovnik city next thing you would reach after the Makarska Riviera are wonderful Bacina lakes. It’s a group of 7 lakes with beautiful nature which are located near the city of Ploce. There are many activities you can do on Bacina Lakes and make some great memories of this stunning place.
Near the Bacina lakes, the unique landscape of the Neretva delta is located. It’s the landscape made by the Neretva River at the end of its journey. The most famous place of the Neretva Delta is the mouth of the Neretva River, famous for its numerous sandy beaches and known as one of the most popular places for kiteboarding in Croatia. Apart from this place, Neretva Valley is full of other beautiful places we suggest you visit.
- Omiš: Famous for its Cetina River canyon, ziplining, and rafting tours.
- Baćina Lakes: A serene escape offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching.
- Neretva Valley: Known for its sandy beaches, kiteboarding, and unique delta landscape.
- Split and Dubrovnik: Both cities are within driving distance, offering rich history and cultural landmarks.
Before you Venture
Brela is one of the most visited places of Makarska Riviera and one of our favorites. We spend a few winter days each year just walking the Brela promenade which we believe to be the best on Makarska Riviera. As you can see from this article, there are many interesting things to do in Brela. We hope we helped you to find the best one for you and that it will make your stay in Brela even more memorable.
