Zlatni Rat Beach: The Golden Horn in Croatia

Zlatni Rat Beach on Brac Island, also known as Golden Horn, is one of the most famous beaches in croatia. It is located only 2 kilometers from the popular resort of Bol and is also the most beautiful attraction of the whole vacation island. Although Zlatni Rat is not a sandy beach as often assumed, its shape and beauty are unique in Croatia. Like a golden crescent or golden horn, this fantastically beautiful pebble beach stretches far into the turquoise sea with a length of about 500 meters. Due to its peculiarity it became a landmark of Croatia and consequently a visitor magnet for vacationers from all over the world. No matter whether a vacation at Zlatni Rat or a trip from the mainland to the dream beach, a visit is it worth in any case.

In this travel guide we give you all the important information and tips about Zlatni Rat Beach in Croatia. We show you stunning pictures and what to expect on a vacation at the so-called Golden Horn near Bol.

Zlatni Rat Beach (Bol)

General Informations about Zlatni Rat Beach

The Zlatni Rat beach is a gigantic headland that stretches almost half a kilometer into the sea. Several times, the so-called Golden Horn has been chosen as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, so it is not surprising that every year numerous visitors come to experience this beach highlight first hand. A wonderfully fragrant pine forest, over a hundred years old, forms an insanely great contrast to this golden yellow beach and to the intense blue of the sea. Just behind it, the mountain Vidova Gora rises up and conjures up a picture-perfect panorama.

Some are not sure, is it sand or gravel? Because of its golden color, one could almost believe that Zlatni Rat is a sandy beach. Only when you take a closer look, you realize that the Golden Horn is not a sandy beach, but a fine gravel beach. Nevertheless, this should not detract from the bathing experience. The sea here is crystal clear and shines in the most beautiful blue sea colors.

Zlatni Rat Beach (Bol)

The Zlatni Rat was not, as many may believe, artificially created. This fine pebble beach was formed by the deposition of fine rocks from the Vidova Gora mountain, the highest mountain on the island of Brac. Over centuries the rocks were finely ground into small round pebbles and formed the typical crescent shape. The outer tip of the beach changes depending on the current and the wind, and so the dream beach constantly shows itself in a slightly different shape. Once the headland bends a little to the right and sometime later again to the left. On one side of the beach the sea is then always calmer and offers perfect bathing conditions for families with children.

Zlatni Rat Beach (Bol)

Zlatni Rat is very well-developed for tourism, and due to its size, everyone is sure to find their perfect place to swim. With its approximately 20,000 square meters, this beach can accommodate about 10,000 people. There is the possibility to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, but also the many pine trees of the peninsula offer natural shade. Toilets, changing rooms and showers are also available on site. Parking is available in the immediate vicinity, but there is also parking in the village of Bol.

Zlatni Rat Beach

Restaurants, Bars & Cafés

Food and drinks is also provided, and there are a number of cafés, snack stands and restaurants on the western part of the beach, offering cool drinks, small snacks and delicious Croatian meals. In addition, along the promenade, between Bol and Zlatni Rat, you will find a variety of bars and small stalls.

The most famous beach bar on Zlatni Rat is probably Auro, a really cool location right on the dream beach. Especially in high season, this absolutely cozy bar with cool music and various alcoholic drinks is a must for all those who like to party.

Beach Bar at Zlatni Rat Beach

Zlatni Rat Beach

Activities at Zlatni Rat

During a vacation at the Golden Horn in Croatia, lots of fun is guaranteed because various water sports activities provide an extra portion of action. For example, you can find a huge water bouncy castle just in the sea, where young and old can let off steam.

Due to the good wind and wave conditions, Zlatni Rat is a great spot for kite surfing and windsurfing. But also stand-up paddling and kayaking are popular activities at the Golden Horn. Surf schools and water sports rentals can be found directly on site.

Due to the clear water, Zlatni Rat is also fantastic for snorkeling, and diving schools have also settled in the area. A tour by bike is also very nice. If you like, you can rent a bike or e-bike and explore the picturesque coast with its other great beaches.

Bol – Zlatni Rat Beach

Bol Beach

The Nudist Beach

Even nudists will get their money’s worth during a visit to the Golden Horn in Croatia. Because in the western part, right next to the Zlatni Rat, there is a really beautiful, long nudist beach only 200 meters away. This part of the coast is a fine pebble beach, which delights with magnificent sea colors and Mediterranean ambience. Moreover, the stunning view of the Golden Horn, which you can enjoy in textile-free seclusion, is wonderful.

Nudist Beach Zlatni Rat

Attractions around Zlatni Rat Beach

From Zlatni Rat Beach you can go on amazing excursions. On a vacation, you have the possibility to explore the most beautiful attractions of Brac Island and, on top of that, take great boat trips.

Worth seeing is the center of Bol, which you can reach from the Golden Horn via a promenade. The romantic harbor and the picturesque Dominican monastery are beautiful.

Also, the resort of Bol is an optimal starting point for boat trips. From here you can take beautiful boat trips to Hvar Island, to the Blue Grotto near Vis or to the port city of Split.

A wonderful view of the Golden Horn can be enjoyed from the top of the Vidova Gora mountain, which can be reached by hiking from Bol, but also by car.

Dominican Monastery

Bol

Vidova Gora Mountain

Where to Stay near Zlatni Rat Beach

Near Zlatni Rat beach there is a whole range of great accommodations. Whether it’s a wellness hotel, vacation homes or privately run apartments, there are a variety of different places to stay in the area. Most of the hotels and apartments are located near the town of Bol. Here are our tips for the best accommodations at Zlatni Rat…It’s worth a look!

• Wellness Hotel: The BRETANIDE Sport & Wellness Resort – All Inclusive is located directly on a pedestrian promenade only about 300 meters from the Golden Horn.
• Budget Apartments: The Apartment Podbarje has 2 nice and quite cheap apartments. It is wonderfully idyllic, just outside the center, surrounded by olive trees and vines.
• Hotel with Roof Terrace: The Lifestyle Hotel Vitar is located near the Zlatni Rat. Especially cool is the infinity pool with a fantastic view from the roof terrace.
• Apartments with Pool: The Apartments Lolita convinces with a beautiful pool area, pretty apartments and great views of the sea.

Find the best accommodation at Zlatni Rat:

 Booking.com

More about Brac Island:

• Brač Island, Croatia: The Complete Travel Guide

• Bol in Croatia, Brac Island: Travel Guide

• Top 10 Beaches on Brac Island

• The 7 Best Beaches in Bol

• Supetar, Brac: Travel Guide & Best Beaches

• Sutivan, Brac: All About a Perfect Visit

• Postira, Croatia: All about a perfect visit

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