Brela – the best beaches in Croatia. Where to rent an apartment, what beaches in Brela is it better to relax, good restaurants and entertainment.
Brela is considered one of the most beautiful resorts on the Croatian coast. Why? First of all, the beaches here are really great. Secondly, most hotels and apartments are located in a pine forest, which gives you a cool feeling on a hot day. Thirdly, the Makarska Riviera is, in my opinion, the most beautiful coastline in Croatia, and Brela is like a pearl on a cake.
But even paradise can have its drawbacks. Therefore, when I was choosing a place to relax, I asked myself a question: Is Brela really the best resort on the Makarska Riviera, as it is often written in guidebooks? I will try to tell you my impressions.
Where is Brela and how to get there?
The small village of Brela is located at the very beginning of the Makarska Riviera. In fact, this is its northern part. There are two ways to get to this place:
Beaches in Brela
As on other beaches of the Makarska Riviera, the beaches near the village of Brela are fine white pebbles and beautiful lagoons with clear blue water. Pine trees also grow here, bending down in some places to the water. From the village of Brela, a hiking trail begins that stretches along the entire coast of the Makarska Riviera up to the town of Tucepi.
Because the islands of Hvar and Brac are located opposite the Makarska Riviera, there are almost no waves here. The same is true on the coast near Brela – the water here is calm and clear, and the entrance to the water on most beaches is flat without cliffs.
Jakiruša is a beach located on the northern side of the village of Brela. Here begins a hiking trail that leads along the entire coast.
Plaža Podcrkavlje is the next beach, lined with palm trees and plenty of benches to watch the sunset.
Plaža Za Pse is an active beach for those who come to relax with their dogs. It was unexpected for me, because I had only seen such a beach near Brela (maybe there is somewhere else, I hope so). The beach is small, between two large rocks. But there were few dog walkers in September.
Stomarica is a beach with a nice Waikiki bar right on the shore, with delicious cocktails and smoothies. There is also a bench for photo shoots on a small promontory)))
Plaža Podrače is considered to be the most beautiful on the Brela coast, in fact it is really beautiful. Sandwiched between two huge boulders, there are few people here and it’s very cozy.
Punta Rata is a wide strip of small pebbles that rests on the so-called symbol of the area, the Brela stone. Most of the time there are a lot of people here, there are sun loungers, and huge pine trees hang almost to the water.
Soline Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Croatia and the central beach of the town of Brela, where there are a lot of people. They lie almost on top of each other-a huge number per square meter. Beach junk is sold along the hiking trail (like at the market in Zatoka). And this happens even in the low season, in September. That’s why I didn’t understand its popularity – it’s better to move 200 meters away and relax on no less beautiful but calm beaches.
What to do on your vacation in Brela
If you are vacationing with small children, go to the beach, swim in the sea, and breathe fresh air. It’s a great place for families with children: warm water, gentle beaches, convenient infrastructure – you don’t have to go far to get to the sea.
If you like outdoor activities, Brela has a diving spot called Bikini Dive, where you can swim underwater. Or rent a kayak or SUP, paddle on calm water.
What to see near Brela if you have a car? You can go to the town of Imotski, where there are two amazing karst lakes: Blue and Red. You can go to Dubrovnik for one day and stop by Ston on the way. There are natural parks, such as Krka, with waterfalls and rivers, where you can walk along wooden paths. Or go to Biokovo Park to see the coast from a hill and walk along the glass bridge Biokovo Skywalk.
Be sure to try seafood in one of the restaurants. I’m happy to recommend the Plima restaurant – we had delicious mussels and squid kebabs here.
Accommodation – hotels and apartments in the resort of Brela
I want to write about housing separately. First, in addition to more affordable apartments, Brela has hotels. If you don’t need to prepare your own meals, you can stay in one of the hotel complexes and small hotels:
- Bluesun Hotel Soline – is a large hotel with rooms with sea views, a swimming pool and a wellness center.
- Hotel Sunceva Postelja Brela – is a small family-run boutique hotel on the coastline, one minute from Plaža Podrače.
If you are planning a family vacation, I recommend booking an apartment. This makes it easier to cook for children and a large family without spending a lot of money in restaurants.
- Villa King Apartments – apartments in walking distance from the central Soline beach.
- Villa Arija Brela – a small villa with apartments located away from the center near the Jakiruša beach
- Haus am Meer – several buildings with apartments near the Stomarica beach.
Conclusions and impressions about Brela resort
Pros:
- There are very beautiful beaches here, some of which have free showers and toilets.
- Most of the apartments are located near the beaches.
- Beaches with fine pebbles and a gentle entrance are great for families with children.
- The farther away from the center, the fewer people and the more secluded the beaches.
- There is a beach for those who vacation with dogs.
Cons:
- It’s really beautiful here, but there are a lot of people even in the low season.
- There are several large hotels of the Bluesun chain here, so don’t be surprised to see package tourists on the beaches.
- The promenade in Brela near SoLine beach is very similar to the promenade, with inflatable circles, vests, and other souvenirs for sale.
I chose a neighboring resort for my vacation Baska Voda where the beaches are no less beautiful and family-friendly. But we also enjoyed swimming on the beaches in Brela.
Useful articles and links:
- Zadar – the city and airport for starting your trip to Croatia
- Kas – the most romantic and cozy city in Turkey
- Review of a vacation in Croatia – Baska Voda on the Makarska Riviera
- Primosten – a review of our beach vacation in Croatia
- 10 European destinations where it’s warm in winter
Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
Rent a car – Rentalcars.com
