One of the most popular not only in Croatia, but also in the whole world, the Punta Rata beach is located in Central Dalmatia, not far from the town of Brela. This resort has a blue UNESCO flag, which means the highest level of water purity in the sea and an almost perfect ecological environment.
The town of Brela itself, in just a few years, grew from a small fishing village. Today, it is one of the centers of beach tourism in Croatia. The water temperature in the beach season will please anyone, not too warm, but not cold either. Here you may be lucky enough to see dolphins that live in this part of the Adriatic. They are so calm that, without being wary of people, they swim right up to the bathing tourists. Some even manage to touch them. The entire town is lined with small cafes and restaurants, where you can eat to your heart’s content for a small amount of money by Ukrainian standards. If you want something more refined, you can go to the nearby town of Baška-Voda . There you can visit large restaurants with exquisite cuisine or night clubs.
The history of Brela spans 2 millennia, as evidenced by ancient monuments, especially the relief that dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century and represents the Illyrian god Silvanus in Solina.
The Byzantine emperor Constantine VII the Red-Beared mentioned this place in his letter in the 10th century.
Today, Brela is a fashionable resort with rich traditions and natural beauty.
Do not miss to see the cultural and natural attractions in Brel.
Cultural sights
The main patron saint of Brela is Saint Stepan , whose day is celebrated on August 3.
However, the inhabitants of the city especially honor the Mother of God of Carmel , whose day is traditionally celebrated on July 16. The celebration includes a liturgy, and then fun folk festivities. The solemn service is held in the church, which is located near the Solina Hotel .
In the summer months, tourists in Brela can attend fishing evenings, concerts of famous performers and Dalmatian bands, various cultural events and folk festivals, which are part of the program of the cultural summer in Brela.
In and around Brel, there are several famous churches of modest size that are really worth seeing. Here are some of them:
Church of Our Lady of Carmel : a baroque church built in 1715 as a sign of gratitude for the victory over the Turks.
Church of the Virgin of Health , 18th century, with rusticated forms of Dalmatian Baroque, characteristic of the Dalmatian hinterland.
Church of St. Ilya , 18th century, a simple church with characteristics of rural architecture.
Church of St. Stepan, patron of Brela.
Natural sights
The amazing beauty of nature, which has remained untouched despite the developed infrastructure and rich tourist offer, is exactly what Brela is known for and what it will stand out among other resorts.
This small town on the Adriatic even has two landscape brands:
Brela stone
There is a legend about how this stone appeared in the sea, but in any case, this phenomenon is unique.
Beaches of Brela
Punta Rata Beach
Punta rata beach is the most beautiful in the chain of Brela beaches, attracting vacationers with its crystal clear sea and coolness under hundred-year-old pine trees.
The cleanliness of the sea on this beach is evidenced by the Blue Flag, a national certificate for the highest degree of environmental cleanliness.
The American magazine Forbes included the Punta Rata beach in the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world, where it takes a high 6th place, and the first place in Europe as the most beautiful European beach!
This beach has small pebbles, so it is very suitable for families with children. The beach is equipped and sunbeds, sun umbrellas, and showers are offered here.
Not far from Punta Rata beach, there are numerous public catering outlets, restaurants, and bars. We recommend the Punta Rata restaurant , which offers Dalmatian delicacies and Mediterranean cuisine.
In addition to the famous Punta Rata beach, in Brela and its surroundings we definitely recommend visiting these beaches:
Vruya beach
Vruja Beach is located north of Brela and is best reached by boat, which you can rent.
The beach is hidden under high cliffs and is ideal for romantics and naturists.
Those who want to escape from civilization to the complete peace of nature will be delighted with the purity of the sea. Since there is a spring in this place, the sea here is cooler.
Berulya beach
Berulya Beach is located near Blusan by the Berulia Hotel and occupies three bays, and its length is 400 meters.
Berulya beach is ideal for a day-long family vacation with children, because it offers a lot of entertainment, and has well-organized showers and bathrooms. And thanks to the dense pine forest, you are also provided with natural coolness.
Near the beach is the restaurant and snack bar “Puzh” , recommended for a light summer lunch.
Berulya beach has a Blue Flag, a national certificate for the ecological cleanliness of the sea. Access to Berulya beach is also provided for the disabled.
Brela is located at the foot of the Biokovo Nature Park , which is recommended to be visited during all-day excursions.