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Brela

Ideal place for one-day trips

Excursions

If you’re interested in one-day trips, then Brela is the ideal place for you. Many natural beauties and historic and cultural sights are within your reach. You have a great opportunity to visit attractive tourist destinations. We have chosen only a few must-see attractions for your visit to Croatia. As we said, this is only a small part of the entire offering, and it’s our recommendation, which we hope you will consider. Many tourist agencies offer these and other trips, as well as car or boat rentals. If you need recommendations or help, we are at your disposal.

On Makarska riviera

Sanctuary Vepric

(Located about 15 km to the southeast, or a 10-minute drive)

On the wooded hills near Makarska, at the very entrance of the city, lies the Croatian Lourdes shrine of Vepric. The whole landscape that surrounds the shrine looks like one of the most popular shrines – Lourdes. It was established in 1908 in a natural cave surrounded by Mediterranean plants, with a stream nearby, just like in Lourdes. The shrine has a chapel with a sacristy, an altar in the square, confession booths, Stations of the Cross, an area for spiritual exercises, and paths for processions. This is one of the most visited Croatian shrines and an essential pilgrimage place for spiritual recovery. This location is especially visited on August 15th, the holy day of the Assumption of Mary. Additionally, because of its natural beauty and extraordinary peace, the shrine is visited throughout the year.

 

 

Makarska

(Located about 15 km to the southeast, or a 15-minute drive)

Makarska is undoubtedly the most famous tourist destination in middle Dalmatia. It is the center of the Makarska Riviera, of which Brela is a part. It is known for its almost 2 km long beautiful pebble beach. Close to the beach is a long promenade shaded by pine trees, offering many tourist amenities, hotels, and dining options with a rich gastronomic selection of fish and meat specialties. The city is located in a naturally protected port. Several times a day, ferries depart for the island of Brač, and tourist boats can take you on interesting trips.

 

Among the historic sights of the city, we highlight a 500-year-old Franciscan monastery and the richest shell collection in this part of the Mediterranean, located in the Malacological Museum inside the monastery. The beautiful Saint Mark’s Church is located on the central town square. In a park near Saint Peter's Church, you can enjoy perhaps the most beautiful view of the town, the fascinating Biokovo Mountain, and the open sea. The sunset at this spot will captivate all the romantic souls.

 

At night, Makarska becomes a vibrant place for visitors of all ages. The Riva becomes a lively gathering spot, with cafe bars, restaurants, and disco clubs growing more crowded, and live music from the bustling restaurant terraces filling the air.

Zaostrog

(Located about 35 km to the SE, or a 40-minute drive)

Zaostrog is a peaceful coastal place with a rich history dating back to Roman times, as evidenced by numerous ancient monuments. Today, with only 350 inhabitants, it is a popular tourist destination. Along the beautiful pebble beach, there is an alley of pine trees and many dining options.

In the center of Zaostrog is the most significant cultural, religious, and educational seat of the Makarska coast: the Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary. This monastery houses a beautiful church, a botanic garden, a fascinating museum collection, a lapidary, a great library with some of the oldest printed books in the world, and a gallery with a permanent exhibition of works by one of the most famous Croatian painters, Mladen Veža.

Brist

(Located about 40 km to the SE, or a 45-minute drive)

In the old village, there is a Saint Margarita Church from 15 AD. According to legend, one of the stone houses near the church is the birthplace of Andrija Kačić Miošić, one of the most famous Dalmatian and Croatian poets. Brist is also the birthplace of an important figure in Croatian culture, Mladen Veža. He is one of the most notable Croatian painters. Most of his works featuring Brist motifs have been donated by Mladen Veža to the Zaostrog Monastery, where they are part of a permanent exhibition.

 

A bit more on the north... on a sea shore

Omiš

(Located 22 km to the northwest, about a 30-minute drive)

It is located at the river Cetina estuary. Omiš is a town of rich and famous history; once a pirate stronghold from where they ruled the Adriatic, today it is the center of the beautiful Omiš Riviera. It has become the most desirable destination in Dalmatia and Croatia for active vacation enthusiasts. Rafting on the Cetina River, free climbing, and sea sailing are easily accessible. Omiš is famous for its beautiful long sandy beaches and steep mountains that descend right into the sea. It is also renowned for the Festival of Dalmatian “klapa” within Omiš' cultural summer. Many churches and old stone fortresses that you should visit are just a part of the charm and offerings of this small town.

Split

(Located about 50 km to the northwest, about a 1-hour drive)

The city often called “The most beautiful in the world” has around 200,000 inhabitants. It is over 17 centuries old, and thanks to the fact that Roman Emperor Diocletian chose that place to build his summer residence, it became one of the most famous cities in the Mediterranean. It is under UNESCO protection and has been inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage list. Located in the very center of the Adriatic coast, Split abounds with numerous cultural and historic sights and offers entertaining programs. The nightlife is vibrant, with many restaurants, clubs, and discotheques. During the day, the city is bustling with walkers and tourists who admire its beauty. The famous city promenade – Riva – is a waterfront area that stretches along the south walls of Diocletian's Palace. It is the most popular meeting place for citizens and visitors alike. Split is the second largest city in Croatia and an important port for tourist transfers to the islands and Italy. Every day, a large number of ferry boats depart for the islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Vis, and Šolta, all of which are attractive tourist destinations.

In outback of Split

Vranjača cave

(Located about 15 km from Split, a 10 minute drive by highway)

One of the most spectacular caves in Dalmatia is just a 20-minute car ride away from Split. This renowned geological phenomenon, with its rich cave vegetation, is located near Kotlenice village in Dugopolje county, below the northern slopes of Mosor mountain. The cave was discovered at the beginning of the last century and was opened to visitors in 1929. The tour through the cave is not particularly strenuous but is not recommended for older or sick individuals.

In Dalmatian outback

Imotski

(Located about 60 km inland from Brela, around 1 h 15 min drive)

Imotski is located deep in the outback of Dalmatian Zagora. It is 50 km away from the sea but bears the marks of a small maritime town. The harmonious architecture, based on stone, and the pleasant Mediterranean climate make this inland town feel more maritime. Situated at an altitude of 440 meters, Imotski offers a beautiful view of the Imotski field.

 

Near Imotski, there are two hydrographical and geomorphological natural phenomena. On the edge of the town lies the Modro jezero (Blue Lake). During the summer months, it also serves as a bathing area. Its exceptional blue water gave it its name. About 1 km away from the town, in the north-western direction, lies another Imotski lake – Crveno jezero (Red Lake). It's named for the red stones that surround it. The Red Lake is the deepest lake in Europe, with depths ranging between 390 and 490 m, and the water depth around 250 m. Many stories and legends are connected with the Blue and Red Lakes. They are well-known tourist attractions and an inevitable destination for visitors who appreciate natural beauty. 

 

Throwing a stone into the lake may seem easy, but only a few have managed. In a short time, it becomes a real challenge. You could also attempt this adventure.

High up... in a mountain

Biokovo Nature Park

(Approximately 20 km to the mountain Biokovo, about a 30 min drive)

Biokovo has been declared a natural park due to its extraordinary plant and animal diversity, as well as its natural beauty, covering almost 20,000 hectares of land. The highest peak of the Biokovo mountain range is St. Jure, standing at 1762 meters high. This location is ideal for hiking, offering breathtaking views. Few mountains reach the sea shores, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views from the peaks. An asphalt road leads up to the highest peak, and in just a half-hour car ride from any tourist destination in the Makarska Riviera, you can reach beautiful lookouts offering views of this part of Dalmatia, almost as if it were in the palm of your hand.