Discover Supetar, the charming seaside town on Brač Island, Croatia. Explore beaches, historic sites, local cuisine, and travel tips in this ultimate Supetar guide.

Supetar is the main town on Brač Island of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia – and for many, it’s the very first taste of island life thanks to the regular ferries from Split. But don’t rush off too quickly. With its charming harbor, pebble beaches, lively cafés, and laid-back Dalmatian vibe, Supetar is much more than just a ferry port – it’s a destination in its own right.

Your essential guide to visiting Brač Island, Croatia.

📍 About Supetar

Supetar is the largest town on Brač Island and its official administrative center, located on the northern coast, directly facing Split across the Brač Channel. Thanks to its strategic location, it serves as the island’s main ferry port, welcoming travelers year-round with easy access to the rest of Dalmatia.

The town’s roots go deep—Supetar was already inhabited in Roman times, and traces of early Christian mosaics still whisper stories of its past. Its name comes from Saint Peter (Sveti Petar), the town’s patron saint, whose church still anchors the main square today. During the Venetian era, Supetar was a humble fishing village, but it began to grow steadily in the 18th and 19th centuries as people moved from inland villages to the coast.

Today, Supetar blends historic charm with a relaxed seaside vibe. You’ll find narrow cobbled streets winding through stone houses with orange rooftops, palm-lined promenades, and a harbor dotted with small fishing boats and ferries. The Parish Church of St. Peter, with its white bell tower, is the town’s postcard-worthy centerpiece, while elegant old mansions and quiet courtyards hint at a prosperous past.

While Supetar has developed to accommodate tourism, it has managed to keep its soul intact—you’ll still see locals gathering in cafés for morning espresso, kids playing along the quay, and fishermen mending their nets by the sea. Whether you’re passing through or staying a while, Supetar offers the perfect blend of authentic Dalmatian life and island holiday bliss.

🚢 How to Get to Supetar

Supetar is the main ferry port on Brač, with multiple daily connections from Split (approx. 50 minutes) operated by Jadrolinija. In summer, ferries run from early morning to late night, so getting here is easy whether you’re coming for a day or a longer stay.

Once on the island, Supetar is your transport hub: buses head toward Bol, Milna, and Postira, and rental cars and scooters are widely available.

🏛️ What to See & Do

Supetar is compact, but full of little treasures if you take the time to wander:

• Parish Church of St. Peter – A beautiful 18th-century church with an adjoining bell tower and mosaics.
• Cemetery of St. Nicholas – Unusual, right? But this seaside cemetery is home to stunning sculptures by Croatian artist Ivan Rendić.
• Supetar Promenade – Lined with palm trees, gelato shops, and boats bobbing in the harbor. Perfect for sunset walks.
• Olive oil tasting – Visit a local mill and try Brač’s famous golden elixir.
• Gallery of Ivan Rendić – A small homage to the sculptor who was born here.

🏖️ Beaches in Supetar

While Brač is famous for the Zlatni Rat beach in Bol, Supetar has its own chilled beach scene worth exploring:

• Vela Luka Bay – a quiet, pebbly spot with crystal-clear water and fewer crowds.
• Tri Mosta Beach – a lively stretch with sunbeds, bars, and water sports.
• Banj Beach – close to the center, ideal for families with calm water and shallow entry.

Walk just a bit farther, and you’ll find more hidden coves perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

🥘 Where to Eat in Supetar

Food in Supetar is hearty and traditional – think grilled fish, lamb under the bell, and creamy risottos:

• Palute – Family-run konoba with home-style meals and a lovely terrace.
• Konoba Vinotoka – Known for seafood, great local wines, and slow dinners.
• Roso – Pizza, pasta, and burgers in a relaxed harbor-side setting.

Don’t skip gelato or a slice of hrapoćuša, Brač’s signature cake made with walnuts and figs.

🌙 Nightlife

Supetar is laid-back by night – think more cocktails than clubbing. The harbor comes alive with people strolling, sipping wine, and listening to live music.

• Thriller Bar – Good drinks and beachy vibes.
• Yummy Bar – Chill spot for sunset drinks and people-watching.
• Open-air concerts and klapa nights – Check the summer calendar; Supetar hosts cultural events all season long.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Supetar has a mix of charming boutique hotels, apartments, and seaside resorts:

• Hotel Osam – Adults-only, stylish, and centrally located with a rooftop bar.
• Boutique Hotel Villa Adriatica – Cozy, with a lush garden and welcoming hosts.
• Private Apartments – Plenty available just steps from the beach or town center.

If you prefer nature, campsites and glamping options can be found nearby.

🧭 Final Tips

• Best time to visit: Late May to early October. July and August are the busiest.
• Getting around: Supetar is walkable. Rent a bike or scooter if you want to explore beyond.
• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Shops & Markets: Local bakeries and a morning green market near the port are great for fresh goods.

Supetar may be your first stop on Brač, but it’s worth slowing down for. Grab a coffee by the sea, explore the cobbled lanes, and let island time take over.