Brač Island
A pine-fringed cove on Brač's southern shore, gateway to the UNESCO-listed Blaca Hermitage — a 16th-century monastery built into a dramatic cliff cave.
Blaca Bay is the sea gateway to one of Croatia's most extraordinary cultural monuments — the Blaca Hermitage, a 16th-century monastery carved into a dramatic cliff face and listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List since 2007.
The cove itself is a peaceful pine-fringed anchorage on Brač's southern shore, with clear water and a small pebble beach overlooked by a chapel. But the real magic begins when you step ashore and follow the 2 km forest trail that winds up through the canyon to the hermitage.
Founded in 1551 by two Glagolitic monks fleeing the Ottoman advance, the monastery grew over centuries into a remarkable complex that included a school, a printing press, and an astronomical observatory. Its last resident, Father Nikola Miličević, was a poet and astronomer of international renown who lived here until 1963.
The hike to the hermitage is steep but rewarding — wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The combination of a swim in the bay followed by the walk through the ancient canyon makes Blaca one of the most memorable stops on any Brač boat excursion.
A 2 km forest trail leads to the UNESCO-listed 16th-century monastery built into a cliff cave.
Dense pine forest surrounds the bay, with a small chapel overlooking the beach.
Founded in 1551 by monks fleeing the Ottomans, the hermitage housed a school and an internationally renowned astronomer.
The trail to the hermitage is a highlight — wear good shoes for the steep but rewarding path.
