Apartments and holiday homes in Brela
Brela is the riviera's northern end: about seven kilometres of pebble coves linked by a promenade through pine forest, with Punta Rata and its tree-topped rock as the famous picture.
Search stays in BrelaBrela lies about 15 kilometres north-west of Makarska, below the steep flank of Biokovo. The municipality is small, with Brela on the coast and Gornja Brela up the hill. What makes it different from its neighbours is the pine forest that runs almost to the waterline along the whole shore, so you are rarely far from shade. Punta Rata beach has been protected for its vegetation since 1964, and the pine-covered Brela stone offshore is one of the most photographed spots on the coast.
The village is quieter and a little more polished than Baška Voda or Makarska. It suits couples and families who want long walks, clear water and an early night. Nightlife is limited to beach bars and waterfront cafés, and for more you drive or walk to Baška Voda.
Nearly all of our Brela stays have a sea view, and many are within 200 metres of a beach. The coast rises steeply, though, so houses higher up can mean a real climb. Stay in the middle of the village for shops and restaurants, towards Punta Rata for the best-known beach, or at the western end near Jakiruša if you want the calmest spot.
Beaches
Punta Rata
A small-pebble beach on a protected cape, shaded by Aleppo pines, with the Brela stone just offshore on its western side. You will find loungers, parasols, showers, a café and water sports such as SUP and pedal boats. It is very busy in July and August, so arrive early.
Podrače
A small, photogenic cove with very clear water, often pictured in Brela's promotion. It fills up quickly in summer because of its size, so it is best early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Soline
A family favourite along the promenade: pebble shore, gentle entry, pine shade, loungers, parasols, showers and facilities for children. It is an easy spot for a full beach day, with restaurants and cafés within a short walk.
Pročiok (dog-friendly)
The Brela tourist board lists Pročiok as a dog-friendly pebble beach, with a bar next to it. If you are travelling with a dog, it is the place to swim together without worrying about other bathers.
Getting there and around
Brela is the closest part of the riviera to Split: from Split Airport it is a little quicker than the hour and a half to Makarska, along the D8 coastal road. Buses on the Split–Makarska coastal line stop in Brela. The Sveti Ilija tunnel under Biokovo comes out just south, above Baška Voda, for the A1 motorway. Parking near the beaches is limited in season, so walking the promenade is usually easier.
Stays in Brela right now
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Tips before you book
- The seafront promenade continues to Baška Voda, an easy walk along the coast for dinner or a change of beach.
- The pines drop resin and needles; a beach mat is more comfortable than a thin towel.
- Many houses are reached by steps from the road; ask about the route to the sea if you have luggage or a pushchair.
- Brela has the basics, but for a big supermarket shop or a wider choice of restaurants, Makarska is a short drive south.
Frequently asked questions
Is Punta Rata beach worth the hype?
For clear water, pine shade and the view of the Brela stone, yes. It has been picked out by Forbes and Lonely Planet among the world's best beaches. The downside is crowds in high season. Go early in the morning or in June and September, or walk along the promenade to quieter coves nearby.
Is Brela good for families with children?
Yes. Beaches such as Soline, Maestral, Stomarica and Jakiruša are pebble with a gentle entry and have showers and facilities, and the pines give natural shade. The village is calm in the evenings. The main thing to check is how steep the walk is between your apartment and the sea.
Can I walk from Brela to Baška Voda?
Yes. A coastal path and promenade link the two, passing coves and beaches along the way. It is an easy, mostly level walk of several kilometres, so allow an hour or more each way depending on where you start. It is a pleasant way to reach Baška Voda's livelier harbour for an evening.