Brac Island: A Jewel in the Adriatic Sea

• HelloBok
  [Bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprostite
  [Oh-proh-stee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee ehn-gleh-skee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li pogledati jelovnik, molim?
  [Moh-goo lee poh-gleh-dah-tee yeh-lohv-neek, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dehm meh-soh]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vee-yeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Eez-goo-bee-oh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shta]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-chehr]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-chehr]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [Yeh-dnoo kahr-too (doh)]

Brac Island's history traces back to the Illyrians, who were the first known inhabitants around 1000 BC. They built fortified settlements known as 'gradinas' on elevated grounds, which served as the island's early defensive structures. The Illyrians were known for their seafaring skills and trade connections across the Adriatic Sea.

The Roman Empire annexed Brac Island in the 1st century BC, leaving a lasting legacy. The Romans introduced advanced agricultural techniques, viticulture, and olive cultivation. Roman ruins, including the villa rusticae and early Christian basilicas, still dot the island, showcasing their architectural prowess and the integration of Roman culture into local life.

During the medieval period, Brac Island fell under the control of the Venetian Republic in the 15th century. The Venetians fortified the island against Ottoman incursions, leading to the construction of numerous defensive structures, including the medieval town of Skrip, which remains one of the oldest settlements on the island.

The Ottoman Empire posed a significant threat to Brac Island in the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite several raids, the island's inhabitants showcased remarkable resilience, rebuilding and fortifying their towns. The fortified churches and monasteries from this period highlight the community's efforts to protect their heritage and way of life.

In the 19th century, Brac Island became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This period marked significant economic growth, driven by the island's renowned stone masonry industry. Brac stone was highly prized and used in notable constructions such as the White House in Washington, D.C. The era also saw the establishment of modern infrastructure, including schools and ports.

During World War II, Brac Island was occupied by Axis forces. The island became a focal point for the Yugoslav Partisan resistance movement. The local population played a crucial role in supporting the Partisans, and the island witnessed several significant battles. The war left a profound impact on the island's social and economic fabric.

Following World War II, Brac Island became part of Yugoslavia and experienced significant reconstruction efforts. The latter half of the 20th century saw the rise of tourism as a major economic driver. The island's natural beauty, combined with its rich historical and cultural heritage, attracted visitors from around the world, transforming Brac into a premier tourist destination in Croatia.

Brac Island is accessible via ferry or catamaran from the mainland city of Split. The ferry journey takes approximately 50 minutes and arrives in Supetar, the island’s main port. There are also direct catamaran services to Bol, a popular tourist destination on the island. During the summer months, additional ferry routes operate from Makarska to Sumartin on Brac. For those flying, the closest international airport is Split Airport, where you can take a bus or taxi to the ferry terminal in Split.

Once on Brac Island, public buses connect the major towns and villages. Taxis are available but can be expensive, so it's advisable to agree on a fare before setting off. Renting a car or scooter is a popular option for exploring the island at your own pace. Bicycles can also be rented, providing a more eco-friendly way to navigate the scenic routes. Walking is feasible within towns like Bol and Supetar, where many attractions are easily accessible on foot.

The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in all major towns like Supetar, Bol, and Milna. Currency exchange services are provided at banks, post offices, and exchange offices.

Brac Island is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but petty theft can occur, particularly at beaches and busy tourist spots. Always secure your valuables and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Supetar and other larger towns. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in major towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches but not in towns or restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). A handshake is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like 'Peka' and 'Vitalac'. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Brac Island like a local, visit the local markets in Supetar and Bol where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the ancient olive groves and the stone-cutting school in Pucisca. For a unique experience, hike up Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the Adriatic islands, for breathtaking views. Try the locally produced olive oil and wine, which are some of the island’s specialties.