When most travelers think of Brač, their minds go straight to Zlatni Rat—that iconic, ever-shifting spit of white pebbles that juts into the Adriatic like a natural arrow. And while Zlatni Rat is rightly one of Croatia’s most famous beaches, the island has a secret tucked away in its rocky interior that most visitors miss:
The Blaca Desert—a remote, otherworldly canyon that leads to one of the most fascinating historical sites in Dalmatia: the Blaca Hermitage.
⛰ What Is the Blaca Desert?
First things first: despite the name, the Blaca Desert isn’t a desert in the sandy, Sahara sense. It’s a secluded karst valley, barren and dramatic, carved into the rocky interior of Brač. The “desert” refers to its monastic solitude—an isolated place chosen by Glagolitic monks in the 16th century to escape Ottoman raids.
🏛 Blaca Hermitage: A Monastery Built into Stone
At the end of a scenic hiking trail lies the jaw-dropping Blaca Monastery, built directly into the cliffs. Over centuries, what began as a simple cave shelter grew into a full-fledged monastic complex with:
- A church, library, and observatory
- Handwritten manuscripts and antique printing presses
- A collection of astronomical instruments, including a piano that was carried up by hand
Perhaps most impressive? Everything had to be hauled in manually—over the centuries, monks carried furniture, books, and even a grand piano through the rugged terrain.
🥾 How to Visit
Reaching Blaca Hermitage requires a bit of adventure:
- It’s a moderate hike (about 2.5 km each way) from the parking area near Dragovode or from the small harbor Blaca Bay if arriving by boat.
- Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and avoid the hottest parts of the day—there’s little shade in the canyon.
- The hermitage is open for guided tours, which bring the site’s history vividly to life.
🏖 Don’t Skip Zlatni Rat
Of course, no trip to Brač is complete without some time at Zlatni Rat Beach—Croatia’s most photographed stretch of shoreline. Located in Bol, this stunning beach is:
- Famous for its shape-shifting tip, which moves with the wind and currents
- Ideal for windsurfing, swimming, and sunbathing
- Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and fragrant pine trees
Zlatni Rat is the perfect counterpoint to the wild silence of Blaca—pair a morning hike into the hills with an afternoon by the sea for a full-sensory island experience.
Final Thoughts
Brač is so much more than a beach destination. While most visitors come for the coastline, those who venture inland are rewarded with a rare combination of natural beauty and deep history.
So next time you’re lounging on Zlatni Rat, consider trading your flip-flops for hiking shoes—the Blaca Desert is waiting, and it’s one of Croatia’s most unforgettable hidden treasures.
