Povlja, at the northeastern end of Brač, is a small coastal village in the Selca Municipality. The village has around 400 inhabitants.
The village is situated around the head of a bay and stretches along the eastern side.
The connection to Brač stone is obvious in the architecture – most houses along the Riva are proper stone houses.
Over the years, I’ve visited Povlja many times, but my most memorable moment was a RIB boat trip in 2011. It was super fun, honestly scary, and – thanks to one sharp turn and brutal deceleration – it even gave my daughter a nosebleed.
At this year’s visit, I finally made a video about Povlja.
Holiday in Povlja
Povlja is a typical small Mediterranean holiday village where everything is centered around the summer season.
Along the Riva, you find a few coffee bars and restaurants.
Most houses have been turned into rentals or partly rentals, and new villas have been built to accommodate the influx of guests during the summer season.
For accommodation rentals, check out the website of the tourist board, where you can contact the owners directly (saves you money 😉).
Beaches Povlja
Okuč Beach is a concrete beach about 700 meters from the center. Just 300 meters further out the bay, you find Nova plaža (Ratac beach), which is a great pebble beach.
An interesting one is Tičja luka beach – it used to be an old port area for stone transport and has been turned into a beach.
If you’re looking for a less crowded beach, Dramotinj might be the right one. Alternatively, there are several nice bays within a 10-15 minute drive from Povlja.
NOTE: There are no sandy beaches near Povlja.
Who should visit Povlja?
In general, Povlja is for those who want a quiet holiday by the seaside. You’ll probably need a car, although there are buses to most places on the island.
The village is best suited for families with kids who love spending time at the beach. Povlja can also be a great island base for a middle-aged couple.
In addition to swimming and relaxing, Povlja offers a few historical sights like a fifth century basilica, as well as plenty of options for walks in nature.
From Povlja, you can easily explore other places on Brač Island, like Vidova Gora, Bol, the Blača monastery, and the other villages on the island.
FAQ Povlja
How do you get to Povlja from Split?
The easiest way to get from Split to Povlja is to take the ferry from Split to Supetar. From there, it’s a 50-60 minute drive to Povlja.
Is there a ferry directly to Povlja?
No, there is no ferry directly to Povlja. The closest ferry port on the island is Sumartin (which has a connection to Makarska on the mainland).
What are the best beaches in Povlja?
The most popular beaches in Povlja are Nova plaža (Ratac beach) and Tičja luka beach – both are nice pebble beaches.
Is Povlja good for families with children?
Yes, Povlja is excellent for families with kids who love spending time at the beach.
What accommodation options are available in Povlja?
The main form of accommodation in Povlja is apartments, but you can also find villas and holiday homes for rent.
Are there hiking or walking trails near Povlja?
Yes, there are plenty of hiking and walking options around Povlja.
