The municipality and village of Pučišća are tucked into a deep bay on the north side of the island of Brač, facing the mainland towards Čelina. Around 1,500 people live in the village itself, and about 2,000 in the wider municipality.
What makes Pučišća stand out is its long history of stone quarrying. The white limestone quarries here date all the way back to Roman times, and that tradition is very much alive today — the village is home to Jadrankamen, one of the largest stone quarry companies in Europe. Walk around the village and you will quickly notice how much stonework and stone sculpture is everywhere. There is a reason for that, but more on that below.
We visited Pučišća in the first week of September. You can watch the video above, and below I have added my thoughts on who should visit, what to do, how to get there, and a few practical tips.
Who Should Visit Pučišća?
Pučišća is best suited for middle-aged couples and families with kids who enjoy swimming and relaxed days in the sun.
If you are looking for shopping, a wide range of activities, and a busy nightlife, Pučišća is not the right pick for you.
But if you prefer a slower pace — somewhere you can unwind without dealing with large crowds — then Pučišća might be exactly what you are after. Accommodation here is also noticeably cheaper than in more popular spots like Bol on the other side of the island, which is worth keeping in mind.
Having a car at your disposal is recommended if you plan to spend your holiday here.
What to Do in Pučišća
Stonemasonry School
One of the most interesting things to do in Pučišća is visiting the stonemasonry school — the only one of its kind in Croatia. During our visit, we had a great conversation with one of the staff, who walked us through what the students learn and what they are required to produce over their three or four years of study. You get to see real hands-on craftsmanship up close, watching students carve and shape stone into finished works. I found it genuinely fascinating. The entrance fee is 6 euros, which goes directly towards supporting the school.
Beaches
There are three beaches close to the center. On the left side of the bay, you have a small beach called Mala. On the right side, you have the main Pučišća beach, which also has an inflatable aquapark. Closer to the stone quarry, there is a third beach called Lučica. All three are pebble beaches.
If you do not mind a short drive, I would strongly recommend the sandy Lovrečina beach, located about 12 km away — roughly a 15-minute drive towards Postira. It is a family-friendly beach with shallow water, and personally, I loved it. Beyond that, there are several other nice bays within a 15 to 20-minute drive.
Day Trips
If you have a car, you can easily visit places like Vidova Gora, Bol, Supetar, and the other villages on the island. Without a car, buses run to other villages on the island — check the Arriva Croatia website for timetables.
From various locations on the mainland, such as Omiš and Makarska, there are boat tours that include Pučišća as a stop. I did not notice any tour boats departing directly from Pučišća during my visit, so if that interests you, I would recommend checking with the local tourist board, which is located in the red building near the head of the bay.
How to Get There
There is no ferry connection directly to Pučišća, so here are your options:
- Car ferry from Split to Supetar, then approximately 40 minutes by car or bus to Pučišća.
- Car ferry from Makarska to Sumartin, then approximately 35 minutes by car to Pučišća.
Fast ferry from Split, with connections to Supetar (up to 8 daily departures), Bol (up to 5), or Milna (up to 4), followed by a bus or car to Pučišća.
Practical Tips
- For groceries, there is a Studenac market at the head of the bay. A larger Tommy supermarket is located about 1 km from the center.
- If you are arriving via the Split to Supetar ferry, it is worth doing your big grocery shop at Lidl, Tommy Hypermarket, or Super Konzum in Supetar before continuing to Pučišća — the selection is much better.
- Around the bay, you will also find a butcher, a bakery, a pharmacy, souvenir shops (Selling original Brac Stone Products) and several coffee bars and restaurants.
Most accommodation is in apartments, but there are also a few hotels and villas with pools.
Final Thoughts
Pučišća is not trying to compete with the big names on Brač, and that is precisely its charm. It is a place that rewards visitors who are happy to slow down, enjoy the water, and appreciate something a little different — like watching a student carve stone by hand at the only stonemasonry school in Croatia. If that sounds like your kind of holiday, Pučišća is well worth a visit.
