At the eastern end of the island of Brač lies the municipality of Selca, which is by no means a typical holiday hotspot, but I absolutely love the place.
My first brief visit to the Selca municipality was in 2007, and my first proper holiday there came in 2011 when the local tourist board invited me on an exploration tour of the municipality. The trip included visits to all the villages (Sumartin, Selca, Povlja, and Novo Selo) as well as
- a visit to a stone quarry and a factory where they cut the stone into tiles and other stone objects,
- a visit to a Robinson-style house located fifteen minutes by boat from Sumartin,
- a visit to a local farm with a tasting of their produce,
and a super-fun sailing trip in a RIB boat from Povlja.
My Video from Selca and Sumartin
This year, I had the pleasure of revisiting the Selca Municipality, this time to shoot some videos of the area. Here you can watch my video from Selca and Sumartin.
Selca
Selca is the “capital” of Selca Municipality. This charming hillside village cascades down the slope and overlooks Sumartin Bay, which lies 1.5 km below.
Selca boasts a beautiful central square that is also home to the Parish Church of Christ the King – one of the most stunning churches I’ve ever seen. It is often referred to as the “Cathedral of Brač”.
The square itself is lined with handsome stone buildings. You’ll find a pharmacy, a restaurant/café, and the citizens’ information board there.
During my 2011 visit, I remember seeing a notice from the police on that board announcing they would be in Selca every second Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about the crime rate here. 😄
Besides the main square, I highly recommend a short walk to nearby Didolića dvori, a palace that once belonged to a noble family and is now a protected cultural monument.
Who should visit Selca?
Selca is a place to relax, far away from big city noise. Consider Selca, if you:
- have a car and are looking for a peaceful base on the island,
- are travelling on a budget and want more affordable accommodation,
- enjoy exploring different beaches and don’t mind a 15-minute drive to reach them,
- love nature and hiking.
Note: Selca has only a limited number of rental apartments, but there is a growing choice of villas with pools on the outskirts and in the surrounding area.
Pro tip: For the best deals on budget friendly accommodation, check the official Selca Tourist Board website or trusted local booking sites.
Sumartin
Sumartin is a charming coastal village situated below Selca, on the outer side of Sumartin Bay. The village centre and most residential houses are on the northern side of the bay, while the majority of holiday rentals are found on the southern side.
At the heart of the village, along the port, you’ll find several cafés, restaurants, and shops; this is where everyone gathers in the evening.
The car ferry to Makarska departs up to six times daily from the port, and the crossing takes about 60 minutes.
Beaches in Sumartin
- The nearest beach is a small pebble beach (Riva Beach) just beyond the port.
- The most popular and best known beach in the area is Baywatch Beach (also called Zora Beach), located about 1 km from the port (with parking nearby).
- Other beaches close to the centre include Plaža Žaganj Dolac and Mala Banda.
If you don’t mind a 5–10 minute drive, there are several additional scenic beach bays near Sumartin.
Note: There are no sandy beaches in the immediate vicinity – all are pebble or rocky.
Who should visit Sumartin?
Sumartin, like Selca, is first and foremost a place to relax. Being right on the sea, it is a little more “touristy” than Selca, yet it remains wonderfully peaceful.
I especially recommend Sumartin for:
- families who want to spend their holiday mostly at the beach,
- Anyone who doesn’t need big city nightlife or crowds,
- travellers with a car (it’s possible without one, but a car makes day trips and beach hopping much easier),
- those looking for a more affordable holiday destination.
Despite its small size, Sumartin has an impressive number of apartments and villas with pools. Check the same accommodation websites I recommended for Selca above.
Tip: Most properties on the southern side of the bay offer beautiful sea views, while accommodation on the northern side is closer to the beaches and the village centre.
Getting to Selca and Sumartin
As mentioned earlier, there is a convenient car-ferry route between Makarska and Sumartin. However, since most visitors arrive from the north, the Split to Supetar ferry remains the most popular option.
Both ferry routes have similar crossing times (around 50–60 minutes) and comparable ticket prices.
If you’re travelling without a car, you’ll need to take a bus from Supetar to Selca and Sumartin.
Note: Buses run much less frequently than the ferries, so always check the current bus schedule.
FAQ Selca and Sumartin
Is Selca a good place for a family with kids?
No, Sumartin is the better choice for families with children because it’s right by the sea and has beaches within walking distance.
Is Selca good for a relaxed holiday?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Selca is an excellent pick.
Do I need a car to visit Selca or Sumartin?
It’s not mandatory, but yes – having a car makes everything much easier (beach hopping, day trips, shopping, exploring the island).
How do I get to Selca or Sumartin?
The easiest and most common way is to take the ferry from Split to Supetar, then drive about 50 to 60 minutes across the island (the last 30 minutes are the scenic part to the eastern end).
Are Selca and Sumartin expensive?
Where can I book accommodation in Selca and Sumartin?
You can use all major booking platforms, but for the best prices, I always recommend checking the official Selca Tourist Board website. Private apartments and villas are often cheaper when booked directly.
