A picturesque budget-friendly town on a small European island is home to some historic homes all made from white marble, crystal-clear waters and breath-taking landscapes
A budget town located on a small island close to the mainland is home to fairytale-like houses made of marble.
Brač island in Croatia is nestled between Split and Hvar Island, and while it is full of beautiful spots, one destination is particularly special. The town of Pučišća is a traditional picturesque town, relatively cheap, and often named one of the prettiest villages in Europe.
The town is also famous for its houses, which are all made from local marble. In fact, the stone used to build the White House in America was dug out from mines in the town.
Stone has long been a major part of the town’s culture and history. Jadrankamen, which is the largest stone quarry company in Europe, is located in the town and is Croatia’s only stonemason school. The island more widely is home to several historic quarries, some dating back to the Roman times.
Historically, the houses on the seafront were wealthy and often the most spacious, and the higher you climb up the hill, the smaller the houses become. The island also has some amazing archaeological findings, including an altar of Jupitar and a Roman grave stele.
The town itself also features many stone monuments, some of which are centuries old and some more recently created by students stonemason school. ‘Kula Aquila’, the tower Akvila, is one of the thirteen towers built to protect the city and now depicted in the coat of arms of Pučišća.
The town also has a pretty harbour surrounded by steep hills, full of white houses. The water off the harbour is crystal-clear – ideal for swimming and boating. Another notable landmark is the Church of St. Jerome, which is located on a hill above the town. It offers fantastic views of the surrounding area and is a good spot to get a panoramic view of the town and the sea.
The island’s hill are also home to olive groves and Mediterranean flora, making it a perfect for hiking and exploring nature.
The destination is great for those who want to avoid crowds of tourists, especially compared to Split or Hvar. The town, and island in general, also features many guesthouses, private apartments and small hotels. Food is relatively affordable, and restaurants offer fresh seafood, traditional Croatian dishes, and Mediterranean cuisine. A meal at a local tavern roughly costs between €10-20 (£8.29 to £16.59) per person.
Alternatively, you can head to a supermarket and cook your own meals, which is even cheaper. Tourists can enjoy many free activities in the old town, walks along the coast, or organised tours or boat trips of the area.
