Zlatni Rat – Favorite Tourist Spot both for Croatians and Foreigners
Tauheed Ahmad Nawaz
In the region of Dalmatia, the Zlatni Rat is located about two kilometers west of Bol on the southern coast of the Croatian island of Brac. It is also known as Golden Horn Beach or Golden Cape.
Zlatni Rat is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The beach is almost five hundred yards long, with golden pebbles that jut into the water like a white tongue reaching out into the water. Depending on the wind, the beach tip changes shape and position. Its fascinating beauty can be credited to the pine woods that surround it and the crystal clear water of the sea.
In the years since its opening, this beach has become the favorite tourist spot both for Croatians and foreigners. Dazzling, sun, sea, and water sports attract tourists from all over the world to relish their time here. There are many water sports available at the Zlatni Rat, such as jet skiing, scuba diving, banana boats, parachute rides, beach volleyball, and more.
The nearby pine forest represents a perfect retreat from the scorching sun’s rays for those who simply wish to relax. It is often cited as one of the top beaches in Europe because of its distinctive shape. Red Bull organized the Red Bull Golden Jump in 2008, an innovative kiteboarding competition involving jumping/flying over the beach. This makes it a symbol of Croatian tourism.
Due to the Hvar Channel current, the surrounding waters are usually cool and clear. Swimming southward from the tip toward the open sea can be mildly perilous, as swimming back west toward the beach could be hard (the swimmer being well over 150 meters away from the coast); the danger. However is not severe, as the standard current will carry the swimmer back east toward Bol’s harbor (as well as the beaches on the promontory between Zlatni Rat and Bol). There is a reliable afternoon westerly wind known as a Maestral that makes the beach a popular windsurfing spot.
The pine tree grove borders the beach and contains remnants of a Roman villa rustica with a swimming pool. There are several coves to the west of the main beach where clothing is not required. As a geomorphologic phenomenon, the promontory is protected.