Dubrovnik to Milna tickets

About the ride from Dubrovnik to Milna, Brac Island

Whenever you’re finally ready to tear yourself away from the living movie set that is Dubrovnik, an island getaway is a great option. 

Fortunately, you’re in Croatia, so a lovely island is never all that far away. 

A particularly charming one is Brac Island.

The four(ish) hour ferry ride between Dubrovnik and the port of Milna is a scenic tour in its own right. With the forested hills of the coast backed by larger mountains on one side and the sapphire blue of the Adriatic on the other, you’ve got a perfect setting to enjoy the journey.

Milna itself is a small harbor town that’s big on charm. 

Beyond the quaint streets and tasty restaurants, Brac Island awaits your exploration. You can explore the scenic coastline, climb to its highest point for great views, or just lose yourself in the historic stone towns and former monasteries that dot the island. 

Basically, if you’re looking for the non-touristy version of Croatia, this is where you’ll find it.

Unmissable things to see and do in Milna, Brac Island

Though the town of Milna isn’t very large or full of attractions, the island of Brac has many places worth seeing. 

Here are some of the best:

1. Lay your towel on Zlatni Rat. Croatia’s largest beach is also its most iconic. Best viewed from the mountain viewpoint located well above, this wedge of light-colored pebbles juts out into the turquoise of the Adriatic Sea like a golden arrow.
   
   

This is the Croatian coastline at its most picturesque and is a must-see for any visitor. In summer, expect to battle the crowds.

2. Set off in search of dragons. A unique Brac experience is visiting the Dragon Cave (Zmajeva Spilja). Experts know very little about the origins of these rock carvings of dragons and other imaginary creatures, but that only adds to the appeal.

A visit here will take about 3-4 hours and requires sturdy shoes. You’ll have to make your arrangements in advance.

3. See the remote Blaca Monastery. It takes a bit of effort to get to this abandoned 16th-century monastery, but the experience is rewarding.

This isolated stronghold appears to emerge right from the rock and looks like something right out of a movie. If hiking is your thing, this makes for a great destination.

4. Explore Brac on a road trip. Whether taking in the views from the highest point of the island (recommended) or exploring the charming villages that dot the countryside (also recommended), a road trip will get you to those off-the-beaten-path gems that make Brac so authentic.

What to expect when traveling from Dubrovnik to Milna

Brac Island lies to the northwest of Dubrovnik. While you could drive all the way up to Split and take a ferry from there, taking a ferry right from Dubrovnik is a more convenient — and scenic — option.

From the port in Dubrovnik, you’ll take a ferry along the sun-baked coast of Croatia. 

In most cases, you’ll make a few stops along the way, but this is all part of the experience.

Eventually, you’ll make your way through the deep blue of the Adriatic to the town of Milna, which is on the western coast of Brac Island. 

As you pull into the scenic harbor of Milna, you could be forgiven for thinking this is just a continuation of Dubrovnik’s charms. Stone buildings with terracotta roofs will greet you, though the streets should be far less crowded with tourists.

You can shop or grab a bite in town or set off to explore the island.

Note that there is another Milna on the nearby island of Hvar, but that’s not the one you’re looking for. 

How to get from Dubrovnik to Milna, Brac Island

Your choice of transport between these stellar locals is a ferry. 

Note that ferries to Milna are for passengers only. If you want to bring a rental car to Brac, you’ll have to use one of the other ports, such as Supetar. 

Ferries

Ferries will take about four hours and change to travel between Dubrovnik and Milna. This includes any stops along the way.

Ferries run seasonally and are dependent on good weather. For this reason, the summer months offer the greatest number of sailings.

On board, you can expect air conditioning, restrooms and the option to bring your pet if it meets certain conditions.

Prices start at about $51.

Space is limited, so be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer season, when the number of tourists absolutely soars.

Ferries depart Dubrovnik from the ferry terminal at Port Gruz, on an inlet in the northwestern part of town, far from the touristy Old Town area. Chances are you’ll need to take a taxi to get there.

They arrive in Milna at the port on the northern shore of the harbor. Some operators arrive at the Milna Catamaran Ferry Port, which is also in town.

Fortunately, Milna is such a small town that you’re not far from anything — including some great eats.

When is the best time of year to visit Brac Island?

The best time of year to visit Brac Island comes down to what you intend to do there. If you want to swim or sunbathe at Zlatni Rat or other beaches, wait until summer. 

June through August boast the highest temperatures and lots of sun. Some might even say there is too much sun.

Summertime also sees the highest surge in visitors. So expect larger crowds and higher prices on accommodations.

For a mixture of outdoor touring and activities, the late spring or early fall is a great alternative. It might still get warm enough for some time at the beach during the day, but nights can bring some chill and comfort. This is particularly good for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

How many days do I need on Brac Island?

Considering you just made a 4-4.5 hour journey to get there, you’ll want to spend at least two days on Brac Island. 

This will allow you a day at Zlatni Rat, an afternoon to enjoy the vibe in Milna, Bol or Supetar, and a day to rent a car to explore at your own pace.

Where should I go after Milna?

One of the many great things about Croatia is how many visit-worthy sites are located in a relatively compact area. 

From Milna, you can head up to the historic city of Split for its palaces and quaint Old Town. 

You’re also just a short ferry ride away from another one of Croatia’s most popular islands, Hvar.