Pučišća: A Top European village for a City Getaway

Looking for new, beautiful places and hidden gems in Europe for your next trip? If you enjoy discovering lesser-known locations, while avoiding the crowds of large cities, Dalmatia, a region in southern Croatia, is the perfect choice.

The stunning beaches and breathtaking coastline, with an abundance of sunshine is what Dalmatia is known for. However, Dalmatia is also considered one of Europe’s capitals of culture and history. Over the centuries, numerous cultures have blended here, various emperors have reigned, each leaving their influence.

Beyond the well-known destinations like Split and Dubrovnik, Dalmatia hides numerous small, picturesque towns that captivate with their rich culture, fascinating history, and unique architecture.

Pučišća, a picturesque town on the island of Brač, has earned its place on global lists of Europe’s most beautiful small towns and villages. Known for its centuries-old tradition of stone masonry, as you approach the island by ferry, you’ll be captivated by the impressive architecture – white stone adorning palaces, villas, castles, and fortresses that make Pučišća feel like stepping into a fairy tale, without exaggeration.

Stone Masonry Tradition

Once you set foot on the island, the adventure of exploring this small town can begin right at the Stone Masonry School. Brač’s rich reserves of white-yellow limestone have made it an abundant source of quarries, while the locals claim this highly prized stone has been on the island since the ancient times. So it made perfect sense to establish the Stone Masonry School in 1909, although stone masonry truly flourished only after the World War II, becoming the island’s key economic industry.

Today, the Stone Masonry School in Pučišća remains the oldest of its kind in Europe, one of only three remaining in the world. It’s the only school where ancient stone carving techniques, with Roman hand tools, are still taught. You can visit the school, attend live workshops, and watch students turn raw stone into stunning works of art.

With around 60 stone masonry workshops and 20 quarries, stone crafting remains a key industry on the island. Brač stone has been used in iconic landmarks like Diocletian’s Palace in Split, St. James Cathedral in Šibenik, and the parliaments of Budapest and Vienna, with some even claiming parts of the White House were built from it.

 Harbor of Towers

Pučišća are also known as the “harbor of towers” – a name earned by the 13 majestic fortresses that dot its coastline. Built from the world-renowned Brač stone, these historic structures lend the town a romantic Mediterranean vibe.

The towers, originally constructed for defense, were needed as Pučišća faced frequent pirates, and later, Ottoman invasions. One of the oldest and most impressive examples is the Ciprijan Žuvetić Castle.

Other notable landmarks include the Akvilin Castle and the Dešković family castle, which has been transformed into a luxurious 5-star hotel. The impressive Dešković palace-fortress, dating back to 1467, boasts a magnificent Renaissance garden and a private art atelier where guests can enjoy artwork. The Dešković Palace follows the growing trend of transforming exclusive, historically significant locations into heritage hotels. Despite its modern luxury, the hotel retains its old-world charm.

Pučišća’s castles are the very heart of the town, shaping the landscape and adding a historical charm to the town. Pučišća is also home to the island’s oldest library, founded in 1868. With its beautiful white-stone churches and bell towers, the historic center of the town itself is also listed as a cultural heritage site.

International Summer Music School Pučišća

One of the longest-standing summer traditions on the island of Brač is undoubtedly the International Summer Music School. In July and August, you can enjoy the most beautiful melodies coming from the heart of Pučišća. Thanks to its long-standing tradition, the school has earned the title of Europe’s largest international educational, cultural, and tourist project. It has educated over 4,000 participants and organizes 80 musical events annually.

Beaches with Crystal Clear Waters

In addition to the historical landmarks, in Pučišća you can enjoy beautiful coves, crystal-clear waters, and stunning nature. If you’re a sports enthusiast, there are cycling trails, windsurfing, paragliding, water skiing, diving, and more nearby. Some of the most popular beaches are St. Roko Beach, Pučišća Beach, and Lučica Beach. Other beautiful coves are also nearby, such as Lovrečina, the island’s only sandy beach, and Konopljikova, a deeply secluded, tranquil cove, perfect for a full day of relaxation.

The combination of Dalmatia, one of the most beautiful regions on the Mediterranean, with its sun, sea, and stone, makes it the perfect destination for a city break. After all, is there a better city getaway than an island?