Sutivan: Trails, Coastal Scenery and Island History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Sutivan, you can plan your trip around the things that interest you there: hiking, cycling, historic buildings or regional cuisine. The range of routes and sights offers different starting points for planning your trip.

Hiking and Cycling Routes around Sutivan

The Via Brattia is an approximately 140-kilometre circular hiking trail that passes through Sutivan and connects twelve cultural and historical sites on Brač. It is marked in both directions, so you can join the route in Sutivan and travel either way. The Via Brattia combines hiking with stops that showcase the island’s history.

Several cycling routes also start in Sutivan. The Maestral Trail begins on a paved road heading towards the sandy cove of Likva. It continues through pine-lined coves to Deralo Beach, then climbs inland. The Levanat cycling route starts on a gravel road heading east. Near Mirca and Smričje, the route follows country roads between dry-stone walls and through olive groves.

Nature and Special Places

Vela Lokva is protected as part of the Natura 2000 network. Its surroundings offer a setting for listening to the sounds of nature and reflecting on the island’s history. Tatinja is designated as Sutivan’s dog beach.

An ancient shipwreck lies at a depth of about 30 metres near Likva. The late antique ship was carrying stone sarcophagi and blocks from a Roman quarry on Brač. Smaller artefacts from the wreck, including a bone gaming die, are exhibited in the Sutivan Public Library. Check the current exhibition details before visiting.

Buildings and History

The tower of the former Ilić family windmill dates from the early 19th century and is considered the best-preserved of the 125 grain mills that stood on Brač around 1800. The mill is a coastal landmark in Sutivan and is often photographed by visitors. Visits are possible only by arrangement with the owners.

Sutivan’s catacombs are unusual among Dalmatian cemeteries. They consist of two interconnected passageways with numerous burial niches. St. Roko Church houses the oldest votive ship model in a Croatian church on the Adriatic coast; it was made and donated in 1819. The Marijanović Tower was once a defensive tower by the sea. After being converted into a residence, it retained its historic form.

The Gustrida near Likva, also called Gustirna, is an example of traditional water-collection construction. Together with the wreck and its finds, it offers another glimpse into the history of the area around Likva, while the windmill tower, catacombs and votive model reveal other aspects of the town’s history.

In the wider destination of Općina Sutivan

For a broader view of Općina Sutivan, Likva is the only sandy beach among Sutivan’s beaches. The highest point in the municipality is Golo brdo. From there, you can enjoy views across the land and, when visibility is good, of Hvar, Vis, Sveti Andrija, Brusnik and Jabuka. If you include the Maestral Trail in your cycling plans, bear in mind that the surface and signage may change.

The cultural heritage of the wider destination of Općina Sutivan includes the historic centre, which is protected under Croatian law, and Put crikve. This street is Sutivan’s only surviving authentic Kongul street; it is paved with round pebbles. Kavanjin Manor was built between 1690 and 1705. The southern doorpost of the Kavanjin summer house bears the Latin inscription “OSTIVM NON HOSTIVM”. During the Sutivan Summer Festival, the courtyard of the summer house serves as a stage for performances.

The feast days also provide fixed dates to plan around: important religious celebrations in Općina Sutivan include the parish feast on 15 August and the Feast of St. Roch on 16 August. The specific programme varies from year to year. Municipal Day is held on 24 June and is traditionally marked with folk and church celebrations.

A Dish from Sutivan

Artichokes with broad beans, “Artičoke s bobom”, are considered one of Sutivan’s notable traditional dishes. Local cuisine adds its own culinary point of interest to the routes and historic sites on your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Općina Sutivan.