Croatia’s famous beach is changing and a fight is on to save it

Zlatni Rat beach 

The residents of Bol on the island of Brač are rallying to protect one of Croatia’s most treasured natural landmarks, Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach.

The residents have launched a petition titled “Save Zlatni Rat,” claiming that changes to the iconic Zlatni Rat beach are increasingly visible.

According to the petition’s description, Zlatni Rat is no longer what it once was, and without urgent intervention, this natural treasure could be lost forever.

It is particularly important for the people of Bol, whose main source of income is tourism, to take this issue seriously, as preserving Zlatni Rat directly impacts the future of the local community and their economic survival.

Photographs clearly show how the beach has changed over time. In recent years, its shape has significantly altered, dramatically transforming the iconic form that has long been the symbol of Bol.

Zlatni Rat

Visible anomalies now threaten to cause irreversible damage, which could turn this Adriatic gem into something unrecognisable. The impact of climate change is also contributing to the problem, adding urgency to the matter.

Now is the time to help restore the beach to its original form. This is something we can and must do. Over the years, the beach has given so much – not only to tourism but to each of us individually, for Zlatni Rat holds a special magic that draws people back time and again, the petition says.

Thus, they are calling for designated anchoring zones further from the beach to reduce impact on the seabed, stricter anchoring regulations for all boats near the beach, with clear penalties for violations, and the promotion of alternative anchoring methods, such as floating pontoons, to protect the seabed.

Zlatni Rat

They are also urging regular monitoring and study of the marine ecosystem around Zlatni Rat to identify new threats early and enable swift action.

Raising awareness among local authorities and tourists about the importance of preserving the beach and the negative effects of anchoring in unsuitable locations is also seen as essential. These measures can help reduce damage immediately and protect Zlatni Rat while longer-term solutions are sought.

The petition can be found at the link here.