Most probably this island was named after a deer – brenthos in Illyrian, cult animal of Illyrian tribes who inhabited the island. Greeks called it Elaphusa and Bretanide which comes of the world elaphos – deer. Findings in the Kopačina cave are evidence of the presence of deer on Brač in the prehistoric period. Roman historian Polybius called it Bretia, Pliny the Elder Brattia whilst in the Antinoe itinerary from the 4th century is mentioned as Bractia.
Zlatni rat, Vidova gora, Blaca desert, deep inlets, olive-groves, vineyards, pine wood along the crystal clear sea are motifs that numerous visitors bring home from the island of Brač.