Baćina: Lake Landscapes, Trails and History

The lake landscape is at the heart of a stay in Baćina. The Baćinska Lakes bring together a clearly defined water system with nature, outdoor activities and cultural heritage. Depending on your interests, you can focus your trip on the landscape itself, a route, or the historical traces in Baćina and the surrounding area.

Lake Landscape and Nature

The Baćinska Lakes comprise seven lakes: six are connected, while one lies separately. As karst lakes, their water surfaces are 3 to 5 metres above sea level; the lake beds reach as far as 32 metres below sea level. A tunnel connects the lakes to the periodically appearing Vrgorsko Lake. Another connection to the sea runs through a 164-metre-long tunnel and a 700-metre-long canal.

The county’s nature conservation authority places the lakes within two Natura 2000 sites for the Neretva Delta. The waters support numerous plant and animal species. A field survey reported in 2021 also linked the lakes to two endemic fish species: Basak and Vrgorac goby. Their presence and ecological conditions may change.

Trails and Activities on the Water

A hiking and cycling trail connects six of the lakes. The hiking route through the Baćinska Lakes towards Ričevica and Sv. Ilija starts in Portina, a settlement in Baćina, and forms part of the Via Adriatica. If you plan to take this route, check trail conditions before setting out.

Kayaking is possible on the lakes; check in advance whether equipment is available locally. On the water, guided tours in traditional Lađa boats differ from scenic trips in traditional boats. The availability of individual tours may vary. Swimming is also possible in the lakes; check local conditions before entering the water.

The lakes offer different ways to experience the landscape: on foot or by bike along a route connecting six lakes, by kayak or on a boat trip. Which option suits your trip depends on whether you prefer to follow a route or experience the lakes from the water.

Historical Traces in Baćina

Baćina and its surroundings also contain archaeological remains. These include the remains of the ancient settlement of Praetoria and early Christian basilicas dating from the 6th century. The Church of St Andrew in Baćina was an early Christian single-nave basilica, to which pillars were added later. The roof may have had a pseudo-basilica form, which is thought to be linked to a change in the 11th century. A necropolis with stećci lies near the church ruins. The historical traces thus span from the ancient settlement to later alterations to an early Christian building.

For a culinary addition, visit nearby Peračko Blato, where you can sample traditional local fig products during a visit to the Baćinska Lakes.

Discover more destinations: Peračko Blato, Staševica, Ploče, Rogotin

For the broader travel overview: Općina Ploče.