Gradac: Coast, Culture and Trails
Accommodation in Gradac
Gradac combines coastal trails and several townscapes with cultural sites and activities on land and in the water. When looking for a hotel in Gradac, you can first decide which of these highlights you want to shape your trip: the promenade along the coast, local history, or hiking and water activities.
Getting There and the Coast
By car, the route follows the A1 to the Vrgorac exit, followed by a 42-kilometre drive. Check road conditions before setting off, as they can change.
The Gradac Tourist Board area has 36 natural pebble beaches along 16 kilometres of coastline; around seven kilometres of beach are within the developed tourist settlements. The figures distinguish the coastline as a whole from the beach area within the settlements.
The 13-kilometre Lungomare connects Drvenik, Zaostrog, Podaca, Brist and Gradac. A five-kilometre coastal trail in Gradac is used for walking and cycling.
Activities on Land and in the Water
Organised and independent hikes are both options in Biokovo Nature Park. Routes range from easy to moderate to difficult and are suited to visitors’ abilities. Check trail conditions and access rules before setting out.
Mountaineering and free climbing on nearby heights are activities in the Gradac Riviera. In Gradac, the range of activities includes diving lessons, scuba equipment rental and opportunities for underwater exploration. Check the local availability of these diving activities before your trip.
Local History and Cultural Heritage
Štrada forms the centre of old Podaca; it is surrounded by old houses and the pre-Romanesque Church of St John. Gradac’s mosaic steps are a contemporary tribute to the settlement’s maritime tradition. The two examples reflect different periods: a pre-Romanesque religious building and a contemporary tribute.
Cultural and gastronomic gatherings take place on Ĺ trada. A local association supports these gatherings and preserves village traditions; individual events may vary.
Roman remains in the Gradac Tourist Board area include a relief of the god Mithras and the tombstone of Aurelia Veturia in the collection of Zaostrog Monastery. Zaostrog Monastery is considered the oldest surviving monastery in Split-Dalmatia County. Its library contains more than 20,000 old books; the complex also includes a botanical garden considered unique.
Food and Excursions
Freshly caught grilled fish, served with olive oil, sea salt and Plavac wine, is associated with dining in the Gradac area. Excursion destinations from Gradac include Split, Trogir, Omiš, Brač, Hvar, Šolta and Vis. Boat, speedboat and sailing trips are options for exploring remote Dalmatian coves from the Gradac area. Operators and schedules are seasonal; check dates and availability before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Drvenik, Gradac, Podaca, Brist, Zaostrog, Općina Okrug, Općina Hrvace, Općina Dicmo.
Go to the main travel overview: Split-Dalmatia.
