Apartments and holiday homes in Gradac
Gradac is where the Makarska Riviera ends: a former fishing village with one of the longest beaches on this coast, a gentler pace than the north and the Neretva valley just beyond.
Search stays in GradacGradac is the southernmost municipality of the riviera and of Split-Dalmatia County, about 42 kilometres south-east of Makarska and only a dozen from Ploče. The name comes from a small fortress built on the height above the church of St Michael during the wars with the Ottomans in the 17th century. The municipality also includes Brist, Podaca, Zaostrog and Drvenik, but Gradac is the largest village, with a harbour, a waterfront promenade and a handful of hotels among the private houses.
Its reason for being on your list is the beach. The shore stretches for several kilometres on either side of the harbour, and the fine pebble shelves gently, so there is room to spread out even in August. It suits families with small children and anyone who wants a slower holiday than in Makarska or Baška Voda. Nightlife is limited to cafés and a few bars on the promenade.
Most of our Gradac stays have a sea view and many are within a short walk of the beach. The centre around the harbour is the most convenient, with shops and restaurants at hand. Stays further along the bays are calmer but you may want a car for the supermarket. Pools are rare here, so do not count on one.
Beaches
Gornja Vala
The long beach south-east of the harbour, often quoted at around five kilometres, is fine pebble with a shallow, gradual entry that suits children. Pine and olive trees give shade in places, and restaurants, bars, jet ski and kayak hire line the busier central part.
Bošac
North-west of the harbour, Bošac bay continues the same fine-pebble shore with a more relaxed feel. It is a good choice if you are staying at that end of the village or want a little more space around your towel.
Getting there and around
Gradac is on the D8 coastal road. Split Airport is around two hours away by car; Dubrovnik Airport is an alternative, reached either via the Pelješac bridge or through the short Neum corridor of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where you cross a border, so keep passports to hand. The Drvenik ferry to Sućuraj on Hvar is about 10 kilometres north. Buses between Split and Dubrovnik stop in Gradac. Parking is easier than in the northern resorts.
Stays in Gradac right now
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Tips before you book
- Gradac gets much quieter after the summer season, and many restaurants and apartments close in winter.
- The Baćina lakes near Ploče, a chain of connected lakes good for kayaking and swimming, are a short drive south.
- The Neretva delta, with its mandarin orchards and birdlife, makes an easy day trip.
- Bring water shoes: the pebbles are fine, but still pebbles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gradac good for families?
Yes, it is one of the most relaxed family bases on the riviera. The beach is long and shelves gently, there is space even in high season and the evenings are calm. You give up the choice of nightlife and big-town shopping, but Makarska is within reach by car for a day out.
Is the beach in Gradac sandy?
No. It is fine pebble, finer than in many places along the riviera, and the water is shallow near the shore, which is why it is often described as almost sandy. Children can play comfortably at the water's edge, but water shoes are still useful.
What can you do around Gradac?
Apart from the beach, you can kayak or paddle on the Baćina lakes, explore the Neretva delta, take the ferry from Drvenik to Hvar or drive up to Biokovo Nature Park. Dubrovnik and the Pelješac peninsula are possible as longer day trips.