Gradac
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Gradac

Gradac

Southern Makarska Riviera town with a long pebble beach backed by pines and Biokovo slopes

Gradac sits at the southern end of the Makarska Riviera, a small Croatian coastal town between Makarska and Ploce. It has the longest pebble beach on this stretch of the Adriatic, backed by pine trees and facing the island of Hvar across the channel.

The town is quieter and cheaper than its neighbours to the north, which is part of its appeal. There is no nightlife to speak of, but the water is clear, the seafood is good, and the Biokovo mountains rise steeply behind the town for those who want to hike.

Guide

Getting There

Gradac sits on the main coastal road (Route D8) between Split and Dubrovnik, roughly 90 kilometres from Split and 85 kilometres from Dubrovnik. Buses on the Split–Dubrovnik route stop in Gradac several times daily; the journey from Split takes about two hours.

If you are driving, the coastal road is scenic but slow and winding in places — allow extra time. There is no train service. In summer, ferries from Trpanj on the Pelješac peninsula across the channel connect to Ploče, the nearest town with better transport links, though this is more useful for regional travel than for arriving at Gradac itself.

Guide

Things to Do

Gradac's appeal is straightforward: a long pebble beach, clear Adriatic water, pine trees for shade, and the jagged wall of the Biokovo mountains rising behind town. For a beach holiday without the crowds of Makarska, it delivers everything needed.

makarskariviera