Gradac
Gradac is located in the old fishing village on the picturesque Makarska Riviera below the steep slopes of Biokovo. Under the Biokovo, many old abandoned villages sweep away. Today, those villages, the embodiment of the old Dalmatian architecture, are connected with pedestrian and biking paths through pinewoods and olive groves. Gradac is the final place in beautiful Makarska Riviera, with one of the longest pebble beaches on the Adriatic.
The most beautiful beach of Makarska littoral is ideal for long walk and all day rest in the sun. Gradac has a unique position. It is located in the half way between Split and Dubrovnik, within easy reach of numerous natural beauty and diversity. Baćinska lakes are only 8 km away, and Neretva River Delta is about 15 km far. There is a nature park called Biokovo with arranged and marked footpaths and 12 km of cycling trails that guide the inquisitive through olive groves and unspoiled nature.
History
Gradac and its environs have been inhabited since prehistoric times. This is evidenced by numerous stone cairns from the Bronze and older Iron Age. In ancient times, this area was probably a Roman civitas Biston who, as a coastal center, belonged to the colony Narona, an important Roman stronghold on today's Croatian ground. On the locality of Gradina, a cornice fragment of a monumental building from the period of 2nd to 3rd century was found, as well as the Roman coins samples. Next to Laguna hotel many graves were found, so it is considered that the Roman necropolis was once located in that place.
The former medieval town on the slopes of Biokovo was named Lapčan or Labinac, and the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porfirogenet (X. century) refers it as Labineca. Today, one of the hotels bears that ancient title. Todays name of Gradac was first mentioned in the 1649 year. It was named after the fortress located on a hill above the present church of St. Michael, and was probably built during the Candian War (1645-1669).
Today in Gradac you can enjoy the unforgettable experience of Dalmatia and summer from the unique natural scenario. Here, the vertical of rough Biokovo gradually turns into soft and gentle slopes covered with pine and olive trees, which are to be merged with the horizontal blue sea, surrounded by pearl necklace made of white stone pebbles - the most beautiful and longest beach on the Adriatic.
Events in the region:
- Season's opening, beginning of June, Gradac
- Water polo tournament, beginning of July, Gradac
- Concert of harmony-singing groups - Klapa, July Gradac
- Musical concert, July, Gradac
- Fisherman's Night, July, Makarska, Drvenik
- Vessel Marathon - Maraton LADJA, beginning of August, Ploče
- Feast of St. Michael, a local celebration, September 29, Gradac
