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
