Gradac

The 3,200 residents of the community of Gradac find their home in the extreme southern region of the Makarska Riviera, near the town of Ploce and east of the island of Hvar. The center of Gradac sits below the slopes of the Biokovo mountains and spreads itself out on a small peninsula which is surrounded by beautiful pebbled beaches, incidentally, one of the longest in the region. Today Gradac is a popular holiday resort with great tourist and leisure facilities. Besides tourism and agriculture, fishery is one of the main sources of income for the residents. It is not, however, really surprising seeing that fish dishes, such as fish stew in the Neretva style and grilled eel dominate the menus of the local taverns and restaurants. Visitors should absolutely try the fish dishes as well as the regionally produced olive oil and the homemade brandy from the residents.

Gradac has a lot to offer culturally as well. Built in 1852, the parish Church of Saint Michael towers over the middle of the narrow streets and is known for its old wooden statue of Saint Rocco. Not far from the parish church there is a small museum with collections of everyday objects and bequests that tell the story of the older and younger residents of Gradac. One of the oldest buildings in the area, the Chapel of the Holy Pasquale, sits atop the Plana Hill. Characteristic of this chapel is its barrel vault and its saddle roof. A climb up the hill to see the chapel is certainly worthwhile due to the fantastic outlook you will get while above.