We can’t get enough of Bacina lakes. During summer we spend almost every day at them and still, with every new morning we return to Bacina Lakes, we feel that rush of beauty. If you are staying somewhere near, maybe on Makarska Riviera, then you should visit Bacina lakes.
And when visiting this lakes group, there are some places you need to experience. The lakes as a whole are a beautiful landscape in karst but some places stand out and shouldn’t be left out during your visit.
A cycling/walking trail is going all around the lakes and most of the places to visit at Baćina lakes we mention in this post are accessible by using this trail. We suggest renting a bike at one of the beach bars and starting your exploration. And while you are in the city of Ploce area, we suggest you visit the Ploce tourist board website to find more cool places to visit around.
Introduction to Baćina Lakes
Bacina Lakes is a lake group consisting of 7 lakes. Six of these lakes are connected by smaller and larger passages, and the smallest one is secluded. The lakes are situated near the city of Ploce in southern Croatia and they are one of the landmarks of the south.
If you are traveling on a main coastal highway between the cities of Split and Dubrovnik, Bacina Lakes will be the inevitable sight for you. They are a peaceful oasis, and, although not so large, they are never crowded, not even during the high season. We don’t know why is this so, but we like it since it’s one of the rare quiet places on the Croatian coast in summer.
The nature of the lakes is astonishing, especially in the summer months. Everything is lush and green and it relaxes both the body and the spirit. Bacina lakes are beautiful during the autumn months too, with all the colors making a unique sight. An interesting fact about the lakes is that every lake has a different color which is, again, very visible during the summer months. It’s visible when on the lakes but much better when observed from the higher ground.
Being on the edge of the Neretva River valley, Bacina lakes are full of life, especially bird species. There is even a bird observation point that lets you unwind and enjoy in gazing at the winged creatures of the lakes.
Let’s start with the places to visit at Baćina Lakes.
Where Are Baćina Lakes Located?
Baćina Lakes are located near the city of Ploče in southern Dalmatia, approximately 100 kilometers away from both Split and Dubrovnik. They are easily accessible and located just under the Adriatic Highway (Magistrala). Some other nearby attractions include the Neretva River Delta and Biokovo Mountain.
Baćina lakes are a convenient stop for travelers who travel between the famous cities of Split and Dubrovnik. There is a nice viewpoint on which a lot of people stop to admire the beauty of the lakes, but not so many of them choose to actually visit them so they leave Croatia never knowing what they have missed.
But if you are not one of those who is going to miss this beauty, here’s our list of places to visit at Baćina Lakes.
Our Top Pick of the Tours You can Try in the Bacina Lakes Area
1. Mindel Beach and Bay
We are starting with one of the most popular places on the lakes. Mindel is a secluded beach and a bay that is full of water lilies and the water is always calm here. Mindel is a water spring too. This place is popular among locals and tourists who come here to swim in the warm water of Bacina lakes. We didn’t mention that the water temperature of the lakes is always around 3 degrees warmer than in the sea which is perfect if you like it warmer.
Mindel Beach is situated at the end of the cycling/walking trail and it’s the place of the loudest crickets songs on the lakes. When visiting this place, we suggest you carry a hammock because there are many trees, and laying in your hammock and listening to the crickets is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have at Bacina Lakes.
Maybe you could visit this place last and relax from the exploration of the lakes.
- Why Visit: This peaceful beach offers a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding by the clear waters of the lakes.
- Highlights:
- Calm, warm waters are ideal for families and swimmers of all levels.
- Stunning views of the surrounding hills and lake system.
- Nearby shaded areas are perfect for picnics and setting up hammocks.
- Pro Tip: Visit in the morning to enjoy the serenity before other visitors arrive.
2. Oćuša Spring
Bacina lakes are full of freshwater springs and Ocusa is one of the most popular among these. Did you know that the city of Ploce gets drinkable water from the lakes, from a spring called Klokun. That one is protected and not open for visiting but who cares when you have Ocusa.
Ocusa is a place with a few smaller and one larger spring. It’s also a perfect place to spend some time, just like Mindel is. Although, there is no beach at Ocusa. But there is something else. If you are brave enough and you don’t have a problem with swimming in cold water, you can jump in one of the springs here and find out what a true refreshment looks like.
Ocusa Spring is accessible both from the lakes and walking trails.
- Why Visit: The spring is not only a refreshing spot to cool off but also a unique natural attraction with ecological importance.
- Highlights:
- The incredibly cold and clear water, is perfect for a quick dip.
- A stunning natural setting surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Opportunities to observe the interaction between the spring and the surrounding lake ecosystem.
- Pro Tip: Have a picnic here and enjoy swimming both in cold springs and in the lakes
3. Maricevac Tunnel
When talking about cool places in Bacina lakes, the Maricevac tunnel is maybe the coolest one. And one with the most interesting story too. It’s a tunnel designed and built to take away excess water that floods the valley behind the hills during the rainy season. It’s 2 kilometers long and it was built almost 100 years ago.
The good news is the fact that the tunnel is dry during the summer months and it’s possible to walk through it. You just need a good flashlight and maybe some warmer clothes. The tunnel is situated at the Peracko blato beach and you shouldn’t have problems finding it.
This tunnel is the reason why the water level in Bacina lakes is a few meters higher during the winter months. The places near the lakes, Mindel beach, Ocusa spring, everything is under the water after the rainy season. There is another, shorter tunnel that takes away the water from the lakes to the Adriatic sea.
- Why Visit: This early 20th-century tunnel is a unique site for history enthusiasts and urban explorers.
- Highlights:
- A cool, shaded environment perfect for exploration.
- The tunnel’s connection to the region’s historical irrigation and drainage systems.
- Photo opportunities with dramatic lighting and textures inside the tunnel.
- Pro Tip: Carry a flashlight or headlamp for better visibility as you explore the darker sections. Also, have proper shoes for exploration.
4. Old Abandoned Campsite
The old campsite is lying in ruins right now, but a few decades ago, it was a very popular place to spend your vacation. We are not interested in the devastated park buildings here, but rather in the places used to put your tents at. I still remember how we were going on a trip with a kindergarten group there.
It’s a nice place engulfed in the forest and secluded from any views. Some openings in the vegetation separate land and the lakes and these are used as beaches. This is the perfect place for a romantic picnic and nobody should bother you here.
- Why Visit: This site’s rustic charm and overgrown surroundings make it a unique place to explore and photograph.
- Highlights:
- A peek into the past, showcasing the area’s tourism history.
- Quiet trails lead to scenic viewpoints around the campsite.
- An adventurous atmosphere for explorers.
- Pro Tip: Respect the site’s historical value and avoid disturbing the environment.
5. Birdwatching Observation Point on the Lakes
The birdwatching house at Baćina Lakes is one of the places to visit at Baćina lakes if you are a wildlife enthusiast and/or photographer. Or just want to enjoy the beautiful scenic view from the observation deck. It’s located near the village of Peračko Blato and close to the Oćuša springs we mentioned earlier. It’s a very nice wildlife observation point with a very nice and scenic view of the lakes.
- Why Visit: The lakes are home to diverse bird species, making this a fantastic spot for observing and capturing wildlife.
- Highlights:
- Strategically placed viewing platforms for excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Information boards about local bird species and their habitats.
- Peaceful surroundings that allow you to connect with nature.
- Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best chance to spot birds in action.
6. Island of Love
Last, but not least the places to visit at Baćina lakes. The Island of Love is the famous landmark of Baćina Lakes and it’s one of the 3 small islands existing on the lakes. The Island of Love is the only one on which you can actually walk because all the others are just formed of vegetation so you might say that this one is the only real island on Baćina Lakes.
The Island of Love is accessible by kayak or SUP which you can bring with you or rent on the lakes.
- Why Visit: This small, picturesque island is perfect for couples and nature lovers seeking a serene escape.
- Highlights:
- Tranquil surroundings are ideal for picnics and relaxation.
- Beautiful views of the lakes from the island.
- A unique location that adds a touch of magic to any visit.
- Pro Tip: Bring a small boat or kayak to access the island and enjoy its secluded charm.
Before You Venture Further
And that’s the end of our places to visit on the Baćina Lakes list. We know that there are not many of them and that’s not bad at all. It means you can visit all of them in one day. So why shouldn’t you just take a day for yourself and explore Baćina lakes either alone or with anyone you love You might even join one of the tours that are being organized on the lakes.
We hope you will enjoy the peace and serenity of the Baćina lakes.
