Welcome to our hometown and former adventure base – the city of Ploce. It’s a small town in southern Croatia, and it’s perfect for many things, including your holidays. Most of the Croats will consider the nearby city of Omiš as the adventure capital of Croatia, but for us, the city of Ploče will always be the place with the most adventurous potential in all of our country. That’s why we opened our adventure travel agency right here, surrounded by beautiful Baćina lakes, lush Neretva valley, the nearby peaks of Biokovo mountain…
We’ll be honest with you: even though we see a lot of potential for tourism development in Ploče, it’s usually not on the chart of regular tourists coming to Croatia. The main reason for that is the fact that the city of Ploce is an industrial town and it doesn’t offer a sun and sea combination like many other places in Croatia do. Quite the opposite, Ploče seems to offer everything beyond it – natural wonders, hiking trails, adventure opportunities.
So let us guide you through what this southern Croatia city has to offer and why we believe you should visit Ploče during your vacation in Croatia. Or spend your whole holidays here. There’s definitely a lot to do around.
Where the City of Ploče Is Located
Ploče is a city located in the southern part of Croatia, approximately 100 kilometers south of Split and 100 kilometers north of Dubrovnik, which makes it a perfect starting point for visiting both of these cities. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring even more places like the Dalmatian coast and nearby attractions or popular places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as Kravice waterfalls, Mostar, Počitelj, or Međugorje.
- Nearby Destinations:
- Makarska Riviera (30 minutes)
- Baćina Lakes (5 minutes)
- Neretva Valley (10 minutes)
- Split (1,5 hours)
- Dubrovnik (1,5 hours)
- Kravice waterfalls (40 minutes)
- Mostar (1 hour)
A Bit About the City in General
Ploče is a rather young city that developed as an important seaport during the 20th century. Nowadays, it’s the second-largest seaport in Croatia. While it doesn’t have a medieval charm like some other Dalmatian cities, it has unique socialist-era architecture. Still rather interesting if you ask us.
On the other spectrum lay different cultural events and proximity to stunning natural landscapes such as Baćina lakes and the Neretva River delta. You could say that Ploče is a city still finding its place among the local tourist giants.
Our top pick of the tours you should try while staying in Ploče
How to Reach Ploče
Being the second largest seaport in Croatia, the city of Ploče is one of the infrastructurally most developed cities in Croatia, and there are numerous ways to reach it. The main Croatian motorway (A1) ends just a few kilometers from the city center.
So, what are the easiest ways to get to Ploče:
- By Car:
- Access via the A1 motorway from Zagreb or Split direction.
- Scenic coastal roads are a good choice and offer stunning views, but it may take longer, especially during the crowded summer months.
- By Bus:
- Regular bus services connect Ploče to Split, Dubrovnik, and Makarska. Although frequent, you can expect some delays during the busiest months.
- By Train:
- Ploče has a train station connecting to the interior of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but unfortunately, trains drive only a few times a week during the summer months. Such a shame. There was a time when you could reach Zagreb (capital of Croatia) from Ploče by train. The ride took forever, but still…
- By Ferry:
- A ferry port links Ploče to the Pelješac Peninsula and nearby islands like Korčula. Ferry from Ploče to Trpanj on the Pelješac peninsula was once among the busiest ones in Croatia. And then, the Pelješac bridge was opened.
What to have in mind if you plan to visit Ploce
We have already mentioned that Ploce is not a regular tourist city that you might expect in Croatia. Don’t expect vast beaches like Makarska Riviera has. Don’t expect a crystal clear sea because the city of Ploce is situated in a bay. Don’t expect many different restaurants like in some other tourist places.
We believe it’s important to present you with a real and honest image of this city and its opportunities. We won’t say that there is something if there is not, nor are we going to make things look better than they are. We are going to present to you with real reasons to visit Ploce.
Finally, the images we’ll include in this article will tell you a lot, too.
Baćina Lakes
We have written a lot about Bacina Lakes in some of our other articles. If you want to visit Ploce during the busy summer months, you need to visit Bacina Lakes since they are one of the most beautiful places around the city.
Bacina Lakes is a group consisting of 7 lakes located just 5 minutes of driving away from the city of Ploce. Six of these lakes are connected, and the nature surrounding them is astonishing. Not many people visit Bacina lakes, so they are not crowded even in the summer months when every other place is full of people. That’s why we call them Oasis of Serenity.
We used to organize our Bacina Lakes kayaking tour there, and all our guests would immediately fall in love with the Baćina lakes. Then, there are SUP tours and traditional boat safari tours. A walking/cycling trail is made around the lakes, so renting a bike and exploring around are good options.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the tranquil waters and hidden places of the lakes.
- Cycling: A scenic trail circles the lakes, offering breathtaking views.
- Swimming: Enjoy the warmer freshwater, ideal for a relaxing dip.
Neretva Valley
Another marvel of nature near the city of Ploce. Neretva Delta is a landscape carved by the Neretva River on the last 20 kilometers of its journey. Neretva River pours into the Adriatic Sea just a few kilometers away from the city of Ploce and it’s one of the most breathtaking places around.
If you like long sandy beaches, Neretva Delta is a place where you can find them. Croatia is not full of these kinds of beaches, but some of the most beautiful can be found right here. Neretva River mouth is characterized by shallow sea and sandbars on which you’re able to walk into the sea for a few hundred meters.
If you are a kiteboarding fan, we have good news for you. Neretva Delta is one of the most popular places for kiteboarding in Croatia. But you probably already knew that.
Apart from the Neretva river mouth, the whole valley is full of places worth visiting. Local gastro specialties are something you need to try if you plan to visit Ploce, and most of them can be found right in the Neretva Valley. You can learn a lot about the Neretva River valley from our other articles, too.
- Activities:
- Kiteboarding: The Neretva River mouth is a hotspot for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
- Boat Safaris: Traditional boat tours through the channels offer a first hand view of its wildlife.
- Local Delicacies:
- Try fresh mandarins, figs, and local honey at roadside markets. Or frogs and eel specialties in local restaurants.
Abandoned Military Bunkers and Tragom Bunkera Hiking Trail
Now, here’s something interesting. As you might know, Croatia was once a part of Yugoslavia, and the Yugoslav army had a lot of military structures all around Croatia, and the city of Ploce is no exception. It was an important strategic army point and there was a large naval base situated in it.
Most of these army structures were abandoned after the Croatian war for independence, and they are now free to visit. Some of them are even underground, and lately, we explored one underground military tunnel for our YouTube channel.
However, you need to be careful when visiting these places since they are not maintained, and extra caution is necessary.
Many of these abandoned military bunkers are even older, dating back to WW2, and they were mostly made by Italian forces in order to protect the Port of Ploče (then called Porto Tolero), which was an important seaport even back then. Nowadays, a local hiking club from the city of Ploče (HPD Grabovica) has made a special thematic hiking trail called ‘Tragom bunkera’ (Following the bunkers trail), and it’s one of the unique hiking trails in southern Croatia.
- Tragom Bunkera Trail:
- A hiking route that takes you through the Striževo hill near Ploče, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Ploče War history.
- Tips:
- Wear hiking shoes when hiking and carry a flashlight for exploring these abandoned underground bunkers.
Architecture of Ploče
We are continuing something that’s inside of the city, and that’s its architecture. The city of Ploce has the most peculiar architecture around, and it’s the youngest city in Croatia. If you climb on the hill above Ploce, you can notice all the different styles present in the city. You can also clearly see how the city was built during that time. You’ll recognize the first-made buildings almost instantly.
Some of the most interesting buildings and parts of the Ploce are the ones that were built first. Rogotinska Street was the first street in the city of Ploce, and it is full of small stone buildings. At that time, it was a city for itself.
One of the most recognizable architectural landmarks of the city of Ploce is its skyscrapers. They are an inevitable sight for everyone visiting Ploce. These skyscrapers are only of this kind in Croatia.
Another building we recommend visiting is a railway station in the city of Ploce. Personally, we think that it’s the most interesting building in the whole city. It was a starting station for many people traveling to Sarajevo, Beograd, and other places in former Yugoslavia. Unfortunately, there are no more trains leaving this station, and the old steam locomotive is the only mark of some better railroad times.
- Socialist-Modernist Style:
- Functional and minimalist structures dominate the cityscape.
- Unique landmarks like the seaport and city square showcase this architectural heritage.
- Urban Planning:
- Wide streets and open spaces reflect the city’s planned development.
Events During Summer
Summer is the season when Croatia is fully alive. There are many events organized right in the summer months, and the city of Ploce is no exception. There may not be as many events going around as in some larger tourist places like Makarska, but some of them are very special and totally different than anything else. Make sure you inform yourself about events if you plan to visit Ploce.
A traditional boat marathon is one such event. Every year at the beginning of August, more than 30 teams row this 20-kilometer-long marathon on the Neretva river. They start in the city of Metkovic and finish in the city of Ploce. Traditional boat marathon is the largest amateur competition in Croatia.
Fishermen Night is another interesting event organized at the end of August each summer. Fishermen’s nights are pretty common, and every place near the sea organizes at least one such event during the summer. But Ploce has the best fishermen’s night in Dalmatia; it’s unique, and really many people are attending it. Definitely something worth visiting.
- Fishermen’s Night:
- Enjoy freshly grilled fish, live music, and a festive atmosphere.
- Traditional Boat Marathon on the Neretva River:
- A thrilling race of traditional wooden boats, drawing participants and spectators from all over Croatia.
What Else to See in the Vicinity
Here are some more locations to consider visiting when staying in Ploče for your vacation in Croatia.
- Makarska Riviera:
- Some of the best beaches in Croatia can be found here. Only 15 minutes of driving away from Ploče.
- Pelješac Peninsula:
- Renowned for its wineries, oyster farms, and scenic drives. You can reach it either by Ploče – Trpanj ferry or via Pelješac bridge.
- Korčula Island:
- A 2 ferry rides away; this island offers historic charm and stunning beaches.
- Kravice waterfalls:
- One of the most famous waterfalls in the vicinity, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Trebizat river:
- Great for canoeing adventures and lounging
- Ćiro trail:
- Must visit location if you are a cycling fan – a cycling trail made upon old narrow gauge railway
Tips for Visiting Ploče
And a few more tips to make your visit to the city of Ploče even more memorable.
- Plan Outdoor Activities:
- Ploče is best enjoyed outdoors, so pack comfortable clothing and gear and visit all the places we mentioned in this article.
- Try Local Cuisine:
- Sample dishes like Neretva eel stew and frog specialties. Eat like a local when visiting Ploče.
- Respect Nature:
- Follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring natural areas such as Baćina lakes or Neretva River Valley.
- Learn the History:
- Visit local museums such as Roman Museum in Vid (former Narona). It’s one of the most famous Roman culture museums in Croatia
Before you Venture to Ploče
As you can see, if you visit Ploce, you can spend a nice holiday there. A lot of the beauty of the Ploce area is found in natural places like Bacina lakes and Neretva valley. We often say that the city of Ploce is the adventure capital of Croatia, or at least it could be.
With all these natural wonders right around the city, adventure tourism is the way to go for Ploce. And remember, Ploce is not like some other cities where you can spend your whole vacation in one place. If you plan to visit Ploce, you need to travel around, discover, and explore; only that way will your holidays be as they should.
