Ploče lies on the Adriatic coast between Split and Dubrovnik. The harbor and the city’s history shape the town; a few kilometers away, the Baćina Lakes offer their own blend of water, nature, and archaeological traces. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: city history, a historical themed route, activities on the lakes, or a taste of the Neretva region.
Harbor and City History
The port and railway in Ploče began operating on July 15, 1945. Rebuilding both facilities shaped the city’s development after the war; people came to Ploče to rebuild the port and railway. The architecture from the socialist era is also one of the cityscape’s distinctive features.
An early reference to the place dates much further back: Ploče was first mentioned in 1387, at the time as a bay rather than a city. Together with its postwar history, this offers two different historical perspectives—the early geographical name and its later development as a city centered around the port and railway.
Ploče Trail: Two Routes and a Themed Course
The Ploče Trail is a mountain race on the themed route “Tragom bunkera.” Two race distances are listed: one is 17 kilometers long with 800 meters of elevation gain, and the other is 7 kilometers long with 250 meters of elevation gain. This makes it easy to compare the distances and elevation gains without treating the two courses as identical. The organizers may revise route details; race arrangements may also vary from year to year.
The trail starts in a suburb of Ploče and passes eight bunkers, two abandoned hamlets, and several Illyrian burial mounds. The route thus combines the race with tangible traces of local and regional history. Those interested in the subject will find a different perspective on Ploče here than in its harbor and city architecture.
Baćina Lakes: Nature, Trails, and History
The Baćina Lakes are a few kilometers from Ploče. The area includes seven lakes and combines abundant wildlife with archaeological remains from the Roman village of Praetoria. A cycling and hiking trail runs around the lakes. This brings lakeside routes and historical traces together in the same landscape.
Activities at the lakes include traditional boat photo safaris, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as cycling, swimming in hidden lagoons, and wildlife watching. There is more than one way to explore: options range from activities on the water to trails around the lakes. The protected Neretva Delta is also close to Ploče and is home to more than 300 bird species. The lakes and the delta offer different nature experiences: the lakes feature water activities and archaeological traces, while the delta is known for its birdlife.
Lađa Boats and Events
Lađa boats were once used to transport fruit and vegetables through the Neretva canal system. The Lađa Boat Marathon draws on this tradition, with a route from Metković via Opuzen to Ploče. The marathon takes place every August to revive the tradition of the Neretva lađa boats. Check the dates before your trip, as the seasonal event date and schedule may change.
Fishermen Night puts fish specialties prepared by local chefs and teams in the spotlight. Here, too, the seasonal date and program may change, so checking the latest event information can help with your plans. The events calendar also lists the Summer Wine Festival Ploče.
More Things to Do Nearby
At the nearby Neretva mouth, you can walk through shallow water over sandbanks; access depends on local conditions. The mouth also offers opportunities for kitesurfing and windsurfing, which depend on the weather. These conditions differ from the trails at the Baćina Lakes and are relevant when planning a visit.
In the nearby Staševica Valley, unpaved rural roads serve as cycling routes. You can combine a bike ride there with a stop at a local winery; its availability may change. At nearby Višnjica Hill, a walk leads to a viewpoint associated with Ploče’s military history. If you are also interested in abandoned sites, check access conditions before visiting, as they may change.
Discover more destinations: Peračko Blato, Rogotin, Staševica, Baćina
Go to the main travel overview: Općina Ploče.
