Gradac

Gradac sits at the southern end of the Makarska riviera where the Biokovo ridge finally drops away, and its Gornja Vala beach runs for around three kilometres of shingle backed by pine - the longest continuous beach on the riviera and, for that reason, the least crowded per metre even in August. The channel here narrows towards the Peljesac peninsula opposite, so the view south is of land rather than open sea. The village itself is modest, with a couple of old towers built against Ottoman raids, and it is quieter than Brela or Makarska because it has less in the way of nightlife.

What you actually see

• About three kilometres of shingle - the riviera's longest beach.
• Pine along the back of it - shade for most of its length.
• Peljesac across the channel - land rather than open horizon.
• Old defensive towers - built against raids, in the village.

When to go

June to September. Half a day.

Honest expectations

It is a shingle beach, not sand, and shoes help. The coast road runs behind it and is audible. Services are modest compared with Makarska. Parking along the shore is limited in August.

Nearby

Zaostrog is north; the Neretva delta and Ploce are south.