Tucked away just off the coastal road between Split and Dubrovnik, a few minutes from the port town of Ploče, lies a peaceful secret I almost didn’t believe was real: Baćinska Jezera — a cluster of shimmering freshwater lakes that seem to appear out of nowhere, wrapped in quiet hills and the hum of nature.
Most people speeding down the Adriatic highway are headed to the big names — Hvar, Dubrovnik, or the islands — and I can’t blame them. But if you’re the kind of traveler who craves the unseen, the unspoiled, and the unexpected, then these lakes are your kind of place.
A Different Kind of Dalmatia
Baćinska Jezera isn’t just one lake, but seven — each with its own name and character. Some are deep and mysterious, others wide and calm, with patches of lily pads and reeds swaying gently at the edges. Together, they create a landscape that feels more like a dream than a destination.
What makes them truly special, though, is their strange duality: they’re freshwater lakes sitting below sea level, but just a few kilometers from the salty Adriatic. Locals say the lakes have moods — calm in the morning, whispering by afternoon, and glowing pink and gold by sunset. I couldn’t agree more.
What to Do There?
Honestly? Just be. Paddle a kayak through narrow channels that connect the lakes. Take a dip in the cool, clear water on a hot summer day — you might have the whole lake to yourself. Or hop on a traditional wooden boat tour run by local families, who’ll tell you stories of old Dalmatia as you float past sleepy coves.
Cycling around the lakes is another joy, especially early in the morning when the mist still clings to the surface. For the photographers and daydreamers: this place is pure magic during golden hour.
No Crowds, No Rush
Perhaps the best part? It’s blissfully quiet. While Croatia’s coast can get packed in summer, Baćinska Jezera remains relatively undiscovered. There are no beach bars or noisy jet skis here — just the soft sounds of birds, crickets, and your own breath slowing down.
You’ll find a few guesthouses and apartments in the nearby village of Baćina, often run by warm locals who might treat you to figs from their trees or a glass of homemade rakija. It’s that kind of place — slow, soulful, and refreshingly real.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself between Split and Dubrovnik, take a detour. Skip the crowds for a day, pack a swimsuit, and visit Baćinska Jezera. It may not have the fame of Croatia’s hotspots, but it has something even rarer: peace, beauty, and the feeling that you’ve found a place the world forgot to ruin.
It’s not just a destination — it’s a deep breath.
Interested for an excursion? Contact E travel travel agency
