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Zaostrog

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City
—°3
Zaostrog (Croatia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Zaostrog

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Franciscan monastery not just for the church, but also for its valuable library.
  • The beaches in Zaostrog offer plenty of natural shade thanks to thick pine forests right by the water.
  • Use the flat seaside promenade for long walks to the neighboring villages of Podaca or Brist.
  • Hike up to the old village (Staro Selo) on the mountain slope to see traditional stone architecture.
  • In high season, Zaostrog is lively but family-friendly; convenient for a relaxed beach holiday.

🍽 Food

🍽
Crni rižot

Black risotto with cuttlefish, a specialty you should try at Restaurant Adriatic.

🍽
Grilled octopus

Often prepared 'under the bell' (peka), making it especially tender and flavorful.

🍽
Monastery herbal products

The monks often produce their own teas or liqueurs from the herbs in their garden.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Monastery shop

Here you can find souvenirs, religious artifacts, and homemade natural products.

🛍
Makarska Riviera olive oil

Local producers often sell high-quality oil directly on the promenade.

🧘
Monastery Botanical Garden

A peaceful courtyard with over 250 plant species from all over the world.

🧘
Borova Bay

Located at the southern end of the village, offering plenty of shade and quiet.

Zaostrog is located in a spacious bay at the southern end of the Makarska Riviera, sheltered by the Rilić mountain range. The village is best known for the Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary, established in the 15th century. The monastery houses a significant library with rare incunabula, an ethnographic museum, and a gallery by the painter Mladen Veža. Historically, the area served as a seat for the medieval Kačić princes. The beaches in Zaostrog stretch along the entire coastline of the bay, featuring fine pebbles and natural shade from dense pine forests. A seaside promenade connects the village with nearby Podaca and Brist, making it first-rate for cycling or evening strolls. For those seeking adventure, the hinterland gives hiking trails leading to old stone villages on the mountain slopes, providing panoramic views of the islands of Hvar and Pelješac. Local cuisine focuses on fresh seafood, locally produced olive oil, and regional wines. Zaostrog is a convenient base for exploring southern Dalmatia, with easy access to the Neretva Delta and the Pelješac peninsula. Despite its popularity during the summer months, the village maintains an authentic Dalmatian atmosphere, offering a well-suited blend of historical heritage and natural beauty.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C671014182327272117128
Rain mm1081029571564726348194121121

Geography

Population
514
Coordinates
43.14170, 17.27920

Facts

  • Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary
  • Seat of medieval Kačić princes
  • Museum and art gallery
  • Extensive pebble beaches
  • Natural shade from pine trees
  • Promenade to Podaca and Brist
  • Stunning views of Pelješac
  • Hiking trails in Rilić mountain

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zaostrog (3)

Babićeva plaža🎡 recreation

Tucked away in the characterful coastal village of Zaostrog, this quiet pebble beach presents itself as a true paradise for families. The gentle sound of the waves and the relaxed atmosphere create well-suited conditions for a carefree day by the water. Children can play happily on the shore while adults soak up the warming rays of the sun. It is a fantastic place to savor the maritime climate well into the late afternoon.

Uvala Zaostrog🌿 nature

Zaostrog bay is a scenic stretch of coastline on the famous Makarska Riviera.

Šapašnik🌿 nature

Šapašnik is a prominent peak in the mountain landscape located right behind Zaostrog.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important sight in Zaostrog?
The Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary with its museum and garden.
What are the beaches like in Zaostrog?
Long pebble beaches lined with pine trees that provide natural shade.
Where is Zaostrog located?
On the Makarska Riviera, about 35 km south of Makarska.
Can you go hiking there?
Yes, there are trails leading to the Biokovo mountains and the old village.
Are there ferry connections?
The nearest major ferry is in Drvenik (to Hvar island), only 5 km away.
Zaostrog: where is it located?
Zaostrog is located in Croatia.
Zaostrog: what is there to see?
Highlights include Babićeva plaža, Uvala Zaostrog, Šapašnik.
Zaostrog: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Zaostrog: why is it worth visiting?
Zaostrog is located in a spacious bay at the southern end of the Makarska Riviera, sheltered by the Rilić mountain range.
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