Baćina Lakes
At the crossroads between the sea and the karst, surrounded by silence and a Mediterranean landscape, the Baćina Lakes reveal one of the most special natural scenes in southern Croatia.
This karst system consists of the lakes Oćuša, Crniševo, Podgora, Sladinac, Vrbnik, Šipak and Plitko Lake. The Baćina Lakes are special because they are cryptodepressions – meaning that the bottom of the lake is below sea level, while the water surface is above it. It is precisely because of this geological structure that the water in the lakes is a mixture of fresh and brackish, and the underground channels that connect them to the sea and the Neretva create various shades of color that change from emerald green to deep blue.
Their peculiar glow is also associated with the legend of the Illyrian Queen Teuta. According to legend, the queen wore a necklace of precious pearls, a gift from her husband Agron, while sailing the lakes. A sudden storm capsized the boat, the necklace broke, and the pearls sank to the bottom. Locals believe that each of the seven pearls became a lake, and the Baćina Lakes are still called the Pearls of Queen Teuta.
Today, the lakes are a favorite destination for visitors seeking a combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities.
The calm surface is ideal for paddle surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and riding a traditional Neretva boat, while the well-maintained trails around the lake attract walkers and cyclists. Nature lovers can enjoy bird watching and photography, and in summer the lakes offer a peaceful place to swim away from the tourist crowds.
This unique landscape invites everyone to stop and feel the charm of Dalmatian nature in its purest form. The Baćina Lakes are therefore not just a destination, but an experience that remains in the heart.