Gradac

Gradac is a Slavic toponym used for several settlements in the Balkan region. The name is derived from grad, a root meaning “city” or “town” in many South Slavic languages, with the suffix -ac functioning as a locative or diminutive marker. Accordingly, Gradac typically denotes a place associated with a town or community.

The best-known Gradac is a coastal village in Croatia. Gradac is located along the Adriatic coast in the Dalmatia region, administratively part of the town of Makarska within Split-Dalmatia County. It sits on the Makarska Riviera, south of Makarska town, and is noted for its long pebble beach and seasonal tourism. The local economy centers on hospitality, fishing, and tourism, with several private accommodations, restaurants, and beaches along the coast.

Beyond Croatia, Gradac is the name of several villages in other countries of the former Yugoslavia, including Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. In these locations, Gradac typically refers to small rural settlements and may serve as a local community center or agricultural village.

Because Gradac is a common place name, it is often necessary to specify the country or municipality when referring to a particular Gradac. The name also appears in historical records and in geographic contexts across the region, reflecting its widespread use in Slavic toponymy.