Ploče, town and settlement in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia
Ploče is a small port town on Croatia's Adriatic coast, positioned strategically where the Neretva River meets the sea. The town has a simple layout with quiet streets, shops, and a busy harbor where cargo ships and ferries regularly dock to transport goods and connect the region to other parts of Croatia and beyond.
Ploče was first recorded in writing in 1387 and slowly developed as a small settlement around its harbor. The modern port was built in the late 1930s, suffered damage during World War II, was rebuilt afterward, and expanded significantly with the opening of the Sarajevo-Ploče railway line in the 1960s, which strengthened its role as a regional trade hub.
The name Ploče comes from the word for stone, reflecting the rocky coastal landscape that shaped the town. Daily life centers on the harbor and waterfront, where locals gather at cafes to watch boats and socialize.
The best time to visit Ploče is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny and harbor activity peaks. The town is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle and is conveniently located near the Neretva Delta, which offers opportunities for walking and bird watching in its wetlands.
Ploče holds the distinction of recording one of the highest temperatures ever measured in Croatia, creating an extreme climate experience for residents and visitors. This intense summer heat shapes daily life and how locals adapt to the scorching conditions that define the coastal town's environment.
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