Zaostrog, Coastal settlement with Franciscan monastery in Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia
Zaostrog is a small village on the Dalmatian coast distributed between rocky hillsides and the sea. The settlement has an older core in higher areas and newer sections directly by the water, where the notable Franciscan monastery is also located.
The settlement was originally called Ostrog and emerged as a fortified site during Byzantine times. It later developed into an important port, especially after the Franciscans established their monastery in the 15th century.
The Franciscan monastery shapes daily life in the settlement and draws visitors interested in religious art and historical manuscripts. The monks have built a collection of books and artworks here over centuries that reflect the area's heritage.
The village sits along a winding coastal road and is best explored on foot, since narrow lanes are difficult to navigate by car. The rocky shore and cliffs offer good spots for swimming and exploring the natural surroundings.
The steep position between the Biokovo mountains and the sea creates unusual light effects on certain days that add an unexpected dimension to the surroundings. Hikers report noticing these optical phenomena, which appear particularly striking during morning and evening hours.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
