Prološko blato
Prološko blato is a unique natural area located just a few kilometers northwest of the town of Imotski, in the heart of the Imotski region. It is a seasonal karst field (known as polje) that functions as both a wetland and a temporary lake, depending on the time of year and the amount of precipitation. The area is not only an outstanding example of karst hydrology, but also a peaceful, atmospheric place of scenic beauty and ecological importance.
During the wet season – usually in spring and after heavy rains – Prološko blato fills with water, forming a shallow lake that can extend over several square kilometers. In dry periods, the water recedes and the land turns into a fertile green field dotted with grass, reeds and small agricultural areas. This changing landscape gives Prološko blato a dynamic, almost surreal character.
One of the most visually striking features of the area is Lake Šarvanovac, a permanent Vrhat lake within a wider wetland. It retains water throughout the year and is often surrounded by higher water levels when Prološko blato is flooded. The lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding hills and sky, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
The Prološko blato is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, especially bird species. It serves as a resting place for migratory birds and is a nesting ground for several species of waterfowl and waders, including ducks, herons, and sometimes even the rare stork. During the wetter months, amphibians, reptiles, and freshwater fish are also found here. As a result, it has become a valuable area for birdwatchers, ecologists, and conservationists, although it is largely undeveloped and peaceful.
Traditional stone houses and dry stone walls, remnants of old agricultural practices, are scattered throughout the area. Some families still maintain small plots of land on the edge of fields, especially during the dry season, when the land becomes usable for hay production or limited agriculture. Locals speak of Prološki Blato with pride, seeing it as a symbol of the natural rhythm and resilience of the region.
The name “Blato” literally means “mud” or “marsh” in Croatian, which is fitting, as the area can become soft and boggy during flood season. However, it is not a bog in the typical sense – but rather a fascinating product of the karst landscape that defines much of the interior of Dalmatia and western Herzegovina.
Visitors to Prološki Blato often come for the peace and quiet, to take photographs or to enjoy a walk or picnic on its edge. It is not developed as a tourist destination, which only increases its appeal for those seeking solitude or an authentic experience of the nature of the Dalmatian hinterland.
If you are already visiting Imotski or exploring the nearby Plava and Crvena jezera, while staying at Beach Hotel Plaža, Makarska, a short trip an hour away to Prološki Blato offers a completely different kind of natural environment – open, peaceful and constantly changing. It is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, when the light reflects off the shallow water and the landscape takes on a golden glow.
Prološko Blato is more than just a seasonal lake. It is a living part of the Imotski landscape, shaped by water, time and tradition – a quiet, poetic space that speaks to the soul of the Dalmatian hinterland.
Preparation: by S.O.S. English
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