Vladislavich was born in 1669, in the village of Jasenik near Gacko, Bosnia Eyalet, Ottoman Empire. His father, Luka Vladislavić, was a Serb landlord. The family was driven out from Gacko by the local Turks and settled in the Republic of Ragusa. His father's involvement in trade allowed Sava to be sent to the Republic of Venice, then Spain and France where he acquired broad education. The well-being of the citizens of Ragusa depended on maritime commerce; Sava Vladislavich was no exception. With his knowledge and monetary assistance from his father, he set out on his own trading venture.
