Croatia’s Hidden Treasure: Neretva – The Valley Of Life
The Neretva Valley is a true paradise for its countless visitors from home and abroad. Blessed with untouched nature and fertile soil, the lush Neretva Valley boasts a host of unique attractions such as the Baćina Lakes, a group of awe-inspiring turquoise water expanses which, at an ever-increasing rate, brings in heaps of travelers and excursionists from the Dubrovnik and Split Riviera. Forming an integral part of the Neretva Valley tourist offer are also its seafood-based local cuisine and the famed Boat Marathon, a thrilling boat race which features traditional Neretva vessels manned with contestants from a variety of Croatian regions.
The Neretva Valley is one of the most picturesque parts of Croatia, the only delta in the country and the third largest in the Mediterranean (after the Nile and Po rivers), among the rarest remaining areas of its kind in Europe. Surrounding the main towns of Opuzen, Metković and Ploče is a unique landscape of eight large lakes and fields divided by channels accessible only by boat. Mandarins and oranges plantations stretch for 20km – you can even join the fruit pickers in late autumn. How about taking a boat ride through panoramic wetlands and witnessing industrious fruit picking by local farmers? If you’re nodding along, come join us in the Neretva Valley, streaked with breathtaking riverways and ripe with bountiful mandarin trees.
Trip to the Neretva Valley FAQs
What is the best time to visit the Neretva Valley?
The river Neretva is one of the longest and beautiful rivers of Croatia. It is particularly pleasant to visit the valley of the Neretva during summer months, when the heat of the shore retreats here, and the guests can relax in the cool of the valley of the Neretva river. Do not miss to visit Neretva Valley from September to November as well because season of picking mandarins are on.
The program of the mandarin harvest is complemented by sailing vessels, a photo safari along the Neretva river channels, backwaters and wetlands, rich wildlife and concludes with enjoying the specialties of this region – eels, frogs and wild game.
From
Matilda Your Croatia Expert
What delicacies to eat in the Neretva Valley?
The Mediterranean model of nutrition, written in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, is the basis for the entire culinary system in this region. Taking a gastronomical walk in the region, we start with numerous restaurants and taverns in the Neretva Valley where eel or frog stew is offered as well as delicious meals made of wild game, especially coot.
Is there any adventure activities in the Neretva Valley?
The Neretva Valley is perfect for many adventure activities and kayaking being one of them offers many opportunities to explore places of Neretva river otherwise hidden. Those who come to the valley of the Neretva are amazed by the very clear drinking water of the river and the amazing natural landscapes along its green banks. The Neretva is afavoured spot for relaxing in natural surroundings, water activities, cycling. Walking trail goes all around the Bacina lakes and some of the activities you should definitely try are traditional boat photo safari, kayaking or stand-up paddling.
Great things to do in Neretva Valley
Photo safari
Driving through the narrow canals and river branches in the traditional Neretva boat is a unique experience. The boat will be steered by a host who will introduce you to a life in Neretva, show how people from Neretvan catch fish and grow citrus as symbols of the Neretva. We offer an unforgettable experience to all the guests – Photo Safari through the Neretva River. Trip through the effluents and the channels of the Norin River is a true feast for your eyes and spirit. Sail down the river, in a traditional local boat through hundreds of canals and take a peek into the untouched heart of the Neretva Wetlands.
Discover the places where once the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, Romans sailed, and the pirates of Neretva planned their raids of enemy galleys. Discover the allure of one of the last swamps on the European continent, its flora and fauna, the diversity of wild birds and the traditional lifestyle of the Neretva people.
Boat marathon
After the Romans, Neretva became a nest of the most popular event, inspiring the traditional boat marathon. It is a the largest public event in Croatia organized by the Neretva Boatmen’s Association. Each year,in the middle of August, an amateur rowing competition is held from Metković to Ploče, 22.5km along the Neretva river. More then 30 crews are competing for the Great Shield of Prince Domagoj. Both towns are amassed with people and there are parades, concerts, and plenty of cheer, good food and drinks.
Neretva River Mouth – kitersurfing paradise
is the most popular place in the whole valley. It’s right where Neretva kisses the Adriatic sea. Somehow it seems that this is the central part of the valley and everything is happening right here. If you are to visit the Neretva river mouth in the summer months you would find many kiteboarders enjoying their game, especially if you are to come in the afternoon hours. Many swimmers would be around too, swimming or enjoying on one of the sandy beaches.
Baćina Lakes – Heaven of 7 lakes
The proximity of Baćina lakes to Neretva valley makes this place an absolute must to visit when exploring the valley. Baćina lakes are a specific group consisting of 7 lakes and are situated near the city of Ploče. The mouth of the Neretva river is closest to these lakes and it would take you approximately 20 minutes of car driving to reach them. Once there, you just need to relax and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of Bačina lakes. There are many activities to do there too, ranging from kayaking and SUP tours to cycling and boat tours. All in all, place worth visiting and a true natural antidote for all your troubles.
Vid – Narona
Norin river has a source near the city of Vid, near Metković, in the ancient times called Narona. Therefore, Norin river is not long nor large and it pours into the Neretva river at Kula Norinska village. The Narona Archaeological Museum contains temple remains and sundry artefacts from the Roman and Illyrian periods. So, this is must visit place while in Neretva Valley.
Metkovic natural history museum
Neretva valley is full of life and more than 300 bird species found their home here. Some of these animals are free and roaming nature while their less lucky relatives are stuffed in the Natural history museum in Metkovic. Let us just say that the museum is an interactive experience with sounds accompanying the actual animals shown in it.