Located in the south of Croatia, between Pelješac and the slopes of Biokovo, the Neretva Valley has for years been a kind of tourist enigma – a special region with all the prerequisites to become a hit destination, but it still resists this fate. Perhaps because life here flows at a slower, gentler pace, and the locals still speak of their heritage with a touch of modesty.
This green-blue oasis, intersected by river branches, marshes, and mandarin groves, includes the towns of Opuzen, Metković, and Ploče, and the Neretva River, which flows into the sea at Ploče, has for centuries nourished the land, tradition – and the spirit of the people. The region’s history reaches deep into ancient times, and the site of Narona, today the village of Vid near Metković, was one of the most important Roman cities on the eastern Adriatic coast. There you’ll also find Croatia’s first museum built in situ – the Archaeological Museum Narona, literally erected on the foundations of a Roman temple from the 1st century BC, where you’ll meet the face of Emperor Augustus in marble and full size.
Artistic backdrop
If you arrive in southern Croatia on Friday afternoon, you’re ready for 48 hours of a completely authentic experience. Let your starting point be Opuzen – a soulful little town that was once a marketplace for salt and honey of the Dubrovnik Republic, and today, among other things, takes on the role of a small street art mecca. During the summer, house facades become the backdrop for the Zen Opuzen Art Festival, a street festival sparked by the enthusiasm of locals, with support from the town and many valley residents.
Although this charming little town will always greet you with a vivid artistic backdrop, you can usually plan your visit at the beginning of July, during the Sand Art Festival, which offers a special art experience. Artistic expression in full collaboration with nature – sand drawings come to life at low tide and then disappear into the sea, and their fleeting life has attracted the attention of global media such as the BBC.
From safari to SUP riding
Saturday morning is reserved for a Neretva safari, that is, a ride in traditional Neretva boats through the branches and channels of this marshy valley. There are various tours on offer – from those that start from Vid to the river mouth or those that want to completely detach from reality in the silence, among the reeds and many interesting birds. Be sure to also visit the Archaeological Museum Narona, which connects to the Roman history of the valley, and whose monumental architecture rises from the foundations of an ancient temple, while its collection of 16 marble statues of Emperor Augustus and his family has already traveled the world.
For nature lovers, there‘s also the ornithological reserve Pod Gredom, where more than 300 bird species await you, so don’t forget your binoculars.
If you’re up for a more active holiday, you can also use Saturday for cycling to the Baćina Lakes – scattered gems that are perfect for swimming, SUPing, or simply relaxing and gazing into the distance. A popular cycling route, about 15 km long, leads from Ploče, passes by all the lakes, and ends in Baćina – accompanied by reeds, vineyards, and picturesque panoramas.
Although this charming little town will always greet you with a vivid artistic backdrop, you can usually plan your visit at the beginning of July, during the Sand Art Festival, which offers a special art experience. Artistic expression in full collaboration with nature – sand drawings come to life at low tide and then disappear into the sea, and their fleeting life has attracted the attention of global media such as the BBC.
From safari to SUP riding
Saturday morning is reserved for a Neretva safari, that is, a ride in traditional Neretva boats through the branches and channels of this marshy valley. There are various tours on offer – from those that start from Vid to the river mouth or those that want to completely detach from reality in the silence, among the reeds and many interesting birds. Be sure to also visit the Archaeological Museum Narona, which connects to the Roman history of the valley, and whose monumental architecture rises from the foundations of an ancient temple, while its collection of 16 marble statues of Emperor Augustus and his family has already traveled the world.
For nature lovers, there‘s also the ornithological reserve Pod Gredom, where more than 300 bird species await you, so don’t forget your binoculars.
If you’re up for a more active holiday, you can also use Saturday for cycling to the Baćina Lakes – scattered gems that are perfect for swimming, SUPing, or simply relaxing and gazing into the distance. A popular cycling route, about 15 km long, leads from Ploče, passes by all the lakes, and ends in Baćina – accompanied by reeds, vineyards, and picturesque panoramas.
According to legend, Empress Maria Theresa loved swimming in the Baćina Lakes – and it’s no wonder! According to local lore, the empress once dove into their clean, fresh water and reportedly healed a mild eye inflammation here. The lakes, located right next to the sea, are the result of a fascinating karst phenomenon. Their bottoms are below sea level, and special underground tunnels connect them to the Adriatic, creating a gentle exchange of fresh and salt water, making them ideal for swimming and SUP rides. Plan at least an hour or two for a ride through untouched nature.
According to legend, Empress Maria Theresa loved swimming in the Baćina Lakes – and it’s no wonder! According to local lore, the empress once dove into their clean, fresh water and reportedly healed a mild eye inflammation here. The lakes, located right next to the sea, are the result of a fascinating karst phenomenon. Their bottoms are below sea level, and special underground tunnels connect them to the Adriatic, creating a gentle exchange of fresh and salt water, making them ideal for swimming and SUP rides. Plan at least an hour or two for a ride through untouched nature.
A gastro experience that surprises
Be sure to reserve Saturday evening for the gastronomic part of the experience. Here, frogs and eels are more than local exotic fare – they are part of the identity. In restaurants like those in the Valley, you eat as in the old days – everything is homemade, prepared with love, and served with a glass of local wine. If you happen to be there at the right time, you might even catch the Brudetijada, a culinary event where the best brudet is judged, and fishermen, restaurateurs, housewives, and even some famous chefs compete over the pots.
For adrenaline lovers, kiteboarding is available at the mouth of the Neretva – one of the best locations for this sport in Europe. But, let’s be real – in 48 hours you might not have time to master the wind, so leave the kite school for another visit. Still, it’s enough to spend part of Sunday noon with a drink at the beach bar while watching enthusiasts tame the wind on their boards with the help of a kite.
If you didn’t tire yourself out with adventures on Saturday, you can opt for cycling on another route from Opuzen to Komarna. Ideal for easy pedaling, the route is about 20 km long and takes you along river branches, groves, and vineyards to a beach with the most beautiful view of the Pelješac Bridge.
And more...
If you love tradition and a bit of adrenaline, try to sync your visit with the date of the Boat Marathon (usually the second Saturday in August) – a regatta held on the stretch between Metković and Ploče, 22.5 kilometers long, nurturing heritage. However, keep in mind that the valley is then flooded with rivers of people, crowds are huge, and traffic is difficult, so if you want a quieter atmosphere, maybe it’s better to save that weekend for another time.
The Neretva Valley may not yet be as touristically renowned as its neighbors – but that’s exactly where its charm lies. Two days will be just enough to enchant you, but not enough to reveal everything. And that’s the best reason to come back.
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