We spent numerous days exploring people and having fun while kiteboarding in Neretva. You see, we happen just to live near the place where all these flyers enjoy their thing each summer morning. It’s all happening in Neretva river delta which is located just a few kilometers from the city of Ploče in southern Croatia. It’s a stunning place in Croatia made by the Nereva river at the last part of its journey. Totally a place for you if you are into sandy beaches, cocktails and adventures such as kiteboarding and windsurfing in Croatia.
Back when it all started there was only one beach bar in the Neretva River mouth and we would often come there to drink either a coffee or a cocktail. We never tried kiteboarding, not to say that it’s not on our list, but we never managed to find enough time to pass through the course necessary for you to learn it. But we always admired them and enjoyed their game.
But this article is going to tell a different story and it’s written for all kitesufers that come to Neretva to enjoy kiteboarding but there happens to be no wind at all. No worries, here’s the list of our things to do when you’re not able to fly.
Our curated list of the best tours you can try in the Neretva area
Introduction to Kiteboarding in Neretva The Neretva River Delta is also known as the “kiteboarding paradise” of Croatia. With its shallow waters, consistent winds, and long sandy beaches, the Neretva River Delta attracts kiteboarders from around the world.
During the windy season, which spans from late spring to early autumn, this place is full of kiteboarders and other types of windsurfers. Their number peaks in the summer months of July and August, especially in the afternoon hours when the Maestral wind starts to blow. However, there are days when the wind is absent, and on those occasions, the Neretva Valley offers a plethora of activities to keep you engaged.
About the Neretva Valley and Its Location Just a bit about Neretva River Valley in case you stumbled upon this post while researching places for kiteboarding in Croatia. The Neretva Valley is an absolutely stunning part of southern Croatia, stretching from the city of Metković to the Neretva River’s mouth at the Adriatic Sea which is located near the city of Ploče. Neretva Valley is known for its lush vegetation, mandarines, and sandy beaches, and it is often called ‘Croatian California’.
Aerial view of sunset at Neretva river mouth and one of the best places for kiteboarding in Croatia. Situated near the city of Ploče in Dalmatia, Croatia.
Location: The Neretva River Delta is located near the town of Ploče, approximately 90 km from Dubrovnik and 120 km from Split.Accessibility: The region is easily accessible by car, with the Adriatic Highway (D8) running along the coast. Public transport options, such as buses, are also available from major cities, but they won’t take you to the best places in the Neretva Valley, they mainly stick to the main road.
Things to Do When Not Kiteboarding in Neretva There will be days with no winds when you come for kiteboarding in Neretva but the great news is that the Neretva Valley and its surroundings offer numerous places and activities to make your windless day fun and memorable.
Visit Baćina Lakes Bacina Lakes is a lake group not so far from the Neretva river mouth where all the Neretva kiteboarding is happening. A lot of kitesurfers come and explore this place during their day off. It’s a relaxing place and a true marvel of nature.
You can just come and chill in one of the beach bars or you can explore around. Regarding the activities on the Bacina lakes, kayaking and SUP tours are the only ones available right now. If you feel lazy on that particular day, you can do the traditional boat tour that will show you around the lakes without the need for paddling.
Aerial view of group of kayakers paddling on Baćina lakes near the city of Ploče in Dalmatia, Croatia.
Why Visit: Just a 15-minute drive from the Neretva Delta, the Baćina Lakes are a group of seven connected freshwater lakes surrounded by beautiful nature.Activities:
Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding to explore the lakes.
Cycling along the scenic trails that surround the lakes.
Relaxing on one of the small beaches or enjoying a picnic by the water.
Tips: Bring a camera to capture the stunning reflections of the surrounding nature on the lake’s calm surface.
Explore the Rest of the Neretva Valley If you have come for kiteboarding in Neretva then the most interesting part for you is the Neretva river mouth where all Neretva kiteboarding activities take place. But this golden valley of Croatia has many more wonders and experiences for you.
So we suggest you pack up and start exploring the Neretva valley. There are numerous unpaved roads making a real maze through the valley and these are perfect for nice and easygoing cycling activities. Then there are traditional boat tours that visit some of the best places in Neretva Valley, such as Nornin River. Finally, you have to enjoy some of the local food specialties like eels and frogs, characteristic dishes for the Neretva river Valley.
What to See:
Kiteboarding Beach: Even on non-windy days, the sandbars stretching deep into the sea at the Neretva kiteboarding area are perfect for relaxation or fun beach games.Traditional Boat Safaris: Take a guided tour on a traditional Neretva boat (“lađa”) to explore the delta’s channels and wildlife. The most famous ones are Kuti Lake and Norin River.Birdwatching: The valley is home to over 300 bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. It’s a good fact to know even if you are not into this activity.
Tips: Visit local markets to sample fresh fruits, especially the region’s famous mandarins or watermelons in the summer.
Hike to Marin Vijenac Hiking in Neretva is always a good idea, especially on the days you’re not kiteboarding in Neretva. You don’t need to go far in search of a good hike and a perfect view. If you want to stay in Neretva, you have 2 options – Babina Gomila and Marin Vijenac. Both of these mountains are not so high but they hold some of the best views of the Neretva valley.
Babina gomila is a bit higher and it will take you more time to reach its top. It’s also closer to the Neretva river mouth. Marin Vijenac is a nice and short hike and the best thing about this mountain is the wild horses that roam around and you just might stumble upon them. We chose Marin Vijenac as a main recommendation in this article because of its magial view of the Neretva Valley.
Why Hike: Marin Vijenac is a mountain peak offering great panoramic views of the Neretva ValleyWhat to Expect:
An easy hike with a moderately challenging part near the peak.
Amazing view from the top.
Tips: Proper shoes are a must, carry water, and start early to avoid midday heat.
Spend a Day on the Makarska Riviera Makarska Riviera is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Croatia and it’s just half an hour of driving away from the Neretva kiteboarding site. This part is considered to have the most beautiful beaches in Croatia so it’s worth paying it a visit and finding the best beach to spend your day at.
If you are not kiteboarding in Neretva, you might want to enjoy one of the many beaches of Makarska Riviera. The crystal clear sea and a lot of beaches are the main characteristics of this landscape. Many of the beaches are hidden and secluded so we suggest you search for these for a special experience.
Why Visit: Located less than an hour’s drive from the Neretva Delta, the Makarska Riviera is famous for its stunning beaches and nice towns.What to Do:
Relax on the pebble-secluded beaches
Explore Makarska’s old town and walk its promenade.
Try sea kayaking in Makarska or stand-up paddleboarding in the area
Tips: Visit in the morning to enjoy the beaches before they get crowded.
Try Adventures in Biokovo Nature Park Biokovo mountain stretches all along Makarska Riviera and if you are a hiking fan, you want to go there. You can even reach Biokovo Nature Park by car but the road going through it is pretty narrow and we don’t suggest driving there, especially during the peak season.
There’s a newly open skywalk and it has quickly become one of the park’s main attractions and more and more people are visiting Biokovo Nature Park because of it. If you would like to explore this stunning mountain in a more adventurous way, we suggest you book some of the tours in Biokovo like ATV tours or something similar.
Why Visit: Biokovo Nature Park, with its beautiful peaks and landscapes, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.Highlights:
The Biokovo Skywalk: A glass platform stretching over a cliff offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic coastline.
Hiking to Sveti Jure, the park’s highest peak. Vošac peak hike is also a great one.
Cycling routes through the park’s stunning landscapes. Cycling is a great way to explore Biokovo Nature Park.
Tips: Bring warm clothing for higher altitudes and plan your visit early in the day. Also, bring sunscreen as the sun can be pretty intense up there.
Additional Recommendations Here are a few extra places and suggestions you can visit near the Neretva kiteboarding spot. These are located in the neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina so make sure you have the proper documents to cross the border.
Visit Kravice Waterfalls: Just across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stunning waterfalls offer a perfect day trip and it’s a great destination for swimming and relaxation.Explore Počitelj: A historic Ottoman-era town near the Neretva Valley, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.Cyle the Famous Ćiro Trail cycling route: Famous Ćiro trail cycling route that is built on the old Ćiro railway foundation. Must visit if you are a cycling enthusiastBook a Canoe Safari on Trebižat River: Trebižat River is located near the city of Čapljina and there are many great places to relax by the river and eat great food. A canoe safari is a great way to experience the Trebižat River in a more adventurous way.
Some tips for a memorable stay in Neretva Before you Venture Here are some final tips for the places and activities we mentioned here:
Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast to check for windless days and schedule alternative activities as soon as possible as many of them are booking fast.Stay Flexible: Many local tours and activities can still be arranged on short notice so always give it a try. We suggest booking online.Bring Essentials: Always pack accordingly. Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a water bottle for outdoor adventures.
As this article shows you, the Neretva Valley is full of great places, both on and off the water. While kiteboarding in Neretva is the main attraction, it just might happen that there won’t be any wind on a particular day so you might want to fill your time with some other activities. Luckily for you, you are in a region full of diverse options.
Enjoy your Neretva kiteboarding sessions!
