Kravice Waterfalls (also known as Kravica Waterfalls ) is a place we visited frequently during our childhood and still enjoy visiting occasionally. We still remember it as the untouched and unspoiled place where you could get directly under the waterfall and swim. It almost felt like the Garden of Eden back then. But, a lot has changed since those days, and even though Kravice Waterfalls remained as beautiful as ever, a lot of new infrastructure has been built and some new rules imposed.
In this article, we are taking you to one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Kravice Waterfalls are located near the border with Croatia, and in the past decade, they have become one of the most famous natural attractions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We will discuss what you can expect when visiting these waterfalls, how to reach them from nearby tourist destinations such as Mostar and Dubrovnik, whether you can swim there, and many other things.
Kravice is absolutely worth a stop if you are traveling through this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and here’s everything you need to know before visiting them.
What Are the Kravice Waterfalls? First things first, let’s discuss a scene you’ll encounter once you reach this place. The Kravice Waterfalls are a series of beautiful cascades located on the Trebižat River . These waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina are located about 10 km from the town of Ljubuški. The falls are approximately 25 meters (82 feet) high and span over 120 meters (394 feet) wide . They make a natural amphitheater you can admire from many vantage points.
Kravice Waterfalls are surrounded by forest and limestone cliffs, and have that unique jungle vibe. They are very visited, especially on weekends, and they are a popular spot among both locals and international travelers. We had a 10-year gap during which we hadn’t visited Kravice, and the last time we went there, we couldn’t believe how much the place had changed.
Some 10 years ago, you only had one road that led you directly to Kravice Waterfalls. There was no parking, no need to buy tickets, no shops of any kind, and just one restaurant on the site. Kravice today has a large parking area, there is an entrance fee, a stairway built to the waterfalls, a road train that you can take to get to and from Kravice, a few new restaurants, and much more.
What to Expect When You Visit Even though we love unspoiled natural places and still look back with a nostalgic feeling toward the ‘old’ Kravice Waterfalls, we are aware of how tourism works, and we always somehow knew that Kravice would be much more in the near future. Here’s what you can expect if you visit Kravice nowadays:
Natural swimming pools near the waterfalls (you can’t get under the highest waterfall anymore)Cafés and restaurants that are open during the summer seasonCanoe and kayak rentals Wooden walkways on which you can traverse the Trebižat River
Picnic areas and shaded spots
Basic entrance fee (around €10)Parking and public toilets
A road train that you can take to get to the waterfalls
The site is well-organized, especially during peak months, and even though there have been some human interventions through the years, Kravice Waterfalls are still beautiful and worth a visit. We believe that the images we’ll put in this article will tell you even more than the words in this article.
Can You Swim in Kravice Waterfalls? Yes, swimming is allowed at Kravice Waterfalls, but there are some areas you can’t reach anymore, and these are clearly marked by the floating fence. When we have visited Kravice in the past, there were no limitations on where you could get and swim, but there were not many visitors back then either. If only half of the people visiting Kravice Waterfalls today were to swim and climb the waterfalls, the place would look completely different, and there would be many accidents.
You can swim in the large natural pool at the base of the falls, and swimming is one of the main highlights of visiting Kravice. The water of the Trebižat River is cool, clean, and refreshing.
Keep in mind:
Lifeguards observe the whole area, so don’t try reaching places you’re not allowed to
Water shoes are helpful for walking on slippery rocks
The best time to swim at Kravice Waterfalls is from June to September
Where Are the Kravice Waterfalls? Kravice is located in Herzegovina , the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s also close to the Croatian border, which makes it a perfect day trip from Dubrovnik , Mostar , or Split .
Nearest town : Ljubuški (10 km)Coordinates : 43.1567° N, 17.6104° E
How Far Are Kravice Waterfalls from Dubrovnik? Visiting this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina from Dubrovnik is one of the most popular day trips. There are many different tours and many of them visit Kravice Waterfalls together with some other places in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as Počitelj, Mostar, Međugorje, and more. The distance between Dubrovnik and Kravice Waterfalls is approximately 130 km (81 miles) .
You can either join a guided tour from Dubrovnik to Kravice Waterfalls, or you can drive on your own. You could also use the public transport to reach Ljubuški, and then take a taxi to Kravice, but this journey is a bit longer and more complex than the others.
Driving time : Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car, depending on border crossing timesA valid passport is required since you’re crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina
How to Get to Kravice Waterfalls from Dubrovnik In this section, we are going to give you a quick overview of how to get from Dubrovnik to Kravice Waterfalls. There are 3 most usual ways to do so – by car, through an organized day trip, or by bus. If you are staying in Dubrovnik for a few days, we suggest including a day trip to your itinerary, and you can choose from many different
1. By Car
The easiest and most flexible option to travel to Kravice Waterfalls
Route: Dubrovnik → Metković → Čapljina → Ljubuški → Kravice
Combine it with visits to Mostar or Počitelj on the same day for an even better experience
2. By Organized Tour
Many agencies in Dubrovnik offer day trips that include Kravice + Mostar and some other places along the route
Often include a local guide, air-conditioned transport, and a stop for lunch
Great for a carefree experience
3. By Bus (Less Recommended)
There is no direct bus route from Dubrovnik to Kravice
You’d need to reach Ljubuški or Čapljina by bus, then take a taxi
Not the most convenient way of getting to Kravice
How to Get to Kravice Waterfalls from Mostar Mostar is only 40 km (25 miles) from Kravice Waterfalls, and if you are already visiting Mostar, then we recommend you consider visiting Kravice too, since they are pretty close. The same things apply as for traveling from Dubrovnik to Kravice, but this time your travel time will be way shorter.
By Car:
Expect around 45 minutes drive
Take the M6 road through Ljubuški
By Tour:
Available from Mostar with local travel operators
Often combined with visits to Blagaj, Počitelj, or Međugorje
By Taxi:
Taxis from Mostar to Kravice are common and not too expensive if shared
Best Time to Visit Kravice Waterfalls The main season with most people visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia is summer. It’s the hottest part of the year and the most crowded part of the year at Kravice Waterfalls. It’s also part of the year locals like to avoid because of the crowds. Still, crowds shouldn’t be something that will discourage you from visiting this natural wonder. Just prepare for them and play along.
If you have any chance, visit Kravice early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid most of the crowds. Also, these waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina are most magnificent in spring when they are surrounded by lush vegetation and are full of water, which diminishes as the spring turns into summer.
Spring (April–May) : Lush surroundings, strong water flow, fewer crowds. Great time to visit Kravice.Summer (June–August) : Warmest water, perfect for swimming, but expect a lot of visitorsAutumn (September–October) : Mild weather and fewer tourists once again. The most colorful season at Kravice Waterfalls
Avoid visiting during heavy rain or winter months as water levels can rise, and some facilities may be closed.
Tips for Visiting Finally, we are going to end this article with a few general tips that can help you to have the best possible experience of this stunning place in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Arrive as early in the day as possible to avoid crowds
Bring a swimsuit, a towel, water shoes, and sunscreen
Carry cash for entrance fees or snacks (credit cards not always accepted)
Combine your trip to Kravice with Mostar , Počitelj , or Međugorje
Consider visiting Peć Mlini adventure park and Koćuša Waterfall (both of them are around 30 minutes of driving away from each other)
Before You Venture to Kravice Waterfalls We hope that this article about Kravice Waterfall , especially the images we have taken there, were helpful in planning your visit. It’s truly a beautiful place, we are sure you’ll enjoy it even though it might feel too crowded on some occasions. But hey, which such place isn’t nowadays? This part of Bosnia and Herzegovina is beautiful and we love to explore it, so make sure you combine your visit to Kravice waterfalls with other nearby attractions and enjoy in beauty of this country.
Oh yes, and don’t forget to eat local food. Enjoy Kravice Waterfalls and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
