If you plan to travel to southern Croatia, maybe toward the famous city of Dubrovnik as many people do, then you are going to pass through the Neretva river delta. It’s a beautiful valley near the city of Ploce, which was our base for a long time, and we spent a lot of our time there, exploring and embarking on different adventures. And that’s the reason why we feel confident while writing about the Neretva Delta. We pretty much covered every part of it and we’re bringing you one step closer to it through the images we’ll share in this article.
Neretva river delta is becoming more and more popular with each passing year and nowadays it’s famous because it’s considered to be one of the best places for kitesurfing (kiteboarding) in Croatia. And really, if you visit the Neretva delta during the summer months afternoon hours, you’ll see a lot of these wind riders enjoying their dance with the wind. And it looks gorgeous. We like to chill out in a local beach bar, drinking coffee or a beer, and just look at kitesurfers doing their stuff. It’s relaxing.
But there is much more to the Neretva River delta, so many more reasons to fall in love with it and we’re bringing our top 5 in this post.
Introduction to the Neretva River Delta
Let us take you back into the past, some 70 years back. At that time, the Neretva River delta was a partly dry wasteland and partly swamp. Not many things were going around. A few years ago we stumbled upon the video about making the Neretva delta what it is today. The video is below this text and we recommend you watch it, it’s very interesting and it will show you how life here was before the Neretva River delta became what it is today. Things will be much clearer to you.
Neretva River has a source in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina and it flows through Croatia only for 20 kilometers. But it seems that 20 kilometers were enough for the Neretva River to make one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in Croatia.
Neretva river pours into the Adriatic Sea near the city of Ploce and the place where it meets the sea is full of sandbars on which you can walk for hundreds of meters into the sea. There are a lot of shallow parts where the water reaches only to your knees or ankles. This is one of the reasons why the Neretva river delta is a popular destination for families with children who don’t know how to swim yet.
That’s enough for the introduction, let’s move on with our top reasons why you should visit the Neretva Delta while you’re in Croatia
Best experiences you should try in the Neretva area
Beautiful Nature and Biodiversity of Life
The Neretva Delta is one of the most biodiverse areas in Croatia. It’s blooming with life. Starting with birdlife, the Neretva Delta has more than 300 bird species living in its landscapes and ruling over its skies. All these bird species make it the second-largest ornithological landscape in Europe. There is a birdwatching point made for all the bird lovers out there and if you visit the city of Metković, we suggest you visit the Natural History Museum located there too.
When it comes to the rest of nature, it’s beautiful and unique. Sandy beaches dominate the mouth of the Neretva river while the rest of the valley is full of different shades of greens coming from different fruits and vegetable plantations.
Neretva river delta is a place where the river meets with the sea and when that happens you know that the results will be breathtaking. But not only the mouth of the river is full of wonders. If you move more inland you’ll find even more natural wonders there. Let’s take Modro Oko Lake (Blue Eye Lake) or the Norin River near the city of Vid. On the other side of the valley, there is a legendary Kuti lake with a network of canals that serve as a road to it.
Neretva Valley is full of drainage canals and when observed from the air, these canals make a real labyrinth. These canals are like roads in Neretva valley since there are some parts of the land accessible only by boats. So you could say that the Neretva River delta is like a Croatian Venice.
- Highlights:
- Spot herons, egrets, and ibises along the delta’s waterways.
- Explore the lush vegetation and walk the sandbars of the Neretva delta
- Take a boat tour to navigate the intricate network of channels and experience the delta’s serene beauty up close.
Rich History
Going back in time now, almost 2000 years into the past. In that period Neretva delta was full of Illyrian tribes who were fighting with Romans. Romans eventually won and formed their colony right here, in the Neretva River delta. The second-largest Roman city on this side of the Adriatic was Narona and today it’s called Vid. Today, there is the largest museum about Roman culture in Croatia and it is absolutely worth visiting.
The Neretva River was a famous trading route back then. Just imagine all those Roman ships sailing toward Narona bringing goods such as amphorae full of olive oil and wine. There are some amphorae still buried under the sand of the Neretva river and archeologists are still doing research and excavations in the Neretva river delta.
One of the latest discoveries in the Neretva delta is small boats made from a single piece of wood trunk. They were found on the bottom of the river’s mouth and it’s believed that these boats date back to prehistoric times. What a cool discovery this is. Research is in progress and locals are thinking about opening a museum about prehistoric life in the Neretva river delta.
Another famous place in Neretva Valley is Kuti Lake. It’s somewhat secluded and not so popular as a Neretva river mouth, but there is a peculiar legend about this place. You know how today nobody knows where the ancient city of Troy was. Some locals swear that they saw some stone walls in the mud of this shallow lake and so the theory about the city of Troy being in Neretva delta was born. Some even believe that the ancient city of Narona was a real Troy.
- Narona Museum in Vid: Built over the remains of the ancient Roman city Narona, this museum showcases Roman artifacts, including stunning statues and mosaics.
- Medieval Legacy: Discover remnants of historic forts and structures that once guarded Neretva Valley
Sandy Beaches
Most people visit Croatia in the summer months and the Adriatic Sea is one of the main reasons for it. Neretva river delta is a place where the sea and river meet and become one. How romantic that sounds. And out of that love, many sandy beaches and sandbars are born. The whole Neretva Valley is in fact place made out of sand. You don’t have many beaches with real sand in Croatia, and if you are a fan of those, you have a very good reason to visit the Neretva delta.
Some of the sandbars stretch for hundreds of meters into the sea and you can walk on them while the sea reaches only to your ankles. Sometimes, during a low tide, sand is everywhere and you can see people walking on the parts that were under the sea just a few hours ago.
- Highlights:
- Enjoy shallow, warm waters ideal for swimming and beach games.
- Morning walks along the peaceful stretches of sand with minimal crowds, even in peak season.
- Popular spots include the sandy shores near the Neretva River mouth.
Tangerines (Mandarines) and Road Markets
Neretva River Delta has very fertile soil and all the cultures that are growing here were planned when the Neretva Delta was born some 70 years ago. This valley is often called ‘Croatian California’. The most common fruit found in Neretva Valley is tangerine (mandarine).
Many tourists come here specifically during the harvest season to be a part of it and participate in picking up this sweet fruit. Tangerines has become one of the most famous products of Neretva Valley and nowadays it’s widely known throughout Europe as one of the highest quality tangerines.
If you are traveling toward or from Dubrovnik, you’ll pass through the Neretva valley. You’ll see a lot of shops on the sides of the road, selling different products. This is considered to be one of the longest markets in Croatia and you have to stop in at least one while driving through the Neretva valley.
- Tangerine (Mandarine) Harvest: Join a mandarine-picking tour to immerse yourself in this unique activity.
- Roadside Markets: Drive along the delta’s roads to find markets selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade products like honey and olive oil.
Local Food
Neretva River Delta is famous for its gastronomy specialties too. People living in the delta some 100 years ago were poor so they had to be extra creative to make their food tasty. Remember, 100 years ago, the Neretva delta was a marsh, and not many parts of the land were as fertile as today. The most famous local specialties include eels and frogs. Brodetto is another famous local dish and in the past, locals were boiling sea stones when making brodetto to make it saltier.
If you are traveling through the Neretva River Delta, we suggest you stop at one of the local restaurants and try something. Try to look for some traditional restaurants on Google Maps and let your taste buds enjoy.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Brodet: A hearty fish stew served with polenta.
- Eel and Frog Specialties: Unique delicacies prepared in traditional styles.
- Local Wine: Pair your meals with wines from nearby Pelješac or Neretva vineyards.
- Dining Tip: Visit family-run konobas (taverns) for an authentic experience.
Kiteboarding and Windsurfing Opportunities
Last, but not least, the Neretva river delta is one of the most famous locations for kiteboarding in Croatia. If you are interested in this activity, then you should definitely think about visiting Neretva Delta. Even if you have never tried kiteboarding before, there are tours and courses that you can participate in that will teach you the basics of this great activity in no time.
Aerial view of kitesurfers at Neretva river delta, one of the best places for kitesurfing in Croatia. Situated near the city of Ploče in Dalmatia, Croatia.
- Best Spots:
- The delta’s sandy beaches provide ideal launch points.
- Professional schools offer lessons and equipment rentals for beginners.
- Experience:
- Glide over the Adriatic Sea while enjoying stunning views of the delta at the same time.
- Join the growing community of water sports enthusiasts who come to this destination every year.
Places to Visit Nearby
Neretva Delta is a great place for exploring, but there are many more places worth visiting that are close by. Each of these places we mention below has unique landscapes and features and each of them is equally beautiful in its own way.
- Baćina Lakes: Just a short drive away (15 minutes), these interconnected freshwater lakes are perfect for kayaking, SUP tours, cycling, and relaxing in nature.
- Makarska Riviera: Explore the best beaches in Croatia and the majestic Biokovo Mountain.
- Ston: Famous for its medieval walls and salt pans, this charming town is a paradise for food lovers and those interested in the rich history of the area
- Local Wineries: Visit vineyards in the Pelješac Peninsula or Neretva Valley and try some of the best Croatian wines or learn about traditional winemaking practices.
Best Adventure Activities Around the Neretva Delta
And last comes the adventure. Neretva Delta is surrounded by adventure possibilities. Start with the kiteboarding and windsurfing. There are numerous peaks you can hike to for perfect views of the Neretva Valley – Marina Vijenac and Babina Gomila for example. Then there are kayaking and SUP tours on Baćina lakes. Nearby Biokovo mountain offers some more hiking opportunities while a visit to Biokovo nature park is a must if you are into mountain landscapes and great views.
- Kayaking: Paddle through the serene channels of the delta for a close encounter with nature.
- SUP tours: almost like surfing but with fewer waves. A great activity to explore nearby Baćina lakes.
- Cycling: Explore scenic trails that wind through orchards, villages, and wetlands.
- Hiking: Take on trails in nearby Biokovo Nature Park or ascend to Marin Vijenac for panoramic views.
- Fishing: Try your hand at catching eels or other local fish species (Make sure you have a permit).
- Birdwatching: Bring your binoculars to observe the region’s impressive array of birdlife. There is a bird observation deck built at the Neretva River mouth.
Before you Venture into the nature of the Neretva delta
Neretva river delta is a landscape worth visiting, especially if you are traveling to Dubrovnik as many people do. Or from Dubrovnik toward Split. Even if you don’t have much time, the mouth of the Neretva River is just 10 minutes away from the main road.
Even with a little time you can make a visit and maybe drink a coffee in a spectacular landscape. If you are planning to stay in Neretva delta for a few days, there is still a lot of things to do and discover but we’ll write about it in some other posts.
Enjoy your time at the Neretva River Delta!
