The Mouth of the Neretva River

They say that the Neretva is the coldest river in the world. To anyone who has ever tried to cool off in its waters under the Old Bridge (Town of Mostar) in summer, this information should not come as a surprise.

It is a river with many faces. In its upper course, it is wild and capricious, while in the lower course, it is gentle and wide. That part of it forms the delta of the Neretva Valley. It is well-known to everyone for the cultivation of mandarins, as well as other fruits and vegetables. It is one of the most fertile regions in Croatia. Everyone driving towards Dubrovnik has passed through this valley and could admire the picturesque islets, lakes, and canals from numerous viewpoints.

However, few people stop at the very mouth where the Neretva flows into the sea.

The area of the Neretva mouth is a special ornithological-ichthyological reserve where marsh and marine landscapes merge. It is a sanctuary for many animal species. This area is of exceptional importance due to the richness of its fish stock (as many as 69 species), and it is an important shelter for migratory birds.

Driving towards the mouth, you pass through a wetland area with backwaters and shallows. Boats hidden in the reeds give everything a romantic touch.

At the mouth itself, the banks of the Neretva are secured with embanked stones. Numerous docks are visible on the other side of the river. The width of the river here is about 150 m.

The embankment here is relatively narrow, only about 40 m. On one side is the aforementioned bed of the Neretva, and on the other is a sandy beach. It is not the type of beach that would tempt us to swim, but it is ideal for volleyball or “picigin”.

Framed like this with ropes and reeds, it reminds us of the English type of beaches. It is ideal for winter and spring picnics in the sun.

Along the entire length of the embankment, some 100 – 200 m from the shore, a sandbar stretches into the sea. We haven’t had the chance to see this in our country before.

What this point is also famous for is that it is a kitesurfing paradise. There are several such locations in Croatia that are prized among kiters – Zlatni rat on Brač, Viganj on Pelješac, Ždrijac near Nin, and a whole series of locations in southern Istria and Kvarner.

Kitesurfing is popular throughout the year, and it is possible to see foreign license plates here in the middle of winter.