Kravice is the natural showpiece of Herzegovina: a wide horseshoe of cascades, roughly 25 metres high, where the Trebižat river tumbles over a limestone lip into a green pool ringed by trees. It is a short drive from Mostar and is often compared with Croatia's Plitvice lakes, on a smaller and more intimate scale. In summer the pool is a swimming spot, with picnic tables, small cafes and boats to rent, and it fills with families from across the region. In cooler months it is quieter and the falls are fuller after autumn rain, which makes for dramatic views. The recommended tour is a full-day private trip of about ten to twelve hours, which combines Kravice with Počitelj, a protected Ottoman fortress village of stone houses climbing a hillside above the Neretva, the Blagaj dervish house at the Buna spring and the Old Bridge area in Mostar. The vehicle is air-conditioned, hotel pickup and drop-off are included and the guide and driver handle the logistics, so you can spend the day looking at scenery.
Think of Kravice as a place to slow down. After a morning on the road you walk down a path from the car park to the basin below the falls, where the sound of water and the mist from the cascades make a pleasant contrast to the heat on a summer day. Paths run around the edge and a small wooden platform gives a good view. Be careful on slippery rocks, and note that the water is cold even in summer.
Počitelj is the second highlight and often a surprise. This historic village, built in the 15th century and later developed by the Ottomans, climbs a steep slope to a fortress tower, and its mosque, clock tower and stone houses make a compact open-air museum. Climbing to the top rewards you with views over the river valley. Because it is small, a quarter of an hour is enough for a photograph, but an hour is better if you want to explore.
When to go and what to expect: summer is busy and warm, with swimming and cafes open, while autumn is quieter and some facilities may have reduced hours, so check before you travel. The listing says the tour has fifteen reviews and a high rating, with a group size up to fifty on larger departures and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. It starts at 8 am and is usually booked about two weeks ahead. Entrance fees at Kravice and Blagaj are listed in confusing ways, so confirm what is included.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day trip from Sarajevo by air-conditioned vehicle, with a guide, stopping at Kravice Falls, Počitelj, the Buna spring and the Old Bridge in Mostar.
Best time
Summer for swimming; autumn for quieter paths and fuller water after rain.
How long
About ten to twelve hours, with around thirty minutes at the falls on this itinerary.
Tips
Bring a swimsuit in summer, wear shoes with grip, carry some cash for entry and check which fees are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers and photographers who want a day outside the city.
- Families
- Children love the water and the village, but the day is long and paths are slippery.
- Couples
- A scenic day with quiet stops at Počitelj and Blagaj.
- Pair with
- A Mostar old town walk or the Mostar and Herzegovina day trip.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How high are the Kravice waterfalls?+
They are roughly 25 metres high and form a wide horseshoe on the Trebižat river. The scale is more intimate than dramatic.
Can I swim at Kravice?+
Yes, in summer, though the water is cold. In cooler months swimming is not advisable.
What is Počitelj?+
A protected Ottoman fortress village with stone houses and a tower above the Neretva valley. It is free to enter and well worth an hour.
Is the entrance fee included in the tour?+
The listing lists Kravice and Blagaj fees inconsistently. Check with the operator before you book.
Is this trip suitable for children?+
Yes, but it is a long day with a lot of travel time. Break it up with snacks and pauses.
