Neretva Delta

The Neretva Delta is a river landscape in southern Croatia, in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, where the Neretva flows into the sea. The small town of Opuzen, in the heart of the valley, is surrounded by canals, fertile alluvial land and wetlands.

Mainly mandarins are grown, along with vegetables and other crops. According to a Croatian tourism portal (2021 article) the harvest runs from mid-September to Christmas; the valley is also called the “Golden Valley”. The waterways were once the main transport routes, and wooden boats and the lađa boats were used for transport and farming. The delta is regarded as one of Europe's last wetlands, with its birdlife, flora and fauna and traditional way of life.

For visitors: photo safaris in traditional Neretva boats are offered, some in boats about 100 years old. Wikivoyage counts the delta and the Baćina lakes among the most attractive natural sights around Ploče. Buses from Dubrovnik and Split take about 1.5 to 2 hours; the ferry from Trpanj on Pelješac to Ploče takes about an hour and runs several times a day. Check timetables, dates, harvest time and offers ahead.