Neretva is like a breath of fresh air, in more ways than one, after the hustle and heat of city life, it's natures F5, the refresh button. From an amazing museum in Vid featuring a jaw-dropping collection of Roman artefacts and statues from centuries before Christ roamed the earth. Just amazing and to see how advanced the Romans were all those years ago is mind-blowing.
The Neretva Valley beckons as a dreamlike realm, where untouched nature calls to the soul amidst warm hospitality. Drifting along the narrow canals and backwaters of the Neretva in a traditional boat promises a unique journey toward serenity. These boats, once the lifeblood of Neretva, now embody pride and tradition, captivating visitors time and again.
"That looks like the green baize of the world's biggest ever snooker table," joked a friend as she looked out over the Neretva Delta for the first time. It clearly wasn't what she was expecting. A break from the Adriatic coastline, the craggy mountains and the sea. I had to admit it was impressive, just a mass of flatness, a Dubrovnik version of the Great Plains of Kansas. The crisscross of canals busily fertilizing and watering the crops, the Neretva cutting its way like a mega highway and the abundance of flora and fauna, this was nature with the volume turned up to the maximum. And all this diversity within touching distance of Dubrovnik, although for most of us it is so close and yet so far!
Authentic experiences
Guided by knowledgeable hosts, you'll glimpse daily life along the Neretva, witnessing fishing techniques and the cultivation of symbolic crops like mandarins, figs, and grapes. Indulge in authentic experiences, uncovering the secrets of local delicacies while toasting with Neretva wine from wooden jugs and reveling in heartfelt songs.
In the labyrinthine canals adorned with water-lilies, rare bird species find sanctuary in their hidden havens amid bulrushes and reeds. It is truly a dream destination for bird lovers, and they come from the four corners of the globe to experience a whole plethora of wild birds. And for bird enthusiasts, the rich avian diversity of the Neretva delta is showcased in Metković's ornithological collection, established by renowned Croatian ornithologist Dragutin Rucner. While some species like the Dalmatian pelican and griffon duck have faded, the delta remains a vital sanctuary for species like bitterns and ferruginous ducks. As a crucial stopover for millions of migratory birds, it's a haven cherished by nature lovers worldwide. Today, this collection enriches the Natural History Museum in Metković, a testament to the Neretva's enduring allure.
Denis Jerkovic/Cropix
A must see museum
A mere 4km southwest of Metković, the remains of Narona, today's Vid, host the Archaeological Museum Narona. Positioned at the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, this museum showcases a remarkable collection of statues dating back to the 1st century B.C. It stands as Croatia's first "in situ" museum, a must-visit for enthusiasts of culture, art, history, and archaeology.
Find more info here - https://visitdubrovnik.hr/