Kravice Waterfalls

The Kravice Waterfalls (locally spelled Kravica, sometimes Kravice) are a horseshoe of cascades on the Trebižat River, about 40 km west of Mostar. Up to 25 metres high and 120 metres wide in good water conditions, they drop into a natural pool that is swimmable from late spring through September. In summer, the scene — turquoise water, white foam, surrounding greenery — is spectacular, and the waterfalls are one of the most visited natural sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What to expect

The site is compact: a path along the rim leads to steps down to the pool level. Swimming is the main activity, and the water is refreshingly cool even in the hottest weeks of July and August. There are sun loungers for rent (around 5 BAM), a kiosk selling drinks and snacks, and basic changing facilities. The entry fee is approximately 7 BAM per person in high season; parking costs extra (around 3 BAM for cars).

The falls are most powerful in spring (March-May), when snowmelt from the hinterland swells the Trebižat. In late summer (August-September), flow is reduced but still impressive. In winter (November-February), the site is often closed or staffed minimally.

Getting there

By car or taxi: From Mostar, take the M-17 south to Čapljina, then follow signs west to Ljubuški; the falls are signposted off the main road. About 40 minutes. Parking area is large but fills quickly on summer weekends.

By tour: A half-day Kravice tour from Mostar is the most common option for those without a car. Most depart mid-morning and return in the early afternoon. A longer full-day tour combining Kravice with Blagaj and Počitelj is excellent value if you want to tick off the Herzegovina highlights in one go.

From Dubrovnik: Kravice is frequently combined with a Mostar visit on day trips from Dubrovnik. The drive is about 90 km one-way via the Neretva delta crossing.

There is no reliable public bus to the falls.

Crowd management: the honest picture

In July and August, Kravice is very busy — particularly between 11am and 3pm when day-trip groups from both Mostar and the Croatian coast converge. The swimming pool area can feel cramped, and parking can be chaotic. On peak summer weekends, expect 500-1,000 visitors at any one time.

To avoid the worst of it:

• Arrive early: The car park opens at 8am; arriving before 9:30am in July-August means significantly fewer people.
• Weekdays over weekends: Even in August, weekday mornings are manageable.
• Shoulder season is the real answer: May, June, and September offer the same beauty with a fraction of the crowds, lower entry fees, and cooler weather.

Swimming and safety

The pool is swimmable throughout the main season. The water is cold (12-16°C even in summer — significantly cooler than the Adriatic). There are no lifeguards. The rocks below the falls are slippery; wading close to the base of the main cascade is not advised. Children should be supervised at the water’s edge.

The Trebižat is calm within the pool area; there is no strong current. Jumping from the ledges above the pool is not officially permitted and has caused injuries.

Combining Kravice with other sites

Kravice fits neatly into a full-day Herzegovina circuit:

1. Morning: Blagaj Tekija and Buna spring (12 km south of Mostar)
2. Mid-morning: Počitelj (25 km south of Mostar)
3. Afternoon: Kravice Waterfalls (40 km west of Mostar, via Čapljina)

Alternatively, continue 20 km further west to Hutovo Blato Nature Park (a bird reserve and wetland on the Krupa River), especially good in spring and autumn when migratory birds are present. See our Hutovo Blato guide for details.

Practical information

• Entry fee: ~7 BAM per person (2025); parking ~3 BAM. Prices may change.
• ATMs: None at the site; bring cash (BAM). Some kiosks accept EUR at a poor rate.
• Food: Kiosk on site for drinks and snacks; bring your own lunch for a proper picnic.
• Time needed: 2-4 hours for most visitors — 30 minutes to walk the rim, 1-2 hours swimming, time for food.
• Footwear: Water shoes useful for the rocky pool entry. Flip-flops are sold at the kiosk.
• Nearest town: Ljubuški (10 km), which has restaurants and ATMs.

For the full context, see the Kravice Waterfalls guide and the best day trips from Mostar.