Kravice waterfalls guide
From Mostar: Half-Day Trip to the Kravica Waterfall
What are Kravice Waterfalls and is swimming allowed?
Kravice (Kravica) is a crescent of tufa limestone waterfalls roughly 25 metres high on the Trebižat River in Herzegovina, 42km southwest of Mostar. Swimming is allowed and is the main draw in summer — the natural pools at the base are clear, cool, and spectacular. Entrance is 5 BAM.
Kravice Waterfalls — often written as Kravica in Croatian — is one of the most photographed natural sites in Bosnia & Herzegovina, and the images do not lie. A wide crescent of tufa limestone cascades roughly 25 metres into a series of emerald-green natural pools, enclosed by lush vegetation that feels almost tropical against the surrounding limestone karst. In summer, it becomes a natural swimming lido; in spring, a roaring spectacle of white water.
What makes Kravice special
Kravice is not a single waterfall but a horseshoe-shaped cataract approximately 120 metres across. The water comes from the Trebižat River — a tributary of the Neretva — and flows over a tufa (calcium carbonate) formation that grows slightly larger each year as minerals precipitate from the water. This is the same material that forms the travertine pools of Plitvice in Croatia, giving the water its distinctive turquoise-green colour even in summer when levels drop.
At peak flow in spring (March-May), the noise is tremendous and the spray reaches 30-40 metres. In midsummer, the flow decreases and the pools widen, making the site more suitable for swimming. Both states are worth seeing.
Swimming at Kravice
Swimming is permitted and is the main reason most summer visitors come. The pools at the base of the falls are natural, clear, and in July typically around 18-22°C — refreshing rather than cold. You can swim directly under several of the smaller cascades; the main fall creates too much turbulence for comfortable swimming but forms a dramatic backdrop.
Bring a towel, change in the basic changing facilities near the entrance, and wear shoes that grip on wet limestone (flip-flops are risky on the path down). Snorkels are not necessary but occasionally seen.
The site gets extremely crowded on summer weekends between 11:00 and 15:00 — it is genuinely unpleasant at peak times. Arriving by 09:00 or after 16:00 transforms the experience.
Getting to Kravice
From Mostar
By car/motorbike: Head southwest on the main road toward Čapljina, then follow signs to Kravice/Kravica. The drive is 42km, approximately 50 minutes on good roads. Park at the entrance (parking 2 BAM); walk 10 minutes down to the falls.
By organised tour: A half-day Kravice tour from Mostar is the most convenient option if you don’t have a car. Tours typically depart in the morning or afternoon and include transport, entrance fee, and a guide.
Combining with Blagaj and Počitelj: Most day-trip itineraries from Mostar cover all three sites in a single day. The Blagaj, Počitelj and Kravice Waterfalls day tour is the standard package: Blagaj Tekke in the morning, Počitelj Ottoman village at midday, and Kravice in the afternoon — a full and rewarding day.
From Dubrovnik
Kravice is 130km from Dubrovnik by road (roughly 2 hours). Organised day trips from Dubrovnik typically include Mostar city walk (2 hours), Kravice swimming (2 hours), and optionally Blagaj or Počitelj. See the Mostar from Dubrovnik guide for full details on the various tour options.
Practical information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee | 5 BAM / adult |
| Parking | 2 BAM |
| Open | Daily 08:00 (approximately) |
| Best swimming season | June-September |
| Best waterfall season | March-May |
| Nearest town | Ljubuški (12km) |
| Cafes and food | On-site konobas open in season |
The ecosystem around Kravice
The tufa wetlands around the Trebižat River support significant biodiversity. The otter (vidra) is resident in the river; kingfishers nest along the riverbanks; and the vegetation includes a mix of riparian woodland and Mediterranean maquis unusual this far inland. The site is within the informal boundaries of the Kravice Nature Monument, though it lacks the protection of a formal national park.
In spring, the wildflower meadows above the falls are excellent for walking — a 2km path follows the river bank upstream to a quieter area above the main pool.
Combining Kravice with the Una National Park
Both Kravice and Štrbački Buk (Una National Park) are tufa waterfalls, but they are very different in character. Kravice is accessible, swimmable, and crowded; Štrbački Buk is remote, powerful, and almost pristine. For travellers spending a week in Bosnia, visiting both is worthwhile. The Una National Park guide and Štrbački Buk guide have the details. For more waterfalls closer to central Bosnia, see the Pliva waterfall guide.
Frequently asked questions about Kravice waterfalls
How do I get to Kravice Waterfalls from Mostar?
What time does Kravice open and how much is entry?
When is the best time to visit Kravice?
Can I visit Kravice from Dubrovnik?
Is there food at Kravice Waterfalls?
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