Discovering the Neretva Valley

Setting off to discover the Neretva Valley, on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, means immersing yourself in a rare and precious river ecosystem. This journey stems from the desire to recount not only the extraordinary natural beauty of this land, but also its many natural, cultural, historical and economic facets. The Neretva River is the common thread of this adventure: a vital artery that has preserved the transformations of nature and man for centuries, intertwining stories and landscapes. Through a slow and intimate kayak journey, from a unique and rarely documented perspective, we will immerse ourselves in a little-explored land of rivers, lagoons and lakes. But it will also be a journey within ourselves, amid reflections, solitude and deep emotions. This is an adventure in complete energy autonomy, without assistance, in which the real goal is not the destination, but the journey itself: an experience of expanded time, chance encounters and personal challenges. The narrative develops with a particular focus on the naturalistic and social aspects of the territory, intertwined with intimate reflections on the need for authentic contact with wild nature, capable of regenerating body and spirit, in stark contrast to the fast and artificial pace of the modern world.

The Neretva Valley is one of the few natural furrows that cut through the bastion of the Dinaric Alps, creating a natural corridor between the Bosnian hinterland and the Adriatic Sea. Over the millennia, the river has shaped a unique landscape: narrow gorges in the upper part that gradually widen towards the mouth, where a marshy delta of great ecological value opens up. Despite the generally karstic nature of the Dalmatian territory, the floodplains formed by the Neretva have a long agricultural tradition. As early as 1910, historical data showed that the unproductive area in Dalmatia was surprisingly small (only 3.3% of the total area). Citrus plantations, vineyards and vegetable gardens in the reclaimed areas of the valley constitute an important economic sector. Citrus plantations extend from thousands of small islands in the lagoon, where it is possible to camp and meet local farmers. The wetland system created by the Neretva at its mouth is one of the most important marsh ecosystems in the eastern Adriatic. The Kuti and Bacinska lakes, together with the coastal marshes, are home to exceptional biodiversity, providing crucial habitats for numerous migratory and resident species.

This journey along the Narenta River is not only an immersion in a unique landscape, but also an invitation to rediscover the value of silence and slowness, allowing yourself to be surprised by the hidden beauty and stories of those who live there...

A journey that goes beyond geographical boundaries to touch the very essence of travel.