If you are ever to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, a heart-shaped land, an unavoidable stop would be the Kravica Waterfall also known as the Oasis in the Stone “– and with a reason!
Kravica Waterfall is the true example of Nature’s generous hand – crystal clear, turquoise-green water surrounded by diverse flora which will provide you with a unique feeling. This place can easily become your watery haven from hot Herzegovinian summer.
Kravica Waterfall is located in the very heart of Herzegovina – the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Herzegovina is well known for its natural beauties, historical sights, plenty of sunshine, and extremely pleasant climate.
It is important to mention that Herzegovina is the largest producer of grapes and wine in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Herzegovina has been described in many poems, stories, books as the land of karst, fig, wine, gusal, and ganga.
As famous BH Nobelist Ivo Andric said: “When I come to Herzegovina, I walk faster, breathe easier and think better“, we can add that there’s no better place for a fresh breath and turquoise-green ambient at the very heart of Herzegovina. The well-watered fields near Trebižat river, in a magnificent natural oasis: Kravica Waterfall.
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Where to Stay near Kravica Waterfall
We have written a very convenient guide to the best accommodation in Mostar which is a very convenient place to stay when visiting Kravica Waterfalls, however, these are some other places we recommend for a stay closer to this stunning natural landmark!
Budget: If you want a comfy place on a super-budget, you can consider a stay at Apartment Kravica. Check availability and rates here.
Mid-range: If you can spend a bit more, then don’t miss staying in the beautiful Adria Centar Koćuša. Check availability and rates here.
Luxury: For style seekers, Villa Lota is a magnificent 5-star villa that you can enjoy all on your own in the area of Vitina. Check availability and rates here.
The Oasis in the Stone: Kravica Waterfall
Kravica in Fall.
This natural beauty is located around 40 kilometers from Mostar, the unofficial capital of the Herzegovina region, and three kilometers downstream of town Ljubuški. Most tourists, when visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, visit Kravica Waterfall coming from the direction of Mostar.
Kravica Waterfall is for sure one of the most attractive touristic sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Last June, popular travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler ranked it among the 20 most beautiful places in Europe. It’s not surprising that it is a favorite gathering place for local and foreign tourists who do not cease to admire this wonder of nature.
The height of the waterfalls ranges from 26 to 28 meters and depends on the season. These magnificent waterfalls with a 120-meter-diameter amphitheater underneath thrill thousands of visitors each year. It truly is a scene from a fairytale: grass, moss, and lichen that have overgrown tufa layers around the waterfalls, and the Trebižat river create a natural wonder.
The beauty and uniqueness of Kravica Waterfalls were recognized by the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and today they are a state-protected natural phenomenon, a natural rarity to be preserved.
If you look around the waterfall you will see the remaining old, wooden mills which were once active both around the waterfall and the whole course of the Trebižat river. Unfortunately, the mills on the river are currently being replaced by mini-hydro plants while there are some speculations that new projects will include building a dozen of them. Hopefully, it will not ruin Kravica’s water paradise.
If you walk further on, you will see a small cave – natural creation where calcium carbonate stalactites can be seen.
When to Visit Kravica Waterfall
Now, if you’re thinking about visiting Kravica, the best period to do it depends on what you are primarily interested in.
Do it in the summer if you want to enjoy a true watery refreshment and take a swim in the water that is still a bit warmer than the cold river of Neretva (if you are to stay in Mostar, ask locals about Neretva coldness or simply go down to the shore, touch the water and you will realize what I am talking about);
Do it in the spring if you want to visit the waterfall in a bit less crowded mode and when the waterfall level (height and strength of the water rush) might be a bit higher. You will discover all the power of nature!
In the end, whenever you visit it, you will not be wrong – it is an ideal place for relaxation and fun in an intact natural surrounding with the very soothing background sounds of the waterfall.
Things you Should Know when Visiting Kravica
Let´s start from the very beginning.
Is the Waterfall Called Kravice or Kravica?
It’s a common question (and misunderstanding) whether the correct name of the waterfall is Kravice or Kravica…
The official name of the location is Kravica Waterfall (Slap Kravica, VodopadKravica), so if we are to literally translate it, Kravica means little cow ( orKravice meaning little cows – plural) and probably nobody will be able to tell you what the real origin of the waterfall name is.
When speaking with locals, at least those living near the waterfall, the name of the waterfall is always pronounced in the singular – Kravica. Even on the official page of the company managing the waterfall, it is stated that this is Kravica Waterfall (singular).
However, you will often hear people calling it Kravice (plural) and nobody knows why – but, let us trust the locals. So when visiting, be sure to call it the Kravica Waterfall.
Getting to Kravica
Getting to Kravica might be a bit of a challenge without a car.
Public transport
If you are traveling from Mostar to Kravica using public transport, it can be a real challenge to get there. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus line from Mostar to Kravice (and vice versa) although there were some speculations that new lines will be introduced in the upcoming season.
However, buses are going to Čapljina, Ljubuški, and Međugorje from Mostar (which are all smaller cities quite closer to Kravice than Mostar) and if you catch one of these buses, and eventually get to any of those cities, you might grab a taxi to get to Kravica. It is not the cheapest option but it will get you there.
Take a taxi
The second option is to have a taxi take you directly from Mostar to Kravica Waterfall. Though this is the most convenient option of all in terms of expenses, it’s still a valid option when you are not traveling alone because you could probably share the costs of the ride.
In the end, the problem is that there is no public transport and even when combining available bus lines you will still have to use a taxi at some point. There are several taxi companies in Mostar, including Moj Taxi Mostar, Taxi 1525, and Halo Taxi.
Organized tours from Mostar to Kravica
Numerous agencies and individuals organize daily tours like this one from Mostar to Kravica. In lack of adequate public transport, these tours are a quite good option.
They usually cost around 60 BAM (€ 30) and besides taking you to Kravica Waterfall, oftentimes they include visits to other attractions such as Blagaj and Počitelj.
Also, several private touristic agencies offer daily tours only to Kravica Waterfall (transport services), and this kind of transport costs around 20 BAM (10 EUR) per person. The best place to get the info on active offers for these kinds of transport would be the touristic center info point in Mostar.
Driving yourself to Kravica
Driving yourself to Kravica from Mostar is probably the best option in terms of not being limited to create your own daily dynamics and being sure that you will get to Kravica with the least possible stress.
Mostar is around 40 kilometers from Kravice and it would take you around 40-50 minutes to reach the area. The road signs on the way to Kravica are in English and you can also rely on Google maps to get there.
However, if you get lost, you can always ask the locals for directions. There’s a parking lot just before the waterfall (parking costs are about 2,00 BAM per hour or a daily parking ticket for around 6,00 BAM).
Bike Tour… Are you brave enough?
Only for the brave at heart, there is an option to have a bike tour from Ljubuški or Međugorje but I would recommend this only to those experienced, physically fit, and able to handle the Herzegovinian summer…if visiting in summer.
Access to Kravica Waterfall
First of all, you need to know that the entrance to the waterfall is not free. The access ticket depends on two things – the period o when you are visiting and the age group you belong to.
The price varies from 10 BAM per person (approximately € 5) to 20 BAM (€10) for adults and free or up to 7 BAM (€ 3,5) for children and young adults in the season.
The price includes the possibility to visit the museum of the monastery at Humac. The official price list can be found here.
It is important to point out that journalists have free admission to the waterfall by showing a valid journalist identification or press pass.
Official working hours of Kravica can be found here while I suggest that you get familiar with the official rules that apply when entering the Kravica Waterfall area.
In comparison to previous years, there has been a slight increase in the price of admission tickets, however, there were also concrete infrastructural investments and now Kravica Waterfall provides more quality to visitors.
The path to the waterfall is now fully lit up as the waterfall itself is, which makes it possible to experience the waterfall by night (there are some touristic agencies from Mostar organizing these visits for quite affordable prices).
At the very entrance of Kravica Waterfall, there is a tourist center where you can get all of the relevant details and information on how to have a pleasant stay and get the best out of it.
There are continuous investments in enhancing both infrastructural and hence the touristic offer of the Waterfall – for better safety of the visitors and swimmers, additional video surveillance will be installed near the waterfall while there is a plan to build up a gazebo – lookout spot above the waterfall.
What Else is There to Do at Kravica
Since Kravica Waterfall lies on the Trebižat river, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a long, water ride including a 10-kilometer-long canoeing experience along the river. At the mentioned touristic info center at the waterfall, you can get precise info on the specific experience.
There are four restaurants at Kravica where you can taste and enjoy delicious meat and fish specialties. The prices at the restaurant are affordable-
Moreover, the managing company PJ Kravica offers the possibility of renting bicycles and boats, kayaks, or canoes. Prices are 5 BAM per hour (about € 2,5) and 20 BAM (about €10) for the whole day.
…But That’s Not All! Doscover Koćuša and Čeveljuša
The lesser-known sisters of Kravica Waterfall are not to be missed when visiting the region. Although the beauty of Kravica will easily take all of your interest, be sure to spare some time to visit these two beauties – Koćuša and Čeveljuša waterfalls.
You are probably going to have some difficulties with pronouncing the names, but they are worth it!
Koćuša
This is a 5-meter high waterfall located in Veljaci, a village about 15 minutes by car from Kravica (in the direction of Ljubuški). What makes this waterfall amazing is its width of more than fifty meters, which in combination with its 5-meter height makes it a magnificent water slide. Interestingly, Koćuša is actually formed by river Mlade, which, immediately after this waterfall changes its name to Trebižat.
There is a small beach at Koćuša and you can have a short refreshment at the river pool just below the waterfall.
If you decide just to have a break at Koćuša, you can sit at the restaurant next to the waterfall, Prirodni Vodeni Park Kocusa (The Natural Water Park “Kocusa”). Admire the surroundings and enjoy a quality meal and a great view of the waterfall.
Čeveljuša
This is a waterfall also on the river Trebižat, located in Hrašljani village. It takes you about 10 minutes to get there from Kravica. The height of the waterfall is about 15 meters but its remarkable beauty makes it worth seeing.
This hidden treasure of the Ljubuski area is becoming more and more popular. Here, other than swimming and enjoying the fresh and clean water, there are many sports activities like beach volleyball, billiard to spend a great time.
The area is also well known for an excellent gastronomic offer – amazing food, various grilled dishes, and affordable prices. The experience of dinner at this riverside is one of those “bucket list” moments that you should consider adding to your to-do list when visiting the area.
What to Bring with You to Kravica Waterfall
If you’re planning a trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina, you’ll want to pack all the normal essentials, but here are a few things we strongly recommend bringing that may not have crossed your mind. For more inspiration to plan your trip, check out our 10 most instagrammable spots in Mostar. In the meantime, pack these:
– A physical guidebook, in paper or on Kindle. We recommend the Lonely Planet Western Balkans which includes Bosnia & Herzegovina but also Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia. Blogs are great, but a combination of a blog and a guidebook is key to having the best access to information easily at your fingertips.
– A water bottle with a filter. While generally, the tap water in touristy cities is drinkable, we generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you won’t drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant! We recommend the GRAYL water bottle – it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc.
– Motion sickness pills. Bus rides can be hot and cause motion sickness! If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring some non-drowsy motion sickness pills.
– Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, TP & other Balkan transit needs. Bathrooms in the Balkans on trains and buses tend to be… how can we say it?… not so well-stocked. Save yourself the disappointment and bring a mini-rescue pack of wet wipes & hand sanitizer.
– Travel safety items. We think Bosnia & Herzegovina is very safe to travel to, but at the same time, it never hurts to be prepared! Some people like to carry money belts, but neither Allison nor I use these.
Instead, we both carry the same PacSafe anti-theft backpack. It has locking zippers, slash-proof construction with metal mesh hidden in the fabric, and tons of other smart security features — all while being cute and stylish enough to be our everyday bag. We recommend it highly for both male and female travelers, as it’s neutral enough to be unisex. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! Our recommendation is at the bottom of the post.
More Bosnia Travel Resources
If you’re planning a trip to Bosnia, we have a ton of resources with you! First of all, check out our guide to the most beautiful places in Bosnia so you can start planning your itinerary.
Since you’re also probably visiting Mostar, be sure to also check out the best Instagram spots here.
If you’re planning to visit Sarajevo also, we have even more for you. We have a guide on all the best things to do in Sarajevo, the best Sarajevo tours, a guide on where to stay in Sarajevo, and finally a Sarajevo Instagram guide.
We’re creating new content on our site almost daily, so bookmark our Bosnia & Herzegovina page or our Balkans page to see what’s new!
Finally, Don’t Go to Bosnia without Travel Insurance!
Make sure you always travel with a valid travel insurance policy. While Bosnia & Herzegovina is safe, accidents can happen anywhere. If you experience an accident or theft, travel insurance will help you recover your costs and enjoy the rest of your trip.
For travel insurance, I use World Nomads. I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’ve never had an issue when making a claim. I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.
