The Kravica Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and largest waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is 28 meters high and 120 meters wide, set in a beautiful forested green environment, offering visitors a wide range of leisure activities.
Located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Kravica Waterfall is a truly beautiful natural formation that is becoming increasingly popular among tourists, whether they are visiting from the nearby Mostar or from neighboring Croatia.
The waterfall is often referred to by different names, including its original Bosnian name, Kravica Waterfall, and it can also be found online under the name Kravice Waterfall or Kravice Falls.
In this article, you can find out why Kravica Waterfall is such a great place to visit and get useful information on visiting this amazing waterfall.
So let’s look at the most frequently asked questions.
Where exactly is the Kravica Waterfall situated?
The waterfall is located in the southern corner of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along the Trebižat River, near the village of Studenci. The nearest towns are Ljubuški, Međugorje and Čapljina, with Mostar just about an hour’s drive away.
Is Kravica Waterfall worth a visit?
If you are in the area, definitely yes. The surroundings of Kravica Waterfall offer a great opportunity to spend a pleasant afternoon in good weather, enjoy water sports, swimming or just relax.
What are the downsides?
Tickets have become quite expensive recently, and the place tends to get too crowded from spring to autumn. This can be a frustrating factor for those who want to relax in a natural and peaceful environment.
When is the best time to visit Kravica Waterfall?
The best time, in our opinion, is spring, with the only downside being that the water is too cold for swimming. Otherwise, the vegetation is at its most beautiful in spring, water flow is at its peak, and the crowds are not too overwhelming. The ideal period includes the second half of April, May, and the first half of June.
Additionally, it’s a good decision to travel in early fall: September and October can be suitable, as long as it’s not on a weekend. Unfortunately, we experienced overly large crowds even in October on a Saturday afternoon.
Choose the summer months only if you are already traveling to the area for other attractions during that season. Otherwise, it tends to be excessively crowded in the summer.
How to get from Croatia to Kravica Waterfall?
Many people opt for a day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina from Croatia, and choosing Mostar and Kravica Waterfall proves to be an excellent decision due to their proximity. The most popular starting points for these excursions are Split and Dubrovnik.
Starting from Split, the journey takes just over 1.5 hours, primarily on the highway, offering a convenient and efficient route.
On the other hand, if you’re departing from Dubrovnik, reaching the destination requires a bit more effort, taking approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the route consisting mostly of winding mountain roads.
For those interested in organized tours, there are numerous options available. Platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator offer a variety of bus tours that include day trips to Kravica Waterfall and even Mostar.
Here are a few recommendations to consider:
If you plan to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina from Croatia, keep in mind that Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the Schengen area. As a result, there are border controls, and you will need an ID card or passport for entry. Additionally, if you are traveling by car, ensure you have your car documents, such as an international green card, as they may be required.
How to get from Mostar to Kravica Waterfall?
By car
By car from Mostar, you can choose between two routes:
– the R424 and the M6, which is 42 km (26 mi)
– the M17, which runs along the Neretva river and then the M6, a total of 50 km (31 mi)
Both routes take approximately 55–60 minutes. We think the M17 is slightly better, plus the views are nice, but we’ll leave the choice to you.
By public transport
If you chose public transport, you will find it difficult, as there is no public transport available specifically to the waterfall.
There are private bus tours organized by local companies, which can be booked, but you may have to make a lot of compromises.
If you want to read more about it, see also the related article at the link.
How to get to the waterfall from the car park?
At the end of the car road leading to the waterfall, you will find the parking lot. There are plenty of parking spaces available, however, parking is not free.
Entrance and parking fees
Please be aware that the parking fee is charged at the ticket office, and it must be purchased along with the entrance ticket. As of 2023, the adult ticket costs €10, and parking for one car per day is an additional €3.
You can find the official website of the place by clicking on the link. There you can buy tickets and get more information first hand.
After buying tickets
Upon passing by the ticket office, you’ll walk past the restrooms, then a small sign indicates a right turn towards the start of the pedestrian path, which involves steps.
After a short downhill staircase, you reach the restaurants next to the waterfall, and from there, you can already see the waterfall easily from a few points. From there, the way down is straightforward.
If you want to capture the waterfall from the best vantage points, we recommend two locations: one is along the road, the stretch west of Caffe & Restaurant Vodopad Kravice, which provides excellent photo opportunities throughout the year. The other is situated close to the waterfall (which, in our opinion, is accessible mainly in summer). Here, through a floating bridge, you can approach the waterfall closely, offering multiple outstanding photo opportunities.
If you want a cheaper place to swim, go for a walk or sit down at a local eatery, look for Kupalište Božjak, close to the M6 road and the A1 highway. There you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and free swimming, resting and dining with a good view.
How long to spend visiting Kravica Waterfall?
Kravica Falls is an ideal place for a couple of hours or a day trip from the nearby Mostar, or from Split or Dubrovnik a little further afield.
How much time you’ll need depends on what activities you plan to do at the waterfall. If you’re just planning a quick visit for a few photos, half an hour to an hour will be sufficient. However, if you intend to sit down for a meal, swim, go boating, etc., it could take half a day to a full day.
Is it allowed to swim in the pool under the Kravica Waterfall?
Yes, swimming is allowed in the lake or pool (whatever it’s called) below the falls, in fact it’s a popular place to go for a swim in the summer.
It’s worth noting, however, that the water below the waterfall is full of fish (this may bother some people).
What to do at Kravica Waterfall?
The area surrounding the Kravica Waterfall provides numerous recreational opportunities. The activities you can engage in, both in the water and on the waterfront, only depend on your preferences and the weather conditions.
The best things to do near Kravica Waterfall
- Photography: Capture the beauty of Kravica Waterfall by taking photos. The stunning waterfall surrounded by nature creates amazing picture opportunities.
- Walking in the nature: Take a leisurely stroll through the natural surroundings. The peaceful trails around the falls offer a chance to relax and appreciate the beauty of the area.
- Swimming: If you’re visiting during the summer months, cool off by taking a dip in the refreshing waters at the bottom of Kravica Falls. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Boating: Explore the area on a boat ride. This allows you to view the waterfall and its picturesque landscape from a different perspective, adding to the adventure.
- Tasting Bosnian dishes: There are many restaurants near the waterfall, such as the Caffe & Restaurant Vodopad Kravice and the Sedra. Try the local cuisine and enjoy culinary delights while immersed in the scenic beauty of Kravica Waterfall.
It’s worth noting that outside the peak season, fewer options may be available, such as restaurants being closed.
Where to stay near Kravica Waterfall
- Apartments Slapovi: the closest accommodation to the waterfall, very well rated apartments at affordable prices within walking distance to the waterfall
- Hotel Bigeste: a four-star hotel in the town of Ljubuški, a short drive from the waterfall
- Hotel Luna: four-star modern hotel in Međugorje, a short drive from the waterfall
So if you’ve been wondering whether to visit Kravica Waterfall, hopefully our article has given you an answer and provided you with some useful information.
All in all, a trip to Kravica Waterfall is an immersive experience, where the breathtaking beauty of nature and exciting activities combine to create the ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.
Whether it’s photography, nature walks or a refreshing swim at the foot of the falls, Kravica Waterfall charms visitors in all seasons.
Explore the beauty of the whole area, the crystal clear waters, the summer beach experience and the pleasure of wandering in nature. Don’t miss other attractions in the area and enjoy the Bosnian cuisine at local restaurants.
Whether it’s a family outing, a romantic getaway or simply admiring the natural beauty, Kravica Waterfall has something for everyone.
Finally, let’s see what else you might want to check out if you’re in the area.
What else to visit near Kravica Waterfall
There are several captivating attractions near Kravica Waterfall that you might consider exploring:
Mostar
Known for its iconic Stari Most (Old Bridge) and a rich blend of cultural influences, Mostar is a charming city with a well-preserved Ottoman old town.
Buna Spring in Blagaj
Visit the mesmerizing Buna Spring in Blagaj, where the Buna River emerges from a cave, creating a picturesque and serene setting.
Visit the Dervish House located next to it, which is a real Ottoman monument.
Dubrovnik
Cross the border into Croatia to explore the historic city of Dubrovnik. Walk along the ancient city walls, stroll through the old town, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and architecture.
Split
Take a visit to Split, which is another Croatian gem with the impressive Diocletian’s Palace, a beautiful old town, a bustling city and wonderful beaches. Don’t miss out on exploring the historic old town and the wonderful views from Marjan Forest Park.
