Hidden Gems Away from the Coast: Why You Should Visit Metković

Known as the heart of the Neretva Valley, Metković, a town of history, culture, nature and sports, certainly has a lot to offer. With the river flowing directly through, it is also surrounded by stunning hills, which makes it a perfect location for a relaxed visit away from the coast.

If you ask around, Metković is famous for being the birthplace of some of the best handball players in the country and for the juiciest tangerine plantations. Aside from what the town is known for, Metković also has plenty of hidden gems worth a visit.

Predolac Cave

Discovered in 1965 tucked away in a backyard location, the Predolac Cave remains a hidden gem to this day. The most popular residents of the cave are a colony of the unique Congeria Kusceri shellfish, the only freshwater underground living fossil in the world. They are extremely rare, especially in Dalmatia, as they’re typically only found in the Dinaric Alps region. The cave is also home to an incredibly diverse variety of water fauna. It is a must-see for anyone interested in geology and how the ecosystem shapes the world. As research is still ongoing, there is so much more to explore within the Predolac cave.

River safari

In the past, this traditional vessel was the only mode of transportation across the river, but today it is used for touristic purposes, more precisely, a unique photo safari experience. It is the best way to get to know all the river channels and sail down one of the oldest swamps in Europe. The tour offers an extraordinary experience to explore every corner of the Neretva Valley’s untouched nature- sailing through narrow channels decorated with water lilies while sipping on homemade rakija and freshly prepared local delicacies is a soothing experience you don’t want to miss out on.

Museum of Natural History

Located right in the town centre, the museum perfectly captures the splendid diversity of flora and fauna found in the Neretva Valley. The museum contains an impressive collection of over 340 distinct species; 310 of those are birds of which 218 are native to the valley. Exhibits also include collections of insects, butterflies and shells, which provide insight into the rich life in the wetlands and rocky areas of the valley.

Kitesurfing & bird watching

Ušće Neretve is the ideal location for adventure seekers, as one of the most popular kitesurfing locations in Europe. Located just on the outskirts of Metković, the area is a kitesurfing paradise, thanks to the wind. If you’re more interested in nature and bird watching, Uśće is the place for you. With shallow water and sandy beaches, the river delta is the perfect habitat for various bird species to live, as it allows for easy access to food and an ideal place to relax. With over 300 different species across the 20,000 hectares of the delta Neretva, it is a dream come true for bird watchers.

Narona Archeological Museum

The remains of the Roman city Narona are located on the outskirts of Metković. It is the first on-the-site museum in Croatia and one of the only ones in the world. The museum was built directly on the ancient temple dedicated to Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Archeologists discovered 17 marble statues with inscriptions and mosaic floors, indicating that the city of Narona was of great importance during the Roman era.

The city remains, more specifically the marble statues, were discovered at the end of the 20th century. Because of the large quantity, the museum was built on site to preserve Roman history. It’s hard to imagine a better place than the Narona Archaeological Museum for anyone fascinated with the ancient Romans.

A short trip to Metković is all you need to explore its hidden gems and enjoy the beauty of the untouched nature reserves.