Discover Croatia - The Neretva river valley is cultural, tourist, gastro and econimic destination

If by any chance Neretva Valley was a part of Greek mythology it would unavoidably be called Zeus' favourite summer residence. It would be a source of the sweetest juices for the supreme God; a place magnificent to be hold and relentless on each taste bud.
Although Greeks and Romans left their mark in the valley, the story about this uncut economic, tourist and gastro diamond is best put in context of a common man. Farmer, even. From as early as the 19th century with hard working hands farmer reclaimed the land from the swamp, a symbiotic companion to the River which for centuries cut its path from Zelengora and Lebršnik Mounties in BiH towards Adriatic sea. Rich soil, result of eons long sedimentation, was criss-crossed by canals which unabled diversed agriculture. Plentiful fruits that only Demeter could provide gave this area numerous flattering names: Croatian California, Green valley etc.
The capital of tangerines
Nevertheless, the Neretva Valley is best known as the Valley of tangerines. It is estimated that the Valley is planted with 1,4 million tangerine trees which, this season, yielded record 90.000 tons. As the only agriculture that satisfies domestic market needs, and also exported to others countries, it replaced once prevailing vine yards.
Under the gentile and relentless farmers hand firs tangerine's strains resulted in supreme quality, even on international level. By quality, and somewhat less by quantity, tangerines are joined by other citruses: lemons, grapefruits, kiwis and others. Apricot, peach and nectarine plantations can often be seen. Apples big as melons can be found as well as increasing number as watermelons, never smaller than a wheel. This juicy fruit contains greater concentrations of lycopene, a potent antioxidants than most other leading producers watermelons. It seems this rich soil readlley accepts anything that hand of the farmers put in it. Exceptionally tasty tomatoes, cucumbers, pappers, cabbage vegetables, beans…all of this grows in Neretva Valley. Let us not forget about oil farming which dates all the way back to the Neretva principality. It is also worthwhile to stop in this area for a drop of traditionally good Neretva vine followed by homemade herb liqueur for strength.
From the tree to the consumer
Every tourist passing trough this valley must notice numerous stands with local goods which are offered directly from the tree. Visitors can than surrender all their senses to alluring charm of the Valley which keeps secret of its existence better than any part of the Croatian coast.
Rich cultural and natural legacy can be leisurely browsed in Vid archeological museum and in natural history museum in Metković. Narona archeological museum first in situ museum in Croatia, is built upon Augusteum, the temple dedicates to emperor August. Natural museum Metković presents specific flora and fauna of this area and contains one of the best ornithological collections in Europe. If that is not enough, this historic stroll can include photo safari in a swamp. People of Neretva have also given new life to their historic legacy. ''Lađa marathon '' is a widely known race of traditional Neretva vassals from Metković to Ploče. The victor celebrates while song and guitar music echoes trough old stones streets. Lied back slightly hedonistic festivals dedicated to food culture and even film are held in many small towns throughout Neretva valley.
Going little bit farther on the pinnacle of tourist travel trough the valley is a meeting place of the Neretva and Adriatic sea. While delta of this river is still undiscovered and hidden large estuary is home to kingfishers, oystercatchers, herons, cranes….Nearby kite boarders skim across the sea addicted to adrenalin and hospitality of the locals.
Life providing River
Traditional restaurants in Metković and Opuzen offer the best of traditional Neretva cuisine. Specialties are eel and frogs but also venison and sea food. The real taste of Neretva will come to those who brave the well known the Neretva brudet, spicy fish meal.
The importance of Neretva to people living by it is indisputable. It source of drinking water, it turns power turbines, is used for transportation and feeds plantations. The whole area of the Delta is short listed for protection as a Park of Nature. Anyone who visits Neretva Valley will experience rare and specific phenomenon - coexistence of nature and man; men and the life providing river.