Kravice Waterfalls (Slapovi Kravica) are a wide, semicircular series of cascades on the Trebižat river near Ljubuški in Herzegovina, in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Blagaj is a village just outside Mostar where a historic dervish house, the Blagaj Tekke, stands beside the powerful spring of the Buna river. Together they make one of the most popular day trips from Mostar, combining a swim in a green natural pool with one of the most atmospheric Ottoman-era sites in the Balkans. Both are reached by road from Mostar, by car, taxi or organised tour, and can easily be visited in a single day.
Many visitors add the fortified village of Počitelj on the Neretva to the same route. This guide explains how to get to each place, what to expect, when to go and how to plan the day.
Where Kravice and Blagaj are and how to get there
Blagaj lies just south-east of Mostar, a short drive from the city centre. Kravice is further south-west, in the countryside near the town of Ljubuški, and is usually reached in somewhere between 45 minutes and an hour from Mostar, depending on the route and traffic. Počitelj sits on the main road along the Neretva valley between the two, which makes a loop easy to plan.
The simplest options are:
- By car: the most flexible choice, letting you set your own pace and arrive at Kravice early before the crowds.
- By taxi or private driver: widely available in Mostar for a half-day or full-day loop; agree on the route and the waiting time in advance.
- On an organised tour: many agencies in Mostar run day trips that combine Kravice, Počitelj and Blagaj, and some also include Međugorje.
Local buses link Mostar with Blagaj and with Ljubuški, but services to the waterfalls themselves are limited, so public transport only really works for Blagaj. Check current timetables at Mostar bus station.
Coming from Albania, Mostar is usually reached via Montenegro and the Dubrovnik or Trebinje area, which makes this day trip a natural part of a wider Balkans route.
What to see and do
Kravice Waterfalls
At Kravice the Trebižat river spills over a broad curve of travertine cliffs, about 25 metres high, into a wide pool surrounded by trees. The effect is of a natural amphitheatre of water, at its most powerful in spring and at its most inviting for swimming in summer. A path leads down from the entrance area to the pool, where you will find viewpoints, small cafés and spaces to sit by the water.
Swimming is one of the main reasons to come in summer. Rules about where and when you can swim, and about boat or kayak rental, can change from season to season, so follow the signs and instructions on site. There is an entrance fee, and the amount varies by season.
Blagaj Tekke and the Buna spring
In Blagaj, the Buna river emerges from a cave at the foot of a tall cliff, forming one of the most powerful karst springs in Europe. Beside it stands the Blagaj Tekke (Blagajska tekija), a dervish house dating back to the Ottoman period, usually described as 16th century, with whitewashed walls and wooden balconies overhanging the water. You can visit the interior, which gives a sense of the Sufi tradition in Bosnia; dress modestly, and scarves or covering garments are generally available at the entrance.
Riverside restaurants near the tekke serve local food, including trout from the Buna, and short boat rides towards the mouth of the cave are often offered in good conditions. High on the cliff above the village are the ruins of Stjepan Grad, a medieval fortress reached by a steep path, with views over the Mostar basin.
Počitelj
Počitelj is a small stone village climbing a hillside above the Neretva, with a mosque, a fortress tower and narrow lanes. It is a short but rewarding stop on the way between Mostar and Kravice. Wear comfortable shoes, as the paths are steep and uneven.
Back in Mostar
Many people finish the day back in Mostar for sunset at the Old Bridge (Stari Most) and the old bazaar area. The bridge and old town are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and evenings are usually quieter than the middle of the day.
Best time to visit
The best time for a swimming trip is June to September, when the water is warmer and the weather hot. July and August are the busiest months, so arrive at Kravice early in the morning if you can. In spring, especially April and May, the waterfalls carry much more water and look their most dramatic, although the water is too cold for most swimmers. Autumn brings quieter visits and changing colours. In winter the area is calm, but some facilities may be closed.
Practical tips
- Currency: Bosnia and Herzegovina uses the convertible mark (KM, BAM). Euros are often accepted in tourist areas, but not everywhere, so carry some local cash.
- Start early. Arriving at Kravice in the morning means fewer people and easier parking in summer.
- Bring swimwear and water shoes for the rocky edges of the pool at Kravice.
- Dress respectfully when visiting the Blagaj Tekke and the mosques of Počitelj.
- Plan for heat. Herzegovina can be very hot in summer; carry water and sun protection.
- Check current fees and rules at Kravice and the tekke, as they change from year to year.
Combining Kravice and Blagaj with other places
Mostar is a natural stop on a Balkans journey linking Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our two-week Balkans itinerary shows how to fit it into a wider route. Travellers combining coast and mountains might pair Herzegovina with the Albanian Alps, the Komani Lake ferry or Kosovo on the same trip.
Albania Inbound organises guided tours and private trips across the Balkans, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, and you can browse current options on our tours page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Mostar to Kravice Waterfalls?
Drive south-west from Mostar towards Ljubuški; the trip usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour. Without a car, take a taxi, hire a private driver or join an organised day tour, as public transport to the falls is limited.
Can you swim at Kravice Waterfalls?
Swimming is usually possible in summer in the pool below the falls. Rules and permitted areas can change, so follow the signs and staff instructions on site.
Is there an entrance fee for Kravice?
Yes, an entrance fee is charged, and it varies by season. Check the current price before you go or at the entrance.
Can I visit Kravice and Blagaj in one day?
Yes. Both are within easy reach of Mostar, and a full-day loop often also includes Počitelj. Start early, visit Kravice first while it is quiet, and finish in Blagaj or back in Mostar.
What is the Blagaj Tekke?
The Blagaj Tekke is a historic dervish house from the Ottoman period, built beside the spring of the Buna river at the foot of a cliff. Visitors can usually see the interior, with modest dress required.
When is the best time to visit Kravice?
June to September is best for swimming, while April and May show the waterfalls at their fullest. Early mornings are the quietest time in summer.
