??apljina

Čapljina is a town in southern Herzegovina, located near the border with Croatia and just a few kilometres from the Neretva River. It serves as the main gateway to the Hutovo Blato Nature Park, a vast wetland of international importance for birdlife. The town itself has a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, with a mix of traditional stone houses and post-war reconstruction. Its position on the railway line between Mostar and the Adriatic coast makes it a convenient stop for travellers heading to Neum or the Croatian coast.

The climate is Mediterranean—hot, dry summers (average July 30°C) and mild, wet winters. The Neretva delta just south of town is a fertile agricultural area known for citrus fruits, figs, and vegetables, which thrive in the rich alluvial soil. The town's layout is compact, centred on a main square with a few cafés and shops.

By Plane

Mostar International Airport (OMO IATA) is 45 km northwest (40 minutes by car). Dubrovnik Airport (DBV IATA) in Croatia is 90 km south (1.5 hours, but involves two border crossings).

By Train

Čapljina railway station is on the mainline connecting Mostar (35 minutes) with the Croatian port of Ploče. International trains run from Sarajevo to Čapljina via Mostar. The station is a 10-minute walk from the centre.

By Car / Road

Čapljina is on the M17 road between Mostar (35 km) and the Croatian border at Metković (10 km). The A1 motorway connects to Mostar and Sarajevo. Buses from Mostar (45 minutes, 8 KM) and Neum run frequently. The bus station is next to the railway station.

Čapljina is very walkable. The centre, the main square, and the park entrance can all be covered on foot. Taxis are available for trips to Hutovo Blato or the nearby village of Počitelj.

• Kravica Waterfall (10 km southwest) — A 25-metre-high travertine waterfall where the Trebižat River cascades over a 100-metre-wide ledge. Swimming is allowed in the pool below. Entry 10 KM.

• Počitelj (5 km north) — A stunning Ottoman-era village (now a UNESCO tentative site) built on a hillside overlooking the Neretva, with a clock tower, mosque, and stone houses. Free entry.

• Hutovo Blato Nature Park (3 km south) — A 7,500-hectare wetland reserve with a network of canals, lakes, and birdwatching hides. Entry 5 KM. Over 240 bird species have been recorded.

• Neretva River delta — The river's final stretch before the Adriatic is a patchwork of orchards, fields, and reedbeds, best explored by boat from the village of Dračevo.

• Čapljina War Memorial — A monument in the town centre commemorating the victims of the 1992–95 war.

• Birdwatching at Hutovo Blato — The park is one of Europe's most important bird sanctuaries, with herons, egrets, cormorants, and migrating waterfowl. Guided boat tours 15–25 KM.

• Swimming at Kravica — The natural pool below the waterfall is a popular summer swimming spot (lifeguards on duty in season).

• Boat trips on the Neretva — Local operators run trips from the village of Dračevo through the Neretva delta.

• Cycling — The flat roads around the Neretva delta are ideal for cycling; bikes can be rented in Čapljina.

• Restaurant Zuta Tabija — A riverside restaurant in Počitelj with a terrace overlooking the Neretva; specialises in grilled fish and lamb. 12–25 KM.
• Konoba Kravica — Located at the Kravica waterfall, serving trout, grilled meats, and local wines. 10–20 KM.
• Restaurant Neretva — In the centre of Čapljina, known for its fresh river fish (trout, eel, pike) and grilled specialities. 10–18 KM.
• Pekara Centar — A bakery selling burek, pita, and pastries. 2–4 KM.

The Herzegovina region is wine country—try the local Blatina (red) and Žilavka (white) wines, available in most restaurants. Several bars along the main square serve coffee, beer, and rakija. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Hostel Čapljina — Dorm beds from 20 KM, near the bus station. Camping Auto-camp Kravica — Pitches at the waterfall from 15 KM per night.
• Mid-range: Hotel Mostar (in Počitelj) — A small hotel with river views, doubles from 70 KM. Motel Vjetrenica — Doubles from 50 KM near the town centre.
• Upscale / heritage: None in Čapljina; the nearest upscale hotels are in Mostar or the Croatian coast.

The town market sells fresh produce, particularly citrus, figs, and vegetables. Local honey and olive oil are excellent. The village of Počitelj has small souvenir stalls selling handicrafts.

• Mostar (35 km north) — Herzegovina's cultural capital with the iconic Old Bridge.
• Neum (30 km south) — Bosnia's only coastal town, with beaches and seafood.
• Međugorje (30 km east) — A site of Catholic pilgrimage and one of the most visited religious destinations in the Balkans.
• Stolac (40 km east) — Ancient town with Illyrian and Ottoman heritage and stećak tombstones.
• Dubrovnik (90 km south, Croatia) — The Pearl of the Adriatic, a UNESCO World Heritage site.