Things To Do
in Metković

Metković is a small town in Croatia's Dubrovnik-Neretva County, perched along the Neretva River. It's a gateway to the Neretva Delta and the surrounding Herzegovinian landscapes, just a short drive from the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The town blends a compact historic core with riverside walking paths, markets, and friendly cafes that invite slow, local exploration.

As a base for day trips, it offers easy access to coastal towns, canyon scenery, and outdoor adventures in the wider region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Metković
morning
:

Arrive in Metković and check into your charming accommodations. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to familiarize yourself with the beautiful settings and friendly locals. Don't forget to savor a traditional Croatian breakfast at a nearby café.

afternoon
:

Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and perhaps pick up fresh ingredients for a picnic. Explore the beautiful riverside promenades along the Neretva River and enjoy the stunning views. Spend some time visiting the Museum of Metković to learn about the region's rich history.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy local restaurant where you can sample traditional Dalmatian dishes. After dinner, take a walk along the riverbank and soak in the serene atmosphere. End the evening with a drink at a local bar, enjoying the warm Croatian night.

day 2
Explore the Neretva Delta
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a boat tour through the Neretva Delta. Witness the unique flora and fauna of this protected area, with opportunities for bird watching and photography. Embrace the natural beauty as your boat glides through the calm waters surrounded by lush greenery.

afternoon
:

After the boat tour, enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the small islands in the delta, taking in the tranquil surroundings. Spend your afternoon kayaking through the narrow channels, where you can get even closer to the stunning wildlife. Alternatively, visit an eco-village to learn about local farming and sustainability practices.

evening
:

Return to Metković for dinner and indulge in some fresh fish dishes caught that day. Participate in a traditional folklore evening, where you can enjoy local music and dance. Allow the lively atmosphere to carry you through the night as you mingle with locals and fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-4
🚌One-way public transport ticket$1-2
🍷Three-course dinner for two$30-60
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$70-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming riverside town with easy access to nature
  • Affordable by European standards
  • Compact and walkable historic center
  • Friendly locals and relaxed pace
  • Smaller nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
  • Limited public transport options for longer day trips
  • Seasonal crowds can impact parking and queues
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Gdje je najbliža ljekarna?" - Where is the nearest pharmacy?
  • "Govorite li engleski?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Ja sam vegetarijanac" - I am a vegetarian
  • "Gdje je toalet?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Može li račun?" - Could I have the bill?
  • "Izvolite meni" - Here is the menu

Places to Visit in Metković

Visit one of these nice places.

Neretva River waterfront

A long, tree-lined promenade along the river with reflections at sunrise and sunset.

Old town center and stone square

Historic stone facades, narrow lanes, and a quaint square ideal for candid street photography.

Hill viewpoints above the town

Panoramic overlooks offering sweeping views of the Neretva valley and surrounding karst landscape.

Culinary Guide

Food in Metković

Croatian Dalmatian cuisine in Metković highlights river fish, fresh produce, and regional wines, with a welcoming, laid-back dining culture.

Metković Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pašticada

Slow-cooked beef with red wine and prunes, traditionally served with gnocchi.

Must-Try!

Riblji paprikaš

A flavorful fish stew made with local river fish, paprika, and aromatics.

Grilled river fish

Freshly caught fish from the Neretva, simply grilled with lemon and herbs.

Sir i pršut

A classic Croatian cheese and cured ham platter, perfect for sharing.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Metković Market (Tržnica)

A lively daily market offering fresh produce, cheeses, olives, and baked goods.

Street Food Highlights

Grilled meats, fried snacks, pastries and fritule sold by local vendors around the town square.

Climate Guide

Weather

Metković experiences a Mediterranean-influenced climate with hot summers and cool, wet winters. The coastal influence moderates heat in summer, while winters bring regular rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and conversation

Greet with a handshake. Use polite phrases and maintain casual eye contact in conversations.

Respect for quiet hours

Evenings are relaxed in residential areas; keep noise to a reasonable level after dark.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe for visitors. Use standard safety practices: keep valuables secure in crowded places, drive carefully on winding roads, and rely on official taxis. Have local emergency numbers accessible and consider travel insurance for broader coverage.

Tipping in Metković

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, 5–10% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry days with refreshing river breezes; peak crowds in July–August; plan for early morning explorations and shaded respite.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with fall colors; occasional rain; excellent for hiking and photography without peak-season crowds.

Winter

Cool and wetter conditions; some tourist services scale back; cozy cafes and local events still offer a pleasant visit.

Spring

Blooming landscapes and comfortable temperatures; lighter crowds and ideal for outdoor activities and day trips.

Nightlife Guide

Metković at Night

Metković offers a modest nightlife scene centered on riverside bars and traditional konobas. Expect relaxed evenings, occasional live music, and seasonal events in the town square or nearby towns for larger celebrations.

Hiking in Metković

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hiking and scenic trails in the surrounding hills

Gentle routes with views over the Neretva valley and river delta.

Karst landscapes overlooking the town

More challenging climbs with panoramic overlooks.

Delta wetlands trails

Birdwatching and easy walking along the river estuary.

Airports

How to reach Metković by plane.

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

The nearest major international airport, with flights to Europe and beyond. Access by road to Metković typically takes a couple of hours.

Mostar International Airport (OMO)

Smaller airport offering regional flights; convenient for crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina and reaching the Neretva region.

Split Airport (SPU)

Another major hub in Dalmatia with broad connections; drive to Metković takes a couple of hours.

Getting Around

Walkability

Metković is quite walkable in its compact old town and along the riverfront. Streets in the historic core are narrow and charming, with most attractions within easy walking distance. For day trips into the surrounding countryside, a car or organized tours are helpful.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Croats

The majority population with family-oriented communities.

Bosnian and Herzegovinian residents

A smaller community due to proximity to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Seasonal visitors and expatriates

Tourists and temporary residents who visit for nature and culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The region's primary team and a staple of local culture.

Basketball

Common in schools and local clubs.

Water polo

Reflects the coastal influence and river proximity.

Cycling

Rural roads and river paths suit cycling enthusiasts.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically moderate. The town center has limited parking, especially during peak hours. Regional buses connect Metković with Dubrovnik, Split, and nearby towns, while taxis are readily available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Metković.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available: salads, grilled vegetables, cheeses, and legumes. When ordering, request no meat stocks or gelatin; pescatarian options are common in many eateries.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Croatia has a solid public healthcare system. In Metković there are local clinics for basic care, with major hospitals available in nearby cities such as Dubrovnik or Split for more serious needs. Travel insurance is recommended for visitors.

Discover Croatia

Read more in our Croatia 2025 Travel Guide.

Croatia Travel Guide