A trip by pedal kayak and paddle kayak in the Neretva Valley, on the border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to immerse yourself in a rare and precious river ecosystem.
The wetland system created by the Neretva at its mouth is one of the most important marsh ecosystems in the eastern Adriatic, hosting exceptional biodiversity together with the waterways further upstream in the valley and the Kuti, Desansko and Bacinska lakes.
The Neretva is one of the few natural channels that cross the Dinaric Alps, creating a natural corridor between the Bosnian hinterland and the Adriatic Sea. Over thousands of years, the river has shaped a unique landscape: narrow gorges in the upper part that gradually widen towards the mouth, where a marshy delta of great ecological value opens up.
Despite the generally karstic nature of the Dalmatian territory, the floodplains formed by the Neretva have a long agricultural tradition: citrus plantations, vineyards and vegetable gardens in the reclaimed areas of the valley constitute an important economic sector.
This journey stems from the desire to recount not only the extraordinary natural beauty of this land, but also its many naturalistic, cultural, historical and economic facets. The great river is the common thread of this adventure: a vital artery that has preserved the transformations of nature and man for centuries, intertwining landscapes and history. Through a slow and intimate kayak journey, from a unique and rarely documented perspective, we immerse ourselves in a little-explored land of rivers, lagoons and lakes. But it is also a journey within ourselves, amid reflections, solitude and emotions. It is an adventure in complete energy autonomy, without assistance, in which the real goal is not the destination, but the journey itself: an experience of dilated time, chance encounters and personal challenges, respectfully camping in tents on some of the thousands of small islands with citrus plantations in the valley, getting to know the local people who have always welcomed me with kindness and generosity.
Kayaking in Naretva valley
The destination of this trip was Greece, but it ended before entering Montenegro due to the arrival of strong sirocco winds and increasingly unfavourable weather conditions.
We set off from the port of Lazzareto, turning along Istria and then crossing the Kvarner Gulf to arrive at Unije, Lošinj, Ist: islands with white beaches, holm oak forests and emerald waters perfect for silent diving.
This adventure in total energy autonomy uses an agile, stable and robust rotomoulded polyethylene craft, which guarantees lightness and resistance, propelled by the wind and the MirageDrive pedal system.
The descent southwards takes in Pašman and the coast of Capocesto, then Šolta with its centuries-old olive groves, Hvar with its lavender fields and fortresses, and Šćedro: a pearl of the Adriatic, a wild paradise without water or electricity, where three days of bad weather become a gift, spent trekking in unspoilt coves and chatting with people who live here in total peace and autonomy.
Once the weather stabilised, after a detour due to another approaching storm, we reached Korčula, with its Renaissance palaces and pine forests overlooking the sea, then Mljet and its park with lakes and lagoons connected to the sea, thousand-year-old oaks and breathtaking views.
After another two-day stop due to bad weather, we finally arrive in Dubrovnik, the ancient Ragusa, which becomes the last stop on my journey. With another 10 days of bad weather and strong southerly winds on the way, the idea of continuing on to Montenegro-Albania-Greece-Dubrovnik becomes just a dream. I visit the enchanting Dubrovnik before my return: a pearl of the Adriatic with an incredible variety of historical and natural riches, the final stop on an adventure experienced with discreet bivouacs and total respect for the environment.
Trieste - Dubrovnik
A solo trip on a Hobie Adventure Island trimaran from Monfalcone to Lastovo, along a route that starts in Friuli Venezia Giulia, heads towards the Istrian coast and winds its way through the Croatian islands until it reaches one of the most unspoilt islands in the Mediterranean.
An adventure in complete energy autonomy with a stable, innovative and versatile vessel powered by sail and pedals.
The trimaran is made of rotomoulded polyethylene and combines lightness and strength, ideal for tackling even long journeys in total independence.
The journey starts from Villaggio del Pescatore, continuing towards Istria with unique natural landscapes such as karst fjords with lush vegetation and precious marine species, then passing near the Brijuni archipelago, a national park that preserves exceptional biodiversity among centuries-old oaks and Mediterranean scrub.
Entering the waters of Kvarner and Dalmatia, the route winds its way through dozens of islands, isolated bays and marine parks, where the ecosystem is characterised by Posidonia meadows and a wealth of corals.
You will cross miles of rugged coastline with alternating rocks and sandy beaches, cycling and sailing through crystal clear waters and unspoilt nature, carefully practising free camping from sunset to sunrise in picturesque locations and with absolute respect for the environment.
The arrival on the island of Lastovo is the crowning glory of this experience: an island covered 70% by oak and pine forests, with rich Mediterranean scrub and numerous beautiful bays.
A journey combining adventure, peace and nature in an authentic and sustainable exploration experience.
Monfalcone - Lastovo
Explore the best kayaking routes, with links to Wikiloc for each adventure. Discover unique and fascinating places
