DEHUROENHR

Plizio Visual Lab

Neretva Tangerine Orchards

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
—°4
Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)

Weather…

The Neretva River delta in Southern Dalmatia is often referred to as the 'Croatian California' due to its intensive agriculture and high productivity. The region is the center of citrus production in Croatia, with tangerine orchards dominating the landscape. Across an area of approximately 12,000 hectares, there are about 1.3 to 1.4 million tangerine trees, yielding between 40,000 and 60,000 tons of fruit annually. Systematic cultivation began in the 1960s after extensive land reclamation projects transformed the marshy delta into fertile farmland. The Unshiu tangerines grown here are renowned for their early ripening and high quality, providing a competitive edge in European markets. Irrigation is managed through a vast network of channels, which are also used for traditional transport using 'lađas' (narrow wooden boats). In addition to tangerines, the fertile alluvial soil supports large-scale production of watermelons, tomatoes, and cabbage. Agriculture is the primary economic driver for the region, supporting thousands of families in towns like Metković and Opuzen. The 'Neretvanska mandarina' enjoys protected geographical indication status.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C671014182327272117128
Rain mm1081029571564726348194121121

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The tangerine orchards in the Neretva Delta are known as the 'orchard of Croatia', driving the regional economy with millions of fruits harvested annually. They shape the landscape and tourism of southern Dalmatia.
🚪
Visiting
The orchards are mostly private agricultural lands, but the groves are clearly visible from surrounding roads and paths. Some farms offer seasonal sales and visits, though not all.
👀
Where to view it
The main road along the Neretva Delta provides excellent views of endless rows of tangerine trees throughout the season. Lookout points on bridges over the river arms allow one to survey the delta in its full breadth.
🧺
Local products
The main products are naturally tangerines, harvested from October to January. Additionally, other citrus fruits, pomegranates, figs, local honey, and homemade jams are sold at roadside stands.
📆
Active season
The tangerine harvest season begins in autumn, peaking in November and December. During this time, the orchards are most lively, with harvesters and sales stands along the roads.
➕
Nearby
Combine the orchard visit with a boat ride through the Neretva Delta canals to experience the unique landscape. The nearby town of Metković with its historic center and the Neretva estuary are also worth seeing.

Geography

Coordinates
43.01600, 17.56100

Facts

  • There are approximately 1.4 million tangerine trees in the Neretva delta.
  • The annual harvest ranges from 40,000 to 60,000 tons of fruit.
  • The area is nicknamed 'Croatian California' for its agricultural wealth.
  • Large-scale land reclamation of the delta marshes began in the 1960s.
  • The 'Neretva tangerine' has been EU-protected since 2015.
  • The irrigation system consists of over 10,000 kilometers of channels.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Krvavac3 km · NEExplore →
📍Buk Vlaka3 km · SWExplore →
📍Komin3 km · NWExplore →
📍Slivno4 km · SExplore →
📍Momići5 km · NEExplore →
📍Zažablje5 km · SEExplore →
📍Podrujnica6 km · NEExplore →
📍Desne6 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Neretva Tangerine Orchards (4)

Fortica🏰 castle

Castle ruins above Opuzen, a strategic point on the Neretva river.

Krvavac

Hill in Croatia, near the Neretva river mouth.

Kovač

Hill in Croatia, part of the hills around the Neretva valley.

Bračevac

Hill in Croatia, located in the hinterland of the Neretva plain.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When does the tangerine harvest take place in the Neretva valley?
The harvest usually begins in September and lasts until November.
Can tourists help with the harvest?
Yes, there are special tours where visitors can pick tangerines themselves.
Where exactly are the tangerine orchards located?
They are located in the fertile delta of the Neretva river, near Opuzen and Metković.
Why do tangerines grow so well in this valley?
The mild Mediterranean climate and water-rich soil provide convenient conditions.
Is there direct roadside sales?
Yes, during the season, many farmers sell their fresh fruit at stalls along the main road.
Neretva Tangerine Orchards: where is it located?
Neretva Tangerine Orchards is located in Croatia.
Neretva Tangerine Orchards: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fortica, Krvavac, Kovač.
Neretva Tangerine Orchards: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Neretva Tangerine Orchards: why is it worth visiting?
The Neretva River delta in Southern Dalmatia is often referred to as the 'Croatian California' due to its intensive agriculture and high productivity.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Croatia →

Nearby cities

Metković — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Metković
Metkovic is located on the banks of the Neretva River near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Krvavica — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Krvavica
A hidden gem on the Makarska Riviera, known for its dense pine forest and the unique circular architecture of a former health resort.
Gornje Obuljeno — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Gornje Obuljeno
A hillside village above the Ombla river with a wonderful view of the Dubrovnik hinterland and the sea.
Donje Obuljeno — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Donje Obuljeno
A district of Dubrovnik at the mouth of the Ombla river, near the ACI Marina.
Nova Mokošica — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Nova Mokošica
A modern residential district of Dubrovnik on the banks of Rijeka Dubrovačka, known for its quiet location and proximity to the Ombla spr…
Prijevor — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Prijevor
A village above Rijeka Dubrovačka, known for its proximity to the source of the Ombla River and Dubrovnik.
Rožat — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Rožat
A picturesque village on the Ombla river, just a few kilometers from the center of Dubrovnik.
Komolac — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Komolac
Located at the source of the world's shortest river, the Ombla, Komolac features historic villas and a modern marina.
Peračko Blato — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Peračko Blato
An idyllic village on the shores of the Baćina Lakes, where freshwater springs meet Mediterranean nature.
Imotski — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Imotski
Imotski is located in the Dalmatian hinterland at the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Glavina Gornja — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Glavina Gornja
A suburb of Imotski located on a hill, known for its viticulture and broad views across the plains to the lakes.
Kućište — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Kućište
A historic captains' village on the Pelješac peninsula, famous for its old architecture and excellent windsurfing conditions.
Viganj — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Viganj
A windsurfers' paradise on the Pelješac peninsula, famous for steady winds and old captains' houses.
Pobrežje — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Pobrežje
A rural village above Rijeka Dubrovačka, known for its tranquility and the view of the Franjo Tuđman Bridge.
Lozica — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Lozica
An exclusive coastal settlement right at the entrance to Dubrovnik, known for luxury villas and panoramic views.

History & landmarks

Korčula Old Town — Neretva Tangerine Orchards (Croatia)
Korčula Old Town
A fortified medieval town with a fishbone street pattern designed to reduce the force of the wind.