Čapljina is a picturesque and green little town located 14 km south of Medjugorje with a rich archaeological history and untouched wilderness. River Neretva flows through the town on its way to the Adriatic Sea, located some 20 km from Čapljina.
It is home to Hutovo Blato, a nature reserve and bird reserve, the largest of its kind in the region, in terms of both size and diversity. It is primarily composed of marshlands that were created by the underground aquifer system of the Krupa River. It is home to over 240 types of migratory birds so it is on the list of BirdLife International's Important Bird Areas.
The town is also home to one of the best preserved Roman settlements in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Mogorjelo. This a Roman villa rustica that dates from the early fourth century. It was designed as a private manor complex with a residential area and a building designed for agricultural purposes. The area is surrounded by a park and a horse farm.
Another important archaeological site is Gabela. Due to its remarkable geostrategic position, Mexican archeologist Roberto Salinas Price has claimed that Gabela was actually ancient Homer's Troy. Remains of the old City walls, as well as a sculpture of a stone lion – symbol of Venetian culture, can still be found in Gabela.
Even though Neretva is more famous, the Trebižat River, Neretva’s tributary, is the only sinking river in Europe which goes underground and reappears 9 times; meaning that it also has nine different names. Canoe safari on Trebižat is the best thing you can do on a hot summer day. Crystal clear waters, fun rapids, but still smooth enough so you don’t fall out of the canoe, beautiful nature and delicious lunch at the end – what better way to cool down on a scorching Herzegovinian summer day?
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