After the liberation of inner Dalmatia from the Ottoman Empire, most of Kozica and the surrounding villages had been deserted because of the exodus of the populace to the northern regions of Croatia.

The withdrawal of the Ottomans saw the region come under the jurisdiction of the Venetian Republic, and subsequently under the rule of Napoleon.

A short and prosperous period followed, which included the construction of the "napoleonska cesta" (Napoleon's road), encouraging travel to the area.

With the failure of Napoleon's campaign in Dalmatia, Kozica fell under the rule of Austria-Hungary and remained so until the end of the First World War.

Many of Kozica's population bought land near Vrgorac, where they grew their own produce, including olives and grapes.

The Church of St Elijah in Kozica, with its simple and harmonious architectural design and preserved interior, represents a valuable cultural monument of Zabiokovlje.

Tourism has started in Kozica and it is becoming common for cyclists to tour the region and its rocky landscape.

[citation needed] Kozica is a small Mediterranean mountain village which is 20 minutes by car from the nearest beach.

Tourism in Kozica is expected to increase[citation needed] with the construction of the A1 highway from Zagreb via Split to Dubrovnik.

After 1945 the decrease in population was due to the exodus of people trying to find a better life in the cities or migrating.