Bordering Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia, Mostar is the perfect day trip. Spanning the Neretva River at the foot of the Velež Mountain, Mostar’s pale stone buildings, red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets are surrounded by lush foliage.
Originally a part of Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared its independence in 1992 following the Bosnian War. With its Ottoman history, breathtaking waterfalls and Turkish influence, Bosnia and Herzegovina is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination.
Book A Day Trip To Mostar
Still considered a developing country, we highly recommend that you join a tour group when traveling to – and within – Bosnia and Herzegovina. The political environment remains somewhat unstable and, if you plan on hiking, be aware minefields still exist in rural areas and open fields.
Stop In Počitelj
The 15th medieval village of Počitelj is located about 30km south of Mostar. Situated in a deep river valley along the Neretva River and surrounded by the rugged rocky mountains of the Balkans, Počitelj is a town lost in time. We were immediately transported back into another era!
The ancient stone buildings and steps are reminiscent of a Hollywood movie set.
With an early morning chill in the air, we couldn’t wait to try a cup of Bosnian coffee. Unlike Turkish coffee, Bosnian coffee is bitter, potent and about as thick as mud – yet surprisingly good!
It is traditionally served on a round metal tray (Bosnians are renowned for their copper metalwork), along with a džezva, a ceramic cup, sugar cubes and rahat lokum (a Bosnian candy).
Počitelj has a population of just over 100 people who rely primarily on the tourists making their way to Mostar. Fresh squeezed juices, locally grown figs and trinkets, are displayed by local merchants.
Looming high above is the Citadel, an imposing structure that seems to rise majestically from the rocky cliffs below. Built by King Tvrrko I of Bosnia in 1383, the fortress is now recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Monument while the village of Počitelj is recognized as a protected National Monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Take A Stroll In Old Town Mostar
Established in the 15th century along the banks of the Neretva River, the cobblestone streets of Old Town Mostar are lined with bazaars offering beautiful metalworks, handblown glass and textiles.
The Ottoman and Turkish influences on Mostar are clearly evident.
Be Amazed At Stari Most Mostar
One of the best known sites is the Stari Most, an iconic bridge that spans the Neretva River.
Originally constructed in 1566, the bridge stands 29m long, 24m high and 4m wide, and was considered an engineering marvel. Unfortunately, after 427 years, it was destroyed during the Siege of Mostar. Under the supervision of UNESCO, the Stari Most was reconstructed in 2004 using the same materials and technology that were originally used in 1566.
A word of caution: the steps leading to the top of the bridge are extremely slippery!
Watch Mostar’s Divers
Mostar is also known internationally for its annual diving competitions including the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series that made its eighth visit in 2023. From atop the Stari Most, divers jump to the Neretva River that flows 24m below. The tradition dates back to 1664 and is not for the faint of heart! Not only is the water very cold, but only the most trained and skilled will try the jump and, yes, deaths have occurred.
If you think Olympic diving is an adrenaline rush, just experience cliff diving. One of the oldest extreme sports in the world, it combines acrobatics and diving from enormous heights. To put it into context, Olympic divers jump from boards which are 3 or 10 meters high. Mostar’s Start Most stands at 24 meters!
Raft Down Mostar’s Neretva River
At the base of the Stari Most, local vendors offer short raft trips for only a few euros. The leisurely 15-minute ride on the Neretva River provides a different perspective of Mostar and its Ottoman architecture.
Learn About The Siege of Mostar
Devastated during the Bosnian War of 1992-1995, much of the Old Town has been rebuilt to reflect a storybook image. Yet, 27 years later, neglected bombed out buildings line the streets, reminders that tell the tragic story of the destruction that took place. Even today, tension exists among the differing religions and cultures.
Enjoy A Traditional Bosnian Lunch
After a day exploring all Mostar has to offer, we enjoyed a traditional Bosnian lunch at the Food House Pub & Restaurant. Serving traditional dishes, this small, unassuming restaurant was an unexpected surprise. Be sure and try the Ćevapi, a grilled dish of minced meat considered the national dish of Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Relax At The Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls
A short 40km drive from Mostar are the Kravice Waterfalls. Situated in the karstic heartland of Herzegovina, it is one of the largest waterfalls in the country.
Plunging from cliffs as high as 25m along the Trebižat River, this watery amphitheater is popular among locals and tourists alike.
A few sets of stairs connect the parking lot to a winding path that lead to the Falls below. Additionally, a tram is available for those not wanting to make the trek down. Once at the Falls, explore the beauty and hidden crevices before relaxing in the afternoon shade of the surrounding forest. A number of small restaurants bordering the water offers a great view while enjoying local Bosninan/Croatian cuisine, or relaxing with a cone of gelato or cold Staropramen beer.
Is Mostar worth visiting? Most definitely! The friendly people in Počitelj, the Turkish influenced bazaars, the remnants of the Bosnian Siege reminding us of the destructive power of war on buildings and people’s lives, the sheer beauty of the Kravice Falls all create an unforgettable day trip. As we passed a sign pointing opposite directions to Split and Saravjeo, we couldn’t help but wish our Viator driver turned right so we could experience more of this conflicted, yet amazing, country.
