Mostar and Bosnia

On holiday in Bosnia

before talking about Mostar and tourist attractions in its vicinity, here are some general information on Bosnia. This republic of the ex-Yugoslavia has a unique charm, due in part to the harsh landscapes and emerald green rivers, partly to the soul of cities. Despite some destinations, as a Mostar, have become very tourist, the atmosphere is always a bit "rustic", and the prices are really low compared to Croatia and even at Montenegro .
On this page we focus on the southern part of Bosnia, the one with Mostar and his symbolic bridge, The Kravice waterfalls , and the historic buildings of Blagaj, Pocitelj, Trebigne .

Travel information

To go to Bosnia you can take a plane for Sarajevo, but it is much more likely, and more comfortable, reaching this country by car from Italy, also because having a medium will be useful for your itinerary (if you prefer to rent the car, You can find the Car at the best prices here ).
Many unite The visit of Bosnia to a holiday in Croatia or in Montenegro (as we did us!). Ferries from Ancona to Split are very convenient, in this regard. There are also those who visit Mostar in day from Dubrovnik, but this is a real sin, both because Bosnia deserves more time, and because in fact sleep in Mostar costs a quarter and in Dubrovnik.

For a journey to Bosnia to prefer the months from the end of spring at the beginning of autumn, avoiding the hot central weeks of summer (although, in the case, there is full of rivers in which to get wet and mountains on which to look for Fresh air!).
Prices in Bosnia are very low, although with the explosion of tourism probably will increase. However, for now there are double rooms for 20 euros per night, even in Mostar in August! You can compare hotels here:

Mostar

Mostar is famous for its bridge, which is a symbol of civil war in ex-Yugoslavia and subsequent reappointment. In addition to historical value, the Stari Most (Ponte Vecchio) is also cool! All the historic center of Mostar, made of stone houses and paved narrow streets, worth a visit. The emerald green waters of the Neretva river crossing the city make the place even more beautiful.
The old town is tourist: there are a thousand shops of souvenirs and restaurants, and in high season the main streets are full of travelers. In the evening and in the morning it's all quieter.
From the bridge is splendid view of the city and the river, while the most beautiful views of the Most Stari are from the minaret of the mosque (in the photo above) and from the river itself.

When the Mostar bridge was shot down, the city remained divided into two, on the one hand Christians, on the other the Muslims, and it is therefore clear why it is his abatement that his reconstruction also coose great symbolic importance. Today the Stari Most is also the symbol of diving races: D from a height of 24 meters, athletes or tourists themselves (but after a long workout with the appropriate coach) can dive into the river, under the curious gaze and a A little frightened by other travelers.
In the evening the atmosphere is even more magical, and among the thousand restaurants it is easy to find someone with outdoor tables between old walls 500 years.

Around Mostar, there are several interesting locations less than an hour's drive. We visited Blagaj by driving between Dubrovnik and Mostar, while the next day we admired Kravice and Pocitelj going to Mostar to Split. We had passed to Trebigne, on the other hand, on the road between the mountains of Montenegro and Dubrovnik. Interestingly, the border passages to Bosnia were very rapid, the one towards Split also, while to the customs towards Dubrovnik there was an infinite tail (ok, not infinite, but two hours !!) caused by traffic and officers or Lenses or pedants. In short, if you don't want to waste time in your travel itinerary or if you have a drug load, choose the right border passage!
Another typical destination nearby is Medjugorie, which we jumped: it's a destination for Religious pilgrimages or, second courses, a place where the credulus are shook.

The waterfalls of Kravice

In the midst of the Bosnian countryside, when less expects it, the exceptional spectacle of Kravice waterfalls opens. In summer this destination is assaulted both by the premises that want to cool off and by tourists, given the proximity to Mostar and also to the Croatian coast. Once parked in the gigantic parking lot and paid the entrance ticket, you can enter. Walking along a comfortable street, you arrive at the first panorama of the waterfalls, which are a marvel of nature, even if certainly a paradise because between bars and bathers the place is a small playground, however very enjoyable. You can swim in the pond (the water is very fresh) and approach the waterfalls, thus appreciating the wonderful view.

Blagaj, Pocitelj, Trebigne

As anticipated, in the immediate surroundings of Mostar, there are some citizens absolutely to be included in a travel itinerary in Bosnia. The old village of Blagaj presents the incredible Vrelo Bune, the source of the Buna river, next to which a religious complex arises in an incredible position under the mountain.

The source itself is an incredible phenomenon, with the water coming from the subsoil after having traveled who knows how many kilometers. The Dervish monastery, whose origins date back to 1520, adds charm to this resounding place, and the panoramic restaurants do not ruin it too much, indeed they are a good way to make a lunch with a view. Blagaj's visit does not require more than a couple of hours, unless you want to deepen walking up to the fortress.

Another ancient country in a spectacular position is that of Pocitelj, which combines medieval fortresses perched above a river to historic Muslim religious buildings creating a small jewel that can be explored quite quickly, but with great satisfaction.
Trebigne, or Trebinje, It is instead a city of 300,000 inhabitants, but the ancient village, dating back to the Middle Ages but which in the current form is from 1700, is rather small. Here too there is a scenographic river.

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