Many individuals who come on our Free Walking Tour of Mostar say one of two things:
“I am so glad we stayed in Mostar for a few days!”
“I wish we had stayed in Mostar longer – I did not realize there was so much to see and do in and around Mostar!”
Many people come to Mostar not realizing that there is plenty to see and do in town and throughout Herzegovina. If you look back on our first blog post about the Top 10 things to do and experience in Mostar, you will get a taste of some of the options available for visitors. We encourage you to book an overnight trip to Mostar so that you do not miss out!
Mostar also acts as a great base to explore Herzegovina. If you happen to be traveling by car, it is easy to experience Mostar’s surroundings. There are also local transportation options that make it easy to get around. You can take a local bus to nearby towns such as Blagaj, Stolac, and Medjugorje and local tour operators and hostels also offer Herzegovina Day Tours that will take you on a full day of exploration to Blagaj, Počitelj, and Kravica for a reasonable price, usually around 30 Euros. Recently, another option – a daily Open Tour Bus – also began operating, offering yet another way to easily travel around Herzegovina (20 Euros-person)! If you are looking for something more personalized, consider booking with Yugo Tours.
The best part? After spending the day exploring these sites, come back to Mostar for an evening in town without the daytime crowds. Stay out late to steal a quiet moment on the bridge or enjoy a drink on the banks of the Neretva and check out the bridge as the sun goes down and the nighttime lights are turned on to illuminate the iconic stone arch.
To help you get started with your planning, we have listed some of our favorite sites in the area that you do not want to miss while you stay in Mostar! This list is not exhaustive, especially in terms of outdoor activities and day hikes – we will save those for a future blog post!
Blagaj
At just over 10 kilometers from Mostar, it is easy to take a day trip to Blagaj – it is even possible to bike or take a taxi. Blagaj is a small village, nestled up against the spring of the Buna River and home to a 16th century Tekija (Dervish Monastery) – a national monument. Visit the tekija (now museum), drink from the Buna, and even take a boat ride into the cave from which the spring originates! After, enjoy a coffee while overlooking the water or find your way around the backside of the imposing looking rock face and take a walk up the path (recently renovated) to Stjepan Grad (Fortress) for an incredible view of the valley below. More often than not, you will have the fortress remains all to yourself! Entrance to the fortress is currently free.
Počitelj
Located 30 kilometers south of Mostar, Počitelj is another wonderful option for a day trip or simply continue on your way from a morning visit to Blagaj and spend the afternoon in Počitelj. A picturesque, fortified town which is first mentioned in historic documents around the 15thcentury, Počitelj is often referred to as a museum under open sky. The towns architectural ensemble is indicative of the medieval and Ottoman period. Wind your way through the narrow cobblestone streets, buy some fresh fruit or juices from the locals, and make your way to the upper fortress walls overlooking the Neretva for a stunning view!
Medjugorje
Also only about 25 kilometers away from Mostar is Medjugorje, which has been popularized for travelers since 1981 when a group of 6 local teenagers claimed that the Virgin Mary appeared to them. It has since become a pilgrimage site, especially for Catholics.
Stolac
Another town which is often described as a museum under open sky, Stolac is located about 40 kilometers south of Mostar. Although the population of the town is less than 15,000, it boasts a rich architectural history. While there, check out the Old Town (centrally located) as well as Daorson (Illyrian Fortress) and Radimlja (Stećak Necropolis), the last of which is listed as a trans-boundary World Heritage Site. Take a walk along the Bregava River and enjoy the view from a riverside café (Nota) or traditional restaurant (Old Mill)!
Kravica Waterfall
A fantastic respite on a hot summer day, Kravica is located just 40 kilometers from Mostar. The falls are about 25 meters (80 feet) high and provide a beautiful backdrop for a day of swimming in the lake or picnicking on the shores. If you do not want to pack a lunch, there are a couple of café bars and restaurants where you can find refreshments!
Hutovo Blato
If you are seeking the natural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this may be the spot for you! Hutovo Blato is a nature and bird preserve located just 30 kilometers outside of Mostar. Hutovo Blato has been protected as a Nature Park since 1995, but prior to this was known for its excellent fishing and hunting. It is highly regarded for birding and is home to 240 species of migratory birds as well as those that live within the marshlands year-round.
Konjic
Konjic is located just about midway between Mostar and Sarajevo. Just traveling to Konjic is a treat – the road winds through steep canyons along the Neretva River and you will likely want to pull off to snap a few pictures along the way. Book a visit to Tito’s bunker in advance of your arrival and once in Konjic, be sure to visit the beautiful Ottoman Bridge dating from the 17th century. Konjic is also a great base from which to go white water rafting!
Trebinje
Trebinje is the farthest from Mostar on this list at about 115 kilometers to the south. Visit the city as a day trip from Mostar or alternatively, stop here on your way to Croatia (Dubrovnik) or Montenegro (Herceg Novi or Kotor). On the way, you can make a stop at Vjetrenica Cave and explore 6 kilometers of underground passages. After a beautiful drive, you will find a picturesque town with a historic town center dating from the Ottoman Period. Even older is the Tvrdoš Serbian Orthodox Monastery dating to the 15thcentury. If you are traveling with children or are just a kid at heart, spend the day at the local waterpark, Grad Sunca!
This is just the start – there are many hidden places in and around Mostar to experience during your time visiting Herzegovina. So, be sure to book a stay and do not miss out on what is awaiting you! Feel free to contact us at Sheva Walking Tours for more information! Start your visit to Mostar with a Free Walking Tour with Sheva or book a private individualized tour with us!
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