Dear travelers,
Since we’re all travel enthusiasts here, I’m kicking off a series of guest posts where fellow travelers share their adventures and experiences. Our first guest post features Žiga.
Žiga is the creator behind Balkan Journeys, a brand focused on showcasing Balkan travel experiences. Having visited over 45 countries, Žiga continues to be enamored with what he considers the most beautiful part of the world – the Balkans. This post details his visit to one of his favorite hidden gems in the Balkan Peninsula: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. So, let’s get started.
In a search for peace or if you just want to escape from the city for a moment, you have to stop at Blagaj Tekke a Dervish monastery. This mysterious place is full of history and lies at the end of a valley where the Buna River emerges from a captivating cave. Perched on the cliffs this monastery offers some breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Kravica Waterfall is another watery secret that Bosnia is hiding. It is only 40 kilometers away from Mostar in the direction of Croatia. Some people call it the Plitvice Lakes of Bosnia due to the huge resemblance between the sights. It may be smaller than the world-known Plitvice Lakes but give it a chance. It will surprise you with its authenticity. All nature lovers have an opportunity to cool themself down if you visit it in the time of hot Balkan summertime.
On the way from Mostar to Kravice waterfalls, I discovered another secret that I need to share with all lovers of Balkan vibes. It is a small town of Počitelj, standing on the steep hillside above the Neretva River. What is the most unique thing about this really small town is that it is a perfect blend of medieval Mediterranean architectural styles and Ottoman architecture. Stone, stone, and stone. Builders used the material that they found nearby and created a labyrinth of small streets, petite houses, and majestic bastions at the top of the hill. Get lost and discover what secrets are hidden between those centuries-old walls.
As the sun sets, many of the towns especially the major ones like Mostar, transform into a lively tapestry of colors and sounds. Many cafes and bars become places for storytelling and laughter, accompanied by the melodies of local rhythms such as soulful sevdah music.
If you visit the region before or after the summer (April, May, September, and October) you will experience the same or even better vibes but without extreme heat and mass tourism. Prices will be lower and you will have a better chance to intimately explore all the hidden alleyways and spectacular natural sights. If there is something that this southern part of Bosnia taught me is that the Balkans are a mixture of cultures. It has always been and it will always be. And Herzegovina, not far away from the touristy and popular Croatian coast, is a perfect place to start observing this beautiful mosaic of countries.
We can just thank Žiga for sharing this amazing journey with us!
Capture images of your Herzegovinian adventure and share them with us! Tag us on Instagram: @balkanjourneys & @thecreationofus.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us & Balkan Journeys
P.S.: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Žiga is the creator behind Balkan Journeys, a brand focused on showcasing Balkan travel experiences. Having visited over 45 countries, Žiga continues to be enamored with what he considers the most beautiful part of the world – the Balkans. This post details his visit to one of his favorite hidden gems in the Balkan Peninsula: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. So, let’s get started.
What are the places that shouldn’t be missed?
I must start with the Old Town of Mostar. On sunny days it can be too touristy. There you will find some of the most beautiful pieces of Ottoman architecture in Europe. Old Bridge and its smaller copy Crooked Bridge, Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque (don’t forget to climb its minaret for the best views of the city), and Kujundžiluk Old Bazaar where you can test your negotiation skills. Unfortunately, the Yugoslav war destroyed many of these architectural masterpieces but they were successfully rebuilt after the 1990s conflict. Explore the cobbled streets around the bridge, connecting two parts of the town. If you are lucky observe brave local divers jumping almost 25 meters into the turquoise Neretva River. If you want to explore the Ottoman period of the city’s history, I recommend visiting Muslibegovic House, which was built in the 17th Century.In a search for peace or if you just want to escape from the city for a moment, you have to stop at Blagaj Tekke a Dervish monastery. This mysterious place is full of history and lies at the end of a valley where the Buna River emerges from a captivating cave. Perched on the cliffs this monastery offers some breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Kravica Waterfall is another watery secret that Bosnia is hiding. It is only 40 kilometers away from Mostar in the direction of Croatia. Some people call it the Plitvice Lakes of Bosnia due to the huge resemblance between the sights. It may be smaller than the world-known Plitvice Lakes but give it a chance. It will surprise you with its authenticity. All nature lovers have an opportunity to cool themself down if you visit it in the time of hot Balkan summertime.
On the way from Mostar to Kravice waterfalls, I discovered another secret that I need to share with all lovers of Balkan vibes. It is a small town of Počitelj, standing on the steep hillside above the Neretva River. What is the most unique thing about this really small town is that it is a perfect blend of medieval Mediterranean architectural styles and Ottoman architecture. Stone, stone, and stone. Builders used the material that they found nearby and created a labyrinth of small streets, petite houses, and majestic bastions at the top of the hill. Get lost and discover what secrets are hidden between those centuries-old walls.
Where to rest after exploring all this beauty?
To experience the true charm of one of Herzegovina’s historic towns, I would recommend staying in Mostar. I did it that way and was more than satisfied with my choice. My choice for a peaceful sleep just minutes away from the Old Bridge in the Old Town of Mostar was Hotel & Spa Villa Meydan. They offer spacious and nicely decorated rooms. For travelers arriving with their vehicle, they also offer a parking area in front of the hotel. For guests who want to relax after a day of exploring the hotel small spa center will be more than a tempting choice.How to get around Herzegovina?
Although there is a rather wide network of buses in Herzegovina, many of the sights are hidden away from the main roads. Therefore my suggestion for a thoughtful exploration of the region is to come with a car or rent one. Even better is to travel across a country with a van, since Bosnia is a paradise for all outdoor lovers.
About culinary delights and vibrant nights.
Discovering Herzegovina extends beyond its picturesque landscapes; it’s a culinary adventure and a vibrant nightlife that captivates the soul. Delight in the rich flavors of Herzegovina cuisine. From iconic ćevapi (a grilled minced meat dish) and other grill delicacies (my favorite is to be found in Tima-Irma restaurant) to bosanski lonac (a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew); Bosnian cuisine is rich and tasty. When you are in a need of strong breakfast or a quick snack, enter into one of many local bakeries and try burek. It is a pastry with various fillings and after the first one, you will want to try them all. Another legacy of the Ottoman past is the Bosnian coffee culture. Local cafes invite you to savor the robust flavors of traditional Bosnian coffee. Coffee served here is much stronger than you are probably used to, but will connect you with the country’s rich history. Give yourself the pleasure to stop for a moment and try this black strong drink served in a traditional coffee set in one of the local cafes such as Cafe de Alma or Stari Grad Cafe.
As the sun sets, many of the towns especially the major ones like Mostar, transform into a lively tapestry of colors and sounds. Many cafes and bars become places for storytelling and laughter, accompanied by the melodies of local rhythms such as soulful sevdah music.
A tip and golden knowledge.
If there is one thing to remember is that although Herzegovina is cute in every season, I would suggest you visit it outside of the main season. If possible try to avoid the summer months for all costs. And I’m not saying that just to get rid of mass tourism tours flooding on day trips from Croatian coastal towns (i.e. Dubrovnik), but also due to the extreme heat that can occur in that part of the year.
If you visit the region before or after the summer (April, May, September, and October) you will experience the same or even better vibes but without extreme heat and mass tourism. Prices will be lower and you will have a better chance to intimately explore all the hidden alleyways and spectacular natural sights. If there is something that this southern part of Bosnia taught me is that the Balkans are a mixture of cultures. It has always been and it will always be. And Herzegovina, not far away from the touristy and popular Croatian coast, is a perfect place to start observing this beautiful mosaic of countries.
We can just thank Žiga for sharing this amazing journey with us!
Capture images of your Herzegovinian adventure and share them with us! Tag us on Instagram: @balkanjourneys & @thecreationofus.
Truly yours,
The Creation of Us & Balkan Journeys
P.S.: Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
