I visited the charming city of Mostar on a day trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina from Dubrovnik, and I have to say, this place really took me by surprise. Nestled in the Herzegovina region along the Neretva River, Mostar gets its name from the iconic bridge spanning the river, the Stari Most.
The drive from Dubrovnik was pleasant, but crossing the border was a bit tricky. We had to stop three times: first at Neum to enter Bosnia, then back into Croatia, and finally at Metkovic to enter Bosnia again. There’s a tiny sliver of Bosnia & Herzegovina that slices through Croatia, making for an interesting border-crossing experience.
After nearly three hours, we arrived in Mostar, and the first thing that grabbed my attention was the stunning Stari Most bridge. Originally built by the Ottomans in 1566, it was destroyed during the war in 1993 but beautifully restored in 2004. The bridge is the crown jewel of Mostar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fun fact: if you’re lucky, you might catch members of the Mostar Diving Club leaping off the bridge into the river below. Yes, you read that right—locals and daredevils alike have been making the 27-meter (89-foot) jump for decades. Brave souls!
Another highlight was the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, a small yet beautiful Ottoman mosque dating back to 1618. You can even climb the minaret for a breathtaking panoramic view of the town—a sight that’s well worth the effort!
Just 40 kilometers south of Mostar lies one of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever seen—Kravice Falls. Standing 25 meters tall, the falls are breathtaking from the road, but even more impressive up close. The only catch? The water is freezing. Even when it’s a warm 29°C outside, the water hovers around 9-10°C. But I couldn’t resist—taking a plunge and swimming beneath the falls was exhilarating!
While trips to Mostar are easily arranged by travel agencies in Dubrovnik, there aren’t any group tours to Kravice Falls. However, you can book a private day tour, and they’ll provide a car and driver for the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a car and make the trip yourself—just be prepared for the slightly tricky border crossings along the way.
