Vacation Packages to Mostar

General Information About Mostar

Mostar is a city located in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is situated on the banks of the Neretva River and is the fifth-largest city in the country.

The city is known for its historic Old Bridge, or Stari Most, which was originally built in the 16th century and reconstructed after being destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. The bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city’s resilience and reconstruction.

Mostar has a diverse population, with a mix of Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs living in the city. The official language is Bosnian, which is spoken by the majority of the population.

The economy of Mostar is based on tourism, agriculture, and light industry. The city has several museums, including the Museum of Herzegovina and the Museum of the Old Bridge, as well as a number of religious sites, such as the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque and the Franciscan Church.

Mostar has a continental Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city is easily accessible by road and rail, with the nearby Mostar International Airport providing flights to several destinations in Europe.

Points of Interest in Mostar

Mostar is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Here are some of the sites of interest in Mostar:

1. Old Bridge (Stari Most): This iconic bridge is the symbol of Mostar and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The original bridge was built in the 16th century and destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. It was reconstructed in 2004 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Old Town (Stari Grad): The old town of Mostar is a charming area with narrow streets and historic buildings. It is home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can sample local cuisine.
3. Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: This 17th-century mosque is located on the bank of the Neretva River and offers a great view of the Old Bridge and the city.
4. Museum of the Old Bridge: This museum is located in a restored 17th-century Ottoman house and showcases the history of the Old Bridge and the city.
5. Museum of Herzegovina: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Herzegovina region, including archaeological finds, traditional costumes, and handicrafts.
6. Franciscan Church: This beautiful church was built in the late 19th century and features stained glass windows and a bell tower with a great view of the city.
7. Biscevica House: This 17th-century Ottoman house has been restored and converted into a museum showcasing the traditional way of life in Mostar.
8. Blagaj Tekke: This 16th-century dervish monastery is located in the village of Blagaj, about 12 kilometers from Mostar. It is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.
9. Kravice Waterfalls: These beautiful waterfalls are located about 40 kilometers from Mostar and offer a great place for swimming and relaxing in nature.
10. War Photo Exhibition: This exhibition showcases powerful images from the Bosnian War and its aftermath, providing insight into the city’s recent history.

Typical Food and Drinks of Mostar

Mostar, like the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has a rich culinary tradition with a variety of delicious dishes and drinks to try. 

Some of the local specialties you should try when visiting Mostar are Ćevapi, a popular  grilled dish made of small sausage-like rolls of minced beef or lamb served in a flatbread (somun) with onions and sour cream, and Bosnian Pot, a hearty and flavorful stew made with various meats and vegetables, usually served with homemade bread.

Also you should try Burek, a savory pastry made with flaky phyllo dough and filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. It is a popular breakfast food in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

And for dessert, you should try Tufahije, Poached apples stuffed with walnuts and sweetened with sugar syrup or honey, often served with whipped cream or Baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup.

As for drinks, you should try Rakija: A strong alcoholic drink made from fermented fruit, usually plums or grapes. It is often served as an aperitif or a digestive and Herzegovinian Wine. The Herzegovina region is known for its high-quality wines, particularly red wines made from the local Vranac grape.

Festivals of Mostar

Mostar hosts several cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the major festivals and events in Mostar:

1. Mostar Summer Fest: This is a month-long festival that takes place every year in July and August. It features a variety of cultural events, including music concerts, dance performances, theater shows, and film screenings.
2. Mostar Blues and Rock Festival: This festival takes place every year in June and brings together some of the best blues and rock musicians from Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad.
3. Mostar Film Festival: This international film festival takes place every year in April and showcases independent films from around the world.
4. Dženan Jahić Days: This festival takes place in June in memory of Dženan Jahić, a young musician from Mostar who passed away in 2015. It features a variety of music performances and cultural events.
5. Stari Grad Nights: This festival takes place in July and August and features cultural events and performances in the old town of Mostar.
6. Holy Mary of Mercy Day: This religious festival takes place on September 24th and is a major celebration for the Catholic community in Mostar. It includes a procession and mass at the Franciscan Church.
7. Eid al-Fitr: This is a major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims at the end of Ramadan. It is marked by prayer and feasting with family and friends.
8. Orthodox Christmas: The Orthodox Christian community in Mostar celebrates Christmas on January 7th with a special liturgy and traditional feast.
9. Day of St. George: This religious festival is celebrated by the Serbian Orthodox community in Mostar on May 6th with a special liturgy and procession.
10. International Workers Day: May 1st is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is celebrated with parades and cultural events in Mostar and other cities across the country.

How Is the Culture in Mostar?

The culture in Mostar is a blend of different traditions and influences, reflecting the city’s rich history and diverse population. Mostar has been influenced by the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav cultures, as well as the Catholic, Muslim, and Orthodox religious traditions.

Mostar is known for its traditional crafts, particularly metalworking, woodcarving, and calligraphy. The city has a number of workshops and galleries where visitors can see these crafts being made and purchase handmade souvenirs.

Mostar is also home to several cultural institutions, including the National Theatre Mostar, the Croatian Theatre Herceg Stjepan Kosača, and the Muslibegović House, which is a museum of Ottoman culture and architecture.

Religion also plays an important role in the culture of Mostar, with Catholic, Muslim, and Orthodox communities coexisting in the city. There are several historic churches, mosques, and synagogues in Mostar that reflect the city’s religious diversity.

Overall, the culture in Mostar is diverse, vibrant, and deeply rooted in the city’s history and traditions.

What to See and Do in Mostar

Mostar is a wonderful destination due to its historical heritage and its fascinating culture.

In turn, due to its proximity to Bled and Ljubljana, many travelers combine their trip to Mostar with these destinations, which is why you will find these sites in several of our offers.

Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible historical sites? Do you want to know about a fascinating blend of cultures? Do you want to taste exquisite cuisine?

If your answer is "yes", in Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Mostar, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!