Bosnia and Herzegovina is widely thought of as one of the most underrated countries in Europe – with its beautiful countryside, charming coastline and fascinating city culture
Europe still holds some wild and undiscovered gems, with the jagged mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina being largely unknown to the average Brit holidaymaker.
But this country offers more than just mountainous landscapes. It boasts glorious summer weather, stunning countryside, a charming coastline, and vibrant city culture, all at prices that make its glitzy European neighbours seem overpriced.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, sometimes referred to as Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. Many tourists flock to Sarajevo, the capital city, to witness its fascinating blend of East and West.
Here, Muslims, Jews, Orthodox Christians, and Catholics once coexisted peacefully, leaving their marks on the city’s skyline through minarets, domes, and campaniles. Despite having a minimal coastline, the country boasts the resort town of Neum, which touches the Adriatic Sea.
Amidst Croatia’s renowned 1,800-kilometre coastline lies a little-known Bosnian riviera around the town of Neum, boasting approximately 22 kilometres of coast – the world’s second shortest after Monaco. This hidden gem is just an hour’s drive north from Dubrovnik if you’re travelling from Bosnia’s glamorous big sister Croatia, reports the Express.
This quaint resort can become quite packed during the summer months, especially around the hotel areas. However, just across the bay around the Klek Peninsula, you’ll find some quieter spots.
Alternatively, head straight for the Dinaric Alps’ hills, where there’s a high chance you might be the only foreigner around. Bosnia is also an ideal destination for those who enjoy active holidays, offering activities like mountain biking down limestone peaks and whitewater rafting through rugged canyons.
Sarajevo, the host of the 1984 Winter Olympics, boasts slopes in every direction. You could also venture inland to medieval Mostar, renowned for its sweeping stone bridge, hilltop fortresses like Ostrožac Castle, and numerous waterfalls.
Or perhaps a hike through the stunning Sutjeska National Park? In beautiful second-city Mostar, stroll over the iconic bridge at the start or end of the day, when the day-trippers have left, and you can imagine yourself back in Ottoman times.
For a genuine taste of old Europe, head out into the Bosnian and Herzegovinian countryside, where in small, isolated villages like Lukomir, shepherds still tend their flocks.
The countryside boasts a stunning array of fresh water features, including turquoise waterfalls, lakes and rivers such as the fierce Una. With forests covering 50% of the country and national parks like the Unesco-listed Hutobo Blato Bird Reserve, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
After an active day, you can unwind with a glass of wine from one of the superb wineries. Despite these attractions and Euronews labelling it as “spectacular”, the country remains under-visited and seriously underrated.
“There’s a less hurried way of life in Bosnia” says Emma Heywood of Balkans-based travel company Undiscovered Balkans. “Isn’t that what holidays are all about? Learning to embrace the ‘ćejf’ (cheyf) as Bosnians call it: those moments of small pleasures.”
The country also bears poignant reminders of its recent past. 2025 marks 30 years since the end of the Bosnian War and its influence still resonates. Emma adds: “It’s raw, real and breathtakingly beautiful. You’ll leave Bosnia with complete admiration for the overwhelming resilience and humour of its people.”
Locals or savvy tourists realise they can experience this part of the world at much lower accommodation and food costs than neighbouring European holiday destinations like Croatia.
Prices here can be nearly half of those found across the border and therefore some of the cheapest on the Adriatic north of Albania.
Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizzair offer direct flights from the UK. For instance, next month, a direct outbound flight with Ryanair departs from London Stansted on Monday, March 3, landing at Sarajevo International.
The inbound direct flight with Wizz Air UK leaves from Sarajevo International on Saturday, March 8, arriving in London Luton. The price, inclusive of taxes and charges, starts from £36.