Croatia has long been a popular holiday destination for Brits but neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina is set to be a must-visit destination in 2025
Croatia has been a magnet for British holidaymakers over the past few decades, with its breathtaking Adriatic coastline, lush natural beauty and picturesque islands. The vibrant capital city of Dubrovnik is also a major draw.
However, due to an influx of budget flights, cruise ships and Game of Thrones fans visiting filming locations, measures have been implemented to limit daily visitors in order to protect its UNESCO status from overtourism. Travellers looking to explore the region without battling through the crowds, neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina could be a quieter and less crowded alternative.
Despite only boasting 12 kms of coastline, this Balkan nation offers warm hospitality, hiking and skiing trails, delicious cuisine, fantastic music and a rich mix of cultural influences. Its capital, Sarajevo, is a bustling city nestled within the greater Sarajevo valley, surrounded by the Dinaric Alps and along the Miljacka River.
READ MORE: England’s ‘loveliest town’ where house prices fall below the national average
According to the World Tourism Organization, Bosnia and Herzegovina has seen the third-highest tourism growth rate globally from 1995 to 2020. The country is quickly becoming a popular skiing destination and remains one of the Dinaric Alps’ last untouched natural treasures, attracting adventurers and nature lovers with its pristine landscapes.
Often dubbed the “Jerusalem of Europe” for its rich tapestry of religious and cultural history, this city boasts a unique quarter where a mosque, Catholic church, Orthodox church, and synagogue stand in close proximity. The city shot to notoriety in 1914 following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sparking the outbreak of World War One.
Other key cities include Prijedor in the northwest, Zenica at the country’s core, and Mostar in the Herzegovina region to the south. The nation also prides itself on a modest 12-mile Adriatic Sea coastline, with Neum providing the sole seaside gateway, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
Bosnia is watered by seven principal rivers, the mightiest being the Sava river. Its landscape is predominantly mountainous, crowned by the Maglic peak at 2,386 metres on the Montenegro border.
Forests cloak nearly half the land, while continental climates bring hot summers, and Mediterranean conditions grace Herzegovina’s south. The Tara river, home to Europe’s deepest canyon, is a magnet for whitewater rafting enthusiasts.
The country’s artificial lakes are also cherished retreats for locals and visitors looking to take in the incredible scenery.
Travel Bosnia has rolled out the welcome mat for tourists, declaring: “Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina,” and highlighting the country’s “wealth of cultural and historical heritage, natural beauty and attractive places including our mountains, lakes, beautiful villages, our small towns with great soul”.
At the time of writing, Ryanair is offering £15 one-way flights from Stansted to Sarajevo. Travellers could be hopping on the 2 hour 50 minute flight to Bosnia for less than the price of an airport lunch.
