Croatia has increased in popularity with British holidaymakers over the past few decades. Visitors come to relax on the stunning Adriatic coastline and take in the vibrant natural beauty and idyllic islands.
Many also come to enjoy a break in the capital city of Dubrovnik. But, a victim of cheap flights, cruise ships and an influx of Game of Thrones fans due to its use as a filming location for the series, measures have been implemented to limit daily visitors to the city, to safeguard its UNESCO status against overtourism.
For travellers looking to escape the tourist throngs, the stunning country of Bosnia and Herzegovina could be the ideal alternative. Croatia’s southern neighbour offers a tranquil retreat from bustling Dubrovnik, surrounded by incredible countryside.
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Despite its lack of coastline, this Balkan nation compensates with warm hospitality, hiking and skiing trails. Its blend of cultural influence, from Austro-Hungarian to Ottoman to Islam, are easily found in its architecture, cuisine, music and lifestyle.
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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital and largest city, houses just over 275,500 residents. Nestled within the greater Sarajevo valley, it is encircled by the Dinaric Alps and lies along the Miljacka River.
Often referred to as the “Jerusalem of Europe” due to its long-standing religious and cultural diversity, the city boasts a unique neighbourhood where a mosque, Catholic church, Eastern Orthodox church, and synagogue stand in close proximity. The city gained historical notoriety in 1914 as the site of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assassination, an event that triggered the onset of World War One, reports the Express.
Other significant urban areas include Prijedor in the northwest, Zenica at the heart of the country, and Mostar, the principal city of the Herzegovina region in the south. The country enjoys a modest stretch of coastline on the Adriatic Sea, spanning 12 miles with the town of Neum providing its sole maritime access.
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Bosnia is also traversed by seven major rivers, including the Sava, the most extensive of them all. Predominantly mountainous terrain characterises the country, with Maglic peak, bordering Montenegro, standing as the highest point at 2,386 metres.
Forests cover nearly half of the nation’s land area. The climate exhibits continental traits with hot summers in Bosnia, while Herzegovina in the south experiences Mediterranean weather patterns.
As per the World Tourism Organization’s forecasts, Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced the third-highest tourism growth rate globally from 1995 to 2020. The country is emerging as a favoured skiing destination and remains one of the Dinaric Alps’ last unexplored natural havens, drawing adventurers and nature enthusiasts to its pristine landscapes.
(Image: Getty Images)
The Tara river, known for having the deepest river canyon in Europe, is a hotspot for whitewater rafting enthusiasts. The country is also well known for its man made lakes where locals come to relax by the water.
Travel Bosnia welcomed visitors with a post that read: “Welcome to Bosnia and Herzegovina,” highlighting the nation’s “wealth of cultural and historical heritage, natural beauty and attractive places including our mountains, lakes, beautiful villages, our small towns with great soul”.
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