Trebinje

Built in the 16th century, this Ottoman bridge used to connect the road between Dubrovnik and Istanbul. In the 1960s it was moved 5 km brick-by-brick to Trebinje to prevent being demolished for the building of a dam. Bring some beers from the shop and enjoy the sun setting over the hills.

Whereas the old towns in many other nearby cities, such as Dubrovnik and Kotor, have become tourist traps, between the old city walls of Trebinje, people still go about their daily lives as normal. It is home to two beautiful old mosques, small alleyways, a museum, and tons of cafes that really get pumping on summer nights. Small, but very charming indeed.

The monastery was constructed in 2000 and is an exact copy of the Gracanica Monastery in Kosovo. This religious complex includes an impressive bell, icon gallery, parish’s home, amphitheatre, fountain, church bookshop, museum and summer garden. The views of the city from the monastery are quite picturesque and can be seen from any point in Trebinje. Free. If you want to linger a bit more on the hill with the view, have a drink on the terrace of the restaurant next to the icon gallery.

Every day, women from the surrounding villages come to Trebinje to sell fruit & vegetables from their own garden at the market. Always fresh, cheap and by definition organic. Other items you can buy include homemade rakija, wine, cheese and clothing.

Trebinje offers plenty of outdoor activities for those that enjoy hiking or adventure. The city is surrounded by 7 peaks, 5 of which have unique Austro-Hungarian era fortresses that can be hiked to and explored. Each peak offers hikes ranging in levels of difficulty from beginner to advanced, with hikes doable in 1.5-3.5 hours. Strac Fortress is one of the most famous and unique in the region, a modern facade that used to have over 365 rooms and provides fantastic views of the surrounding area. For those that wish to overnight in the mountains, contact Sinda Kunic at Walk With Me +387 (0) 65 645 224.

Paragliding from Trebinje's highest peak, Mount Leotar, is also an experience that should not be missed for those who want to try the sport at a fraction of the cost that would be charged in most Western countries

Stop by the city's river beach (bazen) to soak in some sun, cool off in the river, and enjoy a peaceful summer day. You can also grab a beer or other drink at the riverside bar during the summer.

Take your time with a coffee on the terrace of one of the numerous cafes around the town to have a conversation and watch people pass by, just like the locals.