Things to Do in Stolac, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина

Stolac is a historic town in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, often called the 'City of Stone' due to its remarkable collection of medieval tombstones (stećci) and ancient stone architecture. Located in the Herzegovina region along the Bregava River, this small town of around 15,000 inhabitants boasts one of the richest archaeological and cultural heritages in the Balkans, with evidence of continuous settlement spanning over 15,000 years. The town's strategic position between the Adriatic coast and the continental interior has made it a crossroads of civilizations throughout history. Today, Stolac enchants visitors with its blend of Ottoman-era architecture, medieval fortifications, and prehistoric sites. The town's crown jewel is the Radimlja necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the finest examples of medieval Bosnian tombstones. Despite suffering significant damage during the 1990s conflict, Stolac has been carefully restored and now offers travelers an authentic glimpse into Bosnia's layered history, from Illyrian tribes and Roman settlements to Ottoman rule and Austro-Hungarian influence.

Top Things to Do in Stolac

Explore Radimlja Necropolis

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 133 medieval tombstones (stećci) dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The necropolis showcases intricate stone carvings depicting hunting scenes, dancing figures, and medieval symbols that provide insight into Bosnian medieval culture. The site offers excellent photo opportunities and peaceful walking paths among these remarkable stone monuments.

Booking Tip: Entry is free and the site is open year-round during daylight hours. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography. Local guides can be arranged through Stolac's tourist office for around 20-30 BAM for detailed historical context.

Discover Stolac Old Town

Wander through the historic center with its Ottoman-era houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional stone architecture. The old town features several well-preserved mosques, including the reconstructed Careva Mosque, and offers glimpses into the town's multicultural past. The area provides excellent examples of traditional Herzegovinian stone masonry and urban planning.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but hiring a local guide through the tourist information center (15-25 BAM per hour) provides valuable historical context. Best visited in cooler parts of the day during summer months due to stone surfaces retaining heat.

Visit Vidoški Castle Ruins

Hike up to the medieval fortress ruins perched on a hill overlooking Stolac for panoramic views of the Bregava River valley. The castle dates back to the 14th century and offers insight into the region's medieval defensive architecture. The moderate hiking trail takes about 30 minutes and rewards visitors with spectacular vistas and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Access is free but wear sturdy hiking shoes as the path can be rocky and steep. Bring water and sun protection, especially during summer. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting and cooler temperatures for the climb.

Explore Badanj Cave Prehistoric Site

Visit one of the most significant Paleolithic sites in the Balkans, featuring cave paintings and archaeological remains dating back 15,000 years. The cave contains some of the oldest known rock art in Southeast Europe, including depictions of horses and other animals. Guided tours explain the archaeological significance and prehistoric human settlement patterns in the region.

Booking Tip: Tours must be arranged in advance through the Stolac Museum or tourist office for 10-15 BAM per person. Groups of 4-6 people are ideal. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket as caves maintain cool temperatures year-round.

Experience Bregava River Activities

Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Bregava River, which flows through Stolac creating natural swimming spots and peaceful riverside walks. The river is known for its emerald green color and provides opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and photography. Several traditional watermills along the riverbank showcase traditional Herzegovinian engineering and architecture.

Booking Tip: River access is free at multiple points throughout town. Local restaurants offer riverside dining for 15-25 BAM per meal. Swimming is best from May to September, and fishing permits can be obtained from local sporting goods stores for around 10 BAM per day.

Getting There

Stolac is located about 40 kilometers south of Mostar and can be reached by car via the M17 highway in approximately 45 minutes. Regular bus services connect Stolac to Mostar (8-12 BAM, hourly departures), Sarajevo (25-30 BAM, 3-4 daily), and coastal cities like Dubrovnik (35-40 BAM, 2 daily). The nearest airport is Mostar International Airport (45 minutes by car), though most international travelers fly into Sarajevo (2.5 hours) or Dubrovnik (1.5 hours). Car rental is recommended for exploring the surrounding Herzegovina region and provides the most flexibility for visiting nearby attractions.

Getting Around

Stolac is a small town easily explored on foot, with most attractions within a 15-minute walk of the town center. The old town, Radimlja necropolis, and main cultural sites are all accessible by walking on well-maintained paths and roads. For visits to Badanj Cave or more distant archaeological sites, local taxis are available for 15-25 BAM for short trips, or you can arrange transportation through your accommodation. Bicycle rental may be available through some guesthouses for exploring the Bregava River valley and surrounding countryside at a leisurely pace.

Where to Stay

Town Center near Careva Mosque

Bregava Riverfront area

Old Town historic quarter

Near Radimlja necropolis

Residential areas with family guesthouses

Countryside locations with traditional stone houses

Food & Dining

Stolac's dining scene focuses on traditional Herzegovinian cuisine featuring grilled meats, fresh river fish, and locally grown vegetables. Several family-run restaurants in the old town serve specialties like lamb under the bell (ispod sača), Bregava trout, and homemade bread baked in wood-fired ovens. Prices are very reasonable, with full meals typically costing 15-25 BAM per person. Local kafanas (traditional taverns) offer authentic atmosphere along with regional wines and rakija (fruit brandy). Many restaurants feature riverside terraces overlooking the Bregava River, providing scenic dining experiences. Don't miss trying local honey, which is considered among the best in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and traditional sweets like baklava and tufahije.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Stolac is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are comfortable for walking and outdoor exploration, ranging from 20-25°C. Summer months (July-August) can be quite hot with temperatures reaching 35°C, making midday sightseeing challenging, though early morning and evening visits are pleasant. Winter visits (December-February) are possible but some outdoor sites may have limited access, and temperatures can drop to 5-10°C. Spring offers the added benefit of wildflowers blooming around the archaeological sites, while autumn provides excellent photography conditions with clear skies and golden lighting.

Insider Tips

Visit Radimlja necropolis at sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting and fewer crowds - the golden hour creates stunning shadows on the medieval tombstones

Stop by the local honey producers near the town center to sample and purchase some of Herzegovina's finest honey varieties, often sold directly from family apiaries

Combine your Stolac visit with nearby Počitelj medieval town (20 minutes by car) and Kravice Waterfalls (30 minutes) for a full day of Herzegovina highlights

Things to Do in Stolac