The Makarska to Mostar day trip is a great option for visiting some of the most famous places of the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina such as Mostar, Počitelj, Kravice Waterfalls, and more. The border with Bosnia and Herzegovina is very close to Makarska and if you’re staying in this city or anywhere else on Makarska Riviera, it’s very easy to include this day trip into your itinerary. In this article, we will discuss all the usual ways of reaching Mostar from Makarska and what to expect when it comes to Makarska to Mostar day trips.
A day trip from Makarska to Mostar is a great opportunity to experience a different culture, architecture, and cuisine that’s characteristic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The best thing is that all these places are within just a few hours’ drive. Mostar is famous for its historic Old Bridge (Stari Most), narrow stone streets in the old part of the town, and East-meets-West atmosphere . Many such day trips from Makarska to Mostar include visits to some other nearby attractions to Mostar such as Kravice Waterfalls, Počitelj, Buna River spring…
Why Visit Mostar from Makarska? Makarska is the closest tourist city to Mostar and it’s easier to reach Mostar from Makarska than from any other location in Croatia. Mostar and this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a famous destination for day trips from this southern part of Croatia and there are many of them from Dubrovnik and Split leaving to Bosnia and Herzegovina each day.
Here are a few reasons why we believe that you should consider visiting Mostar while staying in Makarska or on Makarska Riviera:
Mostar is only 2.5 hours away by car and just a bit more by bus This trip is a great chance to experience a new country and culture in a single day
When in Mostar, you must visit the iconic Stari Most Bridge , a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore historic mosques, bazaars, and local craft shops both in Mostar and in the places along the way
Enjoy Bosnian cuisine and try dishes such as ćevapi, burek, and baklava
Guided Day Trip from Makarska to Mostar (Best Option) When it comes on how to get from Makarska to Dubrovnik, there are only few options. You can either book a guided tou, go from Makarska to Mostar by car or by bus. There was a train line from the city of Ploče, but it has a strange schedule nowadays and runs only during the summer months.
Joining a guided day tour from Makarska to Mostar is the most convenient and informative way to visit this beautiful city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s also a carefree experience since you don’t need to plan anything and you don’t need to look for a parking spot in Mostar.
What’s Included in these tours:
Transportation with optional hotel pickup in Makarska
A licensed guide accompanies each tour
Stops at other locations along the way like Počitelj and Kravice Waterfalls
You get some free time in Mostar for sightseeing and shopping
Duration: Full day (8–10 hours)Why Choose It: Carefree, and informative, and you get local insights from a professional guide
Popular Stops on such guided Tours:
Mostar Old Town & Bridge Počitelj – A small historic village with characteristic Ottoman architectureKravice Waterfalls – A beautiful natural oasis with the most beautiful waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina
How to Get to Mostar from Makarska Independently Apart from joining a guided Makarska to Mostar day trip, you have the option to travel at your own pace or take a bus from Makarska to Mostar. Each of these ways has its own advantages. Driving to Mostar will allow you flexibility and the possibility of exploring at your own pace while taking the bus to Mostar is the most budget-friendly way of reaching this historic destination. Here’s what to expect from each of these ways of getting to Mostar.
1. By Car (Self-Drive)
Distance: ~130 kmDriving Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (including border crossing, expect some queues if traveling in summer)Route: Via Ploče – Metković – Čapljina – Mostar or motorway from Ploče to Počitelj (recommended)Border Crossing: Make sure you bring your passport and check for any visa requirementsParking: Available near Mostar Old Town
2. By Bus
Bus Operators: Various regional lines have frequent departures to Mostar from Makarska or SplitTravel Time: Around 3–4 hours, depending on the road conditions and stops along the wayNot Recommended for day trips due to longer duration and limited schedules. If you choose to go from Makarska to Mostar by bus, we suggest staying in Mostar overnight so you can experience this city better.
Things to Do in Mostar Once you’re in Mostar, there are few places that have to be on your bucket list:
Stari Most (Old Bridge): The most famous part of Mostar. Walk across this bridge and watch local divers jump into the Neretva River – the coldest river in the worldKoski Mehmed Pasha Mosque: Climb the minaret of this mosque for panoramic viewsOld Bazaar (Bazar Kujundziluk): Explore handmade crafts, copperware, and souvenirsMuseum of War and Genocide Victims: Learn about Mostar’s complex recent historyTraditional Bosnian Lunch: Try dishes like ćevapi, dolma, or sogan-dolma in a restaurant by the Neretva River or anywhere in the Old Town
What to Bring on a Day Trip to Mostar When it comes to the things to bring on Makarska to Mostar day trip passport is the most important thing. Anything else can be acquired while in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Still, here’s what you’ll want to have with you when visiting Mostar:
Passport (required for border crossing)Comfortable walking shoes Camera for making photo memories of the architecture and stunning river viewsWater bottle and sunscreen (especially important if visiting Mostar in summer)Cash in Bosnian Convertible Mark (BAM) or euros (some places accept both, but make sure you have some Bosnian currency with you)
Best Time to Visit Mostar from Makarska Mostar is most visited during summer which is a traditional high season in the Balkans. This is also the hottest period in this city and air temperatures in Mostar are usually higher than on the Dalmatian coast since it’s positioned in a valley. Here’s what to expect out of each period in Mostar:
Spring and Autumn: This time of the year has pleasant weather and fewer crowds visiting Mostar. It’s a great time to visit and enjoy this historic city.Summer: Vibrant atmosphere, many events, expect some crowds. Also, it can get very hot (30–40°C) so sun protection is a mustWinter: Fewer to no tourists in Mostar, some sites may have limited hours, and some shops are closed
Before You Venture on the Makarska to Mostar Day Trip A day trip from Makarska to Mostar is a great way to introduce a whole new country and culture into your vacation in Croatia. Consider exchanging Makarska Riviera beaches with Bosnia and Herzegovina history and waterfalls for one day and make your holidays even more memorable. Whatever way of getting to Mostar you choose, make sure to visit some places along the way since Mostar won’t take much of your time. We suggest a visit to Kravice Waterfalls, Počitelj, and Buna River spring. If you have some additional time, you can also consider visiting Blidinje Nature Park, a beautiful mountain region of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Enjoy your Mostar experience!
