Počitelj is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful spots in Bosnia, and while we haven’t explored every corner of the country, it’s easy to understand why it receives such high praise. This picture-perfect village is a harmonious blend of centuries-old stone houses, nestled gracefully into the hills. A visit here isn’t complete without climbing the many winding staircases that lead to stunning viewpoints, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Počitelj and its surrounding landscapes. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss during a tour of Bosnia—or even as a day trip from Split or Dubrovnik in Croatia. In this blog, we’ll share more about the charm of Počitelj and offer tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Where is Počitelj in Bosnia?
Počitelj is nestled along the Neretva River in southern Bosnia, not far from the Croatian border. Its location makes it a convenient stop for travelers heading toward the popular city of Mostar. Many visitors who take day trips from Croatia to Mostar pass through Počitelj, and it’s highly recommended to pause here and explore. Climbing the stone staircases rewards you with stunning views of this charming hilltop village—a perfect spot for capturing that picturesque photo.
Looking for other must-visit places in Bosnia near Počitelj? The famous Kravica waterfalls are just a 30-minute drive away, offering a natural oasis to enjoy. Another nearby destination is Međugorje, a unique pilgrimage site shrouded in intrigue. Did the Virgin Mary truly appear to local children here, or is it more of a media-driven phenomenon? Either way, it’s only a 25-minute drive from Počitelj. And, of course, the iconic town of Mostar with its renowned Stari Most bridge is just a half-hour away, making Počitelj an ideal addition to your itinerary.
Why Počitelj is Worth a Visit?
Počitelj is a must-visit for its special historical character and stunning hillside location along the Neretva River.
This picturesque village is one of the best-preserved historic towns in Bosnia, beautifully perched on the hills. Wandering through Počitelj feels like stepping back in time, as cobblestone streets wind past centuries-old stone houses. The town has a magical, almost timeless atmosphere, which is rare to find in a country still marked by the scars of war. Počitelj itself wasn’t spared from damage during the conflict, but the determination of its residents to restore the village to its former glory has been nothing short of remarkable. Their efforts have paid off so well that Počitelj has been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List—a testament to its cultural and historical significance.
The village’s hillside location only adds to its appeal. Historic homes, scattered across a lush green hill, create a picture-perfect scene. These medieval houses have retained their authentic charm, with their distinctive flat stone roofs and sturdy wooden gates. For the best view, climb to one of the scenic lookout points. From there, you’ll see the village nestled among greenery and dotted with vibrant pomegranate trees—a sight that feels straight out of a storybook.
Je loopt nog een paar meter redelijk vlak in de richting van de stadspoort, maar daar beginnen de vele trappen die Počitelj als heuvelstadje zo kenmerken. We raden je dan ook aan om Počitelj niet in hartje zomer te bezoeken. De temperaturen in Bosnië kunnen dan behoorlijk oplopen en een klim als die in Počitelj zal je dan behoorlijk zwaar vallen. Wij bezochten het dorp zelf in oktober en werkten ons zelfs toen behoorlijk in het zweet. Ben je hier toch in de warmere maanden? Overweeg dan om vroeg op de ochtend de klim te maken.
Top Things to Do in Počitelj
A visit to Počitelj naturally begins at the road at the base of the village, where you’ll either park your rental car or be dropped off by your tour group. Unlike many tourist destinations, where you’re often bombarded by vendors and noisy souvenir shops, Počitelj has a refreshingly relaxed vibe. A handful of small stalls offer the usual souvenirs like magnets and bags, but the atmosphere remains calm and inviting. You might also encounter friendly locals selling homemade treats and freshly pressed pomegranate juice—a perfect way to start your exploration of this charming village.
Where to Stay in Počitelj: While this small village doesn’t boast a wide range of hotels, it more than makes up for it with charm. You’ll find the welcoming Guest House Počitelj and the lush, greenery-surrounded Riverside Guesthouse, both offering an authentic and peaceful stay in this historic setting.
#1 Climb the Počitelj Stairs – But Don’t Do This in Summer
As you approach Počitelj, the path starts off gently, leading you a short distance to the historic city gate. But from there, the many stairs that define this charming hill town begin. While the climb offers incredible views and a glimpse into the village’s unique character, it’s not something we’d recommend attempting in the height of summer. Temperatures in Bosnia can soar during that time, and tackling Počitelj’s steep ascent under the blazing sun can quickly become exhausting. We visited in October, and even then, the climb left us breaking a sweat!
#2 Admire the Mosque
One of the first landmarks you’ll encounter in Počitelj is the local mosque. While it may not be the most ornate mosque you’ve ever seen, it’s undeniably one of the village’s most distinctive sights. The mosque’s slender minaret rises high above the rooftops, offering a striking focal point that can be admired from various vantage points throughout Počitelj. It’s an integral part of the village’s iconic charm.
This mosque has a history that dates back to the 16th century, with the original structure built in 1562. Sadly, it was destroyed during the war in 1993 but was lovingly reconstructed in 2005, preserving its historical essence. In the square outside the mosque, you’ll find a scattering of souvenir stalls and remnants of the past, adding to the village’s timeless atmosphere.
#3 Climb to the Top of the Watchtower
After visiting the mosque, you’ll ascend a set of stairs that lead you to the ancient yet beautifully restored watchtower, which once served as a crucial part of the village’s defense. Entering through one of the old gates, you’ll walk along the outer wall before spotting a staircase that leads up to a small window. This window is not just for admiring the view—it’s the entry point to the tower, as the spiral staircase begins here!
The narrow, winding staircase takes you up past a unique space at the heart of the tower, gradually leading you to the top. The upper floor is supported by an authentic wooden beam structure, but it’s the windows that will truly capture your attention.
From this vantage point, you’re treated to the most breathtaking view of Počitelj: the village’s stone houses nestled among lush greenery, the old castle perched on the opposite hill, and the Neretva River flowing serenely in the background. While climbing the steep spiral staircase with a growing baby belly and an energetic toddler wasn’t the easiest feat, the stunning panoramic view over Počitelj made it all worth the effort.
#4 Visit the Citadel
After visiting the watchtower, you might feel tempted to call it a day and descend to relax on a terrace. However, we encourage you to press on and climb a bit further. Continue along the city wall towards the old citadel, Počitelj’s ancient fortress.
Located on the opposite corner from the watchtower, the citadel once stood guard over the town. It has been carefully restored with glass platforms and steel staircases, giving you a glimpse of the fortress’s former grandeur. From here, you can enjoy another stunning view of Počitelj and the river below, although we must admit that the view from the watchtower holds a special charm of its own.
#5 Drink a Glass of Pomegranate Juice
As you wander through Počitelj, you’ll quickly notice the abundance of pomegranate trees dotting the town. In October, the branches were heavy with fruit, some ripe and ready to be picked, while others were still in the process of ripening. You’ll also spot the occasional cracked pomegranate scattered along the streets, a reminder of the village’s bounty.
As we made our way back down the stairs, we remembered the drinks the local vendors had suggested to us earlier. While they weren’t your typical refreshing beverage for a hot day, one in particular stood out: a local drink made from Počitelj’s very own pomegranates. So, if you’re looking to take home a truly authentic souvenir that will also help keep you cool on your climb, grab a bottle of this delicious juice! It’s the perfect way to experience a taste of Počitelj while staying hydrated.
