Things To Do
in Čitluk

Čitluk is a hill town in southern Herzegovina known for its warm hospitality and proximity to sacred Međugorje. It sits in the Neretva valley surrounded by vineyards and limestone hills. The area is famous for hearty Bosnian cuisine, strong wines, and easy access to natural and historic sights.

Čitluk serves as a comfortable base for exploring the Hercegovina region, from waterfalls to hilltop monasteries.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Heart of Čitluk
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk through the charming streets of Čitluk, soaking in the picturesque countryside views. Visit the local bakery to taste freshly baked bread and traditional pastries. Don't forget to stop by the local market, where you can meet friendly vendors and sample regional delicacies.

afternoon
:

Explore the nearby vineyards, where you can take a tour of the wineries and learn about the wine-making process. Participate in a wine-tasting session and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a wine estate, savoring local dishes paired perfectly with their finest wines. This is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and gastronomy.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a traditional restaurant in Čitluk for a delicious Bosnian dinner. Enjoy live music as you taste classic dishes like ćevapi and sarma. Wrap up your day by mingling with locals, sharing stories over a glass of famous Herzegovina wine.

day 2
Herzegovina's Natural Wonders
morning
:

Visit the stunning Kravica Waterfalls for a morning of tranquil beauty. The cascading waters create a natural oasis where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or a scenic hike around the area. The surrounding landscapes are perfect for capturing memorable photographs.

afternoon
:

After the waterfalls, make your way to the nearby town of Međugorje, known for its pilgrimage sites. Explore the Basilica of St. James and take a moment for reflection at the scenic Apparition Hill. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery that offers traditional Herzegovinian cuisine.

evening
:

Return to Čitluk and unwind at a local café, sipping on a cup of Bosnian coffee. Engage in conversations with locals who are eager to share their stories about the region. As night falls, enjoy traditional music performances that capture the spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍽️Three course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$20-40
🚖Taxi ride within town$3-8
Cappuccino$1-3
💧Bottle of water 1.5L$0.50-1.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful hill country and vineyards
  • Close to Međugorje and Kravice falls
  • Good value for money and warm hospitality
  • Strong wine and food tradition
  • Limited nightlife in Čitluk itself
  • Peak pilgrimage seasons can be crowded
  • Some historic sites require short drives to reach
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gdje je WC?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Možete li mi pomoći?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Čitluk

Visit one of these nice places.

Međugorje Basilica of St. James

Iconic white church with towers and the surrounding green hills, a classic Herzegovina landscape for sunrise shots.

Kravice Waterfalls viewpoint

Tiered waterfalls set in a lush canyon with blue pools, ideal for wide-angle nature photography.

Čitluk village stone houses and vineyard terraces

Old stone architecture along narrow lanes with terraced vineyards on surrounding hills.

Neretva valley viewpoints

Overlook points offering sweeping views of the river valley and surrounding karst hills.

Humac hill fort and monastery

Historic stone structures overlooking the valley, perfect for sunset silhouettes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Čitluk

Herzegovinian cuisine is hearty and meat driven, with grilled specialties, stews, fresh bread, and local wines. Expect robust flavors, olive oil from nearby groves, and a strong coffee culture in cafés after meals.

Čitluk Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ćevapi with somun

Grilled minced beef sausages served with flatbread, onions, and a pepper relish.

Must-Try!

Burek (meat or cheese)

Flaky pastry filled with seasoned meat or cheese, best enjoyed with yogurt or sour cream.

Japrak

Stuffed grape leaves with rice and herbs, often served as an appetizer.

Blitva with potatoes

Swiss chard and potato stew with olive oil and garlic, a common side dish.

Tufahija

A warm filling of walnut and sugar in baked apple, a classic Herzegovinian dessert.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Pijaca Čitluk

Local market offering fresh produce, bread, dairy, and seasonal specialties. Great for picking up peppers, olive oil, and honey.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a Mediterranean influenced climate with hot summers and cool winters. Summers are sunny with high daytime temperatures and generally dry conditions. Winters are mild to cool with occasional rain and light snowfall at higher elevations. Spring and autumn are transitional, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, ideal for outdoor exploration.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and a courteous greeting are standard. When meeting women, a handshake is common unless invited to hug.

Religious sites

Dress modestly when visiting churches or mosques. Remove hats and speak softly in sacred spaces.

Public behavior

Respect privacy and avoid loud disturbances in small towns, especially near pilgrimage sites.

Safety Guide

Safety

Čitluk and the surrounding Hercegovina region are generally safe for travelers. Petty theft can occur in crowded places, so keep valuables secure. Use reputable taxis and be aware of traffic in narrow mountain roads. In emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance.

Tipping in Čitluk

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Leaving 5-10% in restaurants is common if service was good. In casual cafés, rounding up is appreciated.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry days with abundant sunshine. Expect crowds around Međugorje; stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Autumn

Mild, with harvest season in full swing. Wine tastings are popular and landscapes take on warm tones.

Winter

Cool to cold with occasional rain or snow. Some trails can be slippery; many cafés are cozy and welcoming.

Spring

Mild and green with blooming wildflowers. Great for hiking and photography with longer daylight hours.

Nightlife Guide

Čitluk at Night

Čitluk itself is quiet, with most social life centered in nearby Međugorje. You will find a handful of cafés and wine bars that stay open late, especially in summer. The nightlife here leans toward relaxed evenings with friends, often outdoors, rather than clubbing. In Međugorje you can find live music and cafes that offer local wines and coffee late into the night.

Hiking in Čitluk

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kravice Waterfalls and surrounding trails

Short nature trails around the waterfall area with opportunities for photography.

Humac hill fort and monastic site

Historic sites with panoramic views of the valley, suitable for a moderate hike.

Prenj foothill trails

Accessible routes for day hikes linking olive groves and pine forests near the region.

Airports

How to reach Čitluk by plane.

Mostar International Airport (OMO)

Closest regional airport with seasonal flights and connections to major European hubs.

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Well connected to many European cities, about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Čitluk.

Split Airport (SPU)

Major Croatian gateway with frequent seasonal services and onward road links to Hercegovina.

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)

A longer drive but serves as a larger international hub with many European connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town is compact and walkable with most sights reachable on foot or short rides. A stroll through Čitluk and Međugorje valley offers easy sightseeing with occasional steep hills. Parking can be tight during busy periods, but streets are pleasant for pedestrians.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Croats

Predominant in this region, with Croatian culture and language influence.

Bosniaks

Smaller communities present in Herzegovina with diverse religious sites nearby.

Serbs

Small minority in the broader area with historical roots in the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and informal games common on weekends.

Basketball

Popular in schools and community centers, with occasional local leagues.

Handball

A traditional team sport played in gyms and clubs.

Cycling

Scenic routes along the Neretva valley attract riders of all levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in the rural parts of Čitluk, with occasional congestion around Međugorje during religious events. Public buses connect to Mostar and nearby towns; roads are mostly well maintained but can be narrow and winding in hilly areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Čitluk.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can opt for cheese and veggie burek, bean stews, and salads. Look for grilled vegetables and stuffed peppers and ask for olive oil rather than lard in dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public health centers and clinics are available in Čitluk for primary care. For more advanced care, Mostar has a university clinical center and private clinics. Travel insurance is advised and carry basic medications with you.

Discover Bosnia and Herzegovina

Read more in our Bosnia and Herzegovina 2025 Travel Guide.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Travel Guide