The label “Most Beautiful Villages“ is a concept launched by the French association “Les Plus Beaux villages de France” in 1981. Its mission is to preserve and enhance its member villages’ heritage, to increase their popularity and thus promote their economic development. The concept was expanded with the creation of the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages of the Earth in Gordes, France. The initial gathering brought together the national networks of The Most Beautiful Villages of France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, and Spain. This concept was later adopted by other countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and Lebanon.
After the public call and selection procedure, in May 2022, USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) supported the Association for development of rural tourism in BiH – Alterural based in Sarajevo to lead the roll-out, launch, and management of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina” label. With the technical support of USAID Turizam project, Alterural defined the eligibility criteria, the Quality Charter and the methodology/process for the MBV of BiH initiative. Also, the Quality Commission composed of experts in architecture, heritage, rural development, landscape and geology was established in order to be able immediately to star evaluating the received applications. After finalizing the evaluation process, the first 14 villages have been selected and included on the list of the Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The awarding of the label is not an end in itself, but rather the start of a permanent collaboration between the Association Alterural and the labeled villages. The Association with Turizam support, through its experts, will now be available to give recommendations in matters of heritage protection and the development of a sustainable tourism offer. It will also launch common actions between all labeled villages to address common issues and challenges and promote label membership. The Association Alterural will support the planned capacity building and training activities, as well as promotion of the selected villages. As the promotion of the designated villages increases, it is anticipated that they would experience an increase in the number of tourists, which they should be capable of handling effectively.
The main goals of MBV project are:
• To preserve BiH villages by recognizing their natural and cultural heritage, as well as by suggesting to the local communities policies aimed at conservation.
• To promote BiH villages by raising awareness about their natural beauty and unique cultural heritage
• To develop BiH villages by strengthening their presence on the local and European tourist map and thus contributing to the socio-economic development of rural areas
• To offer new economic opportunities and an alternative to youth leaving rural areas.
| # | Name of the Village | Name of the Municipality | Entity | Highlights and specifics for selected villages |
| 1 | Blagaj | Mostar | FBiH | Based at the source of the crystal clear waters of the river Buna gushing out of an imposing rock, Blagaj is the most spiritual place to refresh oneself and enjoy in perfect beauty. It offers the best preserved Herzegovinian architecture of the 16th century. The stunning Dervish Monastery is the highlight of this destination. |
| 2 | Bobovac | Vareš | FBiH | The former Kings’ residence nestled in the heart of mountains in Vareš! Bobovac was the seat of the medieval rulers of the Bosnian Banovina and the Bosnian Kingdom and the last home of Queen Katarina Kotromanić. What is perhaps most enchanting about Bobovac today is its inspirational natural setting. It sits perfectly along a ridge, surrounded by forest-covered mountains and crystal clear trickling streams. |
| 3 | Bratač | Nevesinje | RS | The real hidden gem of the eastern Herzegovina region, Bratač reveals an astonishingly rich historical heritage on the plateau of Nevesinje including ancient Roman remains, a medieval bridge and the oldest traditional games in the region known as the Nevesinje Olympics. |
| 4 | Guča Gora | Travnik | FBiH | Located above the former Bosnian Capital of Travnik, the village of Guca Gora is becoming an ideal destination for hikers and bikers. The highlight of Guca Gora is its Franciscan Monastery built in typical mid-19 century architecture, frequently visited by the Nobel prize winner Ivo Andrić. |
| 5 | Kraljeva Sutjeska | Kakanj | FBiH | In the heart of mountain Perun, Kraljeva Sutjeska boasts a monastery built by the Bosnian king Stephen II Kotromanić, a national monument of Bosnia & Herzegovina. It is a charming village offering a coherent ensemble of vernacular architecture typical of Central Bosnia. |
| 6 | Krupa na Vrbasu | Banja Luka | RS | This small paradise is best known for the beauty of its nature, including the River Vrbas that hosts rafting competitions. The best panoramic view is accessible from the remains of the medieval town of Greben. The highlight of the village are the picturesque waterfalls and watermills, still in use today. |
| 7 | Martin Brod | Bihać | FBiH | Martin Brod is famous for its numerous tufa cascades and waterfalls on the Una riverbed. The major cascades are Martin Brod, Štrbački buk and Troslap. |
| 8 | Ostrožac | Cazin | FBiH | Placed between a beautifully preserved castle and the river Una, Ostrozac offers a fairytale-like and ancient feel. The fortress consists of a medieval fortress, a fortress from the Ottoman period from 16th Century, Lothar von Berks Castle and a collection of modern sculptures located in the natural surroundings of the Old Town. |
| 9 | Pecka | Mrkonjić grad | RS | Pecka is an embodiment of the untouched nature we always dream of. It is a centre of adventure and a gathering place for all nature lovers and climbers. The most significant attractions are the Sana River springs, the Pliva River springs and Eco Zone of Zelenkovac. |
| 10 | Prokošo jezero | Fojnica | FBiH | A transhumance village cut off from the world for six months of the year, Prokosko is unique in its overall beauty. At the edge of a glacier lake, the shepherds still come with their herds, practice the collection of wild fruits and plants and watch over the endemic Triton, inhabitant of the lake. |
| 11 | Ravno | Ravno | FBiH | Ravno represents the perfect sunny beauty and charm of Herzegovina and the Adriatic hinterland with its stone houses, its homogeneity and incomparable natural and cultural heritage. The highlights are the famous cave of Vjetrenica and the Monastery of Zavala. |
| 12 | Stupe Žabljak | Livno | FBiH | Stupe is a home for Bosnia and Hercegovina wild horses and the kingdom of their freedom. It is known for its Livno cheese production and culinary specialities. |
| 13 | Umoljani | Trnovo | FBiH | The mysterious village with its legend of the dragon, watermills and enchanted walks along the river Studeni Potok. Umoljani has already become a well-known destination for nature lovers. |
| 14 | Vranci | Kreševo | FBiH | Vranci is an invitation to travel into the past. It is the hidden hamlet of blacksmiths and craftsmen. The village represent the mineral wealth of the land of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its mines and the patient and meticulous work of its inhabitants to reveal the soil’s humble brilliance and properity. |
Watch the video about 14 selected villages, included in the list the Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Najljepša sela Bosne i Hercegovine – The Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina – YouTube
