ISRAELI JOURNALIST DISCOVERS THE HIDDEN CHARM OF REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

Israeli journalist Ariel Bulshtein has presented Republika Srpska as one of the Balkans’ most intriguing yet still relatively undiscovered destinations for Israeli travellers, in a travel feature published by Israel Hayom under the headline “Not a Tourist Conveyor Belt: The European Destination Visitors Have Yet to Overrun.”

PHOTO: See Srpska

In his travelogue, Bulshtein highlights the region’s rivers, mountains, rainforests, historic towns, monasteries and gastronomy, while placing particular emphasis on the fact that Republika Srpska has not yet been overwhelmed by mass tourism.

“It is precisely the fact that it has not yet been overrun by tourists that gives it a charm that is difficult to find in better-known European destinations,” Bulshtein writes, describing it as a place where travellers can still experience a genuine “sense of discovery”.

Throughout the article, the journalist explores some of the region’s most distinctive destinations, including Sutjeska, Perućica, the Zelengora lakes, Višegrad, Andrićgrad and Banja Luka. Special attention is devoted to the southern part of Republika Srpska and the city of Trebinje.

“And then you arrive in the south, in Trebinje, a city where the Mediterranean influence is already strongly felt,” Bulshtein writes.

He points out that Trebinje lies at the foot of Mount Leotar and is located within reach of Dubrovnik, Kotor and Mostar. The city, he notes, is characterised by a mild climate and a large number of sunny days throughout the year.

The atmosphere and relaxed rhythm of everyday life appear to have made a particularly strong impression on the Israeli journalist.

“Large plane trees, historic buildings, cafés, the local market and the Trebišnjica River create a relaxed atmosphere that, in some places, is reminiscent of the Adriatic coast,” he writes.

Bulshtein also singles out the Hercegovačka Gračanica church on Crkvina Hill, describing it as one of the most impressive viewpoints in the area.

“From here, Trebinje and its surroundings can be observed, and on a clear day you can understand just how close the city is to the Mediterranean world,” he notes.

Another striking element of his description of Trebinje is the vineyards surrounding the city. According to Bulshtein, they “add another dimension to the experience”, while wine tasting naturally complements a journey for visitors seeking to discover Herzegovina through its local food, wine and agricultural traditions.

From his story about Trebinje, Bulshtein also turns to the wider gastronomic offer of Republika Srpska, highlighting the combination of Balkan, Serbian and Mediterranean influences.

He mentions grilled meat, cheeses, pastries, soups, seasonal vegetables and river fish, while in the south he particularly highlights local wine. As he puts it, “a meal here is not merely a culinary experience, but part of the local culture”.

“Food is a way to get to know a place and its people,” Bulshtein concludes, describing the tradition of spending long hours at the table, engaging in conversation and experiencing the region’s renowned hospitality.

Throughout the travelogue, the journalist portrays Republika Srpska as a destination where natural beauty, history, gastronomy and authenticity come together, offering travellers an experience far removed from the well-trodden paths of mass tourism.

Trebinje, in particular, stands out in his account as a city where the character of the Balkans meets the Mediterranean, providing visitors with a distinctive combination of heritage, nature, wine, food and a relaxed southern atmosphere.

For Israeli travellers seeking new European destinations beyond the most crowded tourist centres, Bulshtein’s account presents Republika Srpska as a place where the feeling of discovery is still very much alive.