About Trebinje

Trebinje – The City of Sun and Plane Trees

Trebinje is a picturesque city in southeastern Herzegovina, within the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nestled beneath Mount Leotar and along the banks of the Trebišnjica River, the city has long been admired for its natural beauty, warm climate, and welcoming spirit. According to the 2013 census, Trebinje is home to nearly 30,000 residents.

Location & Accessibility

Trebinje is ideally positioned near the Adriatic coast, making it an attractive destination for both locals and international visitors. The city is:

  • 19 km from the Adriatic Sea
  • 27 km from Dubrovnik
  • 38 km from Herceg Novi
  • 58 km from Porto Montenegro Marina
  • 81 km from Kotor
  • 110 km from Mostar

Just 40 minutes away lies Dubrovnik International Airport (DBV), one of the most important travel hubs in the region. From this airport, travelers can take advantage of low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air to reach dozens of European cities. Popular destinations include London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Vienna, Berlin, and Milan—making Trebinje an excellent base for exploring Europe.

Climate – Mild Mediterranean Charm

Trebinje enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild, short winters. Autumns are warmer than spring, and snowfall is a rare occurrence. Known as the warmest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trebinje offers nearly 10 months of pleasant weather, often making air conditioning unnecessary.

A Historic & Walkable Old Town

The Old Town of Trebinje is a treasure of timeless architecture and Mediterranean charm. Visitors can stroll through narrow streets, admire beautifully preserved stone buildings, and relax at the iconic Platani Square, shaded by centuries-old plane trees. Each evening, the square comes alive as locals and visitors gather for coffee, dinner, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere.

Friendly, Welcoming People

Trebinje is celebrated for its hospitality. Locals are warm, polite, and always greet visitors with a smile, making the city feel like home to those who come to stay.

Activities & Attractions

Trebinje offers something for everyone:

  • Public Pool & River Swimming – Located in the city center, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Trebišnjica River.
  • Sun City Aqua Park – A modern water park offering family-friendly fun and adventure.
  • Cultural & Scenic Exploration – From historic monasteries to riverside walks, Trebinje provides endless opportunities for discovery.

A City of Light & Life

Often called “the city of sun and plane trees”, Trebinje combines Mediterranean charm, rich history, and natural beauty. Its location, climate, and vibrant local culture make it one of the most beautiful and inviting destinations in the Balkans. With easy access to Dubrovnik Airport and budget flights across Europe, Trebinje is not only a wonderful place to visit, but also a perfect starting point for wider European adventures.

History of Trebinje

20,000 years ago – Ancient Beginnings
Human presence in the Trebinje region dates back nearly 20,000 years, with Paleolithic tools and remains discovered around today’s Bileća Lake. These findings connect Trebinje to some of the earliest known communities in the western Balkans. Neighboring sites such as Badanj Cave in Herzegovina — home to late Upper Paleolithic rock art (14,000–18,000 years ago) — and Straževica, a prehistoric hillfort near Berkovići, further illustrate the deep prehistoric occupation of the wider region.

Bronze & Iron Ages to 4th century – Illyrian and Roman Eras
In the Bronze and Iron Ages, Illyrian tribes fortified the surrounding hills, leaving behind distinctive hillforts. The arrival of the Romans brought new roads, estates, and settlements along the fertile valley of the Trebišnjica River, cementing Trebinje’s place as a crossroads of trade and culture.

7th–14th centuries – Medieval Trebinje
By the early Middle Ages, the area became part of Travunia (Tribunia), a Slavic principality under Byzantine influence. Later, it passed into the hands of Serbian and Bosnian rulers, strengthening its role as a regional hub.
Klobuk fortress

15th–19th centuries – Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Rule
The Ottomans captured Trebinje in the 15th century, reshaping it with mosques, caravan routes, and iconic stone bridges such as the Arslanagić Bridge. Following centuries of Ottoman administration, the Austro-Hungarians arrived in 1878, modernizing the town with roads, schools, and military architecture.
Siege of Trebinje

20th–21st centuries – Modern Era
In the 20th century, Trebinje was part of Yugoslavia, where hydropower projects transformed the Trebišnjica River and surrounding landscapes. The Arslanagić Bridge was carefully relocated to preserve it from flooding. Today, Trebinje reflects this deep timeline—from Paleolithic roots to modern Herzegovina—offering visitors a compact, walkable city filled with history, wine, and sunshine.