The area has been inhabited since prehistoric and Roman times due to its strategic location along important trade and transportation routes linking the interior of the Balkans with the Adriatic coast.

During the Ottoman period, Jablanica developed as a small rural settlement centered on agriculture, livestock breeding, and river trade. Greater growth came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries under Austro-Hungarian rule, when modern roads, railways, and infrastructure were introduced.

Jablanica became internationally known during World War II because of the 1943 Battle of the Neretva, one of the most important military operations fought by Yugoslav Partisan forces against Axis troops. The destroyed railway bridge over the Neretva River remains one of the town’s best-known historical symbols today. After the war, Jablanica developed through industry, hydropower production, and tourism, while preserving its strong connection to the surrounding mountains and the Neretva River.

The gastronomy of Jablanica is deeply connected to the mountainous landscapes of the region and the traditions of Bosnian cuisine. The town is especially famous throughout the country for its roasted lamb, known locally as “jagnjetina s ražnja,” which is slowly prepared over open-fire spits along the roads surrounding the town. Jablanica’s lamb has become one of the region’s best-known culinary specialties and attracts visitors from across Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries. In addition to roasted lamb, local restaurants and traditional taverns serve dishes such as ćevapi, burek, dolma, grilled meats, homemade cheeses, freshwater trout from nearby rivers and lakes, and hearty stews prepared with local herbs and vegetables. Traditional Bosnian coffee, often served in copper pots with homemade desserts like baklava, tufahija, and hurmašica, remains an important part of local hospitality and social life.

Entertainment in Jablanica is closely tied to nature, local traditions, and relaxed social gatherings rather than large urban nightlife. Cafés and riverside restaurants provide popular meeting places where residents and visitors spend long evenings enjoying food, music, and conversation. During the summer months, nearby Lake Jablanica becomes a center of recreation and leisure, with swimming, boating, fishing, and lakeside gatherings creating a lively atmosphere. Traditional folk music, regional festivals, and cultural events occasionally bring live performances and celebrations to the town, especially during holidays and summer festivities. Visitors also often combine gastronomy and entertainment with outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, cycling, and exploring the scenic landscapes of the Neretva River valley, making Jablanica a destination where natural beauty and traditional Bosnian culture are closely connected.

Jablanica offers a wide range of sports and recreational activities thanks to its mountainous surroundings, the Neretva River, and nearby Lake Jablanica. The town is especially popular for outdoor adventure tourism, attracting visitors who enjoy nature, water sports, and hiking.

Lake Jablanica is one of the main recreational areas in the region, offering opportunities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating, and relaxing on lakeside beaches during the summer months. The emerald-green Neretva River is also well known for rafting and kayaking excursions, while nearby mountain landscapes provide excellent conditions for hiking, mountain biking, camping, and nature photography. Popular mountain areas around Jablanica include Prenj, Čvrsnica, and Plasa, which are highly regarded among climbers and trekking enthusiasts.

The town has a strong local sports tradition supported by numerous clubs and associations. Sports practiced in Jablanica include soccer, basketball, handball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, diving, mountaineering, and martial arts. Local sports infrastructure includes a city football stadium, indoor sports halls, tennis courts, and outdoor recreational grounds used for both professional competitions and community recreation.

Recreation in Jablanica is closely connected with its natural environment, making the town particularly attractive for visitors seeking active holidays, eco-tourism, and outdoor leisure rather than large-scale urban entertainment.