Things to Do in Neum, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина

Neum is Bosnia and Herzegovina's only coastal town, offering a unique 20-kilometer stretch of Adriatic Sea coastline that serves as the country's sole access to the sea. This small resort town sits along the Neum Bay, creating a narrow corridor that separates the northern and southern parts of Croatia's Dalmatian coast. Despite its modest size, Neum has developed into an important tourist destination for Bosnians seeking seaside relaxation and international visitors exploring the lesser-known gems of the Balkans. The town combines natural beauty with affordable Mediterranean charm, featuring pebble beaches, clear blue waters, and a backdrop of dramatic hills. Neum's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring both the Bosnian interior and the Croatian coast, while offering significantly more budget-friendly accommodation and dining options compared to its Croatian neighbors. The area is particularly popular with visitors from landlocked Central European countries seeking accessible seaside holidays.

Top Things to Do in Neum

Beach Hopping Along Neum Bay

Explore the various pebble beaches along Neum's coastline, each offering different atmospheres from family-friendly areas to quieter coves. The main beaches feature clear Adriatic waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with several beach bars and restaurants nearby. The coastline provides stunning views across the bay toward the Pelješac Peninsula in Croatia.

Booking Tip: Beach access is generally free, but sunbed and umbrella rentals cost around 10-15 BAM per day. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best spots and lighting. Look for beaches with Blue Flag certification for the cleanest waters.

Boat Excursions to Nearby Islands

Take day trips by boat to explore the stunning Adriatic islands and coastline around Neum Bay. These excursions often include stops at secluded beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and visits to charming fishing villages along the Croatian coast. Many tours also offer traditional Dalmatian lunch onboard with fresh seafood and local wines.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips cost 40-60 BAM, full-day excursions 80-120 BAM per person including lunch. Book through local agencies for better prices than hotel concierges. Choose operators with newer boats and good safety records, especially during summer months.

Hiking in the Surrounding Hills

Discover scenic hiking trails in the hills above Neum that offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding landscape. The trails wind through Mediterranean vegetation, ancient stone walls, and traditional villages, providing insight into the region's rural culture. Several routes lead to viewpoints perfect for sunset photography and picnicking.

Booking Tip: Trails are free to access, but hiring a local guide costs 50-80 BAM for half-day trips. Best hiking months are April-June and September-October when temperatures are moderate. Bring plenty of water and sun protection as shade can be limited.

Wine Tasting in Local Vineyards

Experience the emerging wine culture of the Herzegovina region with visits to family-owned vineyards in the hills around Neum. These intimate tastings feature indigenous grape varieties like Žilavka and Blatina, paired with local cheeses and traditional appetizers. Many vineyards offer tours of their facilities and explanations of traditional winemaking methods passed down through generations.

Booking Tip: Tastings cost 20-40 BAM per person for 4-6 wines with food pairings. Call ahead to arrange visits as many are family operations with limited hours. Spring and early fall offer the best vineyard experiences with pleasant weather and active grape growing.

Cultural Exploration of Nearby Mostar

Take a day trip to the historic city of Mostar, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Old Bridge and Ottoman-era architecture. The journey through the Herzegovina countryside offers stunning mountain scenery, while Mostar itself provides rich cultural experiences including traditional crafts, historic mosques, and the famous bridge diving tradition. The old bazaar area features authentic Bosnian cuisine and handmade souvenirs.

Booking Tip: Organized day trips cost 60-100 BAM including transportation and guide. Independent travel by bus costs around 20 BAM return but requires checking schedules. Allow full day for proper exploration and try to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds at the bridge.

Getting There

Neum is accessible by road from multiple directions, with the main route being the coastal highway (M17/E65) that connects to Croatia's road network. The nearest airports are Dubrovnik Airport (60km south) and Split Airport (130km north), both in Croatia, requiring border crossings. Regular bus services connect Neum to major Bosnian cities like Sarajevo (3 hours) and Mostar (1.5 hours), as well as Croatian coastal cities. Car rental is popular for exploring the region, though visitors should ensure they have proper documentation for multiple border crossings between Bosnia and Croatia along the coast.

Getting Around

Neum is a small town easily explored on foot, with most hotels, restaurants, and beaches within walking distance of each other. Local taxis are available for short trips and cost around 5-10 BAM within town. Rental cars and scooters are popular for exploring the surrounding area and visiting nearby attractions. The town has limited public transportation, but the compact size makes this unnecessary for most visitors. Bicycle rentals are available from several hotels and provide an enjoyable way to explore the coastal road and nearby villages.

Where to Stay

Neum Center

Klek Peninsula

Zaton Area

Mini Ston Bay

Hutovo Wetlands Region

Stolac Historic Area

Food & Dining

Neum's dining scene focuses heavily on fresh Adriatic seafood, with numerous restaurants along the waterfront serving grilled fish, octopus salad, and traditional Dalmatian dishes at prices significantly lower than neighboring Croatian resorts. Local specialties include Herzegovinian lamb, fresh mussels from nearby farms, and regional wines. The town offers everything from casual beach bars serving simple grilled dishes to upscale restaurants with extensive wine lists. Many establishments feature outdoor terraces with sea views, and several hotels offer traditional Bosnian evenings with folk music and regional cuisine. For budget dining, look for local konobas (taverns) away from the main tourist strip.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Neum is from May through September when temperatures are warm and perfect for beach activities, with July and August being the busiest and hottest months. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices. Swimming season typically runs from June through October, with sea temperatures remaining comfortable well into autumn. Winter months are mild but many tourist facilities close, making it less ideal for visitors though accommodation prices drop significantly.

Insider Tips

Bring your passport as you'll cross Croatian territory twice when traveling by road from other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Exchange money to Croatian Kuna as well as Bosnian Marks since many businesses accept both currencies

Visit local markets early morning for the freshest seafood and produce, and don't hesitate to negotiate prices for longer stays or multiple services

Things to Do in Neum