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

Neum is Bosnia and Herzegovina's only coastal town, offering a unique slice of Adriatic coastline along a narrow 20-kilometer stretch of coast. This small resort destination serves as the country's sole access to the sea, nestled between two sections of Croatian territory on the stunning Dalmatian coast. Despite its modest size, Neum provides an authentic Balkan coastal experience with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its bustling Croatian neighbors. The town combines natural beauty with cultural significance, featuring traditional Bosnian hospitality alongside Mediterranean coastal charm. Visitors can enjoy affordable beach holidays, fresh seafood, and easy access to both Croatian coastal attractions and Bosnia's inland treasures. Neum's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the broader region while experiencing the unique phenomenon of Bosnia's maritime heritage.

Top Things to Do in Neum

Beach Relaxation and Swimming

Enjoy Neum's beautiful pebble beaches with crystal-clear Adriatic waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The main beaches offer stunning mountain backdrops and are generally less crowded than neighboring Croatian resorts. The water quality is excellent and the beaches provide both organized sections with amenities and quieter natural areas.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but consider renting umbrellas and chairs for 10-15 BAM per day. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best experience and fewer crowds during summer months.

Boat Excursions to Nearby Islands

Take boat trips to explore the beautiful Adriatic coastline and visit nearby Croatian islands and coastal towns. These excursions often include stops at secluded bays, swimming opportunities, and visits to historic coastal settlements. The trips provide stunning views of the dramatic Dinaric Alps meeting the sea.

Booking Tip: Half-day boat trips cost around 40-60 BAM per person. Book through local operators at the harbor, and ensure trips include Croatian border arrangements. Best weather conditions are from May to September.

Exploring Hutovo Blato Nature Park

Visit this remarkable wetland nature reserve located about an hour inland from Neum, featuring diverse bird species, boat tours through marshlands, and pristine natural landscapes. The park is one of the largest reserves of its kind in the region and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography. The area includes walking trails and traditional fishing experiences.

Booking Tip: Park entrance costs around 10 BAM with boat tours for additional 15-20 BAM. Visit during spring or autumn migration periods for best birdwatching. Arrange transportation from Neum as public transport is limited.

Wine Tasting in Trebinje Region

Explore the nearby wine region around Trebinje, known for excellent local varieties including Žilavka and Blatina wines. Visit family-owned wineries set among rolling hills and traditional stone architecture. The wine tours often include traditional Herzegovinian food pairings and insights into centuries-old winemaking traditions.

Booking Tip: Wine tours cost 30-50 BAM per person including tastings. Contact wineries directly or arrange through Neum hotels. Best visiting time is during harvest season (September-October) or spring when vineyards are most beautiful.

Day Trip to Dubrovnik

Take advantage of Neum's proximity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik, just 60 kilometers away. Explore the famous medieval walls, historic old town, and stunning architecture of this Croatian coastal gem. The journey offers beautiful coastal scenery and the opportunity to experience one of Europe's most preserved medieval cities.

Booking Tip: Bus tickets cost around 15-20 BAM each way, with several daily connections. Bring passport for border crossings and allow full day for proper exploration. Consider early morning departure to avoid crowds in Dubrovnik's old town.

Getting There

Neum is accessible by road from major Balkan cities, with the nearest airports being Dubrovnik (60km) and Mostar (80km). Regular bus services connect Neum to Sarajevo (3 hours), Mostar (1.5 hours), and Croatian coastal cities. The coastal road from Split or Dubrovnik offers spectacular scenery but involves border crossings between Bosnia and Croatia. Car rental is popular for exploring the region, though ensure you have proper documentation for international travel between the countries.

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. Bicycle rentals are popular for coastal exploration and cost about 15-20 BAM per day. For excursions to nearby attractions, organized tours, rental cars, or bus services to major destinations like Mostar or Dubrovnik are the best options.

Where to Stay

Neum Center

Hotel Sunce Area

Villa Dalmacija District

Babin Do Beach Area

Klek Peninsula

Mini Croatia Neighborhood

Food & Dining

Neum's dining scene focuses heavily on fresh seafood and traditional Bosnian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. Waterfront restaurants offer excellent grilled fish, seafood risottos, and local specialties like ćevapi and burek. Many establishments feature outdoor terraces with sea views and serve locally caught fish at very reasonable prices compared to neighboring Croatian resorts. Traditional konobas (taverns) provide authentic regional dishes paired with local wines, while beachfront cafes offer casual dining with stunning sunset views over the Adriatic.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Neum is from May to September when temperatures are warm and perfect for beach activities, with July and August being peak season but also most crowded. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer ideal weather with fewer tourists and pleasant sea temperatures. Winter months are mild but many tourist facilities close, making it less suitable for beach holidays but potentially interesting for those seeking a quiet coastal retreat and exploring inland cultural attractions.

Insider Tips

Exchange money to BAM (Bosnian Marks) before arriving as ATMs are limited and many places don't accept euros

Bring your passport for potential day trips to Croatia as you'll need to cross international borders

Visit the local market early in the morning for the freshest seafood and produce at the best prices

Things to Do in Neum