Things to Do in Neum

Neum is Bosnia and Herzegovina's only coastal town, a narrow 20-kilometer strip of Adriatic coastline that actually separates Croatia into two parts. This small seaside resort sits along the Pelješac Peninsula and offers something genuinely unique - you can experience the Mediterranean without leaving Bosnia. The town itself is relatively modest, built around tourism but retaining an authentic Balkan character that feels refreshingly unpretentious compared to some of Croatia's more polished coastal destinations. What makes Neum particularly interesting is its role as a duty-free zone, which means you'll find surprisingly good shopping opportunities alongside the typical beach town pleasures. The coastline here is rocky rather than sandy, with clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. While it might not have the historical gravitas of Dubrovnik or the party atmosphere of Split, Neum offers a more relaxed, affordable alternative where you can actually hear yourself think while enjoying excellent seafood and surprisingly good local wines.

The dining scene revolves heavily around seafood, which makes sense given the location. You'll find everything from casual beach grills serving simple grilled fish to more upscale restaurants offering creative takes on Adriatic cuisine. The local specialty tends to be whatever was caught that morning, prepared simply with olive oil, garlic, and local herbs. Prices are generally reasonable - significantly cheaper than Croatia but slightly more expensive than inland Bosnia. Most restaurants cater to tourists but maintain good quality, and you'll often find Croatian, Serbian, and traditional Bosnian dishes alongside the seafood. The waterfront restaurants obviously have the best atmosphere, though they charge a premium for those sea views.

The peak season runs from June through August when the weather is warmest and everything is definitely open, but this is also when Neum gets most crowded and expensive. May and September are actually ideal months - the weather is still warm enough for swimming, but you'll find better prices and fewer crowds. The shoulder seasons also tend to have more authentic local atmosphere since you're not completely surrounded by tourists. Winter is quite mild by European standards, but most tourist facilities close down, so unless you're just passing through, it's not particularly worthwhile. July and August can get genuinely hot and humid, so if you're not a fan of intense summer heat, the shoulder months are definitely your better bet.