Neum | Bosnia and Herzegovina

Neum functions as the sole maritime gateway for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the administrative center of the Neum municipality within the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. Situated on a 20-km stretch of the Adriatic coast, it serves as a specialized node for mass-market coastal tourism, trans-border logistics, and shellfish farming. It is defined by its unique status as a territorial corridor cutting through Croatia, its highly competitive pricing compared to neighboring Dalmatian resorts, and its recent infrastructure shift following the completion of the Pelješac Bridge.

Historical Timeline

Neum’s existence as a Bosnian enclave dates to the Treaty of Karlowitz (1699). The Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) ceded this small strip of land to the Ottoman Empire to create a buffer zone against the Republic of Venice. The primary event shaping its modern identity was the 2022 opening of the Pelješac Bridge in Croatia, which bypassed the "Neum Corridor," significantly reducing transit traffic through the town but refocusing the local economy on destination-based tourism rather than transit services.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 4,300 (2026 estimate), with roughly 3,000 residing in the town proper. The demographic profile is over 90% ethnically Croatian. The workforce is specialized in hospitality, seasonal retail, and maritime services. In 2026, the town maintains a high density of seasonal workers from the Herzegovina hinterland and neighboring countries.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is built into a steep limestone hillside, resulting in a tiered urban structure connected by stairs and narrow winding roads.

Obala (The Promenade): A specialized pedestrian-heavy waterfront featuring a high density of hotels, pebble beaches, and restaurants.

The Corridor (M2 Highway): The specialized upper-tier transit zone where the main coastal road passes; it houses gas stations, large supermarkets, and transit motels.

Surdup: A specialized northern residential area characterized by private guesthouses and apartment rentals.

Klek Peninsula: A specialized undeveloped landmass enclosing the Neum Bay, primarily used for traditional fishing and local excursions.

Top City Landmarks

Neum Beach: A specialized pebble beach characterized by calm, clear waters due to the protection provided by the Pelješac and Klek peninsulas.

Church of St. Anthony of Padua: A specialized modern Catholic structure that serves as the town’s primary religious and community landmark.

Mediterranean Garden: A specialized local botanical site featuring indigenous flora and terraced views of the Adriatic.

Stari Grad Stolac: A specialized day-trip site (30 mins inland) featuring a medieval fortress and the UNESCO-listed Radimlja Stećci necropolis.

Vranjevo Selo: A specialized archaeological site near Neum containing prehistoric and Roman remains, including ancient stone mounds.

Transportation Network

Neum is a critical maritime-road junction, though its role as a bottleneck has diminished.

M17.3 Highway: A specialized 36-km inland road connecting Neum directly to Stolac and Mostar without crossing Croatian borders.

The Neum Corridor: A 9-km stretch of the M2 coastal road connecting Dubrovnik to the rest of Croatia; border checks are now specialized and streamlined for EU transit.

Maritime Access: While Neum lacks a deep-water commercial port, it serves as a specialized hub for excursion boats and local fishing vessels.

Public Transit: Regular bus lines connect the town to Mostar, Dubrovnik, and Split.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is very high. Neum is statistically secure. There are no "red zones." The town is family-oriented and safe for pedestrians at all hours. Waters within the bay are exceptionally calm and safe for swimming.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

In 2026, Neum functions as a Digital Coastal Hub. Internet speeds average 300–800 Mbps. 5G is universal throughout the town. The city utilize a specialized "E-Tourist" registration system to manage high-density seasonal arrivals and tax compliance.

Climate & Air Quality

Neum has a Mediterranean climate with approximately 2,600 sunshine hours per year. Average temperatures range from 9°C in January to 28°C in July. Air quality is exceptionally high due to the lack of heavy industry and the constant sea breeze.

Culture & Social Norms

Social norms are characterized by Mediterranean hospitality and a strong focus on seafood-based culinary traditions. Tipping (10%) is standard. The primary cultural event is the Neum Animated Film Festival (NAFF) and the Etnofest Neum, a traditional music festival.

Local Cost Index (2026 Estimates)

1 Espresso: €1.80 – €2.50

1 Pint of Local Beer: €3.00 – €5.00

1 Standard Lunch: €12.00 – €25.00

Sunbed Rental: €5.00 – €10.00

Nearby Day Trips

Vjetrenica Cave: 45 mins away; a specialized UNESCO-listed karst cave, the most biodiverse in the world, featuring the "human fish" (Proteus anguinus).

Walls of Ston (Croatia): 15 mins away; a specialized 5-km medieval defensive system and world-famous salt pans.

Hutovo Blato: 30 mins away; a specialized nature park and bird reserve consisting of marshlands and underground springs.

Facts & Legends

Neum is the only coastal town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Legend states that the bay’s exceptionally clear water is protected by a sea nymph who prevents storms from entering the narrows. A verified fact is that Neum has some of the lowest prices on the Adriatic coast, attracting "cross-border shoppers" from Croatia for fuel and groceries. Historically, the Neum corridor was so strategically sensitive that for centuries, any traveler passing through was required to be escorted by Ottoman guards to ensure no Ragusan or Venetian spies remained in the territory.