Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina

For notation of Gregorian chant, see Neume.

Neum is the only seaside town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Around it there is about 21 km of coastline which is the only access of this country to the Adriatic Sea. It is located in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity.

Neum coastline, showing hotels and beaches and Croatia at a distance behind

Neum has steep hills, sandy beaches and several large tourist hotels. Prices tend to be lower here than in neighboring Croatia, making it popular with shoppers. Tourism, and the commerce it brings, is the leading contributor to the economy of the area. Border formalities with Croatia are relaxed in peak times.

Neum has around 5000 beds for tourists, 1810 in hotels with the remaining capacity in motels, villas and in private accommodation. Tourism in Nuem is active only in the coastal region. The inland area behind Neum has a rich archaeological history and untouched wilderness and is starting to develop agricultural tourism.

Neum has long, warm summers and short, mild winters. It ranks among the coastal towns with the most sunny days per year. The average sea temperature ranges from 13 degrees Celsius in January to 32 degrees Celsius in July and August. Popular activities include swimming and sun bathing, walks along the beach, boating and various water-sports.

Neum is 60 km from Dubrovnik (80 km from the Dubrovnik airport), 70 km from Mostar and Međugorje and 30 km from Ploče and Metković, both of which have railway stations.

In 1991, the municipality of Neum had 4,268 people: 3738 Croats (87.6%), 209 Serbs (4.9%), 196 Bosniaks (4.7%), 92 Yugoslavs (2.1%), 33 others (0.7%). The town of Neum itself had 1,993 residents: 84% Croats, 5% Bosniaks, 5% Serbs, 5% Yugoslavs, 1% others.