© istock/Sanga Park
© istock/Sanga Park

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Neum: Bosnia’s sole sea resort

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If you were lucky enough to hear about Europe’s biggest coastal secret, you have probably discovered that Bosnia & Herzegovina actually has its slice of the lovely Adriatic. Even though looking landlocked, this country has its precious 22 km of beaches, which makes it the second smallest coastline in the world. This amazing land surprises all foreign visitors with its unexpected sceneries - not far from the snowy peaks of Mt. Prenj, known as the Bosnian Himalayas, one can find a genuine seaside paradise. Hidden in the small bay in the southern part of the Adriatic coast is Neum, Bosnia’s sole sea resort. Try to picture this - lush greeneries, glittering sandy beaches and dazzlingly blue sea – all this without the major crowds and high-prices of neighboring Croatia. Sounds appealing? Keep reading.

An ideal choice for savvy travelers

Situated only 60 km from Dubrovnik and 70 km from Mostar, the town of Neum is easily accessible from both airports. Located on the hills of a somewhat closed Neum - Klek bay, this Mediterranean town is protected from the strong winds by the Pelješac Peninsula, and it has exceptionally warm sea temperature that goes up to 27° degrees, which makes it ideal for different sea activities such as scuba-diving, jet skiing, parasailing, etc. The bathing season lasts from early June to late September, but this is an attractive destination even during off-season time. Besides its off-the-beaten-path location, the other thing that makes it very attractive is the local policy of moderate prices. On the top of this comes its rich gastronomic offer. Being country’s only sea resort, Neum is undoubtedly an ideal choice for savvy travelers looking for the sun and relaxation in a rather secluded gem.

A new touristic destination from mid-1950s

©iStock/Bogdan Todireanu
©iStock/Bogdan Todireanu

The history of Neum dates back to the 6th century when it was mentioned under the name “Neuense”. The root of the name comes from the word “neon” (new). Actually, the town was named after the old Neum. Ever since this region was at the main road that was connecting the seaside with the hinterland. However, Neum is a new resort that started to develop as a tourist destination only in the mid-1950s, after the construction of the Adriatic highway. It was only in 1977 that the first hotel was built here, symbolically called Hotel Neum, and at that time, it was the second biggest complex in ex-Yugoslavia. Once reserved for the communist elite of the former country only, you can still feel that spirit and nostalgia when in Neum.

The cheapest holidays on the Adriatic

© istock/Nedim_B
© istock/Nedim_B

If you look at the map, you will find the town of Neum, Bosnia’s sole sea resort, in the southern Adriatic region, somewhere between Split and Dubrovnik, and not far from Mostar and Međugorje. Maybe it has only 22 km of the coast, but it has everything that makes one seaside destination attractive, and even more - it is still fairly unknown to non-locals. Unlike its Croatian counterparts, Neum offers the cheapest holidays on the Adriatic, and it is, by all means, worth exploring. Besides its paradisiac littoral area, the hinterland of Neum is getting its momentum as well, as it hides incredible natural and historical treasures.

Neum
Neum
Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina

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The author

Ljiljana Krejic

Ljiljana Krejic

I am Ljiljana, from Bosnia & Herzegovina. Being a journalist, I can't escape from that perspective when travelling. My mission is to make you explore the last Europe’s undiscovered gem.

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