Neum is a quirky geographical anomaly — Bosnia and Herzegovina, a landlocked country, somehow has a coastline. Just under 10 kilometres of it, sandwiched between Croatia to the north and south, opening onto the Adriatic Sea. It’s a small, unpretentious beach town where the main street runs parallel to the sea, cafes serve coffee and grilled seafood, and the beaches — while pebbly rather than sandy — offer crystal-clear water that wouldn’t look out of place in the Greek islands. Neum has been a popular summer destination for Bosnians for decades, offering a budget-friendly alternative to the expensive Croatian coast next door. The town itself is sleepy in winter but comes alive between June and September. Even if you’re not planning a beach holiday, Neum is strategically useful — it’s the easiest way to get from Bosnia to southern Croatia without a lengthy detour through Croatia’s interior, making it a key transit point for anyone exploring the western Balkans.
Why Rent a Car Here?
Let me be practical: you can walk across Neum in 20 minutes, so you don’t need a car to get around town. But here’s why renting one makes sense. First, Neum is brilliantly positioned for day trips. Dubrovnik — one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean — is just 70km south, about 1.5 hours by car. Staying in Neum instead of Dubrovnik can save you significant money on accommodation while giving you easy access to explore the Old Town. Second, most visitors to Neum are passing through — heading to or from Mostar, Sarajevo, or the Herzegovina interior. Having your own car means you can stop at the stunning Blagaj tekke, the Kravice waterfalls, or the historic town of Počitelj along the way. Third, if you’re visiting in peak summer (July-August), the beach can get crowded — having a car lets you escape to quieter coves along the coast or head inland to the mountains for a cooler escape.
What to See & Do
In Neum itself, the main activities are beach-based: swimming, sunbathing, and eating fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants. The water is remarkably clear and the coastline is punctuated by small coves and rocky beaches. Walk the Promenade — it’s the heart of the town, especially in the evening when locals gather for a stroll. For a different view, climb the small hill to the west of town for panoramic views over the bay. About 20 minutes north of Neum, the small village of Broćanac has a lovely old church and is surrounded by vineyards — the local wines are surprisingly good. If you’re heading inland, Blagaj (about an hour’s drive) is one of the most photographed spots in Bosnia: a 600-year-old Dervish monastery perched at the mouth of a cave where the Buna River emerges. And no trip to the region is complete without visiting Mostar — the iconic Old Bridge is 1.5 hours away, and the drive through the limestone hills of Herzegovina is spectacular.
Driving Tips
The approach to Neum from the north (Mostar direction) is via the M17 highway, which is in good condition. From the south (Dubrovnik direction), you cross the Croatian border at the Neum border crossing — it’s usually straightforward but expect queues in peak season (late July and August). Once in Neum, driving is easy: the main road runs along the coast and is well-signposted. Parking is available throughout town — most hotels have their own parking, and there are public lots near the beach (around €5-10 per day in summer). One important note: if you’re driving a rental car across the Croatia-Bosnia border, check that your rental agreement allows cross-border travel. Some rental companies restrict their vehicles to Bosnia only, and crossing in an unregistered vehicle can cause problems at the border. Also, fuel up before arriving — Neum has limited fuel stations.
Booking Tips
Car hire in Neum is less straightforward than in major cities. Most visitors pick up their car in Mostar or at the airport and drive to Neum, rather than renting locally. If you do need to rent in Neum, book well in advance during summer months — availability is limited and prices are higher (€40-70 per day). Consider renting from Mostar instead: the drive to Neum is scenic (about 1.5 hours), and you’ll have better vehicle selection and prices. When booking, ensure cross-border cover is included if you plan to drive to Dubrovnik or elsewhere in Croatia. Also, clarify the fuel policy — ‘full-to-full’ is standard, but fuel stations near Neum can be limited, so plan your return journey accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neum actually a beach destination?
Yes. Neum sits on a small strip of Adriatic coastline about 10km long. The beaches are pebbly with clear water, and the town has a relaxed Mediterranean feel.
How far is Neum from Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik is about 70km south of Neum, roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Many visitors base themselves in Neum and do a day trip to Dubrovnik.
Why would I rent a car in Neum?
Neum is tiny — you can walk everywhere in town. But a car opens up the ability to explore the Herzegovina interior, visit Mostar (1.5 hours), or easily reach Dubrovnik without relying on buses.