Neum, a small municipality in the south of Herzegovina, remains the only Bosnian and Herzegovinian access to the Adriatic Sea. Ever since the ancient times, the entire area of Neum has been known as an important crossroads for many routes leading from the coast to the inland. The first mention of the town dates back to the year 533, when it bore the name Neuense. The remains of the Hutovo Fortress, located near the village of Hutovo, testify to the rich history of Neum. It is believed that this national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina once served as a guard post overseeing the road through Hutovo, as it is strategically positioned at the top of a pass over which salt caravans used to travel from Ston towards the interior. In the surrounding area of Neum, you can see several sites with stećci – medieval tombstones. Fans of agritourism will surely enjoy the hinterland of Neum, rich in olive groves and vineyards. The coastline of Neum is only about twenty kilometers long, and the newly renovated, 5-kilometer long seaside promenade runs through the entire town. Neum beaches are especially popular among family-oriented visitors, who can enjoy the calm sea and a wide range of restaurants and shops. Each year, the town organizes the Neum Summer Festival, offering a rich cultural and sports program accompanied by numerous concerts.
