Neum Hinterland
History and Culture
Step into the timeless heart of Neum
The hinterland of Neum holds a treasure trove of historical and cultural heritage — traces of ancient times and quiet witnesses to the resilience of people who, for centuries, carved their lives into the rocky landscape.
Here, history unfolded on the boundary between East and West, shaped by a constant struggle for survival and identity. Today, the remnants of that past are open to every visitor willing to go beyond the shoreline, to experience this land not just with their eyes, but step by step.
Neum’s hinterland is interwoven with a network of thematic trails that invite exploration. One of the most fascinating is the Ćiro trail, a cycling route following the path of a former narrow-gauge railway. Stretching from Mostar to Dubrovnik, it allows modern adventurers on two wheels to discover the hidden corners of Herzegovina and experience the unique harmony of nature and history.
Another route crossing this area is part of the Camino network, the European pilgrimage paths of St. James. This section connects Dubrovnik and Mostar with 140 kilometers of marked walking trails, divided into six stages.
Walking the Camino offers more than just a physical journey. It is a deep dive into the authenticity of the region, an opportunity to feel the spirit of local communities, encounter traditional customs, and enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of Herzegovina and southern Dalmatia.
Traditional villages and local customs
A typical village in the hinterland of Neum is built on stone and from stone, crafted by skilled stonemasons with care and soul, designed to withstand time and become a true home.
With little fertile land, calloused hands, and “Apollonian” legs, locals developed a unique sense of humor, both at their own expense and others’, because everyone carried the same burden of a hardworking rural life.
Devoted to the kolo (circle dance) as both beginning and end of every celebration, faithful to tradition and the heavens that never left them hungry, the people of Neum have always known the secret to a good life:
hard work,
a drop of good wine,
dancing until your knees give out,
a little sleep – and then start all over again.
Food Production & Eco-Tourism
The region of Neum has for centuries been known as a paradise for olives. With its abundance of sunny days, the blessing of gentle winds, and the protective embrace of Mount Žaba, this area offers the ideal conditions for cultivating the sacred olive tree and producing golden olive oil — not just a seasoning, but the very essence of health.
In addition to olive growing, the people of Neum cultivate grapevines with the same passion and dedication. Native varieties such as Žilavka, Blatina, and Plavac carry the legacy of generations. In recent years, local winemakers have also found great success experimenting with new types of wine — a fact recognized by numerous awards.
A particular point of pride for this region is the growing focus on organic food and eco-friendly farming. As local family farms (OPGs) gain strength, so too does the offer of clean, authentic food — something today’s visitor seeks not as a luxury, but as a necessity.
Taste our raštika (collard greens), traditionally said to be “touched by frost at least twice,” and you’ll understand why so many come back for more. Whether it’s local tomatoes, olives, figs, or watermelons — everything grown in this rugged Herzegovinian soil, blessed even by its stone, offers a unique pleasure for the palate.
Neum is not just a place to relax — it’s a place to truly taste life.
Gastronomy
The gastronomy of Neum and its hinterland is deeply rooted in the region’s history and shaped by the nature that surrounds it — harsh at times yet always giving birth to dishes of strong character.
In this land, people ate what they had: simple, nourishing food, rich in soul and meaning. On the plate, traditional flavors meet — cornmeal porridge with wild greens, collard greens with cured meat, salted cheese, dry flatbread, traditional pies, and pan-fried dough fritters called uštipci.
Meat was reserved for special occasions, making every bite more meaningful. This is a cuisine modest in appearance but rich in taste and in stories. Today, gastronomy in Neum is not just about food. It’s about moments: a drizzle of fine olive oil, a sip of local wine, laughter around the table, and warm-hearted hosts proud to share what they have.
In addition to authentic local specialties, Neum also offers a wide selection of international cuisine, catering to guests from all over the world. For over 50 years, Neum’s culinary scene has proudly served as one of the finest ambassadors of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Otkrijte znamenitosti Neuma
Otkrijte skrivene uvale, probajte domaći pršut i maslinovo ulje, uživajte u lokalnim manifestacijama i istražite unutrašnjost, jer Neum je blizu svega, a dovoljno daleko da bude vaše mirno mjesto za punjenje energije.
