Pelješac Peninsula

Directly within view of the beautiful island of Korcula, separated only through the narrow channel of Peljesac, is the just as graceful Peljesac Peninsula. The only 350 km ² peninsula offers much scenic variety. On the slopes of the mountainous landscape there are exquisite citrus fruits, olives, figs and in particular wine, which all thrive here in the mild, Mediterranean climate. The area near to Kastelet and Dingac is characterized by the dominating sprawling vineyards- grapes so fine that they make excellent wines. Dingac, in particular, and also Postup are internationally renowned wine regions. In addition to wine, the peninsula is known for its other culinary specialties. Even today in Drace they still practice mussel fishing as they have in the traditional way for centuries. The popularity of this delicious seafood has not waned! The peninsula is only connected to the mainland by a narrow bottleneck. And the districts of Mali Ston and Veliki Ston are located on both sides thereof. Here in Ston, you can also visit the longest rampart in Europe.

Orebic and Surroundings

The Orebic resort located at the foot of the 961 meter high mountain St. Ilija is not only the tourist, but also the economic center of the peninsula. The town was founded in the late 15th century by the Captain Orebic's family and is even very much so characterized by the nautical today. Near the famous Kuna Franciscan monastery situated in outlying Kuna is a cemetery with the impressive Captain Tombs. The captains lying there once lived in the stately mansions that today still line the promenade. The Maritime Museum invites you to discover the centuries-old history of seafaring.

Under no circumstances should you miss the fantastic view from the balcony of the Belvedere, a vantage point in Orebic. The beautiful sandy Trstenica beach is close to the vibrant waterfront. From the port of Orebic there are regular ferries to the island of Korcula and back again. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Also at the foot of the St. Ilija mountain there is the coastal village of Kuciste. From here, wonderful walks can find their beginnings here as well as opportunities for water sports, such as windsurfing. Excellent windsurfing and kite surfing can be done in the Croatian surf Mecca Viganj near to Kuciste. This town can be easily reached from Orebic where there are regular connections to a bus service. Here, the excellent shallow water particularly attracts free-stylers and speed freaks. From Orebic, you can follow a winding coastal road that leads to Loviste, a quiet fishing village in the far west of the peninsula. On the way there the enchanting landscape with breathtaking views of the Peljeski channel and the island of Korcula leaves a lasting impression.

Villages and beaches on the Peljesac Peninsula

The small town of Prapratno lies a few miles south of Ston. Here there is a popular campsite located near the gently sloping, sandy beach. In addition, the ferry dock for the car ferry to the island of Mljet is found here in Prapratno. Another campsite, Luka, is located in the same town with the same name on the enchanting Luka Dubrava Bay. Mokalo, about four kilometers from Orebic, is also home to a beautiful campsite. In the mountainous north side of the peninsula there is the second largest town of Trpanj with about 700 inhabitants- most dreamingly situated in the idyllic countryside. Here there are the car ferries bringing visitors from Ploce (mainland). From Ploce, visitors avoid an approximately one-half hour detour via Ston, the enchanting peninsula. Beautiful and incredibly quiet bays are located near Trstenik in the south, for example at Pjestata. The Uvala Crkvice Bay, which is protected from the winds by a long pier, it also very quite spot. The crystal clear water is very warm here well into autumn. This place can only be reached by traveling from Kuna. Duba Peljeska is very calm and, due to its wide pebble beach, has become the ideal place for a relaxing beach holiday far away from any of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The tranquil Podobuce lies directly in a small, very steep bay. In recent years, the tourist traffic through the town has increased, but it still has managed to remain very calm. The former fishing village Sreser, located on the north side, is almost in the middle of the Peljesac Peninsula and lies about 30 kilometers west of Ston. There are sandy and pebble beaches as well as a restaurant and a supermarket. Zuljana, a village on the south coast of the peninsula, not only offers a magnificent bay and beautiful beach, but also the perfect place for a dive. In addition, you can find shops, restaurants and two nightclubs here. Other recommended places for a quiet and relaxing holiday on the Peljesac peninsula are villages of Borje, Hodlje, Mirca and Žuronja, which are tucked away amid the other beautiful countryside villages.

How to get there

Peljesac is indeed a peninsula whose pretty spots on the Dalmatian Adriatic coast are best reached by ferry. Anyone who wants to explore the peninsula by car using the country roads, has to leave the country under certain circumstances: The Neum corridor that separates Dalmatia and the Peljesac Peninsula from the rest of the country belongs to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Since the construction of the cable-stayed bridge, that would have connected both parts of Croatia, was initially stopped, most visitors use Jadrolinija's car ferry route 633 which runs between Ploce on the mainland north of the Neum corridor and Trpanj. The ship commutes six or seven times a day between the two ports and the journey takes about an hour.

In addition, the vineyard covered peninsula is connected by water routes with the southern island of Korcula. Those who do not shy away from a challenge should take the ferry over the difficult stretches to Orebic in the south of the peninsula, which can be reached by route number 634 from the Jadrolinija ship company within 20 minutes over Domince on the island of Korcula. From here, other islands, as well as cities on the mainland are easily accessible and routes are regularly operated with various ship routes. The island of Mljet is directly connected to the Peljesac peninsula by the Jadrolinija ferry route 832. Every day, the ship makes its way five times a day from Prapratno on Peljesac and reaches Sobra on Mljet after an approximately 45-minute ride.