Peljesac [Southern Dalmatia]

General information

• Geographical location: Southern Dalmatia
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Average summer temperature: 25° C
• Average winter temperature: 9° C

Gastronomy

The people of Peljesac have been involved with viticulture and wine-making, olive growing and have cultivated fruits and vegetables for centuries as a result of its fertile soil and plenty of sunshine. Should you decide to visit Peljesac you will always see dried figs and top quality olive oil on the table. The gastro offer will impress even the pickiest guest and you simply must try the oysters and clams from the Peljesac oyster beds and well-known wines such as Dingac and Postup. Oysters are shells that are eaten raw and it is no secret that they are also considered as being a powerful aphrodisiac. Is there any truth to this theory? We suggest you find out for yourself.

Of course, don’t forget to taste traditional Dalmatian desserts – rozata, fritule and krostule which are a crispier and smaller variation of fritule.

Sport

Peljesac is known by those that love windsurfing due to the favorable winds that enable good surfing. Every year, Viganj hosts the World Windsurfing Cup. There is also kite surfing and if you haven’t yet tried kite surfing then Viganj and Kuciste are just the places to do so.

Of course, we can’t forget deep-sea diving and there are diving clubs in Orebic, Viganj, Zuljana and Trstenik. If by chance you forgot to bring your equipment, you can borrow everything you need at the clubs. If you want to learn how to deep-sea dive then you are definitely in the right place.

Follow one of the bicycle routes on the trails of the peninsula, or enjoy free climbing and hiking on the mountains of Sv. Ilija above Orebic or Sv. Ivan near Zuljana. Here you can also find many hidden, elevated caves.

Fun and night life

Pleasant evenings with songs, wine and local specialties are best enjoyed at the old, authentic Dalmatian taverns or even participating in the organized village feasts which often involve grilled fish and local wine. A pleasant stroll is always enhanced by Dalmatian songs in the historical nucleus of the towns. Gourmands will satisfy their taste buds at restaurants in Ston, the most famous of which is Kapetanova Kuca (Captain’s House) which offers a rich variety of autochthonic specialties and seafood, oysters and other shellfish as well as Konoba Donmanoeta in Janjina. However if you want to taste local, internationally acclaimed wines then you must visit the Bartulovic wine cellar in Prizdrini. For those of you that want to party all night, Peljesac has night clubs in Trpanj and Orebic as well as parties right on the beach. You can also have fun in Korcula on the island of Korcula, located only a few minutes by boat from Orebic.

How to get there?

• By car: Zagreb-Orebic 609 km (366 km highway)
• By plane: www.croatiaairlines.hr (Dubrovnik airport 131 km)
• By bus: www.akz.hr
• By train: www.hznet.hr
• Local and international ferry: www.jadrolinija.hr

Beaches

In this part of Dalmatia you can go swimming at pebble beaches, however, there are also rocky areas if you prefer that type of beach. One of the largest pebble beaches along the Adriatic is situated in the Zuljana cove, while the neighboring cove of Vucine is the preferred destination of those that enjoy sport fishing. There is also something for those of you that like sandy beaches: Orebic has a large sandy beach in the Trstenica cove. If you prefer seclusion and rocks, the surrounding area offers many rocky coves with small beaches. Viganj always manages to impress its guests with its large pebble beach.

What to see?

Ston walls -Ston

The Ston walls are popularly referred to as the “European Wall of China.” They were built during the 14th century and are almost 5 ½ kilometers long. The purpose of the walls was to defend Peljesac and separate it from the mainland. They also defended Peljesac against conquerors that raided the then unsafe territory of Dalmatia.

Marine museum -Orebic

The town of Orebic carries a popular name, the “Cradle of Captains,” due to its long seafaring tradition. This museum has preserved the seafaring tradition of Peljesac. The permanent display at the museum enables you to familiarize yourself with the long seafaring tradition of Peljesac and occasional exhibitions are held at the museum.

The historical area of Nakovana, Peljesac- the villages of Donja and Gornja Nakovana

The large Illyrian city Grad, the Spila archeological site according to research is an area that was inhabited for at least 8000 years, which makes it the oldest place of continued inhabitance however, what was once the most developed village on Peljesac is today on the verge of destruction.

Mali and Veliki Ston

Welcome to Ston, a town on the peninsula of Peljesac, 60 km from Dubrovnik. Unlike its twin, Mali Ston, Veliki Ston faces the horizon. Both towns are connected by walls and a series of 20 towers and fortresses. A town bearing the urban structure of Dubrovnik awaits you with its streets, beaches and the hospitable people that live there that will gladly propose a toast with a glass of excellent Peljesac wine.

Where to go on a trip?

Korcula

Get to know Korcula, the well-known birth place of the famous seafarer, Marco Polo. Korcula is often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik” due to its picturesque town squares and medieval atmosphere. Although you will be impressed by the work of skillful sculptors, the liveliness on the streets of Korcula is mainly due to the Moreska, one of three knight dances that you can see and enjoy on this beautiful island.

Mljet Island National Park

If you don’t believe that there is an island with a lake and a small island in the middle of that lake then you should definitely travel to the island of Mljet and see for yourself. Mljet is located in the southern part of Dalmatia, near Dubrovnik and one part of the island has been proclaimed a Croatian national park. Here you can enjoy swimming on the rocks of the open sea, or in the saltwater of Veliko jezero (lake) and enjoy the blueness of the water. If you’ve decided to visit the island in spring or fall, you can still go swimming because Malo jezero (lake) is warmer than Veliko jezero and even warmer than the sea. Here you can enjoy long walks through dense pine forest and maybe even see a mongoose, a small unusual animal that protects the island against snakes, or perhaps catch the eye of a wise owl.

Dubrovnik

Medieval town – Pearl of South Dalmatia is UNESCO world heritage site. This town with old tourist tradition is ready to fulfill even the most refined requirements of its visitors. Town of museums and festivals, taverns and restaurants, place of mild Mediterranean climate and beautiful countryside truly confirms the famous saying by Irish writer Bernard Shaw: "Those who search heaven on Earth must come to Dubrovnik".

Are those not reasons enough for you to come to Dubrovnik and see the truth for yourself?

Pilgrimage to Međugorje

Međugorje has relatively recently become one of the most famous Marian sanctuaries in Europe. We suggest taking a trip to Međugorje even if you are not a religious person since the energy around this place is rather strong. Visitors and believers come to Međugorje from all over the world, and masses are served in many languages of the world.