The second largest Croatian peninsula is located in the south of Croatia. It stretches along the coast, i.e. from Stonska prevlaka to the cape Loviste. It is 65 km long and only 6 km wide. On this picturesque peninsula, rocky hills and fertile valleys alternate with cypress forests and pine trees. A large part of the peninsula is covered with olive groves and vineyards, as well as the very common citrus trees: figs, almonds, oranges, pomegranates, tangerines.... Around the peninsula of Peljesac there is a whole series of small and large islands and most of them are in front of the bay in which Drace and Brijest are located. Peljesac is known for its sandy and pebble beaches and secluded bays which can be reached only by boat or quad. Famous beaches on the peninsula are Prapratno beach, Vodice resort, Duba Beach, Trstenica beach Dingac beach, Mirce beach...
The inhabitants of Peljesac are mainly engaged in viticulture, olive growing, fishing and tourism. Peljesac is an excellent area for shellfish and fish farming, producing wine and olive oil. Larger towns with a variety of tourist attractions are Ston, Brijesta, Trpanj, Viganj and Orebic. For those who want to spend their vacation in a quiet Dalmatian place, away from the bustle and the crowds there are smaller sites such as Zuljana Podobuce, Loviste ... The Peljesac peninsula can be reached by car along the main road from Ston. While traveling by car from Split to the peninsula you will need a passport on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Neum. Peljesac has a ferry connection from Ploce (from Trpanj), with Korcula (from Orebic) and Mljet (from Trstenik).
Highlights:
Orebic- the largest town on the peninsula is located in the southwestern part of the peninsula at the foot of Mount St.Elijah. Orebic is the cradle of sea captains and sailors whose rich traditions are preserved in the Maritime Museum. Orebic offers a wide range of tourist attractions, as well as accommodation in hotels and private apartments. There is a large sandy beach in the bay Trstenica, and if you're a solitude lover you will find many rocky coves and bays with small beaches. Orebic surroundings are suitable for walking, hiking and collecting plants, and offer you the opportunity to try and buy homemade Peljesac wine or sherry. During the summer numerous festivals and various concerts are organized in Orebic, such as "the evening of folklore," "Night of Peliski sails".
Ston – is a small town that lies at the very beginning of the Peljesac peninsula. It is known also as the "city of salt”. There's also the longest stone wall in Europe (5.5 m). In this city the most significant activity is the production of wine. Take a tour of the Church of St.Michael, Church of Our Lady of Bases, large Kastio, Office of the Dubrovnik Republic, the Rector's Palace, Napoleon's road, and many others.
Trpanj - a beautiful little town nestled in the northwest of the peninsula of Peljesac. It is one
of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. The population here is engaged in fishing and tourism and today Trpanj became a wonderful tourist destination. During summer, night fishing, bowling tournaments, pop concerts, show programs for younger audiences,
donkey races and numerous other festivals are organized on the Trpanj Riva. The place is rich with beautiful beaches and some of the most beautiful are "pozora," beach "Luka," beach "Divna" beach "Dubai" and the Beach "Jezero".
Viganj - Viganj is a small tourist town in the western part of the Peljesac peninsula situated only 8km from Orebic. Viganj is said to be a botanical garden rich with flowers and plants that the sailors brought to their beloved women as gifts from their travels. The population has been involved in agriculture and fishing for decades, and recently in tourism, as well. Viganj is rich with pebble beaches and is very popular for sports and active vacation lovers and especially for those who enjoy water activities.
Microclimate
DUBROVNIK
The Peljesac peninsula is located within the Mediterranean climate zone. The northeastern parts of the Peninsula are cold and dry because they are under the influence of the wind, while the southwest is warmer and more humid. The average air temperature is 7 ° C in January and 26 ° C in July.
Number of sunny hours per year - 2623,2 h
Average air temperature - January - 9,0 °C - August - 24,7 °C
Maximum air temperature - January - 18,4 °C - August - 36,7 °C
Average sea temperature - January - 13,0 °C - August - 23,5 °C | Number of hot days > 25 °C - May - 4 - June - 17 - July - 29 - August - 29 - September - 17 |
Culture
Orebic
- - Maritime Museum - located on the promenade by the sea. The museum presents a diverse historical structure important for the maritime industry Orebic. The archaeological department contains ancient, mostly Roman, pagan, early Christian objects from everyday life, as well as the art of processing fragments, pre-Romanesque church furniture from the time of baptizing of Croats. The museum contains pictures of Peljesac sailing ships, ship tools, weapons, atlases, and nautical school books and many more interesting things that evoke the past.
- - The Franciscan Monastery and Church of Our Lady of the Angels - are located at 150 m above sea level of Orebic, which offers stunning views of the islands of Korcula, Mljet and Lastovo ...
- - Church of Our Lady Delorite – It can be said that this is one of the largest churches outside of Dubrovnik. It was built in 1681 as a part of the Franciscan monastery where Mato Celestin Medovic - one of the greatest Croatian painters- lived and worked. His mages are displayed in the church and in the monastery collection.
Ston
- - Ston walls and fortifications - the magnificent work done by the Dubrovnik Republic the total length of which is 5.5 miles, the walls were reinforced with 40 towers and 5 forts. The complex defense corps of Ston has been in the process of creation for almost four centuries, because of terrain adaptation and development of weapons which protected the salt pans, shellfish breeding site and the town of Ston.
- - Cave Gudnja - a multilayered prehistoric site on the peninsula stretches over Ston (about 40 km northwest of Dubrovnik) in the massive postwar hill at an altitude of 400m. The entrance to the cave is facing the sea, with an extraordinary view of much of the southern Adriatic Sea and its hinterland in front.
- - Church of St. Michael - the pre-Romanesque church of St. Michael, which is located at the top of the hill which rises above the Ston field. The preserved remains of the oldest frescoes in this area are found in the Church. Today this church is certainly one of the oldest and most valuable cultural monuments Ston.
Trpanj
- - Gradina - located on a hill just above the harbor. This fort was probably built in unsafe conditions late Roman times so as to ensure smooth sailing to the emperor Justijan. The staircase and the path that leads to this most important cultural monument, as well as an extraordinary lookout, were built in 1936.
- - Church of St. Peter and Paul is first mentioned in historical records of 1657. You can see the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, one of the most famous sacred works in this church.
- - Church of St. Roko - located on the highest hill in Trpanj, offering a magnificent view. The church of the patron of plague was built on the foundations of an older church.
Excursions
The Peljesac Peninsula offers various combinations of one-day and half-day excursion: Island of Mljet, the island of Korcula, the Neretva Delta, Dubrovnik, Medjugorje, and many others. Do not forget to visit the old town core of Dubrovnik. It is enclosed by stone walls, within which you will find narrow cobbled streets, warm cozy cafes, excellent preserved churches, mystical fortress and city squares. If you come to visit the town of Dubrovnik by car, it is recommended to park in a public garage, only five minutes away, on the Ilijina glavica or in one of the street parking lots. You can find out which 10 attractions should not be missed in Dubrovnik on our blog. The island of Korcula is the birth island of the great traveler Marco Polo. Hike through the island of Korcula in organized walking routes. Meet Moreška, one of the three chivalrous dances you can see only on the streets of this beautiful island. The Mljet National Park is near, as well. There you will enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Great and Little Lake. On the island of St. Mary in the middle of the lake, the monastery from the 12th century is situated. The Neretva River Delta is very interesting, interlaced with a network of winding canals that surround the tangerine plantations and swamps rich with a variety of marsh birds (more than 250 species).
Adventure
The Peljesac peninsula is famous for its great wind that offers visitors a wide range of options for sailing and surfing. The southern part of the Peljesac peninsula is rich with breeze, which makes all the water sports activities possible. Participate in organizing the World Cup every year and do not miss Viganj Kite surfing. An interesting underwater offers an unforgettable diving experience. You will find diving clubs in Orebic, Viganj, Zuljana and Trstenik. The gravel paths of the surrounding hills offer the possible to ride bikes, while you can hike over the hills of St. Elias above Orebic and SS. John in Zuljana with memorable views of the surrounding islands.
Gastronomy
You can be assured that you will not be disappointed by the cuisine of this part of Dalmatia. Peljesac is known for excellent wine, such as Plavac Mali, wine from world renowned localities Dingač and Postup. Tasting these famous high-quality local wines is an essential rite of everyone who visits this area. There are excellent, world-recognized white wines, as well, Grk , Posip and Marastina. Be sure to taste the delights of the famous mussels, oysters - seashells are eaten almost raw, and are known for their aphrodisiac activity. Oysters, mussels, clams are just some of the shells that provide unique gastronomic experience, accompanied by white fish like sea bream, sea bass, followed by mollusks as octopuses, squids and cuttlefish which are essential ingredients to famous specialties. Try the traditional Dalmatian desserts, rozata, hrustule and fritters.
Fun & Nightlife
Spend your pleasant evening with a song, wine and local specialties in the old, original, Dalmatian taverns or attend an organized folk festival with fried fish and homemade Wine. A pleasant walk around town will offer you the experience of the evening of Dalmatian songs in the old city centers. Gourmets will find their pleasure in the restaurants in Ston, most notably in Captain's House, which offers a wide range of authentic dishes and preparations of fish, oysters and other shellfish. Visit the tavern Donmanoeta in Janjina, and if you want to taste local, internationally acclaimed wines visit the winery Bartulovic in Prizdrina. For those who want a night out until the morning hours, the Peninsula offers night clubs in Orebic. You can attent the parties on the beach or have fun in Korcula on the island of Korcula, which is only a few minutes boat ride from Orebic.