Pelješac beyond the beautiful beaches: What else to discover

Trpanj (Photo credit: Baldo Mirković/TZ općine Trpanj)

Since last year, with the construction of the bridge, Pelješac has become even more accessible, yet its pristine beauty and wilderness remain untouched and simply irresistible. If you’re heading to the south of Dalmatia this summer, here’s what you absolutely must not miss.

The largest peninsula in the southern Adriatic, Pelješac, enchants with its beauty, untamed wilderness, and the opportunities it offers. Although it’s stunning year-round, during the summer months, it particularly entices visitors to explore its treasures. 

Since the Pelješac Bridge was built last year, becoming a tourist attraction in itself, Pelješac has become even more accessible and intriguing. You’ll truly be spoiled for choice on what to visit, where to swim, and what to enjoy! This is our summer 2023 must-have.

(Photo credit: TZ općine Orebić)

Straight from the sea to your plate

(Photo credit: TZ općine Ston)

Taking a boat ride from Mali Ston, Hodilje, Luka, and Zamaslina to the oyster farms in the Mali Ston Bay for a direct sea-to-table tasting is an amazing experience. While oysters can be prepared in various ways, they are best enjoyed fresh with a few drops of lemon. That’s when they have the most incredible taste. The taste of the sea.

(Photo credit: TZ općine Ston)

Salt Festival from August 30 to September 15

For over 4,000 years, salt has been harvested in Ston using traditional methods – with just the sea, sun, and wind. Just as it was back then, it still is today, so it would be a shame to pass through Ston without visiting one of the oldest and best-preserved saltworks in Europe. 

(Photo credit: TZ općine Ston)

The famous Ston walls were built to protect people and this precious mineral that brought them wealth. There are even 58 pools, nine of them crystallization pools named after saints, and the opportunity to participate in salt harvesting, without any additives… All of this awaits you in Ston. This ambient place is the center of the Salt Festival held across the whole peninsula from August 30 to September 15. 

(Photo credit: TZ općine Ston)

Expect two weeks of gastronomic events, traditional product fairs, music evenings, concerts, performances, children’s workshops, an Art Colony, and even the harvesting of the salt flower… two weeks of fun and hedonism.

Cultural Heritage Tour

For those who love museums and want to experience the essence of the places they visit and learn about tradition, Pelješac has a lot to offer. The Museum of Pelješac Tradition in Mokalo near Orebić, with an impressive collection of 2,000-year-old amphorae, barrels, distillation pots, old ovens, olive oil mills…

The Museum of Pelješac Tradition (Photo: Boutique vinarija Mikulić)

The Maritime Museum in Orebić, which, in addition to its maritime and archaeological collections, also houses a valuable collection of books from maritime captains; the Museum of Viticulture and Winemaking in Putnikovići, the first of its kind in Croatia… you’ll be impressed by the original exhibits and stories.

Wine Tour

A wine tour on Pelješac is a must. There are over 250 wineries on this peninsula, and the autochthonous variety Plavac Mali produces exceptional results. The renowned wines from the protected vineyards of Dingač and Postup, as well as from Ponikve and Dranče, are something to savor. 

Vinogorje Dingač (Photo credit: TZ općine Orebić)

With a glass of premium wine in hand, in the company of gracious hosts and in the heart of picturesque vineyards, you’ll experience Pelješac in all its natural beauty. And the view from the vineyards stretching above enchanting beaches and turquoise sea is worth millions.

Vinogorje Postup (Photo credit: TZ opčine Orebić)

Sea Joys

The name says it all for the wonderful beach located about ten kilometers from Trpanj. And then there’s the beach Vučine in Žuljana; there’s also the pebble paradise Duba, and Trstenica in Orebić, ideal for families with children… Pelješac’s coves hide some of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic.

Trpanj (Photo credit: Baldo Mirković/TZ općine Trpanj)

(Photo credit: Ivo Biocina/ TZ općine Orebić)

From Sailing to Hiking

When Pelješac is mentioned, lovers of active holidays will first think of sailing in Viganj, but for those for whom summer is everything but lazing on the beach and who love an active vacation, this peninsula offers five circular cycling trails totaling 184 kilometers and six hiking routes totaling 39 kilometers. 

Viganj (Photo credit: Boris Jović/ TZ općine Orebić)

If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the Pelješac Channel and the islands, climb to the highest peak of the peninsula. Sveti Ilija above Orebić is 961 meters high – the ascent is possible from three directions.

Sv. Ilija (Photo credit: TZ općine Orebić)