If you’re visiting Croatia and want a destination that’s both stunning and peaceful, Peljesac might just be the perfect place for you.
A lot of travelers worry that every corner of Croatia is packed with crowds in the summer. But not every destination is like Dubrovnik or Split in peak season. There are still plenty of laid-back places where you can relax, explore, and enjoy the coastline without being surrounded by tons of tourists. Peljesac is one of those gems. We often escape Dubrovnik and come here ourselves, so here’s a little guide to everything you can see, do, and enjoy in this beautiful part of Croatia!
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WHERE IS PELJESAC?
Peljesac is a stunning peninsula in southern Croatia, located pretty close to Dubrovnik. It’s the second biggest peninsula in the country, and ever since the Peljesac Bridge opened in 2022, getting there has been really easy. Despite being easier to reach now, it still stays under the radar compared to other busy tourist spots, so it’s a great place if you want relax without the crowds. Even if you want an easy day trip from Dubrovnik, Peljesac is a great option!
IS PELJESAC WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Peljesac is absolutely worth visiting. This gorgeous Croatian peninsula has pretty much everything you could want from beautiful beaches and amazing nature to a super chill, authentic vibe without the crazy crowds. It’s really close to Dubrovnik, but it feels way more peaceful and local.
One of Peljesac’s highlights is the historic town of Ston, with its medieval stone walls and centuries-old salt pans. The peninsula is also one of Croatia’s most famous wine regions, so it’s the perfect place to sample delicious red wines like Dingač and Postup. For those who love the outdoors, you can go hiking, cycling, and windsurfing.
If you’re looking to enjoy Croatia’s coastline in a more laid-back, local setting with amazing food, fantastic wines, and lots of natural beauty, Peljesac should definitely be on your itinerary.
WHERE TO STAY ON PELJESAC?
There are several charming villages scattered across the Pelješac Peninsula where you can stay, depending on the kind of experience you’re after. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best places to consider:
Orebic
Orebic is the most popular base on Peljesac, and for good reason. This lively seaside town has plenty of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments to choose from, along with long beaches, relaxed cafés, and seaside restaurants. One of Orebic’s biggest draws is its regular ferry connection to Korcula Island.
If you’re thinking about staying in Orebic, here are a few accommodation options worth checking out:
Aminess Vival Grand Azur Hotel
Aminess Younique Bellevue Hotel
Viganj & Kuciste
Just a short drive or bike ride from Orebic, Viganj and Kucište offer even calmer and more laid-back atmosphere. These small coastal villages are especially popular with windsurfers and water sports lovers beacuse of summer winds and great beach access. You’ll find surf schools, a few beach bars, and plenty of space to relax without the crowds.
Here are a few places to consider if you’re looking to stay in Viganj or Kuciste:
Zuljana
Located roughly in the middle of the Peljesac Peninsula, Zuljana is a charming little village that’s perfect if you’re after peace, nature, and crystal-clear water. It offers beautiful beaches, relaxed vibe, and family-friendly atmosphere.
There are a few lovely restaurants in town, and the area is great for outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and hiking. It’s a fantastic spot if you want a quiet holiday surrounded by nature and away from the bigger crowds.
Accommodation options are here:
Ston / Mali Ston
If you’re looking for a livelier place to stay, Ston is your best bet. It’s the most visited town on the Peljesac Peninsula and has a bit more going on compared to some of the quieter villages.
Ston is famous for its impressive medieval walls, historic salt pans, and incredible oyster farms. It’s a great spot if you want to mix a bit of history and culture with delicious seafood and nearby beaches. If that sounds like your kind of trip, staying in or around Ston is a great choice. Here are some of the best accommodation options:
Loviste
Loviste is a small and peaceful village at the very tip of the Peljesac peninsula. It’s a great choice if you’re after total relaxation, quiet beaches, and stunning coastal views. You’ll find a handful of boutique villas and secluded apartments to rent:
BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE ON PELJESAC
WALK THE STON WALLS
One of the top things to do on Peljesac is walking the famous Ston walls. While most people have heard of Dubrovnik’s city walls, these are actually even more impressive. The Ston walls stretch over 5.5 kilometers, making them the longest defensive walls in Europe. Because of that, they’re often nicknamed the “European Great Wall”. They were originally built in the 14th and 15th centuries by the Republic of Dubrovnik to protect the salt pans.
The entry fee is around 10 euros, and it takes about an hour to walk the full route from Ston to Mali Ston. Just a heads-up, there are a lot of stairs and some pretty steep sections, so wear good shoes. If you’re visiting in summer, try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s cooler.
VISIT STON SALT PANS
While you’re in Ston, don’t miss the chance to visit the Ston Salt Pans. These are the oldest active saltworks in Europe. They’ve been producing sea salt for over 2,000 years using traditional, eco-friendly methods. You can walk through the evaporation pools, explore the small museum to learn about the history and process of salt harvesting, and if you’re visiting in the summer, you might even catch the workers in action or join in yourself! It’s a really unique and memorable experience.
EAT OYSTERS IN MALI STON
Fresh oysters and mussels are an absolute must-try when visiting Peljesac. Mali Ston is especially famous for having some of the best oysters and mussels in all of Croatia. They’ve been farmed here for centuries in the clean, shallow waters of Mali Ston Bay and they’re considered among the best in the world. Most often, they’re served raw with just a squeeze of lemon (and butter) or lightly grilled.
There are three standout restaurants in Mali Ston known for their fresh oysters: Bota Šare, Kapetanova Kuća, and Villa Koruna. We personally love Villa Koruna and often eat there, but if you’re looking for something a bit more upscale for a special occasion, Bota Šare is the way to go!
VISIT A WINERY
While you’re on Peljesac, make sure to visit at least one winery. This peninsula is a paradise for wine lovers, especially known for its red wines made from the Plavac Mali grape. Peljesac is home to two of Croatia’s most celebrated wines Dingač and Postup.
Here are some of the more popular wineries on Peljesac:
- Matuško Winery (Potomje)
- Korta Katarina (Orebić)
- Saints Hills (Zagruda)
- Bartulović (Prizdrina)
- Grgić Vina (Trstenik)
EXPLORE OREBIC
Orebic is the main town on the Peljesac Peninsula, and it’s a popular seaside spot thanks to its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and easy access to Korcula Island. While it’s not packed with attractions, there’s still plenty to enjoy if you want a relaxing experience.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, and boats, visit the small Maritime Museum, or spend the day lounging at Trstenica Beach or Mokalo Beach. And of course, one of the biggest draws is the short ferry ride over to Korcula, it’s super easy and well worth doing.
GO TO KORCULA ISLAND
One of the best day trips you can take from Peljesac is a visit to the stunning Korcula Island. If you’re staying in Orebic, you can be there in just 15 minutes. If you’re based elsewhere on the peninsula, just make your way to Orebic and hop on the ferry to Korcula.
For a quick visit, you can take the passenger ferry. It’s only 9 euros round trip, and it drops you right in Korcula Town. If you’re planning to explore the island in more depth, bring your car on the vehicle ferry so you can explore the island.
Korcula is often called the “Little Dubrovnik”, and once you see its charming old town, you’ll get why. A day trip here is always a good idea. Here are 11 of the best things to do on Korcula!
EXPLORE ŽULJANA
If you’re looking for a place to stay, I’d definitely recommend Zuljana. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth a day trip. Zuljana is a peaceful little hidden gem on Peljesac’s southern coast. It’s small, quiet, and perfect if you want to escape huge crowds.
The village itself has just the basics, but the real draw is the stunning nature and beautiful beaches. There are two main spots to check out: Zuljana Beach, a long sandy beach right in the village, and nearby Vucine Beach, a gorgeous bay with crystal-clear water, a gentle sea entrance, and plenty of natural pine shade.
Beyond swimming, you can also enjoy hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and just relaxing. It’s the kind of place that really lets you rest and connect with the coastline.
ENJOY PRAPRATNO BEACH
Another absolutely stunning spot is Prapratno Beach, located near Ston. It’s a long, sandy bay with shallow, turquoise waters and beautiful nature all around. Since sandy beaches are pretty rare in Croatia, Prapratno attracts quite a crowd, but if you’re on Peljesac, it’s definitely worth a visit, even if just for a few hours. There’s a small beach bar where you can grab a drink and relax. This beach is perfect for families, swimming, snorkeling, or just chilling out in the natural shade.
Parking can be tricky since the lot right by the beach fills up fast, especially on weekends. But don’t worry, there’s another parking area a little further away near the highway (you’ll pass it before reaching the beach), and there’s usually plenty of space there. From that parking lot, it’s just a short walk down the road to the beach.
ENJOY THE VIEWS OF THE PELJEŠAC BRIDGE
The Peljesac Bridge is fairly new, opened in 2022, and it’s an absolute marvel. It’s a 2.4 km long cable-stayed bridge with sleek design and it looks absolutely incredible. You have to cross it if you’re coming to Peljesac or Dubrovnik from anywhere else in Croatia. And if you’re already in Dubrovnik, it’s definitely worth taking a drive from Peljesac just to see the bridge. It really offers spectacular views of the Adriatic, surrounding islands, and mountains. There are two viewpoints along the access roads Komarna and Brijesta, from which you can enjoy the views.
GO TO MLJET ISLAND
Another awesome day trip you can take is to Mljet Island. It’s one of Croatia’s greenest islands and home to Mljet National Park. The island has with saltwater lakes, beautiful forests, and peaceful walking and biking trails, so it’s perfect if you love nature and want to stay active.
Getting there is easy, you need to take a short ferry ride from Prapratno beach or Orebic. The return ferry ticket from Prapratno costs just 12 euros, so it’s a great way to spend a day.
Once on the island, be sure to explore Mljet National Park with its two famous lakes, Veliko and Malo Jezero. You can swim, kayak, hike, or rent bikes to fully enjoy the stunning scenery!
