Peljesac Peninsula | Wine Lovers Paradise
The Peljesac Peninsula in South Dalmatia is a 44-mile-long mountainous peninsula. This stunning region is famous for its excellent local wines, quaint villages, and pebble beaches. The two main towns are Orebic and Ston.
Peljesac’s vineyards grow the Plavac Mali grape variety. Moreover, the sun-soaked grapes from the steep seaward vineyards near Potomje produce Dingac, Croatia’s top red wine.
Climate
Like most of the Dalmatian Coast, Peljesac has a consistently mild climate. Temperatures reach their peak in July and August. Plenty of sunshine certainly means lots of perfect beach days.
Places to See on the Peljesac Peninsula
Ston Defensive Walls
Walk the These 14th-century walls connect the twin towns of Ston and Mali Ston, thus dividing Peljesac from the mainland. This is one of the world’s longest-preserved fortification systems.
If you’re into forts and castle walls, you’ve got to check this place out. The massive wall goes all the way up the mountain, and you can walk on most of it.
Just know, it’s a bit of a climb with lots of steps. However, if you’re not up for a long hike, you can just do parts of it. It’s an amazing piece of history.
Sveti Ilija Mountain
From Orebic, climb to the peak of Sveti Ilija Mountain (600ft) for fantastic views over the sea and islands.
The mountain is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, providing a habitat for various plant and animal species. Hiking trails wind through the rugged terrain, leading to the summit. There, hikers are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Peljesac peninsula and the neighboring islands.
Things to Do on the Peljesac Peninsula
Wine and Dine
Learn about oyster cultivation in Mali Ston Bay. Visit the oyster beds by boat and see how the oysters grow on ropes. Taste fresh oysters at Bota Sare in Mali Ston or risotto and grilled fish at Stari Kapetan in Orebic.
Visit Peljesac vineyards and wineries for tours and tastings. Visit Korta Katarina in Orebic, Matusko in Potomje, and Milos, near Ston.
Watersports
Try windsurfing in the sea channel between Peljesac and Korcula. Viganj is Croatia’s second windsurfing destination (after Bol on Brac). At Water Donkey windsurfing station in Viganj, you can rent equipment and even take lessons.
You will also have many opportunities to use your yacht’s water toys while visiting the Peljesac Peninsula.
Gastronomy
When it comes to fresh seafood, the restaurants in Peljeac outshine even those in Dubrovnik. The peninsula is renowned for its shellfish. Almost anywhere you go on this peninsula, you’ll discover charming taverns or waterside eateries offering fresh oysters and mussels.
Peljesac Wineries to Visit
In Janjina, visitors to Bezek Winery can sample a wide range of wines, distilled spirits, and other agricultural products. This winery has a long history of making great wines from local grapes like Plavac Mali and Rukatac. They also craft eight different spirits and liqueurs that you can try when you visit.
Over in the town of Potomje lies Vinarija Bartulovic, producing organic Croatian wine since 1989. They produce their signature Plavac Mali red and rose wines. They also make a distinctive white, also known as Rukatac or Marastina. This wine is worth a try.
To the east of Peljesac, near the town of Ston, is the historic Milos Winery. Savor 500 years of winemaking heritage with Plavac Mali rose and other natural wines.
Marinas and Anchorages | Peljesac Peninsula
- Marina Orebic. This marina is open year-round and offers 240 berths of water and electricity.
- The most well-protected anchorages are at Lovitse and Ston, but other small harbors are all along the south coast.
- On the peninsula’s south coast, there’s a quiet fishing village called Trstenik. Part of the waterfront here is suitable for mooring and anchoring.
- Ston is popular with boaters and foodies. It has several good restaurants that serve local oysters and mussels and also provide mooring berths.
