Pelješac
Pelješac is the second largest Croatian peninsula. It stretches almost parallel to the coast, from Mali Ston to Lovište, at a length of about 77 km. About 8000 inhabitants live on it. The coast is very indented, extending to a length of almost 200 km in total. Pelješac abounds in stunning beaches, hidden bays and coves, with crystal clear sea, untouched nature and various fragrant Mediterranean plants and undergrowth. About 1100 various plant species can be found on Pelješac. The biggest cypress wood grows above Orebić, while Pelješac hills and poljes are home to olive and fig crops as well as the world-renowned vine plantings. The Pelješac peninsula has a centuries-old tradition in making premium red wines. There are 250 registered red wine makers on Pelješac. They are also the best red wine makers in Croatia. Pelješac can easily be called a wine paradise for red wine lovers. If you stop by in Potomje, you will come to the homeland of Dingač, Plavac Mali and Postup. The grapes growing in Postup and Dingač have a very high sugar content thanks to three-fold insolation – directly from the Sun, from the sea reflection and rocky hills reflection. Plavac Mali is the most important autochthonous variety in Croatia. Dingač is the first, and Postup the second protected Croatian red wine. Some of the wine cellars that may be visited in Pelješac are: Miloš, Grgić, Korta Katarina, Skaramuča, Madirazza, Matuško, Miličić, Mrgudić, Radović, Putniković, Vicelić, Saint Hills… There is another interesting thing in Potomje – a 400 m long tunnel dug out towards the sea; it significantly shortens the way towards the sea.
The tallest peak of Pelješac is St. Elias – 961 m; also the most famous climbing destination. It is also called the Snake’s Hill, while locals call it simply Elias. It is very important to start this ascent wearing suitable clothing and footwear, due partly to possible danger of snakes (horned viper!) and partly to rocky landscape. There are three hiking trails leading to St. Elias: from Gornja Nakovana (6.9 km, average gradient of 15%, considered a light hiking trail), from Orebić, near the Church (5.5 km, average gradient of 22%, moderately difficult) and from Orebić by way of Rusković – 5.6 km, the most demanding, with the average gradient of 24%. For the adventure aficionados inclined towards the sea – Viganj is an interesting destination. It is considered a surfers’ paradise. It is a town where some kind of wind always blows, especially in summer. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent it here and learn to surf. The Croatian championship in windsurfing takes place in June in Viganj.
The beaches of Pelješac are numerous and quite pretty and well worth visiting. They are mostly sandy beaches or gravel beaches with turquoise green sea – Viganj, Mokalo, Žuljana, Trstenica, Podobno, Prapratno, Borak, Jezero, Duba, Divna, Dingač.
Pelješac is connected by ferry with the mainland: Trpanj – Ploče (around 1 h); with Korčula, Orebić – Dominče (about 20 min); and with Mljet, Prapratno – Sobra (about 45 min).
For the history, art and culture buffs a small town in the middle of the peninsula is a must – Kuna is the birthplace of Celestin Medović, a Croatian painter (1857–1920). Along with Vlaho Bukovac, this painter is the most important representative of the older generation of Croatian Modernism. There is a Franciscan monastery (where Medović lived for a while) in Kuna, and Velika Gospa Church (locals call it Delorita), dedicated to our Lady of Loreto. The church houses an altar painting by Medović.
Above Orebić, at about 150 m above sea level, there is a Franciscan monastery and Our Lady of the Angels’ Church. The view of Korčula, Mljet, Lastovo and Pelješac channel from the monastery loggia is unforgettable. The church has been renovated and is open for visitors. It houses a number of exhibits from the church and maritime history of the area. The museum of history in Orebić, founded in 1957, is also to be mentioned.
There is a fort dating from late antiquity, called Gradina, in Trpanj, as well as numerous small churches. Around Orebić itself and Trpanj there are numerous marked hiking and cycling trails, and around Trpanj there are a few trails and walking paths passing through landscapes with medicinal and Mediterranean plants, olives and vines.
The Holy Trinity Church in Kućište, built in 1752, is the most opulent baroque chapel in the 18th century Dalmatia.