Excursions...

The Peljesac Peninsula is a fascinating destination for many excursions. The unique locality enables its visitors easy access by boat or car to Dubrovnik, Korcula, Ston and numerous other tourist centres.

Picturesque little towns and villages along its South facing coast are rich in cultural and historical heritage, while it's beautiful cultivated vinyards herald the Peninsula's age-old wine making. All of our featured properties are ideally located, creating many opportunities for half day or whole day excursions. To make the most of your holiday, we strongly recommend some of the following...

Korcula Old Town (Reached by a 15 minute car/passenger ferry from Orebic)

Korcula old town is a must for those that appreciate history and tradition. This beautiful medeival town is often likened to a "mini Dubrovnik" complete with its fortified walls and jumble of pan-tiled red roofs. It is considered to be the birth placeof the famous explorer Marco Polo. In the summer months, the old town and its maze of ancient stone streets are a hive of activity. Korcula has maintained the tradition of knightly games, the best known is the"Moreska", a spectacular dynamic fighting dance with swords which has been performed for more than four hundred years. Elegant Venetian architecture features strongly with many of the buildings, and its churches, museums and art galleries mingle with small bars and quaint restaurants. Just a short drive away is the gently shelving Lumbada beach. This large sandy beach is highly recommended for families with young children. Reputedly one of the most beautiful and tranquil islands in the Adriatic, Korcula boasts numerous untouched bays and coves shaded by centuries old pine woods which are lapped by turquoise waters.

Dubrovnik (Reached by car from Orebic, approxi 1 1/2 hrs or by ferry/hydrofoil from Korcula approx 1hr 15)

This stunning, magical ancient city offers its visitors a wealth of beauty and culture. Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic, the city is protected by towering medieval walls. Hidden treasures include Baroque, Gothic and Rennaisance churches and a labyrinth of old cobbled alley ways. Rich in history, this spirited city is famed for its folk entertainment and the Dubrovnik summer festival in July and August includes live music and theatre. The Placa is the city's bustling pedestrian promenade and its shiny stone walkways are paved with many shops, upmarket cafes and restaurants shaded by umbrellas. Dubrovnik is a real Adriatic gem that combines rustic charm with cosmopolitan elegance. It is highly recommended that visitors take a walk around its ancient city walls, the intact walls incorporate five fortresses where one can capture the spectaular views of the city and take a step back in time.

Ston and Mali Ston (Reached by car, approximately 1 hour from Orebic)

Recommended as a half day excursion, the historical villages of Ston and Mali Ston are a haven for visitors wishing a truly peaceful setting. A visit to Ston is a must, - this historic town is famous for its 5 km fortified walls, culture and historical monuments. It is said by many that the walls are the second largest in the world, "The great wall of China" being the first. Stons centuries old salt pans are still active today, and tourists can even buy a bag of salt as a souvenir. The channel of Mali Ston with its many islets and coves has been pronounced a national park. The sea is crystal clear blue and the location tranquil, ideal for those that like to pass the day surrounded by natural beauty. The specially harvested mussels and oysters from the Mali Ston beds are world famous. A true delight not to be missed!

Mljet (Reached hydrofoil/tourist boat from Korcula, approximately 45 minutes)

The beautiful island of Mljet offers its visitors exceptional beauty and tranquillity. This national park covers an area of approximately 12 sqk and boasts two impressive salt water lakes. On the larger of the two lakes, sits a 12th century Benedictine monastery reached by taxi boat. Out of season swimming in the lakes is delightful, as the water temperature is much higher than the surrounding sea. For those that like walking, there are a network of walking paths spread through the whole territory where one can explore the remains of Illyric fortifications. Forests of pine and Oak meander down to breathtaking beautiful beaches and crystal azure seas.

Hvar (Reached by boat/hydrofoil from Korcula, approximately 1 hr)

Hvar, the longest island of the Adriatic is intensely beautiful and is recommended as a full day excursion. Nicknamed the "Madeira of the Croatian Adriatic", this picturesque island holds the record for the greatest number of sunny days per year, almost 3000 hours of sunshine! Hvar town is charming and quaint and has preserved many of its impressive Venetian buildings. Gothic palaces and a beautiful Rennaisance cathedral lie hidden amongst narrow cobbled streets below its 13th cenury walls. Vegetation is sub tropical and luxuriant, and the air is filled with heady fragrances of lavender, rosemary and laurel. Visitors can enjoy relaxing moments, sitting in one of a number of cafes or bars on its waterfront promenade, bordered by rows of palm trees. A trip to Hvar is memorable one and is highly recommended!

Mostar (Reached by car from Orebic, approximately 2 1/2 hrs)

For a full day excursion, one can visit the beautiful city of Mostar. Dating from the 15th century, the unofficial capital of Herzegovina is centered around its world famous stone "Stari Most" bridge. Recently restored, the 400 year old bridge links the two banks of the emerald Neretva River. It has long been tradition for the young local people to dive in from the top of the bridge as a sign of courage. Other recommended highlights to explore are: Mostars elegant city, the Bazar and Turkish mosque.

Neretva river delta (Reached by car from Orebic or via Trpanj to Ploce using car ferry)

This excursion is ideal for those visitors that love nature. Known by world travellers as "Croatian California", the Neretva river delta is a wildlife paradise which shelters hundreds of species of birds. It is highly recommended to cruise in small boats "trupice" through the canals, where you will be rewarded with beautiful surroundings and excellent sightings of numerous animal species. Don't forget those binoculars!

It is possible to organise your own excursions for the above, or for full information and guided tours pop into the Atlas Travel Agency in Korcula old town (www.atlas-croatia.com)

For a list of ferry times, please go to www.jadrolinija.hr

As well as catering for those that like to worship the sun on one of the Peljesac's fabulous beaches, those looking for more active holidays can engage in numerous water sports such as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing.

The ideal location for windsurfing and kite surfing is in the bay of Viganj. The unique thermal breeze "mistral" runs through the channel in the summer months daily, creating perfect windsurfing conditions. The open championship of Croatian windsurfing takes place every July and Viganj is said to be the windsurfing capital of Croatia! Viganj was host to the World championship in 1989 and European championship in 1990.

Scuba diving is also a delight on the Peljesac. the clarity of the sea is truly wonderful and is home to incredible flora, fauna and archaeoligical finds. Please make sure you bring your log book, diving certificate and current medical certificate. For those wishing to learn how to dive, there are numerous diving schools in the locality. The predominately warm calm waters are ideal to start your first diving adventure. You can bring your own equipment or hire locally.

On land, visitors can thoroughly enjoy the Peljesac's magnificent scenery. There are many walking paths found around beaches, coves and seaports where one can enjoy first hand beautiful surroundings, traditional culture and history on the Peljesac. Nature trails, cycling and mountaineering are all recommended.

For those that like a challenge, why not climb the highest peak of the Peljesac, Mt Illija (961 m). Tourists will be delighted with the clearly marked trails and will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the islands of Korcula, Mljet and Lastovo. (It is advisable to take plenty of water with you in the summer months!) The Mountaineering Society in Orebic can provide expert guides for larger groups. For those that like to cycle, enthusiasts will enjoy the exceptional conditions of riding through beautiful natural surroundings. Mopeds and cycles are available to hire locally.

Other sporting activities in Orebic include: tennis courts, large and small soccer fields, basketball courts and lawn bowling or bocce courts.

The Peljesac is a wonderful place for all those that love and appreciate fine wines. Wine connoisseurs will surely find a good enough reason to taste the famous wines touring the many wineries and vinyards along the Peninsula.

In the summer months, the local hotels in and around Orebic often present open-air theatre and folklore performances in the evening and the local diso at Trstenica beach is perfect for those that want to dance the night away. There are a large variety of local restaurants and bars in Orebic and the neighbouring villages where one can appreciate delicious organic food and sample the Peljesac's famous wines.

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