14 Things To Do In Pelješac Peninsula: Croatia Travel Guide

The Pelješac peninsula is a coastal gem in southern Croatia, known for its stunning views of the Adriatic, vineyards, and fresh seafood. Whether you’re sipping Plavac Mali at Saints Hills Winery, windsurfing in Viganj, or exploring the historic walls of Ston, there’s plenty to experience.

Visit charming towns like Trpanj, relax on beautiful beaches, or take a boat tour to explore the surrounding waters. Pelješac is also famous for its Croatian wine, local delicacies, and rich history—making it the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the best of the region’s culture and natural beauty.

Rent a car and dive into this picturesque retreat.

Guide To The Pelješac Peninsula

Although the earlier years of this beautiful part of Croatia are shrouded in mystery, we know that the sparsely populated but seriously impressive Peljesac Peninsula was initially mentioned by Greek writers as the Roman Province of Dalmatia.

Following a change of hands, the area was part of the French Empire in the early 1800s before passing over to the Austrian Empire. For around 70 years, it was part of Yugoslavia before Croatia was granted independence in the 90s. For this very reason, the Peljesac Peninsula is an area dripping in history, nodding to various cultures, and, as such, is the ideal place to visit.

Though it is only home to about 8,000 people, the Pelješac peninsula is now becoming a top travel destination.

We prioritized heading to this part of the world as soon as we moved to Croatia; with so much traveling and with a baby in tow, it took us a while! This region has long been known for its delicious shellfish, dry red wines, and gorgeous beaches, so there are many reasons to love the Pelješac peninsula. 

The Pelješac peninsula is easy to reach from Dubrovnik, so we always recommend this part of Croatia to wine lovers.

Best Things To Do In Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia

Because it would be almost selfish not to share all the tips with you, here they are:

1. Taste The Local Seafood & Enjoy The Wine

The oysters and mussels found around Pelješac are exceptionally good, and several Blue Flag beaches can be found in the region.

Excellent vintages are also on tap at Postup and Dingač villages. Both towns are located near the main settlement at Orebić on the peninsula’s southwestern coast.

Our friends at the Boutique Hotel Marco Polo in Gradac run private tours to explore this area, and we plan to go back and explore it as soon as possible.

Brands We Use And Trust

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2. Orebic Is A Top Spot For Some Sunshine

Orebić itself is but a short ferry ride from Korčula, and boats often go between the two destinations. This town functioned as a trading outpost for many years, and many sea captains and their families made their homes here.

Orebić is one of the sunniest spots in Croatia, so it is a popular spot for day-trippers from the surrounding areas. Dubrovnik is only an hour and a half away, so plan this part of your vacation at the beginning or end of your stay in Dubrovnik or as the perfect day trip. 

Local Tip: Orebić is home to Nevio Camp, the campground that has won the best campsite in all of Croatia for several years in a row. It’s the perfect place to escape from the bustle of Dubrovnik while still being able to explore the city and all that Peljesac has to offer.

3. Visit Our Lady Of The Angels & Hike Sveti Ilija

Orebić has a historic monastery called Our Lady of the Angels that is worth a stop, but avid hikers will also want to make the 4-hour climb up Sveti Ilija (Mount St. Ilija). Pack comfortable shoes and plenty of water and sun cream for your hike, as well as an empty memory card for those stunning views from the top.

4. Kite Surfing In Kuciste

Those who want to spend their time at the beach should check out the pebbly shores at Trstenicia. Kitesurfers should likewise head out to the village of Kuciste, where there are lessons available, or practice at the highly-rated North Kiteboarding Club.

5. More Wine Tasting Fun

Wine aficionados should stop at Korta Katarina Winery in Orebić for a tasting before making their way out to Trstnik. While the village’s main draw is the tasty red and white vintages produced by the local Grgić winery, there are plenty of excellent beaches to be found nearby. The winery is open daily between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm.

Other great wineries to visit are:

• Bura-Mrgudic
• Matusko
• Vina Grgić
• Crisis
• Milos
• Marlais

6. Enjoy The Local Produce

Another good stop for wine lovers is the Podobuče village, which also has a beach. Travelers can stay at the local inn, Konoba Molovran, and feast upon the local produce in the tavern below.

Wine lovers might also want to make their way out to the Vino Špaleta in Kuna. They sell delicious rose wines as well as locally crafted olive oils.

Ston is home to the local winery Vinarija Milos, which can also be found in town, and it is worth a stop for those who are still on a quest for the perfect vintage. With all of the culinary offerings that can be found here, it is no surprise that the town makes a fine stop for a delicious, locally produced meal. Some great places for foodies to check out are the Gastro Mare, the Restaurant & Caffe Bar Bella Vista, and the Stagnum restaurants, all of which are located in Ston.

7. History To Be Found At Ston

The peninsula’s second-largest population center is Ston. This fortified city is a Renaissance maze on a spit of land connecting the peninsula to the mainland. In the Middle Ages, Ston was strategically located and fortified to help protect Dubrovnik, which had acquired it in the 14th century.

The stone ramparts are said to resemble a downsized version of the Great Wall of China. They are accessible to the public, and admission is free. I am told that the ocean vistas found here are excellent.

8. Check Out The Oysters

Ston and its sister city, the charming fishing hamlet of Mali Ston, are known for their lush oyster beds and their salt pans, both of which can be glimpsed from the walls.

The salt pans are also open for viewing after paying a small admissions fee, but I am told that tours of these facilities are self-guided, and there is often no one about to answer questions. However, Ston salt is available at local retailers.

9. Enjoy The Great Outdoors at Mljet National Park

While not part of the peninsula of Pelješac, Mljet National Park is very close by. Be sure to take a day trip to explore this beautiful Island, which offers kayaking, hiking, or crystal clear beaches for relaxing.

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10. Work For Your Lodgings And Harvest Salt in Ston

There is even more to do in Ston, and you’ll find salt plains here, which date as far back as the 14th century.

The yearly salt production around here is a massive 530 tonnes, and you can help out by harvesting in exchange for your lodgings! I personally think this is a great experience, and while I haven’t tried it myself, I’m told it’s quite the workout!

11. Take A Road Trip

There are several scenic road trips you can take, and four of the best are said to be the Trstenik to Potomje route, in and around Drace, from Orebic to Podobuce, and Trstenik to Zuljana. All of these are packed with sights to see and places to visit along the way, all calling for more than a few photo stops.

12. Head To The Donkey Farm

You’ll find a family-run and charming donkey farm. You need to pre-arrange to head here, but you can feed them, pet them, and even milk them – indeed, an activity to put a smile on your face, especially if you’re traveling with little ones.

13. Head To The Island Of Mljet

There is a ferry that runs from Prapratno to Sobra on Mljet regularly, and it’s a must-do to see the stunning beauty of this Island. Basically, this is nature at its best and a very green island.

14. Head Under Water

Scuba diving is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and there are several shipwrecks along this coastline, including Boka and a German torpedo boat, as well as a 2000-year-old ship from Roman times. On top of this, there are caves, passages, and sea walls to check out – Oh, and the underwater residents, of course!

Have you ever traveled to or planned to travel to the Pelješac peninsula? We’d love to know your suggested pit stop… or stops.