Let's start with some great news: Yes, there are still undiscovered places along the Dalmatian coast. Hidden gems where you don't have to get up at eight in the morning to put your towel on the beach, where you don't have to make a dinner reservation three nights in advance and where they welcome you for a wine tasting when you just stop by spontaneously.
And no, I am not talking some secret little town in Istria. Right between Dubrovnik and Splityou find the Pelješac peninsula. The perfect island to get off the beaten path. Not as fancy as Hvar or polished as other islands in Croatia.
Here, you find only small villages, hidden beaches, countless small wineries–and true Mediterranean lifestyle. lagano, as the Croatians would say. Take it slow. And on Pelješac they really do!
So if you want to swap a few destinations on your itinerary for some of Croatia's hidden gems, read on!
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Explore the town of Orebić
In the 18th century, Orebić was the safe harbor of countless seamen sailing the Croatian isles. As such, you can still visit the Maritime Museum and learn about the old traditions.
Other than that, Orebić is a smaller town, perfect for that slow pace of life: going to the beach, strolling along the promenade, drinking iced coffee, enjoying fresh fish. If you want to go to Korčula, you have a direct ferry from Orebić (buy the tickets in advance especially during high season.)
Staying in Orebić? Here are my top accommodation picks
Apartman Muracca | Super cosy and directly by the sea with a beautiful terrace to enjoy those warm summer nights
Villa Agnes | A pretty old villa with pool and barbecue directly by the sea, perfect for a family or group
Heritage Hotel Adriatic | Adults only boutique hotel directly by the promenade
Take the ferry to Korčula
Korčula is one of those island destinations in Croatia that is still a bit off-the-beaten-path because it's not so easy to get to. But the island with its medieval charm, home to Marco Polo, is one of Croatia's most authentic island still. Full of views, wine and delicious food! I definitely recommend you do a wine tour on the island to get to know the autochthonous wine varieties, especially Grk, a white wine.
My friend Ana's husband is from Korčula, so she has spent countless summers exploring the very best the island has to offer. If you're taking the ferry over, I recommend you check out her Korčula island blog..
Best beaches on Korčula
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Vela Pržina und Bilin Žal | family-friendly and perfect for lounging
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Proizd | via boat from Vela Luka for crystal clear water and snorkeling
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Pupnatska Luka
Want to explore Korčula more? How about a boat trip and some snorkeling around the island? Staying in Korčula over night? This apartment is a true little gem.
Go wine tasting on Pelješac
If Istria is the queen of truffles in Croatia, then Pelješac is the king of wine! The island boasts a few indigenous grape varieties that you can only find in that region of Croatia and has a rich history of winemaking.
We asked one of our Herzegovinian winemaker friends (another great wine region by the way!) which wineries to visit, and these are the top ones he recommended:
🍷 Korta Katarina | A very chic and modern winery in Orebić with an absolutely delicious rosé as well as options to try local wines such as Plavac Mali/Dingač and Grk
🍷 Matuško Winery | Located further inland and very cosy. You can taste whatever you wish by the glass, we tried their Penjušac (sparkling wine), Grk, and Plavac Mali/Dingač
Tip: A full-day wine and food tour is perfect to dive deeper into Croatia wine culture (and not fight who should be the designated driver.)
Stroll through Ston
When we arrived in Ston around lunchtime, it was... hot. Completely made from stone (haha) this city is best visited in the morning or evening hours, I would say. Ston is famous for three things: The longest city walls in Europe (yes, even longer than KotorKotor), its oysters, and its salt.
So even though the charming village in itself is small, and you might not see a reason to stand longer, there are a few unique experiences you can have here, for example a private tour of the saltworks or an wine and oyster tasting tour.
Getting around in Croatia
If you travel Croatia, the best way to get around is by car. Most guided tours just take you from one highlight to the next but the actual hidden treasures of the county lie between the hotspots–in lost villages, little wineries or beaches just off the road.
To rent a car in Croatia, I always use discovercars.comto compare the best offers and prices. The last time we rented with them, someone bumped our cars and we were reimbursed within a week–another argument for their great service!
A day at the beach
Everybody will promise you beaches that are still hidden gems in Croatia but let me tell you: There aren't many of them left. The good thing about Pelješac though: You are on a peninsula, so you've got plenty of coastline with hidden coves, and beaches to choose from. Bring your towel and cruise around until you find a spot under a cluster of pine trees by the water you like–it's as easy as that.
My tip: The side of Pelješac facing Korčula is full of lesser-known beaches. Away from the tourist crowds, you can find a spot under the pine trees without having to spread out your towel at six in the morning. And don't forget your bathing shoes—the pebbles and sea urchins are no fun.
Strände auf Pelješac:
- Bila Punta
- Kamenica Beach
- Mokalo Beach
Visit an agroturismo
It's a most on every trip to Croatia: A visit to a local Agroturismo. Antunović in the small village Kuna is a unique place to visit to learn more about the Croatian art of making Prosciutto and Pancetta ( pršuthere) and try delicious local products. Plus, the village is cute and sleepy places that automatically bring down your heartrate and make you feel more relaxed.
The best of Dalmatia right in your pocket!
In my digital, interactive travel guide, you will find the best beaches, sights, restaurants, wineries, and activities in and around Dubrovnik—right on your phone and also available offline! The best of Dalmatia right in your pocket!
Relax in Lovište
If you are looking for a village where the clocks tick slower than in the rest of Croatia, look no further than Lovište. After just three nights here, I felt as relaxed as after a week of holiday!
Lovište is one of the lesser-known villages even on Pelješac, as it is located right at the end of the peninsula. That makes it the perfect place to escape the crowds. There is not much of an old town or activities–it is the perfect place to relax by the turquoise water and just recharge.
💲 Guest House Tamara | Sea views from the balcony and a cosy accommodation almost directly by the beach
💲💲 Villa Mirce | Located at the end of Lovište, this villa offers peace, quiet, and a private pool
💲💲💲 Villa Nauta | Centrally located at Lovište's main promenade, with a veranda and a stone's throw from the beach
Watch windsurfers in Viganj
Here's a tip for some action: Viganj is the perfect spot for wind and kite surfers! Located at a “canal” between Pelješac and Korčula, you almost always have wind perfectly suitable for the sport here. Whether you want to watch the surfers or book a lesson yourself: this is the spot to go. It gives Viganj a laid-back surfer vibe with a cool beach bars too. And like all the rest of Pelješac, Viganj might be busy in summer but not overrun by tourists.
If you like an active holiday, you can also go biking around Pelješac. The landscape is truly unique, the hills covered by vines, and inland, you can discover many forgotten villages, vineyards and more.
🏫 Staying in Viganj? This heritage hotel by the water is a great accommodation option.
Are you picking Pelješac as your next Croatia destination?
Pelješac, to me, is among the most beautiful places I have visited in Croatia so far. The unique landscape, hidden spots, untouched beaches and laid-back lifestyle of Southern Croatia are a win for me. Plus, it's conveniently located between Split and Dubrovnik, meaning the peninsula is actually a great place to visit if you are planning to rent a car and do a Dalmatia road trip.
