Salt, stone walls and winemaking heritage.

History of the Pelješac Peninsula

Peljesac has been producing wine, salt and seafood since Roman times, but its most visible legacy comes from its time under the Republic of Ragusa, when Dubrovnik controlled the region. This influence is most obvious in Ston, a fortified town built to protect the salt pans that generated huge wealth for the republic. The Ston Walls, built in the 14th century, still wind their way up the hillside and are among the longest preserved fortifications in all of Europe. 

Over the centuries, Peljesac became a peninsula of producers. Families passed down vineyards and fishing rights for generations, and even now, most of the wineries you’ll visit are family-run, often by people who learned the trade from their parents and grandparents. Unlike some parts of the coast that have adapted to tourism in big ways, Peljesac has stayed mostly true to its roots. Life is still built around the sea, the land, and the harvest seasons.

Eat, sip, explore and unwind by the sea.

Things to Do in Ston, Slano and Pelješac

Eat oysters straight from the sea in Ston

If there’s one thing you should not miss while visiting Pelješac, it’s tasting fresh oysters in Mali Ston. These oysters are grown in the calm, nutrient-rich waters of Mali Ston Bay, considered among the best in Europe. You can take a small local boat out to a floating oyster farm, where the farmer will pluck oysters fresh from the water and shuck them in front of you, often serving them with a glass of chilled local Croatian white wine. Some of the tours also include mussels steamed in white wine, which pair beautifully with the salty breeze and surrounding views.

Visit the vineyards and taste local reds

Pelješac is the home of Croatia’s red wine region and globally renowned grape varieties, including Plavac Mali, a powerful red grape variety that is genetically related to Zinfandel. The steep slopes around Dingač and Postup are some of the most prestigious vineyard sites in the country, and the wines from this region have been respected since long before Croatian wine started gaining international attention.
The cellars here are often built into the rock, cool and dark and full of stories. Tasting wine in Pelješac isn’t a formal affair, as you’ll often find yourself standing in a rustic courtyard or sitting at a long wooden table while the winemaker tells you about the land, the vintage, and how their great-grandfather once made wine the same way.

Walk the ancient walls of Ston

The Ston Walls stretch for over five kilometres and were originally built to protect the town’s lucrative salt pans. You can walk along the upper sections for panoramic views over the sea, the hills, and the geometric salt beds below. It’s a bit of a climb in places, but the scenery is worth it, and the route gives you a real sense of the history and purpose behind this once-mighty outpost of the former Ragusan Republic.

Swim in hidden bays and explore coastal towns

Towns like Trpanj, Viganj, and Orebić each offer their own version of laid-back coastal charm. Orebić, directly across the channel from Korcula, is known for its maritime heritage, old sea captains’ homes, and long pebble beaches. Viganj is popular with windsurfers and has a younger, more active vibe, while Trpanj is smaller and quieter, with a working-harbour feel. The coastline in between is dotted with coves and rocky beaches, often completely empty apart from a few locals fishing or swimming in the shallows.

Seafood feasts and local flavours await.

Where to Eat on the Pelješac Peninsula

The food in Pelješac reflects the peninsula’s roots. In Ston, head to Bota Šare or Kapetanova Kuća for seafood that highlights the area’s oyster and mussel culture. Further inland, you’ll find small konobas serving grilled fish, lamb peka, stewed octopus, and wild herbs collected from the hills. Konoba Antunović near Kuna and Konoba Ficović in Hodilje are local favourites, and many Pelješac wineries also serve home-cooked meals alongside their tasting experiences.

Getting there is part of the charm.

How to Get to Pelješac, Ston and Slano

Getting to Pelješac from Dubrovnik is easier than ever thanks to the new Pelješac Bridge, which allows travellers to bypass the Bosnian border crossing at Neum. It’s roughly a 75 to 90 minute drive from Dubrovnik to Ston, depending on traffic. If you’re already staying with Yacht Club Croatia in Slano, we’re even closer. Depending on the itinerary and group preferences, we sometimes organise transfers directly from Slano or suggest self-guided day trips from there. Private boats can also be arranged, with docking options near Orebić or Trpanj depending on weather and timing.

If you’re travelling independently, a car is the best way to explore the full stretch of the peninsula. There are buses from Dubrovnik to Ston and Orebić, but services are limited and don’t always reach the smaller towns and wineries.

From summer swims to autumn harvests.

Best Time to Visit Pelješac

The Pelješac Peninsula is between May and October, when everything is open, the vineyards are green, and the sea is warm. September and October are ideal for wine lovers, with harvest in full swing and fewer crowds on the roads. Summer can get busy in Ston and Orebić, but the rest of the peninsula remains peaceful even in high season. Winter is quiet, and while some wineries stay open year-round, restaurants and oyster farms may reduce operations.

Local Tips and Events

• If you’re doing a wine tasting, bring cash. Some of the smaller producers don’t take cards
• Look for homemade olive oil, dried figs, and lavender sachets at roadside stalls and village markets
• The Ston Wall Marathon, held every September, is one of the most scenic running events in Croatia
• Fête de la Mer in Mali Ston celebrates the oyster season with food stalls, music and plenty of local wine
• Pack reef shoes for swimming, as most beaches are pebbly and rocky