The beautiful Peljesac Peninsula and Island of Korcula

28.08

After coffee with Hans and Ulrika we were back on the coast road heading North en route to the Peljesac Peninsula. 

 

 

 

 

 

Stopped at a lookout point for one more look down upon the beautiful walled Old Town of Dubrovnik then onward 64kms onto the Peljesac Peninsula and into the little medieval town of Ston.  We notice how green and tranquil it is here, the roads are quiet and the landscape is varied and beautiful. 

 

The Peljesac region is well known for its quality wines and wine making tradition dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.  It’s also known for it’s wide selection of fish and shellfish dishes. 

 

 

The Peninsula is surprisingly mountainous, passing vineyards and olive groves.  There are wineries and picturesque little villages, rustic stone houses, rocky coves and beautiful bays.  There are mussel and oyster farms.    

We travelled 56kms up the Peninsula to  Orebic where we found our recommended, quaint little family run camp over looking the water, Camp Glavna Plaza (27 euros).  Egor guided us under the palm trees to a nice shaded pitch. 

Orebic is a small town of old captains traditional houses.  It has about 2000 inhabitants and as it is one of the warmest small towns in the Med, has plenty of different species of trees – various palms, conifers, lemon, almond and exotic plants brought back by the sailors.   

Headed down to the sandy beach, yes a sandy beach, for a swim then went for a walk along the waterfront promenade passed rocky inlets, rooms for rent in wonderful old stone mansions, touristy shops and eateries.  

 

Enjoyed an ice cream over looking the water.

 

 

 

 

 

 

29.08        

We caught the 1.30pm boat (8 euros return for two) for the 15 minute ride to the island of Korcula. This Island was the home of Marco Polo in the 13th Century.

 As we neared the island we can see why it is referred to as the ‘mini’ Dubrovnik.  The beautiful medieval town with it’s fortified walls dominate the landscape. 

 

We docked in the Port near a cruise ship and thought “wouldn’t it be a small world” if our friend Murray Allison was aboard, we know he’s travelling in this part of the world having missed him in Dubrovnik.  The ‘world is small’, we did spot Murray and decided to meet up later.

Strolled around the gorgeous circular Old Town with it’s cafes and restaurants over looking the crystal clear sea,  stone churches, towers, bell tower and quaint narrow alleyways.

 

 

Had a wonderful catch up and lunch with Murray and Stephanie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caught the 5pm boat back to Orebic and headed to the beach for swims.        

 

  30.08

 

Had a fabulous day on the beach swimming.  The water is so clear!!  Enjoyed an evening stroll along the beach promenade.

 

31.08

 

Filled up with petrol (1 euro 33 per litre) and headed further North to the far end of the peninsula overlooking the island of Hvar. 

We can see windsurfers as we start winding our way through the mountains looking down on pretty bays and clear blue water. 

After 22kms we arrived at Loviste a beautiful cove with crystal clear water and lovely beaches along rocky inlets.  We followed the narrow road alongside the sea to a recommended campsite, Camp Lupis (27 euros, from tomorrow 1 September, the price is reduced to 16 euros as ACSI kicks in).  We have a great pitch with shade and a sea view.

It's a terraced camp, well organised and there are pitches across the road from the sea looking over the bay.  We expect a lot of people to arrive from tomorrow and take advantage of the ACSI price.

Swims then a walk to the end of the bay with it’s eateries, swimming coves and rooms to rent.  

 

01.09

Picnic on the beach and swimming!  The water is so clear, and the view of the bay, stunning!!  Reminds us of a Greek Island.  A lot of Germans staying in the camp, many know each other as they’ve been coming here for some years.  We can see why and have decided to stay a few days!!

02.09 – 06.09

Beautiful days swimming and enjoying the beach.  It’s slightly cooler than Tisno (further north) but still in the late twenties, early thirties.  Tranquil and relaxing.  Coffee in the evening in the little village at the end of the bay over looking the water. 

 

Cycling up to the look out point, the nine per cent gradient certainly gets the legs going.  Meeting some great people, kindred spirits having fun and enjoying their adventures. 

 

 

 

Made great use of the camp ‘European style bikes’ to nab donuts before they sell out, popular with the campers here.  Sampled fresh fish and the local vino.

Heading to Slovenia tomorrow so having our last sea swims as it’s lakes from here on in.