Korčula, the island of beautiful bays, is known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, one of the biggest world travellers. The island has a long shipping tradition and is known for a stone-built town centre, forts and walls. The traditional "Moreška" sword dance has been preserved here. it takes place in the summer and is a way of remembrance of the battle between the Turks and Christians. Korčula Island is true revelation for sports enthusiasts and active travellers. Mljet Island has a national park and is known for the Large and Small Lakes. The Island of St. Mary is located in the Large Lake: This is where remains of a Roman building were found. There is also a Benedictine monastery with a tower that represented a defence wall of the town. The lush vegetation and the lakes have put Mljet on the map as a green island whose magnificent nature is famed all over the world. Mljet Island also a go-to place for speleology enthusiasts, the best known of which is Odysseus Cave which can only be reached from the sea. Lastovo Island is one of the ten heavenly gardens of the Mediterranean and is listed on the prestigious listing of the World Wildlife Fund. It is known for its unique history of piracy and architecture. The island is distinguished by the unique architecture of the house with chimneys. Lastovo is characterised by the number 46 as it is surrounded by 46 islands, 46 beaches and 46 fields. Various recreational activities are available in the sea, on the islands and of rock walls, while the town offers diverse cultural events, but the town is still ideal for relaxation and tranquil holidays.
Korčula island
Korčula Island in Middle Dalmatia runs parallel to the mainland in the west-east direction. The island is 46.8 km long and its average width is from 5.3 to 7.8 km while its surface area is 270 square km making it the sixth largest island in the Adriatic. It is separated from the Pelješac Peninsula by the Pelješac Channel with the shortest distance between them being 1270 m. The island coastline is 182 km long while the coastlines of the nearby islands come in at 54 km long. The island is highly diverse and has numerous bays and coves. The north coast is relatively low, easily accessible and has a few natural harbours sheltered from southerly and easterly winds: Korčula, Banja, Račišće, Vrbovica, Babina, Prigradica.
The town of Korčula is located on the north-east part of Korčula Island. The town comprises the old town centre on an oval peninsula and the newer part of town along the eastern and western coasts of the old town. The first evidence of the establishment of this time was found by the Byzantine historian and emperor Constantine Porphyrogennetos in the 10th century, however, there are no building remains from this period. There are however walls and decorations from the 13th century that show that the town was surrounded by walls. This was during the time of the Venetian family Zorzi. There are also numerous other historical monuments that attest to the interesting history of the town. The old town centre and its ancient buildings, narrow streets, the St. Mark Cathedral, the Marco Polo House, nine churches in the centre of the old town centre, walls surrounding the entire island, the sea gate and other interesting towns are the biggest attractions of the town. The town organises traditional fishing celebrations where you can enjoy Dalmatian music, local food and excellent wine. Those who like to stay out all night can do so at bars and night clubs, while those who prefer a more intimate milieu can visit one of the restaurants and enjoy the live music of traditional Dalmatian choirs and, of course, island delicacies.
Pelješac peninsula
The Pelješac Peninsula is situated in the south of Croatia and is the second-largest peninsula in the country. Pelješac stretches from the mainland to Cape Lovište. We can see magnificent cypress trees and pine forests on the picturesque slopes of this peninsula full of gorges. A large portion is covered by olive groves and vineyards as well as numerous local plantations cultivating fruit such as figs, oranges and tangerines.
The people of Pelješac enjoy the beauty of the vineyards, olive groves, fishing and tourism. The best-known tourist destinations are Ston, Brijest, Trpanj and Viganj in Orebić.
Orebić - the biggest town on the peninsula is located on the south-west side of the peninsula, at the foot of St. Elias Mountain. Orebić is the cradle of captains and sailors whose rich traditions are preserved at the Maritime Museum. The town offers a wide range of tourist attractions. There is a large sandy beach in the Trstenica Bay. Those who prefer solitude will find numerous rocky coves with small beaches nearby. The surroundings of Orebić is suitable for walks, hikes and collecting medicinal herbs. We also get the chance to taste or buy homemade wine or Prošek. In the summer, Orebić organises numerous festivals such as folklore nights, Pelješac Sails Night and various concerts.
Ston – the town is situated at the very beginning of the Pelješac Peninsula. It is known as the salt town and has the longest stone wall is Europe at 5.5 km. The most important industry here is viniculture. Some of the historical monuments in Ston include the Church of St. Michael, the Church of Our Lady of Lužine, the Veliki Kaštio tower, the Office of the Dubrovnik Republic, the Prince's Palace, Napoleon's Road and many other attractions.
Trpanj - this beautiful town is located in the north-west of the Pelješac Peninsula and is one of the oldest settlements on the peninsula. Locals here are involved in fishing and tourism. Trpanj is a wonderful destination to suit every taste. In the summer months, the fishing nights, boules nights, concerts, programmes for younger audiences, donkey races and other festivals are organised on the Trpanj waterfront. The town has many beautiful beaches, the most beautiful of which are: "Plaža", "Luka," "Divna", "Duba" and "Jezero".
Viganj - a small tourist town on the western part of the Pelješac Peninsula located only 8 km from Orebić. Viganj is said to be a botanical garden with a lot of flowers and plants brought by sailors from their travels for their beloved wives. The people used to pursue agriculture and fishing, while tourism is the predominant industry today. Viganj has many sandy beaches and is popular with sports and active holiday enthusiasts and especially those who enjoy water-based activities such as surfing and kitesurfing.