Top 10 things to do in Orebić

Winemaking on Pelješac dates back to the 13^th century. The peninsula’s most famous wines today are Postup and Dingač, versions of the famed Plavac Mali. Both Postup and Dingač are made at Plavac Mali’s ancient place of origin, Dalmatia, and received protected designations of origin in the 1960s. Local producers have a tradition relating to Postup: none will claim their Postup to be the best. Dingač is an appellation for the wine known locally as the ‘three suns wine’ because it basks in the sun three times: first directly, then through rock reflections, then through sea reflections. Try both at Radović, Korta Katarina or Arambašić wineries, all located in Orebić.

If your happy place is the beach, look no further than shore-lined Ore-beach. The town has every kind of waterfront to offer for whatever mood you may be in; from buzzy beaches perfect for people-watching to secluded coves ideal for some ‘me’ time. On any sunny summer day, expect to see pocketfuls of tourists gathered on the sandy Trstenica beach right next to the city centre. Beach chairs and sunbrellas are available for rent at Trstenica, which is also lined with pine trees for shade. At the more peaceful coves of Mokalo beach, located 4 km east of Orebić, pebble-filled banks contrast with turquoise waters. Mokalo directly faces the gorgeous island of Korčula.

Orebić sits at the foot of Mount St. Ilija, which, with a 961-metre-tall peak, is the highest mountain on the Pelješac peninsula. Trails range from beginner to expert. Head out alone or opt for a local tour guide to learn about the region’s fascinating history and culture. Once you’re at the top, reward yourself by indulging in the majestic view of the island of Korčula and the entire canal of Pelješac. Also at the peak sits a paragliding centre for the extra-adventurous (and those looking for a faster descent). No matter your choice, don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen – and keep your eyes peeled for mouflon, which walk the mountain’s steepest slopes.

The history of Orebić is rooted in the maritime industry; in fact, in 1584, it was named after the Orebić family of sea captains who laid the foundations for the town. The town itself was founded in the early 1500s as a part of the Republic of Ragusa (today, Dubrovnik). Discover centuries of seafaring heritage at the local Maritime Museum which was established in 1957. See paintings of old sailing ships owned by the Orebić family, plus nautical books, atlases, medals, weapons, tools and much more dating from the 16^th to the 20^th centuries. Don’t miss exhibits from the second half of the 19^th century – the golden age of seafaring in Orebić.

Perched on the slopes of Mount St. Ilija, the 1486 Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Angels is easily reached on foot, along a beginners-level trail. It was built in the Gothic-Renaissance style by architect Mihoć Radišić, who also worked on the Church of Saint Sebastian in Dubrovnik. The monastery houses numerous works of art like an icon of Our Lady of Angels (which was said to protect sea captains), a relief of Madonna by an anonymous artist, and another by Nikola Firentinac (also known as Niccolò di Giovanni of Florence), who created the original dome of the UNESCO-protected Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik.

The island of Korčula is just a 15-minute boat ride away from the coast of Orebić, with ferries shuttling eager passengers between the two lovely locations multiple times a day. Korčula is the sixth largest Croatian island and stretches almost 50 kilometres in length. The island’s old town features unparalleled views of the Pelješac peninsula and Mt. Ilija, along with winding cobbled streets and Dalmatian-style stone buildings. You’ll also find a mix of small sandy coves and craggy beaches dotting the entire island’s coast. Fun fact: millennia ago, Korčula was originally settled by Greeks who named it Black Corfu (Korkyra Melaina) for its rich pine forests.

Eating traditionally cooked seafood is an essential Orebić experience. We’re bringing you a list of dishes you shouldn’t leave without trying:

- Grilled fish: sea bass, sea bream, toothfish, scorpionfish and dentex

- Raw oysters from the town of Ston (an hour-long drive from Orebić, but its oysters are available throughout the entire Dubrovnik-Neretva region)

- Dalmatian beef stew called pašticada

- Homemade pasta with beef goulash called šporki makaruni

- Sweets: rozata custard, klašuni cookies and kroštule, sweet fried dough

Look for these specialties in central Orebić at Piazzetta (a wine and oyster bar) and lunch and dinner restaurant Stari Kapetan (‘Old Captain’). Don’t forget to cover your seafood with a light blanket of local olive oil, made and refined on the Pelješac peninsula throughout the centuries.

Vineyards, olive groves, tamarisk trees and pine forests surround Orebić. One of the best ways to explore the region’s rich plant life (which includes over 1100 species and varieties) is by bike; bike rentals are available in the town. Adrenaline enthusiasts can do some mountain biking through hills and along dirt roads. All cycling trails are marked, with maps available online and at the town’s tourism office. Bonus: cycle to the nearby village of Stankovići, 2.2 kilometres away, and try out horseback riding on locally bred horses with professional guides that will teach you about local flora as you traverse the Pelješac landscape.

The Mimbellis are among the most famous sea captain families in Orebić and their ornate summer residence in the town is open to visitors. The family is known not only for sailing, but also for a tragic love story: that of Balbo Mimbelli and the family maid, whose romance was forbidden by his parents. The grand family villa is surrounded by equally lavish gardens which include fruits and plants, like banana and avocado, brought by sailors from faraway lands. The interior features age-old furniture and colourful murals with photo ops galore. Over four million egg yolks were used to paint the walls of the villa.

Orebić makes for the perfect base to discover nearby windsurfing hotspots Viganj (7.5 kilometres away) and Kučište (4.8 kilometres away), visited by windsurfers from all over the world each year. The villages have hosted both the European and world windsurfing championships. Alternatively, go underwater and scuba dive next to sunken ships, corals and hordes of sea creatures that make the Pelješac coast their home. Mokalo is the perfect scuba diving base, known for its underwater reef population. Local tourist information and diving centres are available to help you pursue your underwater adventures.