Dalmatian favorites by our Croatia Concierge – Orebic and Korcula
Tasteful Croatian Journeys understands that travel is about more than simply seeing a place; if done right, it’s transformative. Modern travelers seek authentic experiences – to meet local people, to become completely immersed in local culture and to have once in a lifetime experiences. The best way to explore a destination is to have a local expert that will guide you through your journey and will take you to places that surpass your expectations – places that are off the beaten path and beyond the radar of most travelers.
Tasteful Croatian Journeys’ travelers benefit from the unique service of our In-Country Concierge. She is our team’s eyes and ears on the ground, a “Guardian Angel” to our travelers, a local insider who has great knowledge of Croatia and the surrounding area. Always vigilant, she is forever on the road to exploring destinations and discovering the best of each to share with our travelers. She helps create experiences which will make your Croatian adventure unforgettable.
We are pleased to share one of her recent adventures traveling to Croatia’s Peljesac peninsula and the stunning island of Korcula. Here, in her own words, Mirela shares her insight to some of the most beautiful destinations in Croatia.
It was a warm August afternoon when I started off on my adventure to Southern Dalmatia. One of my favorite parts of Croatia, I love any opportunity to visit the Peljesac Peninsula and the Island of Korcula. The Peljesac Peninsula is a long, thin peninsula that extends north of Dubrovnik. It is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus occupied by the towns of Ston and Mali Ston. Toward the end of the peninsula, a small channel separates it from the Island of Korcula. Boasting rich culture, stunning beaches, and spectacular panoramic views, the area is ideal for travelers wishing to experience the best of Dalmatia. The own of Orebic, located on the peninsula, and Korcula’s Old Town make ideal home bases for travelers wishing to explore the region.
One of the best ways to experience the Croatian coast is traveling by car, moving at your own pace, and stopping at numerous viewpoints to capture your own perfect moments and stunning views overlooking the Adriatic. As a local, I drove myself from my home in Rijeka down Croatia’s famous coastal road, known as “Jadranska Magistrala.” For our travelers, we typically arrange a private driver who is familiar with this scenic seaside drive and knows the best places to stop. The road is known around the world as one of Europe’s greatest coastal odysseys and stretches throughout the Adriatic Coast.
After couple of hours driving along the coastal road and taking a car ferry from Ploče to Trpanj, I arrived on the Peljesac Peninsula, which would become my home away from home for the next few days. The first moment of my excitement was stopping at the “Kapetani” viewpoint admiring the view of the Peljesac channel and beautiful Korcula archipelago. Endless colors of blue sea and sky will take your breath away.
This would be the color palette that dominated my next few days. Throughout my adventure, I visited several destinations and had the most amazing experiences which I am pleased to share with you.
Join me and be immersed in the beauty and extraordinary experiences of the Croatian South. Below I share some of the places I visited, and some of the experiences Tasteful Croatian Journeys offers our travelers.
Feel the Luxury of the Hotel Korta Katarina & Winery
It is always a memorable experience to visit one of the most luxurious properties in Croatia, Hotel Korta Katarina & Winery. Located in the charming town of Orebic, with a stunning beachfront location overlooking the Adriatic , it offers luxury accommodation in 10 suites, true hedonistic gourmet experiences, and impeccable service. On this link you can read more about Korta Katarina, as well as our first introduction to the property back in 2018. Korta Katarina is also one of the many wineries of the Peljesac Peninsula that we recommend to our travelers who wish to do a tasting of fine local wines. To read more about the wines of the Peljesac Peninsula, click here.
Eat Local at Konoba Aterina
Aterina is a charming local konoba situated on the Square of Korcula sculptors and stonemasons within the Old Town of Korcula. Welcomed by Maja, the owner and chef, we found a perfect table on the terrace that at first glance captivates with its colorful decoration; floral tablecloths on the terrace, stone floors and a nice view of the west coast of Korcula Old Town. At Konoba Aterina we enjoyed a delicious meal from their creative menu, based on locally grown vegetables and freshly caught fish. Homemade cheese, prosciutto, marinated anchovies, olives, handmade pasta “Žrnovski Makaruni” with homemade pesto, and black risotto.
Enjoy a Gastronomic Experience at Konoba Maha
Around 8 kilometers from Korčula’s Old Town, near the small town of Žrnovo, you will discover the charming Konoba Maha run by the Marelic family. Here you will experience true gastronomic and oenological delight. The family has created a mecca for those who enjoy good food and wine, a true paradise for foodies.
Konoba Maha is proud to serve only local and organic produce grown on their farm, as well as naturally raised and sustainable meat. From the carefully prepared menu one can taste homemade delicacies such as the famous meat or octopus “peka”, or the well-known “Žrnovski Makaruni”- a traditional handmade pasta that can be prepared with a delicious meat sauce, goat cheese with herbs, or homemade tomato sauce with basil. Also on the menu are perfectly grilled meats with salad organically grown from Konoba Maha’s own garden. As a dessert, don’t miss trying their “rožata” or “fritule” – traditional Croatian desserts.
As both sons, Ivan and Jaksa, are professional sommeliers, they express their love of the island through the story of Korcula’s great wines. During the hot summer days at “Maha” you can easily refresh yourself with homemade mint or elderflower juice, and with a unique and warm family atmosphere, many times followed by the soft sounds of local “Klapa” singing and live musical entertainment.
Unique Cooking Experience at Konoba Maha
Our travelers have the opportunity to explore the traditional cuisine of Korcula and the region while learning the secrets of Dalmatian cooking with a private cooking class at Konoba Maha.
The owner and chef will teach you how to cook with fresh local products and herbs. Start by making your own fresh bread, and picking herbs directly from the garden. Next learn to prepare fish tartare with tomatoes and spring onion before moving on to the more complicated and traditional meal “brodet” (a special fish stew made in Dalmatia). End with sweets, such as grilled fruits or traditional cake. The menu may vary slightly according to the season and the fresh ingredients available. The class will end with a delicious lunch that will prove your skills in the kitchen, accompanied by tastings of different wines and a final “Prošek” – typical Dalmatian dessert wine.
Unwind at Moro Stupe Lounge Bar & Restaurant
On the small, sun-drenched island of Stupe, just a few minutes boat ride from Korcula, you will find Moro Beach, a relaxed yet refined open-air restaurant and lounge offering cocktails and lunch by the beach during the day, and fine dining in the evening. Grab a sun lounger or a stand-up paddle board and take in the stunning views of the Korcula archipelago and the Peljesac Peninsula. The signature snapshot here is the idyllic sea swing hovering just over the water, inviting you to dip your feet in the cool blue Adriatic. However, this isn’t the only Instagram-worthy detail. Great attention was paid to creating an atmosphere which embodies the easy spirited fun, and effortless cool of Croatian summer. Moro beach is sure to have you coming #back4moro. To get to Moro Stupe there are taxi transfers available or we can organize a private boat transfer for you.
Immerse Yourself in the Rich History of Korcula with Your Private local Guide
Our guests normally arrive to the Old Town of Korcula either with a small passenger ferry or with a private yacht. We work with several charming properties in or near the Old Town. We strongly recommend a guided tour to make the most of your time in this beautiful city. You will be greeted by Lea, our local, highly experienced guide, born and raised in Korcula. With her great passion and knowledge, you will walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old town, visiting historical sights and monuments and learning of the local way of life. You can learn more about beautiful Korcula, our favorite island, on this link.
Taste the Mediterranean at Bota Šare Restaurant in Mali Ston
A day excursion through Pelješac is the best way to travel from Korcula to Dubrovnik, or vice versa. When traveling in this area, a must stop for seafood lovers is at the family restaurant Bota Šare in Mali Ston. The family Šare are well known in the region for their shellfish farming, offering the best oysters in the Mediterranean. Located in a medieval castle on the shore in Mali Ston, guests can enjoy local food; mostly fish and shellfish but also excellent meat meals prepared on the wood fired grill.
At Bota Šare we can arrange a unique experience for our travelers – an oyster cruise! Sailing in a boat you will enjoy the untouched natural beauty of the protected eco system of Mali Ston bay, along with the sun and the sea in which many small islets “are bathing” and where Šare family has grown oysters for generations. The entire experience also has an educational aspect, where travelers can learn about the process of cultivating oysters. You will learn how to gather oysters and open them in the midst of an oyster farm. At the end you will enjoy a tasting of the world-famous oysters, just plucked from the sea, on a floating dock surrounded by oyster beds.
Michelin Star Experience at LD Restaurant
A well deserved Michelin star was awarded to LD Restaurant in 2020, the fine dining establishment which is located at the Lesic Dimitri Palace hotel. Here, talented young chef Marko Gajski draws inspiration from traditional Dalmatian cuisine, which is simultaneously celebrated and reinvented with LD’s creative, ingredient-focused menus. High quality, locally sourced ingredients take center stage in what is Korcula’s most acclaimed restaurant. Guests can enjoy al fresco fine dining on the terrace which offers panoramic views across the Pelješac channel and the Korčula archipelago or enjoy your meal indoors in the chic upstairs dining room. As your Tasteful Croatian Journeys Concierge, I can reserve you the best seat in the house! Both à la carte and tasting options are available for guests visiting LD Restaurant.
Explore the Korcula Archipelago by Kayak
For thousands of years people have sailed around Korcula to explore, conquer, and trade…nowadays these crystalline waters lure modern travelers who want to discover both history and nature in one of the most beautiful corners of the Adriatic Sea. Small islands, islets and rocks scattered between Korcula, Lumbarda, and Orebic are a perfect getaway for visitors, with small pebble beaches, clear water, and more or less secluded and protected coves. What’s even better, the islands are so close to one another that they can be reached by kayak! I had the opportunity to paddle around this area, and it is one of my favorite activities to recommend to our active travelers. On the excursion, you will discover the island of Badija, home to a Franciscan monastery from 14th century, and visit Vrnik island, with quarries from Roman times. You’ll also have the chance to dine in an excellent local fish restaurant in a relaxed atmosphere directly on the beachfront… The backdrop to the experiences is eye-pleasing scenery, including the mountain of Saint Ilija towering mightily, almost a kilometer above sea level, guarding the strait between the Peljesac Peninsula and the Island of Korcula.
Enjoy the Beautiful Melodies of Local Singing
Walking around the Old Town of Korcula, under the main city gate you will undoubtedly find local musician, Ante. Stop for a moment to enjoy listening to his cheerful notes and traditional Croatian songs played on the accordion. Also, during summer months, visitors concerts of local Klapa, an authentic and one of a kind experience. Klapa singing is a multipart singing tradition of the southern Croatian regions of Dalmatia, with acapella homophonic singing and simple music as its main features. Klapa is also protected on the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Tasteful Croatian Journeys can arrange Klapa singing for your special private celebrations.
Visit Continental Europe’s Longest Fortification System in Ston
Ston is really two towns in one: Ston, called Veliki (Great) Ston and its smaller sister Mali Ston. The two are connected by one of the largest surviving fortification systems in Europe, with 3km of walls stretching across the hillside between them. They were begun when the Republic of Dubrovnik purchased Ston in 1333, and set about building a system of defenses that would protect the local salt production, which, at the time, was a commodity more valuable than gold. Today they are a priceless monument of immense architectural and cultural value which guests can visit all year around. Climb the walls for spectacular views over the ancient salt pans below.
Spend a Day Relaxing on the Beach
Both Orebic and Korcula have beautiful, pristine beaches, and as they are connected with a small passenger ferry that runs throughout the day, guests staying in both locations can easily set off to explore the beautiful beaches in the surroundings. One of my favorite beaches in Orebic is Trstenica beach, located at the entrance of the city, but one can also find a perfect spot elsewhere throughout the seaside of the town, where pebbly beaches offer sun loungers and beach bars. If you are more adventurous, visit the neighboring village of Viganj, which is the most popular place in Croatia for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
On Korcula, after an exciting drive on a scooter exploring the island on my own, I visited the beaches near Lumbarda, Przina beach and Bilin Zal. Both were beaches with small pebbles and simple beach bars with food, snacks and drinks. On the way, I recommend stopping to taste some of Croatia’s finest wines in picturesque wineries whose vineyards stretch to the sea. A tasting of famous Grk, local wine from Korcula is not to be missed.
Stroll Along the Seaside Promenade in Orebic
This picturesque, sunny area was the town of sea captains and sailors. Many documents and various articles from its famous seafaring past can be found in the Maritime museum. Orebic offers its visitors a pure environment, untouched nature with hundred-year old pines and cypress trees, almond trees, agaves, and flowers. There are many long pebbly beaches and numerous small bays with crystal clear sea water to enjoy. On the hill above Orebic there is the Franciscan Monastery, built in 1470, dominating the scenery and housing a museum. From here, travelers are offered an impressive and memorable view of Orebic, Korcula, and the Adriatic beyond. Unique beauty of this region.
