In the sun-kissed seaside town of Orebić, with its palm-lined seafront promenade, elegant 19th-century sea captains' villas, and fine pebble beaches shaded by tamarisk trees, this building originally housed the Pelješac Maritime Society, founded in 1865. The apartment occupies the ground floor, and it's a treat to step inside. You enter directly into the spacious living room, with travertine stone floors, two contemporary charcoal grey sofas, an antique wooden desk, two old wooden chests and walls hung with Dalmatian navigation maps (both references to shipping) and an open-plan kitchen. Behind are three bedrooms - two doubles and one twin. In front, double doors open directly onto a fantastic terrace with a dining and lounge space, which in turn opens onto the beach.
Ideal for a family or a small group of friends, this is a place which appeals to outdoorsy types who appreciate unspoilt nature, low-key adventure sports and centuries-old architecture. Historically this was where the Venetian Empire met the Republic of Dubrovnik. Gourmets will love it too – local restaurants serve authentic Dalmatian dishes made from fresh Adriatic seafood (including prized oysters from Ston), as well as some of Croatia's finest wines, which are produced right here, on Pelješac's steep sunny seaward slopes.
Highs
- Superb waterside terrace, shaded by white awnings, and planted with bougainvillea, rosemary and basil
- Adventure sports enthusiasts will love Pelješac for hiking, cycling, wind-surfing, sea-kayaking and scuba diving
- Numerous local wineries offer tours and tasting
- The proximity of charming medieval-walled Korčula Town, served by regular ferries (or taxi-boats at night)
- The front terrace opens directly onto the pebble beach and glistening blue sea, with views of Korčula island
Lows
- Note this is a ground-floor apartment with other apartments above and next door; but the entrance and terrace are private
- Interior spaces are smallish: we think it works best for a family or group of 4-5 people who know each other well
- No indoor dining table, though the terrace dining space is covered in case it rains
- Don't expect a glamorous nightlife in Orebić – nearby Korčula Town is livelier after dark
- No pool, but you can't get much closer to the sea!
Best time to go
For swimming, sunbathing and open-air cultural events, summer is the obvious time to visit. Orebić and Korčula do get very busy in July and August – for warm sea without the crowds, come in June or September. May and October are lovely if you prefer hiking and cycling – attractions, wineries and restaurants are also quieter then, and locals have more time to chat with visitors. The apartment is closed November through March.
Our top tips
Drive down to Ston (58km/36mi) southeast of Orebić, to walk the 14th-century defensive walls that connect the twin towns of Veli Ston and Mali Ston, which effectively controlled land access onto Pelješac. In Veli Ston, see the saltpans that once supplied Dubrovnik, and in Mali Ston, take a boat tour to learn how Ston's oysters (prized since Roman times) are grown on ropes. Round off with a meal at waterside Kapetanova Kuća, which specialises in oysters and mussels.
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