If you are staying in Dubrovnik and want to visit some of the best wineries in Croatia and try some of the best Croatian wines, the Pelješac peninsula is the place for you. Not only will you be able to enjoy the wines and other gasto specialties, but you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia too. Our favorite beach on Pelješac is Jezero Beach on the mainland side of the peninsula and Vučine near Žuljana on the side that’s turned toward the open sea. This article will be about how to get from Dubrovnik to Pelješac and we’ll present you all the options together with the pros and cons of each of them.
Pelješac is not so far away from Dubrovnik and you’ll need just 60-90 minutes to reach it . With this being said, it’s the perfect place for a day trip from Dubrovnik or an even longer stay . Pelješac is full of old traditional villages too which still preserve old ways of living. If you’re going to Pelješac from Dubrovnik, we suggest you stop at the town of Ston and explore it for a while. This town is famous for its walls, ancient saltworks, and oysters.
1. Guided Tours from Dubrovnik to Pelješac (Best Option) We are starting this journey from Dubrovnik to Pelješac on a guided tour. These kinds of tours are the perfect choice for a carefree experience of Pelješac and some of the best places on it. They are accompanied by the guide and often include wine tasting, oyster harvesting, and stops at historical sites such as Ston .
Types of Dubrovnik to Pelješac Guided Tours:
Wine and Oyster Tasting Tours: These tours focus on Ston and nearby Mali Ston . You have the option to try fresh oysters straight from the sea and enjoy wine tasting at some of the most famous Pelješac wineries .Scenic Coastal Tours: Through these tours, you have the chance to explore the town of Ston , walk its old city walls , and drive along the beautiful Pelješac coastline .Adventure and Culinary Tours: These tours usually combine activities like kayaking, hiking, or off-road driving paired with a traditional Dalmatian meal after the activity is done.
Why Choose a Guided Tour?
You don’t have to worry about transport or logistics. Guides that accompany the tour will provide insights into the local history and culture. Most Dubrovnik to Pelješac tours include wine and oyster tastings, as well as scenic stops along the way. The perfect option for day trips from Dubrovnik!
Tour Duration:
Half-day tours: 4-6 hoursFull-day tours: 7-10 hours
Pros & Cons of a Guided Tour Pros Cons Carefree experience Fixed schedule Includes transport, tastings, and sightseeing Less flexibility to explore on your own The perfect option for first-time visitors Slightly more expensive than self-driving to Pelješac
2. Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Pelješac (Comfortable Option) If you want to reach any particular location on Pelješac Peninsula , such as Ston, Orebić, or Trpanj , as fast as possible, then a private transfer from Dubrovnik is the best option for you. These kinds of transfers are fast and will get you to the desired location in no time. If you want to, you can make some stops along the way, but expect the final price to rise if you choose to do so.
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours (depending on the destination you want to reach and eventual stops along the way)Cost: €100 – €180 (depends on the vehicle and number of passengers)Best For: Couples, families, or small groups who want privacy and comfort .
Pros & Cons of a Private Transfer Pros Cons Fast and direct More expensive than bus options Comfortable and private Requires advanced booking No waiting time Less adventure compared to self-driving
3. Driving from Dubrovnik to Pelješac (Best for Flexibility) Our first advice to anyone coming to Croatia is to rent a car and explore this country at their own pace. If you’re coming to Dubrovnik and plan to stay in the area, then you can explore in other ways since a car is not necessary for Dubrovnik and would cause you more trouble than the actual benefits. On the other hand, if you want to travel a lot and explore places near Dubrovnik, then renting a car is a good option. If you have a car when visiting Croatia, then driving from Dubrovnik to Pelješac is the option we would suggest.
Distance: 60-80 km (depending on your destination on Pelješac peninsula) Driving Time: 1 to 1.5 hours Road Conditions: The roads are well maintained and there are many scenic coastal parts. Also, the roads on the Pelješac are a bit narrower than the regional roads.Toll Road: No tolls on this route!
Recommended Stops Along the Way:
Ston: Famous for its walls, saltworks, and oysters .Mali Ston: A must-visit place for oyster lovers . Try them directly from the sea.Dingač Wine Region: One of Croatia’s best wines is grown and made here .Žuljana: Some of the best beaches on the Pelješac peninsula are located here. Our favorite is Vučine Beach.Orebić: A picturesque coastal town and the place where you board the ferry to Korčula .
Pros & Cons of Driving to Pelješac Pros Cons Ultimate flexibility and ease of exploration Parking can be hard to find in high season Stop at as many locations as you like Car rental and fuel costs Scenic drive Roads on the Pelješac are narrow in some parts
4. Bus from Dubrovnik to Pelješac (Budget-Friendly Option) Finally, we reach the option of public transport from Dubrovnik to Pelješac, and in this case, the bus is your only option. Buses run between Dubrovnik and several places on Pelješac such as Ston, Orebić, and Trpanj . You can also stop at any other place along the way. Taking a bus from Dubrovnik to Pelješac is the most budget-friendly option, although it’s not as flexible as other means of transport mentioned in this article.
Operators: Arriva, FlixBusDuration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours (depending on the place you want to reach)Cost: Approximately €10-€15 Departure: Dubrovnik Main Bus Station located in Gruž PortBest For: Budget travelers who dare ok with a bit longer journey.
Pros & Cons of Taking a Bus from Dubrovnik to Pelješac Pros Cons Cheapest option Less frequent departures No need to worry about driving Longer travel time than a car or private transfer Comfortable buses Limited stops in smaller villages
Which of these Options is Best for You? Which option you’ll choose, depends on your travel style and preferences. The main goal is to reach and experience Pelješac. You are bombarded with so many options of day trips from Dubrovnik and it’s hard to choose the best option for you. If you are into gastronomy and wines, then we suggest you give Pelješac a chance.
Here are all the ways of reaching Pelješac from Dubrovnik summarized.
Transport Option Best For Duration Cost Guided Tour Sightseeing & tastings 6-10 hours €50-€150 Private Transfer Comfort & convenience 1 – 1.5 hours €100-€180 Self-Drive Flexibility & Exploration 1 – 1.5 hours Varies (rental & fuel) Bus Budget-friendly travel 1.5 – 2.5 hours €10-€15
Before You Venture from Dubrovnik to Pelješac All of our lives we have been looking at the Pelješac peninsula which is located opposite the place where we live. It was always the place with the beautiful beaches we would visit by boat during the summer months. We have even kayaked to Pelješac on a few occasions. Pelješac is great for all kinds of adventures too. The hike from Orebić to St.Elijah (Sveti Ilija) is one of the best hikes in Croatia and St. Elijah is considered to have one of the best panoramic views in Croatia. Pelješac is truly a great place for so many things and if you’re looking for a good day trip from Dubrovnik, consider Pelješac as one of the options.
Enjoy your Dubrovnik holidays.
