Mons Vipera Great Peninsula Hike

Peljesac is a 75 km long peninsula that apart from the miraculous defensive walls of Ston and its salt works, oysters, scattered villages, fields, famous vineyards and recently all the more renowned winemakers and their products, has many other (hidden) gems of nature.

Sveti Ilija also known as Mons vipera (Viper’s mountain) or Perun’s mountain (its peak was a cult place of a pre-Christian ancient Slavic god Perun) towers 961 m above sea level like a guardian watching over Korcula island across a narrow strait and can be accessed from few different directions but the most attractive one starts and ends in Orebic. Firstly we get a boat ride from Korcula and then up we go.

When doing this tour on very hot days or for people who can’t afford full day spent hiking we organize ascent by a vehicle to about 500 m altitude and then hike from the car thus shortening overall tour time. Subsequently the descend can be all the way to Orebic (recommended!) or following the same trail back to the vehicle.

For those doing the whole hike the trail is in good condition and route is circular, taking us up one way and down the other side. To reach the top is about 4 hours and coming down also takes about 3 hours so in total it amounts to 7 – 9 hours (always dependable on the shape of participants and weather conditions though).

The way up is the steeper part of the hike and the more you are entering the inner world of the mountain the more it’s revealing its other face – high planes, green and fertile with fields of sage, myrtle, black pines, as opposed to a sight from below when you see mostly just bare rock. If lucky enough it is possible to see mountain goats, wild horses, birds of prey. The top opens other vistas, especially on a clear day, to the ridge of Peljesac, the mainland with its mountains and the islands spreading out in the Adriatic.

Descending takes us through various landscapes too displaying the panoramic south side with views to the strait and the island of Korcula right across giving quite a few opportunities to stop for a moment and reflect upon all the wonderful things and places you’ve met along the way. Or just stare somewhere in the distant horizon..

From Orebic there is a transfer to get you back to Korcula.

Suggestion!!! After hike we can optionally organize a speed boat transfer from Orebic as well as lunch, either in Orebic, or on an islet in the archipelago between Orebic and Korcula where you can have delicious meal and total relax on the beach. Should you be interested please ask for a quote.

Beautiful climb to Sveti Ilija

Amazing views to Peljesac, Korcula and other islands

Hiking through bare rocks and black pine woods

Finding out about mountain flora

Breathing at lungs full capacity

When: with first light or dependable on the season
Ideal time of year: spring or autumn/winter – July and August are usually too hot and if you really want to do this tour we warmly recommend the shorter version with more transfers Price per person: 110 eur per person, or 132 euro - shorter version with more transfers Minimum: 3 persons
Duration: 5/9 hours (hiking part)
Included: English speaking guide, boat and optionally land transfers.
What to bring: good hiking shoes or preferably boots, long pants, hat/sun protection, breathable underwear, breathable t-shirts or long sleeve shirts, lightweight breathable rain/wind proof jacket, 3 liters of water, snacks, beachwear and towel in case you want to go for a swim afterwards Tour type: walking, hiking, youth and family, nature & wildlife
Terrain: moderate sections of ascent and descent
Activity level: moderate/demanding
Kid friendly: minimum 7 years old, (shorter version with more transfers), othewise 15. Only children with parental escort can participate in this tour Meeting point: let us know where you are staying and we will pick you up there/at nearest spot

Notes: Itinerary depends on weather conditions, time of season – daylight hours, group size and fitness level. Let us know if you have any relevant medical problems and food preferences/dietary restrictions.

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