Zuljana is a picturesque village on the stunning Peljesac Peninsula in Croatia, known for its breathtaking landscapes and tranquil atmosphere.
Surrounded by pine trees and olive groves, this charming destination offers a unique window into traditional Croatian life. With its crystal-clear waters and serene ambiance, Zuljana is an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy areas.
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About Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula, Croatia
Zuljana is a picturesque village on the southern side of the Peljesac Peninsula, about 35 kilometers from Ston, the nearest town. Zuljana’s population is around 200 people. Zuljana is surrounded by hills covered with pine trees and olive groves.
Zuljana is a typical seaside village with a lovely sandy beach stretching for more than a kilometer along the clear blue sea, a long pier to protect it from the winds, a dozen beach houses lined up in a row, and a small campsite.
The scenery around Zujana is breathtaking. It is a perfect spot to enjoy nature and explore the hidden coves, bays, and small pebble beaches. The name – Zuljana comes from the Latin word “sula,” meaning a plow, which refers to the shape of the bay where the village lies.
Due to its small size, there is little to do in Zuljana. Zuljana is where you come to chill out by the sea, enjoy the views, and sip some good local red wine. Zuljana is also a popular spot for divers.
Waters around Zuljana offer some of the best diving sites in the Adriatic Sea, with numerous caves, reefs, and shipwrecks to explore. There are two diving centers in the village and over 25 diving locations within a one-hour boat ride from the village.
The village gets busy in the summer with locals, tourists, and day visitors from the neighboring interior villages. The rest of the year is sleepy, peaceful, and quiet.
Where is Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula?
Zuljana is located on the southern coast of the Peljesac Peninsula, approximately 60 kilometers from Dubrovnik and 35 km from Ston, the nearest town.
Zuljana’s latitude is 42.8903198, and Zuljana’s longitude is 17.4551485.
Zuljana is easily accessible by car from major towns like Split and Dubrovnik, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or an extended stay.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula?
The best time to visit Zuljana is from June to September, when the weather is sunny and warm, and the sea is calm and refreshing.
The summer months, July and August, see the village come alive with tourists, although visiting in June or September can offer a more relaxed experience.
The average day temperature in July and August is 28°C / 82°F, and the average sea temperature is 24°C / 75°F.
The average day temperature in June and September is 25°C / 77°F, and the average sea temperature is 22°C / 72°F.
Reasons to Visit Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula
Zuljana is an excellent destination for visitors seeking a tranquil Mediterranean experience, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming community.
The village’s slower pace allows for relaxation and connection with nature, making it a perfect getaway for couples, families, and solo travelers.
Below are our five reasons for visiting Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula.
- Great Beaches: Zuljana’s crystal-clear waters, white pebble beaches, and secluded coves make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities.
- Hiking and Biking: The scenic landscape surrounding Zuljana is perfect for hiking or biking adventures. From easy coastal walks to challenging mountain trails, there is something for every fitness level.
- Diving and Snorkeling: The Adriatic Sea surrounding Zuljana is home to abundant marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
- Authentic Local Experience: Zuljana is a traditional Dalmatian village, allowing visitors to experience the authentic Mediterranean way of life. From local cuisine to cultural events, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Wine Tasting: The Peljesac Peninsula, where Zuljana is located, is known for its quality wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings at local wineries and learn about the history and production of these renowned Croatian wines.
What are things to Do in Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula?
Visitors to Zuljana can indulge in various activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the pristine Adriatic waters. The area is also famed for its vineyards, and wine-tasting tours are popular. For those who enjoy hiking, the surrounding hills offer scenic trails with stunning coastline views.
Swimming and snorkeling
Swimming and snorkeling are among the most popular activities in Zuljana. The village boasts several charming pebbly and rocky beaches, complemented by pine trees that provide a perfect refuge from the scorching summer heat.
Diving
Two diving centers in Zuljana offer exceptional diving experiences at nearby sites, including the S-57 shipwreck, which sank in 1944. These centers provide boat transportation to and from the dive locations, professional-grade equipment, and dedicated instructors who prioritize safety, attentiveness, and patience.
Hiking and biking
A small asphalt road connects Zuljana to the nearby village of Trstenik, winding past picturesque bays and beautiful beaches while offering stunning coastal views. This route is perfect for hiking or biking.
Upon reaching Trstenik, you can explore another charming asphalt road that meanders through the vineyards of Dingac.
Alternatively, hike up the challenging Sveti Ivan Mountain, which rises 500 meters and rewards you with breathtaking vistas.
Be prepared for a demanding trek, as the trail is often poorly marked and maintained, with rocky terrain and intense sun exposure—best tackled early in the morning before sunrise. However, the spectacular views of the mountains, bays, and open sea make the effort worthwhile.
Wine tasting
Pelješac is renowned for its vineyards and exceptional red wines, particularly Dingac and Postup. While these two wine regions enjoy recognition as protected geographical origins, Potomje—a quaint village nestled in the heart of the peninsula—serves as the epicenter of Pelješac winemaking. This small village has numerous winemakers with their own wineries and tasting rooms. Notable establishments such as Madirazza, Matusko, and Milicic are found here.
Reaching Potomje is a nice journey; you can easily drive from Zuljana along a picturesque, hilly, winding route that takes you through Trstenik and Dingac, culminating in an intriguing passage through an old one-way tunnel leading directly to Potomje.
Where to Stay in Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula?
Accommodations in Zuljana include charming guesthouses, private apartments, and campsites.
Many of these options offer beautiful views of the sea and are within walking distance of the village’s amenities, making it easy to explore all that Zuljana has to offer.
Peninsula Apartments, located just steps from the beach, offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and comfortable apartments with private balconies.
If you prefer to stay closer to nature, several campsites in Zuljana offer a peaceful retreat amidst olive groves and pine forests. Camping Vucine is popular because it is close to the beach and the village center.
What to and Where to Eat in Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula?
Zuljana boasts several dining options where visitors can enjoy local Dalmatian and international cuisine.
Don’t miss the chance to dine al fresco, enjoying your meal with stunning sea views as a beautiful backdrop.
Nomad Fast Food is a casual eatery offering straightforward yet delicious options, such as burgers and pizza, all set against a breathtaking beachfront backdrop.
Beachfront bistro Ancora serves traditional dishes like grilled mackerels, cevapcici, and Dalmatian-style steak with sides like Swiss chard and boiled potatoes.
Best beaches in Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula
Zuljana has a variety of beaches to suit every taste and preference. The main village beach is sandy with shallow, warm waters, making it ideal for families with children and snorkeling enthusiasts.
The main beach is also the starting point for many boat trips and diving excursions that take you to the nearby islands and coves. In the vicinity of the village, you’ll find many small pebble beaches with crystal-clear waters.
If you want more privacy and seclusion, walk along the coast to the east or west of the main beach and find many smaller and hidden beaches, some sandy, some rocky, and some nudist.
These beaches are more natural and wild and offer more peace and tranquility, as well as stunning views of the sea and the horizon. The most popular is Vucina Beach, located in the bay of the same name.
How to reach Zuljana?
Zuljana is not easy to reach, but that’s part of its charm. Dubrovnik is 77 kilometers away, and the drive lasts an hour and 30 minutes. The trip offers stunning views and opportunities to stop at other places, such as the ancient city walls of Ston, the salt pans, and the oyster farms.
If you are coming from Split, take a ferry from Ploce to Trpanj and then drive for 30 minutes to Zuljana. The second option is to drive from Ploce to Zuljana, passing through the Neretva Valley, the Bacina Lakes, and the Peljesac Bridge, which connects the mainland with the peninsula.
Alternatively, you can rent a boat and sail to Zuljana from either Dubrovnik or Split, enjoying views of the islands and bays. This is a more expensive and adventurous option but also a more memorable and exciting one.
You can reach Zuljana from Dubrava, another small interior village on the peninsula’s main road. However, you can also reach Zuljana by a coastal road from Trstenik.
This coastal road from Trstenik is a short, 5 km drive, narrow and winding, but the views are amazing. We’ve been constantly stopping to take photos. It is one of the scenic drives we highly recommend. Even better, cycle this road or go hiking.
Have you visited Zuljana, Peljesac Peninsula? Would you like to visit it? Let us know in the comments below.
Yes, you will have no problem communicating with locals. Most speak English and other languages.
You are right, Frank! Great place for hiking :)
Beautiful, love the cliffs – I can see that it could also be a good spot for hiking!
Good job,
Frank (bbqboy)
Beautiful photos! I love off the beaten path places and this one is such a gem. Zuljana looks so lovely and I felt so at peace with your photos. It seems like the perfect place for a getaway.
Zuljana looks like a peaceful place. I tend to like places with lots to do, but sometimes you have to slow down and just ‘be’ somewhere. This looks like a destination to do that. The water looks beautiful. Where’s my beach chair? ;-) Thank you! #SundayTraveler
All of these locations are gorgeous. Now to learn how to pronounce them properly…
It looks gorgeous! I would love to be here right now! I have a question for you – do you find that in many of these villages in Croatia that people speak English at all? Would it be easy to travel there as someone who only speaks English? Thanks :)
Pebble beaches and crystal clear waters… mmm sounds like heaven! Add a glass of local red wine and it sounds like a perfect day, especially at a quiet little place away from the touristy towns. The pictures are gorgeous!
Beautiful beach and boat photos!
Looks fantastic. I didn’t know there was the possibility to go diving in the Adriatic… Zuljana looks like reason enough to visit Peljesac, but after last week’s post I am really dying to come for a visit!
Your pictures are fantastic as usual! I need to make plans to go diving there sometime! I love your posts, they make me fall even more in love with Croatia!
Great post! This looks like the perfect small town to kick back and relax in. Crystal clear water and a great beach -what else do you need. Plus the scenery in the backdrop is stunning! Thanks for sharing!
The sandy beach looks wonderful, I can see the sand and softness of it. Love that it’s a quiet beach..I wouldn’t want it to get busy! Thanks for all the Croatia posts!
I don’t mind stopping by a tourist town to have a look Frank, but I personally much rather like to explore the real villages with a local feel. Judging by your photos, Zuljana seems to be such a local place and in combination with your recommended places of Podobuce and Ston, there really seem to be a lot of good reasons to visit the beautiful Peljesac peninsula… :)
If only I had one of those things they have on star-trek where it transports you somewhere else (not that I have watched star trek in about 20 years)… I would transport myself there, it looks so serene and beautiful! :)
I can’t think of a better way to spend a spring afternoon than sitting with a glass of wine and a view of the harbor of Zuljana. This coastline is so unique, with its sharp hills right at the waterfront. Thanks for sharing, guys!
Wow that beach looks incredible :)
I like the deep cobalt blue water in your photos, and also the bright flowers. Zuljana looks very peaceful. When I travel, I like a mix of both peaceful, off-the-beaten track places as well as busy cities with lots of things to see. Zuljana seems like a place to relax and catch my breath before heading out touring again.
Wow this place looks fantastic!
This looks like a great find. I love visiting out of season before the crowds arrive, getting the beach all to yourself.
the color of the water is so amazingly blue! Looks like a lovely place!