Sveti Ilaji

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If you're a hiker in this area, your eyes will be drawn to the peak from miles away. With full 360-degree views that amaze in all directions, this is THE must-do hike on the peninsula!

From the summit, you can see Hvar, Korcula, the mainland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and even Montenegro in the distance.

It is very exposed and really bakes on sunny days with no wind. In the hot times, go super early in the morning.

Using the Viganj to Sveti Ilaja Hut, begin from a small church (with parking for a few cars that is rarely crowded), and start off with the least pleasant part of the hike: a steep climb through small shrubs with pointy leaves that scratch your legs a bit. Luckily this passes pretty quickly and you emerge on stone rocks that are more exposed and open, and much less steep. Pass a small church (Vrh Luyte), then more steep, rocky climbing to the intersection with the Bilopolje Trail, which leads to the right, back towards Orebic.

You could also start this hike with the Bilopolje Trail, which is very similar. Another option is the Orebic to Sveti Ilija Hut, but it is much looser and steeper and not recommended as an ascent.

Next, pass a trail on the left which goes to the Piscet lookout. The trail then enters a lovely pine forest and gets much less steep. You're probably sweating buckets by now, so this is a really nice stretch. Enjoy this until you hit the Sveti Ilija hut.

From the hut, follow the red and white paint along rocks to the summit. Continue on along a ridge (slightly descending) to another great viewpoint to the east. From the summit, you get outstanding views of Hvar Island, Korcula, the mainland, and many other islands off in the distance. You can also see Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the distance, peaks of Montenegro. If you're a hiker visiting this area, do it!