Our recently renovated (2010) summer home is perched at the top of a sleepy hill town (Janjina) in southern Dalmatia (Pelješac), with stunning views of the Adriatic sea, the mountains of Croatia/Bosnia, and the surrounding valley of vineyards, olive and pomegranate groves. The house is modestly but comfortably furnished, with 2 double bedrooms upstairs and a day bed (single) in the living room downstairs. The kitchen and bathroom (located across the breezeway of the gated courtyard) are equipped with most everything you might need during your stay. Meals are best enjoyed at the farm-style table in the courtyard, where there is also a large stone grill. Both bedrooms open with double-doors onto a spacious flagstone terrace, a perfect spot in which to enjoy your morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening. Most of the time you have the feeling that you are living 'al fresco'! We love this home and always find that a few days spent here leave us feeling refreshed and at peace – we are sure that you will feel the same way.
Sea
Within a few minutes drive of the house there are several swimming spots – either on the 'small sea' (Drače or Sreser) or the open Adriatic (Trstenik). No matter where you go, you will find the water blue and clean, the sun warm on the beach stones, and plenty of crickets chirping in the pine trees above. Of course we'll give you directions to some of our favorite local spots – idyllic scenes that you wouldn't otherwise stumble upon. There are also several lovely trails that can be walked/bicycled on right from our door.
Wine
With grapevines tumbling onto the sides of the roads, it won't take you long to see that Janjina is deep in one of the Mediterranean's most famed wine-growing regions. The Dingać growing position is just over the hill, award-winning wineries Grgić and Stagnum are down the road, and there are dozens of smaller producers along the entire Pelješac peninsula, forming a delectable 'wine trail' for you to spend a day exploring.
Town
Though Janjina is a small town it does boast an impressive Catholic church at its center, and you will also find a grocery store, post office, health center, and cafe conveniently located (all within a 5 minute walk of the house). One of our favorite things about Janjina is the local restaurant 'Taverna Domanoeta'. It is well worth making a reservation here for one evening. You will find the food fresh and delicious (and mostly homegrown), and the hosts Vatran and Chiara warm and welcoming. There are also good local restaurants to be found nearby in Drače, Trstenik, and Ston.
Nearby: Dubrovnik, Korčula, Mljet
Janjina is ideally situated for those wishing to explore the southern Dalmatian region. It is just 45 minutes by car/bus to Dubrovnik, the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'. In the other direction, it takes 30 minutes by car/bus to the town of Orebić, from which you can catch a 15 minute taxi boat across the channel to the smaller but equally charming Renaissance city of Korčula (birthplace of Marco Polo). And the pristine turquoise waters on the neighboring island of Mljet – best known for its National Park – are also easy to reach (5 minute drive + 1 hour ferry boat).
Want to experience southern Dalmatian like a local? If so, then this is the vacation home for you!