Mount of St. Ilija, Pelješac, Mountain summit on Pelješac Peninsula, Croatia
Mount of St. Ilija is a limestone peak on the Pelješac Peninsula that rises 961 meters above sea level. From the summit, views extend across the Pelejšac Channel and reveal several Croatian islands including Korčula and Mljet.
The summit originally carried the name Perunovo brdo, derived from Perun, the Slavic deity of thunder. Over time, it acquired the Christian name of Saint Elias, which remains in use today.
The mountain serves as a landmark that connects several small settlements on the peninsula through footpaths that people have walked for centuries. Local residents still use these routes to move between villages, making it part of the daily landscape rather than just a hiking destination.
The summit is accessible via marked trails from four villages: Urkunici, Gurici, Bilopolje, and Viganj, with ascent times between two and three hours. Good footwear with proper grip and plenty of water are essential for a comfortable climb.
The peak sits on such a narrow peninsula that it feels surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on nearly all sides, creating an almost island-like setting. This unusual geography means the views from the top reveal water stretching in multiple directions rather than inland terrain.
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