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Sveti Ilija (Pelješac)

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BaduBadu21. 06. 2012 15:17:44
In two weeks I'm heading to Korčula, from where I already eyed the Sv Ilija hill last year, which is by the way the highest peak of Pelješac. Can someone maybe advise where the approach is, or briefly describe the path, as I found very little on the net.

I'd go to Orebić by ferry at night, then hike up from there, but if you don't know the path you stray easily, wouldn't want to search or get lost too much around 4 or 5. nasmeh

Thanks!
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micamaca22. 06. 2012 15:11:57
If you're still looking for info: From Orebić it's easiest to find the footpath past the Franciscan monastery: in Orebić follow signs to Viganj and Lovište; after ca. 1km at hotel complexes start of footpath (right uphill); since all well marked, no further description needed. I just advise you to take LOTS of water, no spring on path, very exposed to sun. Path long as it goes fully around first hill (Zmijino brdo), easily count 4h (even if you go quite fast). And one warning: take poles, lots of snakes (verified!!!) - blue ones, so careful. LP nasmeh
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keber122. 06. 2012 18:10:23
Watch out for black widows too, plenty of them.
There's also a western path, about 250m less elevation, starts west of Viganj by main road:

map Openstreetmap here

Map shows cart track which you'll probably need to walk around, ramp at start usually closed. Further it's normal hiking path. Recommend early start and really lots of water. Markings also on this track, most of it in forest, no snakes despite heat then. But some cavers with camp showed black widows and you really don't want to meet them close.

View from top phenomenal and worth going up.
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BaduBadu26. 06. 2012 11:42:16
Super, exactly what I needed. Thanks all!!
Will be careful, of course, as always.velik nasmeh
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marchy6. 08. 2013 22:17:24
Hey, anyone got useful info on ascent to Sv. Ilija peak on Pelješac. Me too going to Orebić next week and would use vacation for this tour. Thanks in advance for any useful tip. nasmehcoolnasmehm.
Mountain hut owned by PD Sv. Ilija from Orebić, of course closed1
Summit of Sv. Ilija (961 m)2
Descent towards the cave.3
Cave located below the summit.4
Snapshots along the path.5
Section of the path through black pine forest.6
The gate must be closed behind you due to the draft.7
Path on the southern slope of Sv. Ilija, the sun mercilessly scorches.8
WATCH OUT SNAKE !!! Ah no, just a dry branch, phew that tension and anticipation ??9
There are many cairns along the path, we also added our own each for luck!10
Views, views ....11
Here in Bilopolje the mountain trail ends.12
Signposts, the path is well marked throughout.13
View of Korčulo.14
Franciscan monastery.15
At the end also a view of Mljet island, far away there in the back ......... maybe next year???16
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jedriličar7. 08. 2013 08:46:01
Watch out for snakes ... those rocky areas (Velebit, Biokovo, Mosor, sv. Ilija) in summer are real nests of poskoks and other snakelets, so a bit more caution won't hurt you. And take plenty of fluids ...
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micamaca7. 08. 2013 12:23:28
@ Marchy: for Ilija you can start directly from Orebić, or drive to Perne (Kučište) or Viganj and start from there too. Path starts along the road are all marked with red signs. Walking is about 3-4 hours, because all paths go a bit "around the ass to scratch". We usually start from Perne, a bit before Morski val restaurant (since we're usually staying there). In Viganj the path starts right in the middle of the place. You can also drive to the monastery above Orebić and start there.
Start very early, at least 4l of water and really watch for snakes, there are really a lot (in May they were even sunbathing on the main road).
LPmežikanje
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marchy20. 08. 2013 19:51:06
Peak Sv. Ilija conquered 15.08.2013. We started at 5.30 at the Bellevue hotel reception. At the top at 7.55, walked at moderate pace without stops. Unfortunately no luck with views, as mists rose from the sea, could barely see Korčula and Hvar. From top left at 8.45, stopped for a minute at the cave and continued through black pine forest. Last part of the path is very strenuous, as we had sun right overhead and also walked like blind, tapping every bush and rock with stick, just caution. At the monastery drank the last drop of water, at 11.00 already on the terrace of Bellevue hotel drinking that bitter tasting liquid with lots of foam in frosty glasses. Also posting some pics from our path, which somehow ended up on my first message ??? lp all marchy nasmehnasmeh
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micamaca30. 09. 2013 11:08:59
On Friday (27.9.2013) back to Ilija nasmeh This time left the car at Bellevue hotel, then on foot past Ruskovići above Orebić to the top. Descent on the usual path to Bilo polje and then past the Franciscan monastery directly to the car mežikanje Weather first sunny, then suspicious clouds from south, but on top they cleared for us velik nasmeh otherwise blooming autumn heather everywhere, in the forest near the hut HUGE blackberries, so dinner was sortedjezik whole loop took about 5.5 hours, and we weren't racing mežikanje
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Memorial plaque dedicated to the mountaineer who fatally had an accident last year2
Relief with Perun motif on the mountain hut3
View to the east4
View of Dubo Pelješko (north)5
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Panorama during descent on the normal path, below Viganj and Korčula on the other side7
At the Franciscan monastery8
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pohodni1. 08. 2015 17:49:27
During every vacation on the Adriatic we go hiking to some nearby peak. This time Pelješac peninsula with highest peak Sv. Ilija. Started practically from the bottom on the coastal path in Orebić. The path is very nicely and cleverly laid out, a bit of a detour but as much as possible in shade. The slope is not too steep, with early enough start the heat is no big issue. On top quite cold compared to heat below. No infamous snakes seen, maybe they hid from the heat too. At the hut a bit below the top a local surprised us pleasantly, some kind of caretaker who brewed us real coffee you don't get in cafes anymore.
Whoever is even a bit of a mountaineer, shouldn't be scared of this path.
along the coastal path under the church stands a signpost1
the path gently ascends the street2
markers abound, impossible to get lost3
the path is well laid out, no steepness felt4
offers beautiful views of the sea5
a little below the summit looks toward Korčula6
On the summit, the cold wind compensates for everything.7
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janez.novak27. 06. 2016 10:44:57
Last week during vacation in Orebić I went to Sv. Ilija, highest peak of Pelješac. Altitude difference quite substantial (961 m). Went from hotels past monastery and church and past shelter below the peak. This path is fairly gentle (walking 2.5 h), markings ok, no snakes. Need to go quite early (at least 5 am). Views really fantastic. From shelter to town (past church) steeper path, but also marked.
Franciscan monastery and Mary's church1
The path is almost entirely like this, below the summit it is purely mountainous and full of sage2
View of Pelješac in the direction of Dubrovnik3
View towards Biokovo - Sv. Jure4
Korčula5
Sign at the climbing area by the road a little above the hotels6
Climbing area7
Sv. Ilija from the path to Korčula8
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zoki6716. 08. 2016 22:27:09
Already some time after vacation in Orebić I'd like to write something about ascent to Sv. Ilija 961 m.
Set off on Sunday 31.7. at 5.15 from in front of Bellevue hotel to town then towards Ruskovići. On top with short stops around 8.15.
Length measured with GPS from hotel to top 8 km, from foot 6.5 km.
Really nice mountain with great views.
Especially afraid of snakes (horned vipers) with which friends teased me. Didn't meet any and the hut keeper said hard to meet them on the path itself. Recommended to have trekking poles and of course enough water.
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risto17. 08. 2016 06:41:00
Snakes are there! Jumps on bushes and tree branches and that right below the top.
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skalaš7017. 08. 2016 09:18:12
Yeah yeah, and even through the air cause they flynasmeh.
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redbull17. 08. 2016 11:10:06
Risto is quite right
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davidka17. 08. 2016 15:45:00
This year I was there the fourth time on "Snake Hill" but still haven't met a snake.... The view is wonderful every time!
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sloufut17. 08. 2016 16:10:25
For about 20 years we've been vacationing in Viganj and every year I head to St. Ilija 3 to 5 times via different routes to see if there's anything new. I'd say I'm pretty familiar, although you don't meet real locals there. Mostly Czechs and Poles and of course Slovenes. Snakes? On trodden paths there are none, because they love peace too, but if you go looking for trouble in bushes and rocks a few 10m away, you'll find them (tested from experience, no consequences). St. Ilija is a nice hill, suitable for any physically healthy person with at least medium fitness. All paths are roughly the same length, technically undemanding and mostly very scenic. Mountaineers also have no issues following marked trails and with orientation. The path from the sea is marked 2:50 but moderate uphill walking takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, faster about 1 hour 45 min. Strenuous for small kids, especially when hot. But most important is early hour - as soon as morning light is enough for safe walking. Water 1.5 to 2 L per person suffices. Footwear for rock and scree, sneakers risk a stone hit on the ankle. 2 is better than alone (hm, as always; three is the best pair) and phone in pocket. Return from hill by 10 at latest, later the last part gets really hellishly hot. And that's all! Whoever follows these tips (from my long-term trials), will enjoy the trip immensely. Just stick to trodden marked paths and it's no more dangerous than to Kamniško sedlo - even less walking. Don't seek trouble "off path", because nothing is prettier there than on the path, quite the opposite, hard to find you if something "breaks". Otherwise go boldly and happy steps!
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ločanka17. 08. 2016 17:26:14
I join those opinions that you need to start early, with plenty of fluids. The reward is plenty of beautiful views along the whole path, not just from the top. With snakes they really scared a lot, especially locals, but none seen on the path.
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risto17. 08. 2016 20:39:34
Now more concrete. In August 2012 I went on 9.8. from Orebić via Beli polje to the top and back same way. Bought a small flashlight and on 11.8. at 3 am (on the path that was fatal about two weeks earlier for theater actor Miro Podjed) from hotel via Ruskoviče to the top. Returning from top I hit a small tree (better said branch 4 cm thick) with head and quickly ducked. Over it jumped a poskok. In same situation friend walked ahead and hit head on branch and since then I'm convinced the attack was aimed at neck. Have phone but behave as if you don't have it. Snakes are real danger and no fiddling will help. Fairy-talers full of advice until something happens. This moment all ok; next already all wrong! Locals know and don't underestimate them. And luck to all!
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