The Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels stands on a stony ridge at 150 metres above sea level. Built in the late 15th century, it is one of the eleven Franciscan Monasteries that the Dubrovnik Republic spread across its territory. And it is the farthest from Dubrovnik. Located on the south-facing slope of the Pelješac Peninsula, it also served as a watchtower.

A panoramic view

This hiking tour starts with a boat – we’ll cross the channel from Korčula to Kučište, a small village that will surprise you with its big houses. At the end of the village, we’ll start to climb a flight of steep steps between houses and their colourful gardens, then, further on, we’ll pass the local cemetery, and come out onto the main road. After a little bit of the asphalt – sorry, there is no other way – we’ll continue on a narrow path that gains height steadily through the arid rocky landscape. The path leads to Bilopolje hamlet, offering stunning views across to Korčula Town. From here, we’ll follow a wide dirt road to reach the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels. If you look backwards – a rugged mountain, if you look forwards – a captivatingly beautiful coastline, and now take a look downwards – woods of pine trees and cypresses… – this all comes together in this hiking tour.