The village of Viganj is a small settlement with approximately 300 permanent inhabitants, located on the southwestern part of the peninsula of Peljesac, guarding the western entrance to the channel of Peljesac, an ancient maritime route between north and south Adriatic sea. Viganj stretches along large bay, enclosed by cape St. Liborius to the east and cape of St. John to the west. Viganj overlooks villages of Kneze and Tri Zala on the island of Korcula across Peljesac channel. Viganj is located below mountain top St. Elias (961 m), on the southern, fertile slopes of the peninsula Peljesac, the most famous Croatian wine growing area. Viganj is part of the municipality of Orebic, and it is located 8 kilometres to the west from the town of Orebic, on the main road that connects the peninsula of Peljesac with the rest of the world. Ancient walled town of Korcula is located just across the channel of Peljesac and it is easily reachable by ferry from nearby Orebic. The world famous town of Dubrovnik is located 130 kilometres to the south.
The climate in Viganj is very mild, since it is protected from cold northern winds, and oriented towards the south. The seafarers of Viganj during history brought many different types of plants and fruits from their journeys around the world, so the entire place resembles a large and living botanical garden, carefully nurtured over many generations, receiving warm Mediterranean sunlight for more than 260 sunny days per year, which is around 3600 sun hours yearly. The sea temperature never drops below 15 degrees, and from early spring to late autumn abounds with mistral, cool northwestern wind that blows here averaging 5 Beaufort scale and sometimes reaching up to 8. Mistral (local name: maestral) blows along the coast and it is strictly a surface wind. It starts blowing around 10 AM and around 2 PM mistral reaches its maximum and always ends before sunset (usually up to 6 PM). Mistral is accompanied by good weather and significantly alleviates the summer sultriness.
Viganj is an isolated village, located in a quiet, natural setting, without excessive amounts of car traffic, and without too much haste, even in the main touristic season. The main source of income for local population is tourism, agriculture and fishing, and hroughout history, the main economic activity for the inhabitants of Viganj was seafaring. With regards to tourism, Viganj is best described as the centre of active holiday in south Dalmatia. But what makes this place unique are, more than anything else, people. Therefore Viganj is not only an oasis lovers of sports, but also a paradise for all those longing for flavour, taste and spirit of the Mediterranean as it once was. In Viganj you can really experience the authentic atmosphere of the Mediterranean village, as you stroll along the meandering coastline, between beautiful beaches and houses of authentic architecture surrounded by blossoming gardens.
