Welcome to Korčula!

Sunset in Korcula

Visiting Korčula Island

Welcome to the KorculaInfo website! Online since 2003, this is the top resource for all travel-related information on Korcula island … and a bit beyond. If you need any help planning your holiday to the island, email us and we’d be more than happy to help. Whether you’re here to plan your holiday, research areas, towns, villages, attractions, or how to get to the Island – it’s all here 🙂

How to get to Korcula Island

  • Getting to Korcula Island → From Dubrovnik – From Split – From Hvar – From & to Mljet – From Vis – From Zadar – From Zagreb – From Mostar & via Peljesac Bridge
  • From Korcula Island → to Hvar – to Split – to Dubrovnik

Korcula is well connected to the Croatian mainland and the Dalmatian coast. There are various options to reach the Island and the town of Korcula including flights, buses, and ferries; you will find here all info about transport links to Korcula – read more > Getting to Korcula

  • Getting around

The easiest way to get around Korcula is to walk, cycle or use public transport. Here is your comprehensive guide to public transport in Korcula, including taxis, local buses, airport shuttle, and local ferry boat services as well as a map of all ferries, ports, taxi stations, and bus stops – read more – Getting around Korcula

Things to Do

Sights, attractions, and places of interest.

Visiting local sights, beautiful buildings, small squares, and monuments in the medieval Old town is one of the most interesting things to do in Korcula . Look at the map of historical heritage sites that indicate locations of squares, monuments, churches, palaces, and more – read more – Korcula Sights

Korcula Hotels - Book now

Beaches on the Island

Except for its historical heritage, Korcula is also a great place for summer holidays as it offers a warm sea, a lot of sun, and lovely beaches. There are several beaches around the old town and numerous more around the island for one to enjoy – here is a map with a list and my reviews of more than 50 beaches around Korcula – read more – Beaches in Korcula & Map of Korcula Beaches

Excursions, Day Trips, Activities, and Tours

There are numerous excursions, day trips, tours, and activities you can do in Korcula. There is a page with activities and excursion listings that include a day trip to Mljet and Dubrovnik , the Island Tour, and the walking & sightseeing tour . See also Dubrovnik Travel Guide for more info if you plan a trip to Dubrovnik.

Where to stay

There is a whole range of accommodations in private houses, villas, and apartments in Korcula. Most of the rooms and apartments are of a fairly high standard, but there will be some examples of accommodation which is not as good as others.

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Here are some comments and listings about staying on the Island:

  • Where to stay on Korcula Island
  • Old Town Hotels – selection of good accommodation in the Old Town
  • Coastal and Rural Holiday Cottages – selected self-catering holiday cottages to rent in unique coastal or rural locations.

Views over Old Town

A brief guide & introduction to the Island

One of the most popular travel destinations on Croatia’s South Dalmatian coast, the island of Korcula (pronounced Kor-chu-la) is also one of the greenest. Its dark, dense pine forests inspired the Ancient Cnidian Greeks to name it Melaina Korkyra (Black Corfu or Corcyra, as their homeland region, was once known) when they settled there in 6 BC.

Today, the lush pine forests remain one of the main features of this hilly Adriatic island, especially along its north-facing slopes, scattered with dry stone walls enfolding vineyards and olive groves; still cultivated as a livelihood by inland settlements today. In fact, two of the most popular Croatian white wines , Posip and Grk are grown on the island.

The islanders from seaside towns and villages live mainly from fishing and tourism, as the rocky, indented coastline offers numerous secluded pebble beaches and bays, breathtaking hilltop views, including a small and uninhabited archipelago consisting of sixteen islets, which can be explored by boat, water taxi or kayak.

Like its more popular neighbors Dubrovnik and Hvar , the island has much to offer in terms of history , culture, and of course, natural beauty, with the bonus of having a more relaxed and authentic ambiance.

Its most visited destinations are the Korcula town , known as mini Dubrovnik, with its cluster of terracotta-roofed houses above medieval fortified walls and round towers, facing a narrow sea channel with mountain views from the neighboring peninsula, Lumbarda a small village surrounded by Grk-producing vineyards and the only sand beaches on the island and Vela Luka , the island’s second main port on its western side; a modest resort, known for its prehistoric archaeological finds. Smaller towns and villages around the island, such as Brna , Prizba , and Racisce are less popular but offer a quieter, more local holiday experience, away from the increasing tourist crowds in Croatia.

The main town on the island, also named Korcula is where the sword dance More š ka , a well-known folk drama/dance, which used to be played all over the Mediterranean is now solely performed. Korcula Old Town is a typical medieval walled Dalmatian town, with its round defensive walls and towers and red-roofed houses where Marco Polo  (1254 – 1324) the famous world traveler and writer, as well as a Venetian merchant, is reputed to have been born. In the Old Town, his supposed house of birth will shortly be turned into a Museum of Marco Polo .

The nearest airports are Split and Dubrovnik. The island is fairly easily accessible from the Croatian mainland by various ferries .

old town's port

Latest articles

  • Marco Polo Centre (Marco Polo Birth House)
  • Bratinja Luka Bay and Beach
  • Taxi Korcula
  • Korcula Sightseeing Tour
  • Soline – Underwater Archaeological Site

Latest Forum Conversation

Share practical info about travel to the island – ask questions and find the answers at the travel forum – here are the latest entries:

  • Venice to Korcula by Ferry, Bus or Train?
  • Which beaches in Korcula have very warm water in July
  • At which places near Korcula is it possible to rent bikes

What the others say

Korcula Hotels - Book now!

Here are some articles, reviews, books, etc about the island and travel

  • The Observer – 20 Paradise islands (Korcula is No.9) – ‘The greenest, most independent and most interesting of Croatia’s 1,000 or so islands, Korcula was a favorite Greek holiday spot over 2,000 years ago’
  • A vineyard tour ‘The Adriatic island of Korcula is home to a unique wine perfect for sipping after a day visiting its scenic villages and beaches’
  • History article: Bicentenary of British empire’s occupation of Korcula
  • Book: Marco Polo’s Isle by Michael Donley
  • Marco Polo, Invisible Cities, and Visual Arts – essay
  • About Non-Places of Travel – essay
  • Korcula Travel Forum
  • About Korcula
  • Restaurants
  • Places on the Island
  • Visual Korcula
  • Getting Here
  • Flights and Airports
  • Ferries Korcula
  • Buses & Roads
  • Maps of Korcula
  • History and Culture
  • Architecture Korcula
  • Sport Activities
  • Walking Korcula
  • Windsurfing Korcula
  • Accommodations
  • Apartments & Rooms
  • Other Info Korcula
  • Korcula Blog
  • Privacy Policy

Water Taxi Korcula Island

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Visiting Korčula, Croatia: Travel Guide to Croatia’s Coolest Island

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Are you looking to visit Korčula Croatia — the most fabulous island of Dalmatia? Well, you’ve come to the right place — this Korčula travel guide is designed to give you all the information you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

I’ve explored Croatia extensively over the past decade, and I think Korčula (pronounced KOR-chu-la ) is one of the best places in the country.

Planning your trip to Korčula last minute?

Korčula ples is a popular destination, so be sure to book hotels and tours as far in advance as possible!

🏔️ Top Experiences and Tours in Korčula :

  • Explore Old Town (One of my favorite things!)
  • Go island hopping (Explore at your own pace)
  • Go kayaking (Great way to see sunset!)

🛌  Top-Rated Hotels in Korčula :

  • Apartments by the Sea Brna (Luxury option in Smokvica)
  • Apartment Manna (I LOVED this place!!)
  • Hotel Lipa (Great budget option)

Like most of Croatia, Korčula is brimming with natural beauty. But Korčula is also home to a spectacular wine culture, a stunning old city, a collection of hidden beaches, endless olive groves, and some unique dining specialties. Korčula is well known, but it’s not as busy or overcrowded as other Croatian islands.

Most travelers come to Korčula for only a few days — or worse, just a day trip from Dubrovnik. But there are so many interesting things to do in Korčula that you’d be better off staying several days, or even a full week! I stayed six days on my most recent visit, and I could have stayed for longer.

It’s easy to fall in love with Korčula, Croatia, and my goal is to help YOU fall in love with Korčula as well. Sit back, grab a beverage, and get ready to dive into this incredible island in the Adriatic Sea.

This post was most recently updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

An aerial photo of Korcula town, a peninsula topped with orange-roofed stone buildings, surrounded by water and pine trees.

Why travel to Korčula Croatia?

There are so many beautiful islands to visit in Croatia. Why should you choose Korčula over the others?

Most locals have an easy answer for that: WINE. Korčula has a reputation for being the wine island, and it’s home to some varietals you can’t find anywhere else, like Grk and Pošip. While you can find local wine on every Croatian island, Korčula’s wines are head and shoulders above the rest.

I’ve spent a lot of time researching the five major islands between Split and Dubrovnik — Brač, Hvar , Vis , Korčula, and Mljet — and my two favorite islands are Korčula and Vis.

While Vis has the best vibe for chilling out , and I think it’s best suited for people who have been to Croatia before, Korčula is best for first-time visitors to Croatia or people who want to do lots of interesting things. Korčula has the best things to do, the best cultural background, and the best food and wine experiences of all the Croatian islands.

Whether you want to go bike riding through vineyards that edge along the sea or take in a fearsome Moreška dance performance, whether you want to go wine tasting up and down the island or discover hidden beaches, whether you want to have a Michelin-starred meal or country food in a traditional konoba, Korčula has something for you!

Korčula, to me, feels like a very adult-oriented island. That’s not to say it’s not family-friendly — EVERYWHERE in Croatia is family-friendly — but Korčula’s best treasures are very much for grown-ups.

Stay out late at a tapas bar. Have cocktails in the tower of a medieval city wall. Drive down a spine-tinglingly steep road to a clear, perfect beach. This is YOUR island.

A pebbly beach with clear blue-green water, a few people on a stand up paddle board in the distance.

Korčula Island FAQ

I recommend spending at least three days in Korčula because there’s so much to do here ! Spending a week would be fantastic, especially if you add on day trips to nearby Mljet or Pelješac.

In my opinion, Korčula is far better than Hvar . Korčula is more beautiful than Hvar, it’s cheaper, it doesn’t have Hvar’s party crowd, and it has a culinary scene with unique wines.

I recommend staying in Korčula Town to be close to everything, or Lumbarda if you want a seaside town surrounded by vineyards just a short water taxi ride away. I highly recommend Hotel Korčula de la Ville .

The only way to get to Korčula is by ferry . If you have a car, you can take a direct ferry from Split or Orebić on the Pelješac peninsula; there are passenger-only ferries from Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Mljet.

A close-up of Vrnik island with boats anchored to shore, stone buildings with terra cotta roofs, and lots of palm and cypress trees.

Best Things to Do in Korčula Croatia

So what are the best things to do in Korčula island? You could spend your days being lazy, sitting on beaches and trying the special wines. You could be more active, biking around the towns and learning to windsurf.

I recommend doing some wine-oriented and history-oriented activities in Korčula, as well as taking in a few gorgeous beaches.

Here are my picks for the best things to do in Korčula.

Kate wears a racerback top and bike helmet and stands with her hand on her hip, overlooking the vineyards of Lumbarda, Croatia.

Go on a Biking and Wine Tour

My absolute favorite thing to do in Korčula was taking a bike and wine tour down to Lumbarda! This is a tour organized by the Korčula Tourism Office offering the best of both worlds — physical activity, stunning scenery, and deliciousness. Our guide Lea met us at our hotel with perfectly sized e-bikes and led us on a tour out of Korčula Town down to the village of Lumbarda.

Wine regions are always beautiful — but Lumbarda is on another level. You may have biked through gorgeous vineyards in Tuscany or Sonoma, but have you ever biked through vineyards as bright turquoise ocean waves crash nearby? It was heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I don’t even have the most beautiful shots because I was biking the whole time!

We stopped at Bire Winery and were introduced to Grk wine (pronounced gurk ) — a fascinating wine varietal that only grows in Lumbarda. Grk has a long and storied history, dating back to the 5th century AD, when the Ancient Greeks colonized the Adriatic. The word Grk means either Greek or bitter in Croatian. And it only has female flowers — it must be cross-pollinated with male flowers, usually Plavac Mali.

Grk is a full-bodied white wine — the kind that stands strong on its own, announcing its presence. We enjoyed tasting several of Bire’s wines and trying some Dalmatian meats, cheeses, and fish dishes perfectly tailored to the wines.

After that, it was back on the wines, back exploring Lumbarda, stopping at scenic and interesting points all the way back to Korčula Town. I couldn’t get enough of it!

You can book a wine and biking tour through Korčula Explorer . Say hi to Lea for me!

A stone staircase edged with palm trees leading to a tower in Korčula's Old Town.

Explore Korčula Old Town

Korčula has a small but mighty old town, a little Dubrovnik, stacked up in layers like a wedding cake. It’s small and easy to cover on foot (albeit filled with tons of stairs), and it’s edged with a beautiful pathway along the water, lined with nice restaurants and cafes.

This might be heresy, but I think I like Korčula’s old town more than Dubrovnik’s.

Korčula is the rumored birthplace of Marco Polo — and the people of Korčula lean into this legend, while noting that technically there are no historic records, so we don’t even know if he came from Korčula, Venice, or somewhere else entirely.

While touring the town, be sure to check out the bell tower — the highest point in the old town — visit St. Mark’s Cathedral, and get lost in the narrow streets.

You can book a 90-minute historic walking tour here.

Several plates of Croatian tapas -- one with cheeses and nuts, one with zucchini slices, one with anchovies and fish pate, one with shrimp and olives, one with zucchini fritters, one with stewed eggplant in tomatoes.

Have Unique Tapas at Lole Wine Bar

If you’ve spent any amount of time along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, you know that menus tend to offer the same appetizers over and over: marinated anchovies, octopus salad, pršut, cheese, marinated shrimp. (As I write this, I’ve been on the Dalmatian Coast for more than a month. I can recite that menu by heart.)

However, Lole Wine Bar turns Croatian appetizers on their head, serving them in new and rearranged ways, always rotating, and served alongside an interesting selection of local wines. This is where you’ll get some of the most creative cuisine in the Dalmatian islands.

My suggestion? Come here for a NIGHT. Start with the lighter wines and work your way down! End with the nespole (medlar) liqueur, tasting like marzipan.

Lole gets busy at night, and I highly recommend making a reservation for one night of your stay in Korčula.

A quiet beach with a father helping his son into the blue-green water, a speedboat and mountains in the background.

Explore the Islands by Water Taxi

While Korčula itself is an island, there are a few tiny islands off the coast to visit: most notably, Badija and Vrnik. While there are tours to the islands, it’s cheaper and more flexible to buy a hop-on hop-off water taxi ticket and spend the day exploring at your own pace.

First up is Badija , an uninhabited island home to a monastery. You can visit the monastery and walk the path around the island; it takes about an hour and 45 minutes. If you want to swim, there are some nice hidden beaches on the northern side of the island and some more public ones on the eastern side. There is a snack bar here but it’s otherwise uninhabited.

Next up is Vrnik , significantly smaller than Badija and only inhabited by a few long-term residents. Vrnik feels like an isolated village among the more developed parts of Korčula. If you’re up for a swim, there’s a nice beach right by where the ferry drops you off.

Vrnik Arts Club , a B&B and restaurant, is a cool place to stop for lunch — though a bit pricey. It’s the kind of place where you ask for a menu and the waiter says, “Well, we’ve got some nice octopus today. How about we make that into a nice salad for you, with some arugula and capers, and bring you some bread — how about that?”

I agreed. It was lovely.

Finally, the boat takes you to Lumbarda on the mainland — a great place to go swimming, drink wine, or just relax and enjoy the small town atmosphere. Lumbarda is one of the most beautiful parts of Korčula and I recommend taking a few photos at the very least. They even have one of Croatia’s rare sandy beaches!

You can buy a hop-on hop-off water taxi ticket here , or wait and buy one in person at Korčula Town’s water taxi station, right at the base of the Old Town. I recommend buying ahead of time if you’re visiting in the summer months.

Sometimes the water taxis don’t show up exactly on time — I recommend getting there to wait five to ten minutes early, just in case.

Several men in red and black medieval costumes doing a sword dance in circles around each other.

See a Moreška Sword Dance

If you’ve heard that Croatia has unique sword dances, THE place to see them is Korčula! This sword dance is called a Moreška and it tells the story of two kings fighting it out with their armies for the love of a kidnapped princess. The show is in Croatian but there are English translations available.

This is a fun and interesting show, so I recommend timing your visit to Korčula so you can get to see it. (I also recommend sitting NOT QUITE in the front row as there are a lot of flying swords!)

Moreška shows take place on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 PM in July and August, and on Thursdays at 9:00 PM in June and September. Performances are held in the open-air Ljetno Kino, right in the old town. You can buy tickets here in advance or in person at the theater.

Stacks of herbs, honeys, and oils in a honey shop.

Try Traditional Honey at OPG Komparak

One of the stops on our bike tour was at OPG Komparak , a shop serving local honeys, olive oils, and other specialties like jams and preserves. This is a great shop and a nice place to stop to try some unique flavors, including sage, mandarin, and forest honey.

They offer tastings for 5 EUR ($5 USD).

Amusingly, we saw our beekeeper dance in the Moreška show a few hours after meeting him! You’ll soon learn that Korčula is essentially a small town, everyone knows everyone, and everyone has multiple side hustles in tourism.

A glass of golden Grk wine in the foreground on the edge; in the background, bright blue-green water and a small boat.

Enjoy all the Grk wine

Seriously, you should try as much Grk as you can while in Korčula. Sure, because it’s a unique and delicious wine and only grows in Lumbarda, an emblem of Korčula island itself.

But also because as soon as you leave Korčula, Grk is hard to find — and when restaurants do have it, it’s often the most expensive Croatian wine on the menu. Eek!

Enjoy the Grk for cheap while you can! And if you’re a huge fan, pick up a bottle or two (a case, maybe?) to take home.

Three plates of oblong hand-rolled pasta: one with shrimp, one in tomato sauce, one in almond pesto with cherry tomatoes.

Visit Konoba Mate for a Traditional Meal

Korčula has a lot of culinary traditions, and one of the best ways to experience that is to visit a traditional konoba, a simple tavern-like restaurant . I enjoyed visiting Konoba Mate in the village of Pupnat, which is known for incorporating Korčula’s delicious plants and produce into different country-style dishes.

This is a great place to try traditional hand-rolled pasta. We loved it so much we tried three kinds!

Some of the standout dishes were the handmade pasta with almond pesto and cherry tomatoes, the braised veal cheeks with roasted garlic, and the laurel leaf mouse for dessert. I hadn’t even heard of laurel leaf before eating here!

A glass of wine reading "Toreta" in the foreground; in the background, the small town of Smokvica with its church tower.

Explore Small Town Wineries

If you limit yourself to Lumbarda’s (admittedly superb) wineries, you’ll be missing out on a lot of great wineries in Korčula! Head inland for more.

Pošip tends to be the star varietal of the inland wineries, though they make a variety of whites, reds, roses, and even sweet wines.

I particularly recommend the town of Smokvica, home to T oreta Winery and Merga Victa Winery , both of which I enjoyed, as well as Winery Milina , Grošić Winery , and Didovinka Winery .

Most of the time you can taste for free.

A fancy plate of food at LD restaurant on the edge of the old town overlooking the blue ocean and islands in the background. There's a Vitello tonnato looking like a beef tartare, a curved thin piece of stiff bread curved around the top, with cured caper leaves and drops of cured egg yolk on the plate.

Have a Michelin-Starred Meal at LD Restaurant

If you’re looking for high-end, cutting-edge cuisine, served right in the Old Town with beautiful views over the Adriatic, LD Restaurant is worth your time. LD has a Michelin star — the only one on Korčula — and this is one of the best restaurants on the island.

LD focuses on local, seasonal Dalmatian ingredients interpreted in new ways — and plated BEAUTIFULLY. That above dish is a repurposed vitello tonnato (a veal and tuna dish from Piemonte, Italy), with egg yolk and chimichurri.

Another standout was sea bass in yellow curry with cauliflower and quinoa, and we loved ending with an affogato (espresso with vanilla ice cream — this one with almond and lemon zest) for dessert.

The food, the location — swoon-worthy. Pair your food with some Grk, of course.

Several windsurfers practicing holding their sails up in the calm water near Badija Island.

Learn to Windsurf — or Go Kayaking

Korčula is famously windy — especially its eastern end. These are perfect conditions for learning to windsurf! You can find courses in Korčula Town as well as Badija Island. Schools like Oreb Sailing and Korčula Sailing Extreme offer windsurfing lessons as well as sailing, kayaking, and SUP excursions.

(If you get bitten by the windsurfing bug, I recommend checking the town of Viganj, just across the water from Korčula on the Pelješac mainland. There is a huge windsurfing community there!)

Would you rather go for a kayak? You can take sunset kayak tours in Lumbarda.

A few people sitting inside the tower at Massimo Bar, enjoying cocktails while overlooking the ocean and mountains.

Have Cocktails in a Tower at Massimo Cocktail Bar

Visiting Massimo Cocktail Bar was one of the highlights of my first trip to Korčula in 2012, and I knew I had to go back. This cocktail bar is in an insane location — on top of a tower in the city walls! The views over Pelješac are sensational, and it’s one of the most unique bar settings I’ve visited.

A few important things to know: you must climb a somewhat scary ladder to get to the top. You probably want to avoid wearing a skirt.

Also, while it’s a cocktail bar, don’t expect craft cocktails. You’re best off sticking to the basics. And it’s a wind tunnel up there. (See the girls’ hair in the photo above?)

Overall, I think Massimo is a great place for one or two drinks and some selfies; I don’t think you’d want to spend a whole evening up there.

A woman in a bathing suit and baseball cap sitting on a narrow wooden dock, holding her leg as if in deep thought. She's in front of clear water in shades of sea green, turquoise, and teal.

Korčula Beaches

A quick tip: while there are lots of small beaches around Korčula Town and Lumbarda, the best Korčula beaches are in the bays in the south of the island. This is something that Korčula locals told me over and over.

These beaches require a bit of a trek by car, and sometimes it’s a bit of a hairy journey down steep, narrow and/or unpaved roads.

Are roads like that not your thing? That’s fine! Enjoy one of the easier-to-get-to beaches close to where you are. You can even go swimming right off the Old Town of Korčula, pictured above.

Here are two of my favorite Korčula beaches:

Pupnatska Luka Beach: a narrow white pebble beach in front of bright blue water, boats in the background.

Pupnatska Luka Beach

Pupnatska Luka is one of the bay beaches on the southern coast, south of the town of Pupnat. This is one of the most lauded beaches in Korčula and once you get here, you’ll find chairs and umbrellas for rent and a few beach bars. There’s even a bar outpost of Konoba Mate!

I enjoyed the vibe of this beach — probably my favorite beach in Korčula. The beach is decently wide and you’ll probably have an easy time finding a spot. The crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Google Maps sent us here a very scary way, down a rocky unpaved road that felt like it was going to tear up the bottom of the car! But you can avoid this!

Take a look at Pupnatska Luka on Google Maps and zoom in. You’ll see one road leading out to the left (west) and one road leading out to the right (east). The road on the right, the eastern road, is the one you want. It’s paved and fine (though quite narrow at some stretches!).

Bačva Beach: a few kids snorkeling in calm, clear blue-green water.

Bačva Beach

Bačva Beach requires a similar journey to Pupnatska Luka’s — a curvy, switchbacky, zig-zaggy paved road leading down to the coast. But this one is smaller, more peaceful, and dare I say even more special than its neighbor.

You’ll park at a steep angle in the makeshift parking lot down by the beach, then walk down a long path through pine forest. You know you’re in the right place when you see a small restaurant and a small, narrow beach with calm, clear water.

Lots of families choose Bačva because the water is nice and calm. It’s more beautiful, but it being smaller means that there isn’t as much space to spread out.

Still, a wonderful beach on Korčula!

Zavalatica: A view from above a bay in shades ranging from navy to teal, filled with small speedboats, edged with a rocky waterfront, white houses with orange roofs further back from the coastline.

Take in the View in Zavalatica

We ended up in the town of Zavalatica on a whim while exploring the island — but it turned into my favorite view of the trip! Zavalatica is a town on the southern coast of Korcula. As we drove in, we were struck speechless by this view.

Want to enjoy a bite with this view? We had lunch at Konoba Albert and enjoyed some nice fried calamari while taking in the blue-green ocean.

As you can see below, there are ladders leading into the sea from the rocky beaches. Nice spot for a swim!

Vela Luka: a row of boats anchored to the waterfront, palm trees and orange-roofed houses in the background.

Have a Coffee in Vela Luka

Vela Luka is Korčula’s largest city, and this is where the larger car ferries from Split dock in Korčula. It’s located on the west coast of the island, about a 40-minute drive from Korčula Town.

Vela Luka isn’t the most exciting place on the island, but I thought it was worth getting a coffee and taking a stroll around the harbor before moving on.

Have limited time in Korčula? You can skip this without regret.

The view of Pelješac from Korčula town: a zoomed-in view of a tiny small town of white homes with orange roofs, and straight upward is a mountain, lots of greenery near the bottom, and more and more empty gray stone near the top.

Day Trips from Korčula

Is there any reason to leave Korčula while you’re there? Not really. There is enough on Korčula to keep you entertained for quite some time.

But if you’re spending a week or so based in Korčula, and it’s the only island getaway during your time in Croatia, you may want to see a bit more of the surrounding area.

There are two places I recommend visiting as a day trip from Korčula: Mljet and Pelješac.

The view from above Mljet, an island covered with lush green trees, and in the center, a bright blue saltwater lake.

Mljet is a gorgeous nature island and one of my favorite spots in Croatia. The western side of the island is home to Mljet National Park, filled with saltwater lakes and lush forests.

And because Mljet lies just east of Korčula, and the national park is on the western side of Mljet, it’s quicker and easier to do as a day trip from Korčula than a day trip from Dubrovnik.

On Mljet I recommend swimming in the saltwater lakes, visiting St. Mary’s Island in the lake, and exploring the small villages in the park.

If you have the stamina to hike on a hot day, I recommend climbing to Montokuc, one of the highest points on the island with spectacular views (including the photo above). It’s about a 45-minute hike from the main parking lot in the national park.

You can do this as an independent day trip by taking the ferry from Korčula town in the morning to the town of Pomena, which is right on the edge of the national park. It’s a 30-minute journey. The ferry returns in the afternoon.

Rows of vineyards and a small town with orange roofs in the background in Pelješac.

Pelješac ( PELL-ee-yeh-shatz , or said quicker, simply PELL-eh-shatz ), is the peninsula on the mainland just across from Korčula town. I spent a week in Pelješac and really enjoyed it — it’s a casual and unpretentious part of Dalmatia that not a lot of Americans visit, but Europeans know and love.

If you’re a wine fan in the least — and especially a red wine fan — you MUST visit Pelješac. They are home to the renowned Plavac Mali varietal of red wine, which also makes Postup and Dingač.

Dingač is a truly special deep red wine. If you like Zinfandel or Primitivo, you will LOVE Dingač. My favorite Dingač is from Bartulović Winery , a small family-run winery in the tiny town of Prizdrina.

Beyond wine, Pelješac is home to the town of Ston, home to world-famous oysters and the longest stone wall in Europe (!), Viganj, a chilled out windsurfing town; and Divna Beach near Trpanj, quite possibly the most beautiful beach in Croatia. The dramatic roads lead you to stunning views in every direction.

Alternatively, if you’re driving from Korčula to Dubrovnik, I recommend leaving early and spending the day exploring Pelješac before driving to Dubrovnik. That is a GREAT way to spent a driving day!

You can independently visit Pelješac from Korčula. The ferry from Korčula Town to Orebić takes just 20 minutes. I recommend having a car to explore the peninsula and wineries (though of course, driving limits your ability to drink).

If you want to visit Pelješac independently from Korčula but don’t want to drive, I recommend taking the ferry to Orebić, then walking to Korta Katarina winery , about a 25-minute walk from the ferry port. They do a wonderful gourmet tasting and the setting is gorgeous.

The former Hotel Korcula de la Ville, a white stone building with several small trees in front, blooming in pink and white.

Where to Stay in Korčula

Korčula town.

Where’s the best place to stay in Korčula? Most travelers stay in Korčula Town, which is where you’ll find most of the activities on the island — but it’s not your only option.

If you’re only visiting Korčula for a few days, I recommend basing in Korčula Town, or possibly Lumbarda if you want a more relaxed experience. If you’ve got more time than that, consider spending a few nights elsewhere on the island to have a more well-rounded island escape.

Lumbarda and the rural countryside are solid options in addition to Korčula Town. I would skip Vela Luka; while it’s Korčula’s largest city, it’s not nearly as charming as other spots around the island.

Top-Rated Hotels in Korčula Town:

  • Luxury: Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel (I stayed here back when it was Hotel Korčula de la Ville and loved the building and location!)
  • Mid-Range: M & J Central Suites
  • Budget: Guesthouse Franica

Find deals on hotels and apartments in Korčula Town here.

Families lounging on a sandy beach in Croatia, white stone buildings in the background.

An alternative to staying in Korčula Town is Lumbarda — a small town surrounded by the sea on three sides, filled with criss-crossing vineyards. Lumbarda is a short distance from Korčula Town — a 10-minute drive or short water taxi.

Lumbarda is where locals go when they want to get away. It’s home to beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants (that are cheaper than the ones in Korčula’s old town), and several top-notch wineries. It’s not completely unknown, but it doesn’t get nearly as many tourist crowds as Korčula Town.

If you’d like to spend time in a quieter, more relaxing town and have lots of beach time, Lumbarda is a great choice.

Top-Rated Hotels in Lumbarda:

  • Luxury: Eco Aparthotel: The Dreamer’s Club
  • Mid-Range: Adrian’s Guesthouse & Winery
  • Budget: Guesthouse Bebic

Find deals on hotels and apartments in Lumbarda here.

A mountainside country setting with orange-roofed houses built into a steep hill, and rows of vineyards in the valley.

Countryside

Another option is to stay somewhere in the countryside, which can show you the other side of island life (not to mention save money). We stayed in the town of Žrnovo, which is only five minutes outside Korčula Town, but felt a world away. We chose Žrnovo because it’s home to the Pinjac Brewery and we wanted to enjoy the beers without worrying about driving.

We stayed two nights at Apartment Manna , a comfortable, modern one-bedroom in Žrnovo, and highly recommend it. Warning: if you leave the door open, Bobby the ginger cat will come in and make himself at home!

Two other nice countryside towns I’d recommend staying in are Smokvica and Pupnat .

Top-Rated Hotels in the Korčula Countryside:

  • Luxury: Apartments by the Sea Brna in Smokvica
  • Mid-Range: Apartment Manna in Žrnovo (I LOVED this place!)
  • Budget: Hotel Lipa in Blato

A sailboat in the navy blue water, mountains in the background.

How to Get to Korčula Croatia

Korčula is an island without an airport, so the best way to get here is by ferry. But not all ferries go to Korčula Town, and not all ferries take cars. You can see the full list of ferry times and schedules here.

You’ll want to fly into Split or Dubrovnik. Split tends to have more flight options. Check flights on Skyscanner to find the lowest prices.

How to Get to Korčula from Split

From Split, you can take the car ferry to Vela Luka on the western end of Korčula (3.5 hours).

From Vela Luka, you can drive to Korčula Town (40 minutes). There are also buses that can take you to Korčula town.

Keep in mind that at Split’s ferry port, this boat will be labeled “Vela Luka” and not “Korčula.”

You can check the ferry schedule here.

How to Get to Korčula from Dubrovnik

There is a passenger-only catamaran that goes from Dubrovnik to Korčula Town (two hours).

If you want to have your car, there’s a better way: drive from Dubrovnik to Orebić on the Peljesač peninsula (two hours, and what a gorgeous drive!) and take the car ferry from there (20 minutes).

Another mountain scene with vineyards in a valley, surrounded by lush green hills.

How to Get Around Korčula

If you plan to stick to Korčula Town, Lumbarda, and the immediate vicinity, you don’t need a car. But if you plan on exploring the island in depth, visiting one of the small cove beaches, or getting into the countryside, I highly recommend renting a car.

If you’re planning to explore beyond Korčula Town and Lumbarda, having a set of wheels is essential. If you arrive without a car, you can rent one — or, alternatively, rent a scooter.

There is limited public transportation system with buses that circle the island. See schedules on the Arriva website .

Finally, there’s the hop-on-hop-off water taxi , which goes from Korčula Town to Badija to Vrnik to Lumbarda and back in reverse, which is a scenic way of getting to Lumbarda.

Two small white boats anchored in bright teal water leading to a rocky shoreline.

Best Time to Visit Korčula

The best time to visit Korčula is September — plain and simple. That is what I recommend for the best time to visit Croatia as well.

September is the sweet spot — you get summer weather, but the crowds have died down and the kids are back in school. Plus, the water is SO warm in September — you definitely don’t get that same effect in May! You could even try early October for similar results.

Korčula’s peak season is during the summer months, with peak crowds and prices in July and August. Many activities in Korčula are only running during the summer months, so if you’re looking to enjoy the activities I wrote about in this post, June through September is your best bet.

Korcula has several food, wine, and music festivals that take place during the summer months.

Shoulder season, from April to May and from October to November, is an option for pleasant weather and smaller crowds, but know that some places will be closed and ferries won’t run as often.

Croatia’s Holy Week celebrations involve stunning processions — this can be a nice time to visit Korčula.

Much of Korčula shuts down in the winter months. I wouldn’t recommend visiting at this time unless you were coming to do nothing, like if you wanted a quiet place to write a book for a month or so.

Read More: Best Time to Visit Croatia

Scene from Badija's monastery -- rows of columns edging a stone courtyard.

Travel Insurance for Croatia

A lot of people don’t think it’s necessary to get travel insurance for Croatia — after all, it’s a safe country with decent healthcare. But you need it.  If you get sick or injured on your trip, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin.  I’ve used World Nomads for trips to Croatia.

I have thankfully never needed to call my travel insurance for help while in Croatia — but I do have a friend who had to visit the hospital after being stung by a wasp in Split, one who sprained her ankle after falling down the steps in Dubrovnik, and one who got her wallet stolen and needed to go to the police station.

While Croatia’s hospital prices aren’t anywhere near what the US would charge you, you could end up paying a lot of money for a serious medical issue. But travel insurance protects you and refunds you for your costs. It’s the kind of thing you don’t know you need until you need it. See if World Nomads is right for you here.

Kate swimming in the clear blue-green water at Pupnatska Luka, holding her arms outward and smiling, looking at the sky (actually I was just trying to make sure the light hit my face right).

Korčula is waiting for you!

Korčula is a fantastic island — and it makes me so happy. I had a great time on my first visit to Korčula in 2012, but I had the BEST time when I came back years later and stayed a week.

I’m proud to call Korčula one of my favorite islands in the world. I can only hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Go to Korčula island, have a wonderful trip — then come back and tell me all about it!

Planning a Trip to Croatia:

  • Two Weeks in Croatia Itinerary
  • What NOT to Do in Croatia
  • Best Time to Visit Croatia
  • Solo Female Travel in Croatia: Is it Safe?
  • 30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime

Croatian Islands and the Dalmatian Coast:

  • How to Spend Three Days in Dubrovnik
  • 35 Fun Things to Do in Split, Croatia
  • Vis, Croatia, is a Quietly Stunning Island
  • Dubrovnik Survival Guide
  • The Waterfalls of Krka National Park
  • A Place Like Zadar
  • 29 Sunny Things To Do In Hvar, Croatia

Istria and the North:

  • Guide to Rovinj, Croatia’s Prettiest City
  • Places to Visit in Istria, Croatia’s Italian-Flavored Peninsula
  • 21 Unforgettable Things To Do In Zagreb, Croatia

korcula tourism

Many thanks to Korčula Tourism for supporting this trip in part . All opinions, as always, are my own.

Have you been to Korčula? Have any tips? Share away!

VISIT KORCULA ISLAND

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Welcome to Korčula – the island of Marco Polo!

With its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, the island of Korčula will leave you breathless. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Illyrian, Greek, and Roman civilisations have left their mark on the history of the island as witnessed by numerous findings from Vela Spila and Kopila, the most notable archaeological sites on the island today, the remains of the walls of the Illyrian fort Gradina in Smokvica as well as Lumbarda Psephisma from the 3rd century BC as the oldest stone inscription from this part of Europe.

Korčula is the island of Marco Polo, the world's most famous traveller, reputed to have been born in Korčula. This legendary explorer was captured in one of the largest naval battles on the Mediterranean which took place on 08 September 1298 in front of the walls of the town of Korčula.

ONE ISLAND – COUNTLESS CHARMS

Explore the town of Korčula, one of the best preserved island medieval towns on the Mediterranean and an inspiration to travellers. Discover the charm of not only the town of Korčula, but also of other settlements on the island: Lumbarda, Smokvica, Blato and Vela Luka, surrounded by fertile fields, bays and forests.

Enjoy wandering the town streets in the shade cast by old stone houses, take in the most romantic sunsets, bask in the sun on our magnificent beaches, learn about the traditional sword dances and don’t miss out on high quality autochthonous vines, the sweetest island delicacies and Korčula extra virgin olive oil!

Korčula Town

TripTins

17 Beautiful Things To Do in Korcula (Croatia’s Hidden Island Gem)

By: Author Charles

Posted on August 16, 2023

17 Beautiful Things To Do in Korcula (Croatia’s Hidden Island Gem)

This overview will talk about some of the best things to do in Korcula, Croatia. Whether you are looking for beaches, activities, town highlights, or plenty more, read on to learn all about it.

When putting together a trip to Croatia it can be hard deciding which coastal towns & islands to visit. There are just so many beautiful options to choose from.

Korcula, however, ended up being one of my favorite additions to my Croatia itinerary. This small island gives visitors a great balance between old town, beaches, water activities, and overall relaxation.

Check out some of the best things to do in Korcula during your trip to this one of a kind island.

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) All About Korcula

Before getting into the top things to do in Korcula, I want to give you a better idea of what Korcula is all about.

Where is Korcula

Korcula is an island located in the Adriatic Sea, about halfway between Dubrovnik and Split.

You can decide to visit Korcula by ferry from either one of these mainland towns, or come in from a nearby island. Hvar , Brac, and Mljet , all offer ferry connections to Korcula, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

Towns of Korcula

While Korcula comes in at around 47 km / 29 miles length, and 8 km / 5 miles in width, most people who visit the island focus on the eastern side.

On the eastern side of Korcula, you will find the iconic Korcula Old Town and the famous Lumbarda wine region & beaches.

Although those are the more popular places to visit, there are still many other small towns located around the island. A few of these include Vela Luka, Blato, Smokvica, Cara, Pupnat, Racisce, and Zrnovo .

Some of these are just within a 10-minute bus ride from the Korcula Old Town, while others are located all the way on the other side of the island (1+ hours away).

This overview will focus mostly on the eastern side of the island in the Korcula Old Town / Lumbarda region.

If you are spending a longer period of time in Korcula, then definitely consider checking out some of these other spots as well.

Korcula Island vs Korcula Town

Going off of that last point, it is important to make the distinction between the island of Korcula and the town of Korcula.

The main historic town on the eastern end of the island is often just described as Korcula. Of course, you may not just be going to the old town, but rather exploring the rest of the what Korcula island has to offer.

How to Pronounce Korcula

This is going to be more important than you think! The “c” in the name is pronounced as “chu”.

So, as you are saying the word, think to yourself “Kor”-“Chu”-“La”.

Many people make this mistake, so try not to be one of them.

Getting Around Korcula

One of the main questions when it comes to Korcula is how does one get around the island. To answer that, it will all depend on where you end up going.

If you are just visiting the eastern side of the island around Korcula Old Town and Lumbarda, then you can simply stick with walking around, the local bus, water taxis, or even bicycling.

Now, if you are heading further west to the central and western side of the island, you will need to leverage the public busses a bit more. These are pretty reliable and connect all the main towns in Korcula.

Renting a car or scooter is another option if you would like to see the island at your own pace. But this is certainly not necessary given the bus reliability.

Korcula History

2) Where to Stay in Korcula

Before continuing on, I did want to point out some of the top places to stay in Korcula.

Since the main area around Korcula Town is not that big, some of the top rated places can sell out in the high season. All the hotel options listed are in the Old Town or just within a 10 minute walk of it.

I would recommend booking your accommodation once you know your dates of when you will be on the island. Below are a few of the top rated and reviewed options you can choose from:

  • Guest House Korunic : located just across from the main gate, this is the highest rated guest house out there, offering great views and a comfortable layout
  • Aminess Liburna Hotel : a 10 minute walk from town, the hotel offers a pool along the water, with a more open design compared to those in the city center
  • Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel : a historic hotel located on the edge of the city walls – the views, rooms, staff, and experience are all high quality
  • The Fabris – Luxury Inn : the inn is directly alongside the promenade with easy access to the city walls, restaurants, and many highlights

Korcula Old Town

3) Things To Do in Korcula

Let’s now get into some of the best things to do in Korcula during a visit. Depending on your interest levels and your time on the island, will dictate which of these highlights are best for you.

Remember, this is a relaxing and scenic place to visit. Don’t try to rush through it all! Pick and choose the things that you will get to fully enjoy the most.

Walk Around Korcula Old Town

The small historic walled town of Korcula is a must visit. More likely than not, you will be either be staying within the Old Town or within walking distance to it.

It will not take you too long to explore the ins and outs of the stone streets.  The entirety of town measures around 210 meters / 700 feet in length and 150 meters / 500 feet in width, making it a place that you can really get to know.

That is one reason I loved staying in Korcula for a few days. By the end of it, I felt like I had fully taken advantage of all that it had to offer.

Throughout the Old Town you will find narrow streets, small plazas, some scenic staircases, and plenty of little shops & restaurants.

Now, due to its popularity, both with overnight visitors and day trippers, it can get crowded in those peak summer months.

I saw that happening my first day in town, so I decided to take an 8:00AM walk the following morning to better enjoy it. During my hour walk around town, it felt like I had the whole place to myself.

If you have it in you, I would recommend doing the same.

Old Town Center Korcula

Follow the Old Town Perimeter

While the Old Town itself is pleasant to walk through, so is the perimeter of it outside the main walls.

It is easy to find several points where the streets of the Old Town connect with the outside. Along these streets you will find restaurants and bars with views of the water.

Whether you want to just enjoy the landscape out in front of you or sit and have a meal, there will be options out there for you.

Korcula Promenade

Korcula Town Gate

While walking in and around the Old Town is undoubtedly going to be a highlight, there are some actual attractions to see along the way too.

So, as you are planning your walk, be sure to add some of these to the route!

First up is the main Korcula Town Gate. The gate can be found on the southern end of town, and is the entrance point for many that are visiting Korcula.

You will see this also named as Land Gate, with its history dating back to the 13 th century. Just above the entranceway is a sculpture of a lion, that evokes its previous Venetian history. Under the sculpture is a plaque that honors the king of Croatia as it returned to the country in the 20 th century.

Old Town Gate Korcula

Old Town Towers

In addition to the Old Town walls, there are still 7 remaining towers (out of 12 originally) that are located along the wall.

You can take some time to check out a few of them from the outside as you are making your way around the town.

These towers include:

  • Revelin Tower (the main gate tower)
  • Large Governors Tower (main tower on southwest corner)
  • Small Governors Tower (secondary tower on southwest corner)
  • Sea Gate Tower (art gallery)
  • Kanavelic Tower (restaurant)
  • Zakerjan Tower (cocktail bar)
  • All Saints Tower (live music)

Note that you may also see alternate local names for each one of these towers.

Some of these towers can be just viewed from afar while others have been converted in restaurants, bars, and galleries. Korcula really does give its visitors some unique things to do during a visit!

Korcula Town Towers

St Marks Cathedral

Anytime you are dealing with historic towns like Korcula, you usually will find a church and bell tower. Korcula is no exception with the St Mark’s Cathedral.

The cathedral was built back in the 15 th century (replacing an older church that was built a couple hundred years earlier). Today it stands as the most important structure in the Korcula Old Town (and most popular).

During a visit to the St Marks Cathedral, you can first head into it and see the old historic architecture that it entails. There is then a separate entrance that will take you to the top of the bell tower.

A narrow spiral staircase takes you up high above the rest of the Old Town. Once up top, you will be directly beneath the bells as you take in surrounding views of the Adriatic Sea, Korcula Town, and plenty more surrounding landscape.

When it comes to views within the Old Town, this is going to be the top place out there. As long as you are up for a bit of a winding stair climb (& descent), be sure to add the St Marks Cathedral to the list.

St Marks Bell Tower Korcula

Marco Polo House

One of the more disputed historical sites to visit in Korcula is the Marco Polo House. Some say that this was the house that Marco Polo was born in, but many others disagree and say he was born in Venice.

Nonetheless though, a visit to the Marco Polo House is still worth the visit, if not just for the views.

Marco Polo is one of the most well known explorers and travelers. He is known for his 4+ year journey from Venice to China as he explored many places on the way and back.

The house itself is just a few rooms, where you can read more about his historical background and see some sculptures and paintings.

But like I just mentioned, the views are certainly a highlight as well. Getting to see the bell tower, church, rooftops, and waters of Korcula was worth it to me.

Marco Polo House

  • Korcula Town Museum

If Marco Polo’s House is not for you, maybe the Korcula Town Museum is. The museum itself is within a building called Gabrielis Palace, that was constructed in the 15 th century.

This is a place where you can learn all about the history of Korcula and how it came to be.

Within the museum you will find five different floors packed with historical artifacts, paintings, and helpful info to learn more about how Korcula transformed over time from its origins until present today.

Learn More : You can read more about the museum and Marco Polo house through the official Korcula website

Sveti Nikola

Just outside of the Old Town center, on the southwest corner, you will come across a palm tree lined promenade.

The Sveti Nikola walkway is a great little place to hang around as you get to see the city walls from afar. You can even continue a bit further westbound to get a completely different vantage point of Korcula.

This is also a popular spot for people to simply jump into the water and go for a swim. So, if you are trying to cool down at any point, Sveti Nikola has plenty of options.

Sveti Nikola

Korcula Town Viewpoint

I am sure you can tell by now that there are many opportunities to get in a view from around the Old Town center. However, there is another more elevated viewing opportunity located up behind the town.

Above the town there is a road called Novi Put (also can be named UL. 45). Getting up there just requires a short 15 minute hiking trail from nearby the main city gate and Sveti Nikola.

At the end of this overview I have included a map that pinpoints the exact spot where you can find the view. While there are some surrounding trees, it still makes for a great panorama of the Old Town.

You will also find a perfectly placed bench here to sit back & enjoy the view from.

Further up along the hiking trail is an old fort called Forteca Svetog Vlaha, if you are up for some more exploration.

Bonus Viewpoint

As I was coming back from Lumbarda (more on that soon), I came across a shopping center area. This shopping center is located right on top of the hill before the road winds down to the Old Town.

There ended up being a great little viewpoint here of the Korcula Old Town, with the mountains hovering out back.

Korcula Hike Viewpoint

Massimo Cocktail Bar

Korcula is full of unique attractions to visit. One of those is the Massimo Cocktail Bar. As I mentioned before, some of the old towers have been transformed into places to visit.

The cocktail bar is located on top of the Zakerjan Tower on the northern part of town.

To get up to the tower, you must climb a short ladder, where you will then be welcomed to beautiful views of the surrounding sea.

Sit back, relax, and have a drink as you take in a Korcula sunset.

Korcula Sunset Croatia

Moreska Sword Dance

Now the bars are not the only unique aspects of Korcula. If you are looking for a historic Korcula tradition, look no further than the Moreska Sword Dance.

Moreska is a mixture between dance and battle that originated in the 12 th century throughout the Mediterranean region. It found its way to Korcula in the 16 th century and has been a staple on the island ever since.

The sword dance happens every Monday and Thursday during the high peak summer season at the open air Ljetno Kino cinema (tickets required).

Korcula Town Beaches

For those that want to stay close by the Old Town center but still get some time in the water, this list of beaches is for you.

While there are certainly better beaches out there on Korcula, it is hard to beat just walking outside your hotel and heading right into the water.

It is also important to note here that you shouldn’t expect big white sand beaches. Instead expect some pebble & rocky filled beaches as well as simply entry points into the water off of the promenade.

Some of the main beaches include:

  • Zakerjan Beach (north side of town)
  • Luka Korculanska Beach (southwest corner of town)
  • Ispod Duvana Beach (further along Sveti Nikola)
  • Banje Beach (10 minute walk east of town)

Korcula Old Town Views

Rent a Boat

Everything already mentioned in this overview is focused on the Korcula Old Town.

Now it is time to get further away from the town center and take in some more exploration around the eastern side of the island.

Perhaps my favorite activity I took part of during my time on the island was renting a small boat with a group of friends. We took the boat out in the nearby waters and visited several small islands along the way.

Getting to experience the beautiful crystal-clear waters, made this is a special experience to take part of.

Renting a boat is quite simple – just head to the marina area on the eastern side of town and you should find a few boat rental stands. The boats are easy enough to drive yourself if you have the skillset, or you can opt for a driver to take you around.

Some of the main highlights we stopped at along the way included:

  • Otocic Mala Stupa
  • Otok Sutvara
  • Otok Gubavac
  • Plaza Lumbarda
  • Otok Badija

Note : you can also take water taxis to some of these spots and get picked up later in the day.

Learn More : Check out the Korcula Boat Rental overview for everything you need to know

Korcula Boat Tour

If you want to get yourself away from the Old Town center for a day, then Lumbarda is the place to be.

Located just 15 minutes by car or water taxi, 30 minutes by bus, or ~45 minutes by bicycle, you can reach the small town of Lumbarda.

This scenic seaside town is just an overall relaxing place. Whether you just want to walk the promenade, hop in the water, or enjoy a meal/drink nearby, Lumbarda will have options for you.

But most people don’t only visit Lumbarda for its town. Rather for its wine (and beaches).

Lumbarda Town

Lumbarda Grk Vineyards

As you make your way around the surrounding areas, you will soon see the vast number of grapevines that call Korcula home.

These vines are mostly filled with Grk grapes, that are really only found in Lumbarda, Korcula.

While you can simply enjoy the rows of grapes from the road, another option would be to actually visit these vineyards.

There are many to choose from around the area, with several offering wine tastings, tours, and meal options.

A few of the more highly rated Grk vineyards include:

  • Vitis Winery
  • Popic Winery
  • Lovric Winery
  • Cipre Winery
  • Sabulum Winery

Many of these are family run wineries that are all right nearby one another. You can decide to head there by foot, or grab a bicycle from town (if you didn’t already bicycle over from Korcula Old Town).

Once all done with the wine portion of the day, continue a bit more further along to the beaches!

Lumbarda Vineyards Croatia

  • Lumbarda Beaches

While there are some beach areas right round the town center of Lumbarda, the more popular options are located further east.

Just 15 minutes by foot from the town is the main Lumbarda Beach on the northern shore (also called Bilin Zal). From here you will get those crystal clear water views with the Croatian islands and mountains out in the distance.

If you simply walk directly across the island for a few minutes you will reach the southern beach of Vela Przina . Here you will find a larger beachy area to swim in, along with a seaside restaurant.

Lumbarda Beaches Croatia

Cycling Korcula

To finish off this part of the list of things to do in Korcula, I did want to mention the idea of cycling your way around.

While you certainly wont need a bicycle for the Old Town center, renting a bicycle can be a great way to explore the eastern side of the island around Lumbarda.

I spent an entire day doing so, as I rented a bicycle from just outside the Old Town gate, and then heading to Lumbarda Town, the Grk vineyards, and the Lumbarda beaches.

Most of the cycling here is pretty easy, with the only real difficult part being getting up the first hill outside of town.

But overall, renting a bicycle and exploring at your own pace is a perfect way to spend the day seeing what Korcula is all about.

Note : you can also visit other nearby towns & beaches by bicycle too if you are up for it

Grk Wine Korcula

4) Korcula Tours

For those that want to take part of some Korcula tour options, there are some great recommendations out there (many of which spend time out on the water).

Hop On Hop Off Boat

You can purchase a hop on hop off boat ticket that allows you to visit several different places along the waters of Korcula. Badija Island, Vrnik Island, and Stupe & Moro Beaches are all included with this ticket.

Book Today: Korcula Island Hop-on Hop-off Tour Daily Ticket

Korcula Walking Tour

During this 1.5 hour walking tour, you will be guided around town as you learn more about its history and get to ask questions along the way. It is the perfect option for those that want to gain a better understanding about what Korcula is all about.

Book Today: Culture and History Walking Tour

Kayaking & History Tour

Departing from Lumbarda is a half day kayaking tour that will take you out on the water and also to some nearby islands. The islands of Vrnik and Badija will be visited as you enjoy the crystal clear waters during the ride.

Book Today: Half-Day Kayaking and History Tour

Sunset Kayak Tour

Last up is another kayak tour from Lumbarda, but this time it is a sunset tour option. You will also get to visit some of the islands prior to sunset, before having some Grk wine & seeing the sunset to end the day.

Book Today: Sunset Kayak Tour

Korcula Boats Harbour

5) Korcula Map

To get a better sense where everything mentioned on this list is located, check out the map below that lays it all out.

6) How to Get to Korcula

Since Korcula is an island and does not have an airport, the only way to get there will be by ferry.

You can find ferry connections from many of the nearby islands and coastal cities. Just some of these include:

To see a complete list along with ferry schedules, check out Croatiaferries .

One important thing to note is that there are multiple ferry ports on the island. For those that are heading to Korcula Old Town, be sure to look at schedules for the Korcula Town port.

Ferries will change by day and by season, so before you head out, check out those schedules to understand the logistics.

From the ferry terminal at Korcula Town, you should be able to walk over to your hotel given you are staying in the nearby vicinity.

Do You Need a Car in Korcula

Once you are in Korcula, you more than likely can stick to just walking, busses, water taxis, and bicycles when need be.

I do not think that cars are necessary in Korcula unless you plan to do a ton of exploration around the entirety of the island.

Everything I went through in this overview can definitely be done without a car.

Mljet Ferry

7) How Many Days Do You Need in Korcula

Given your trip to Croatia will be covering several different spots throughout the country during a certain timeframe, I would recommend spending between 2 – 3 days in Korcula.

This will give you enough time to see Korcula at a comfortable pace without the need to rush too much from one place to the next.

You can spend some time around the Old Town, head out to Lumbarda, and spend time out on the water all within that 2-3 day time period.

However, if you are looking to explore further around the island, you may want to consider adding additional days for those places. It will all depend on how many different spots you are trying to visit beyond the eastern side of the island

8) Korcula Itinerary

To give a high level overview of what a 2-3 day Korcula itinerary will entail, check out the below layout. This is very similar to how I spent my 3 days on the island.

  • Explore Old Town
  • St Marks Church
  • Promenade Stroll
  • Korcula Viewpoint Hike
  • Sunset at Massimo
  • Boat Rental or Water Taxi to explore the nearby waters & islands
  • Bus/Bicycle/Water Taxi to Lumbarda
  • Grk Vineyards

Croatia Itinerary : Feel free to check out this Croatia Itinerary I put together that includes more places around the country

9) Is Korcula Worth Visiting

To wrap up this overview, I must say that Korcula is certainly worth visiting for those that want a more laid-back Croatian island vibe.

You won’t find the hectic nightlife or loud city streets here. While the Old Town can get busy during the day given its size, the early mornings and evenings will offer relaxing experiences.

Coupled with the fact that you can easily explore the nearby islands, head to some beaches, and spend time at the vineyards, Korcula is a great overall island to add to your itinerary.

Adriatic Sea Views Korcula

Hope you enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Korcula. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to add them in below.

Also, don’t forget to check out the other Croatia itineraries and guides up on the site.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

Korcula Things To Do

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Korcula Explorer

Korcula Island's original wine and local produce tour specialists

Ultimate List of Things to Do on Korcula Island (Updated 2024)

A holiday to Korcula is all about enjoying the best things in life in a fantastic place surrounded by natural beauty; throw in a few great activities to keep you busy and you, like us, will never want to leave.

We run a range of fun wine & food tours on Korcula that will ensure you experience the very best of what Korcula can offer. We have also created an ultimate list of top things to do and see on Korcula (in no particular order). You may not fit them all in, but choose a few to ensure you make it a great holiday to the island! Where we can we have provided a link to further information.

Korcula Island Guide

Would you like more insider tips and recommendations about Korcula Island? We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide packed with information so you can plan and enjoy a truly memorable holiday on Korcula.  Click here to download your copy .

Top Things to Do on Korcula Island

1. enjoy a scenic walk.

Stretch your legs and appreciate the unspoilt nature on the Island of Korcula. The island is a walker’s paradise, with many beautiful walks and stunning hiking trails. Choose a walking route .

2. Go cycling

One of the most enjoyable ways to see Korcula is by bicycle, with nice and easy routes for those out of practice, as well as plenty of hilly challenges; all leading through breathtaking scenery to great final destinations. Choose a bike route .

3. Taste local wines

Visit one or more of the various wineries on Korcula to sample the delicious local wines. Korcula is famous for its white wines, in particularly Grk,  Posip and Rukatac. Learn more about Korcula wine .

4. Try traditional food

There’s nowhere better to sample fresh fish and seafood than on the Dalmatian coast, as well as other mouth-watering specialities such as peka and zrnovski makaruni. Learn more about Korcula food .

5. Get in and on the water

Embrace the wind and learn how to sail or windsurf around Korcula. Hire a kayak or SUP and paddle around the archipelago. Boris from Spirit of Korkyra offers a f antastic half-day kayaking trip around the Korcula archipelago . Or take a boat trip and enjoy the stunning Korcula Island coastline. Find out more outdoor activities on Korcula to enjoy

6. Take a road trip on the island

Korcula Island has so much more to see than just the Old Town. Make yourself mobile by renting a scooter or car and explore the less-visited villages and coastal spots on Korcula. Or hire a friendly local driver to show you the highlights. Explore places to visit on Korcula Island .

7. Try liquid gold

Korcula boasts several exceptional award-winning olive oil producers. The towns of Blato & Vela Luka lay claim to the island’s best-quality oils. But almost every family on the island produces oil of their own, so the more you get to try, the better.

Sample tasty homemade olive oil on our Taste of Korcula Tours .

8. Sun-bathe

Sun-seekers will not be disappointed when they find themselves enjoying the sun and sea at one of the gorgeous white pebble beaches. Read more about some of our favourite Beaches on Korcula .

9. Listen to live music

Numerous bars & restaurants offer live performances nightly, from modern covers to traditional Croatian folk music and the beautiful harmony of a local Klapa (a cappella) group. There’s also a range of music festivals throughout the summer.

10. Watch a sword dance

Marvel at the skilful sword dancers performing in the Moreska (Korcula old town) or Kumpanija (Blato, Pupnat, Smokvica or Cara) or Mostra in Zrnovo. The Moreska is performed in Korcula Town every Thursday in June & September and every Monday and Thursday in July & August.

11. Explore the deep sea

The Adriatic on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast holds some of the clearest waters for scuba diving and snorkelling; with shipwrecks and over 200 species of fish.

12. Visit Vela Spila Cave

Visit Vela Spila at Vela Luka and learn about 20,000 years of history! Contact the Vela Luka Tourist Office to check the opening times of the cave or even better book a wonderful tour around Vela Luka with Marinka . She’ll share with you all her stories and tales about Vela Luka and explain the long history of the Vela Spila Cava.

13. Wander Korcula Old Town

Learn about the history and explore the architecture of Korcula old town with its various museums, historical buildings, numerous churches and the architectural wonder, the Cathedral of St Mark. Contact the Korcula Tourist Office to organise a tour of the Old Town with a professional guide or book directly with Sasa here .

Learn more about what to see and do in Korcula Old Town .

14. Work – but not too hard!

Get your hands dirty picking olives (October/November) or grapes (August/September) with friendly locals and enjoy a meal of domestic delights thrown in for your efforts.

15. Hike Sveti Ilija on Orebic

Take to the region’s highest peak and climb Mount Ilija above Orebic, for unparalleled views of Korcula Island and the surrounding archipelago.

16. Go Fish

Not the card game, but try your luck at the real McCoy! Make sure you get a license to fish or join a fishing tour.

17. Get a bird’s eye view

There are many opportunities to get up high to enjoy panoramic views. For example, climb the Cathedral bell tower or the Land Gate in Korcula Old Town.   Find out where to get the best viewpoints on Korcula .

18. Take a day trip

Explore more of Croatia’s Dalmatian region and take a day trip to Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Mljet, Orebic or Ston. Here are a few day trip ideas .

19. Watch the sunset

Make sure you catch the sunset at least once during your time on Korcula. The colours are just amazing.

20. Relax with a cocktail

After a day in the sun, watch the sun go down over the hills whilst enjoying your favourite cocktail at one of Korcula’s cocktail bars.

21. Explore one of Korcula’s archipelago

Off the main island are a few archipelagos. These can be found between Korcula Town and Lumbarda, close to Prizba and close to Vela Luka. The islets are tiny bits of paradise, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Read more about the archipelago near Korcula Town & Lumbarda .

22. Visit a museum

The majority of the museums found on Korcula are history/ethnographic based. In Korcula, you can visit the town museum and the Culture Centre in Vela Luka. In Blato there is an interesting ethnographic museum in the home of a local, called Barilo.

23. Learn about Marco Polo

This may be a new fact to you, but some people believe Marco Polo was actually born on Korcula Island. The island certainly supports this notion and amongst other things, you can visit his supposed home and the Marco Polo Museum. Read more stories and legends from Korcula .

24. Marvel at the old stone walls

Explore any part of the countryside on Korcula and you will see impressive stone walls crisscrossing their way over the hillsides. Historically they were used as vine terraces. The majority today are abandoned or used to grow olive trees. They are a truly spectacular feature.

25. Make a stop for coffee and ice cream

Now I’m not making a declaration that Korcula has the best coffee and ice cream anywhere! But drinking coffee and eating ice cream in the summer is very much part of the culture. You’ll find plenty of cafe bars to watch the passersby and ice-cream shops offering an array of tasty flavours.

26. Watch the Easter procession

Easter is a big celebration in Korcula. Within Korcula Town, the occasion is marked by the procession of the three brotherhoods or fraternity groups which are all linked to one of the old churches in the Old Town. It is quite moving to watch this on Good Friday as local residents follow behind singing.

27. Enjoy a meal at an agrotourism restaurant or konoba

If you want to try the most local flavours and tastes from Korcula Island be sure to enjoy a meal at an agrotourism restaurant or konoba. An agrotourism restaurant only serves products they grow/catch/make themselves or sourced locally. A konoba is a traditional restaurant where you can sample some authentic dishes from Korcula .

28. Watch a donkey race (or take part in it)!

Three times during the summer months Lumbarda hosts a donkey race. You can either cheer on the competitors or take part yourselves. You just need to register with the local tourist board. The winning prize is a whole prsut ham.

29. Try fresh seafood on a fisherman’s evening

Several locations on the island, such as Lumbarda and Brna, host regular fisherman evenings throughout the summer. This is a great time to try some delicious fresh fish and seafood and other homemade dishes and wine. You just pay for what you would like to eat and drink.

30. Take a buggy tour

Enjoy an exhilarating buggy tour on Korcul a to the south side of the island, passing vineyards and olive groves and incredible coastal views. Ana and Branko will ensure you a memorable experience, concluding at their home where they will serve you a feast of delicious snacks and refreshments.

31. Visit the Etno House “Barilo” in Blato

A local family has turned part of their house into a living museum displaying various items from farming tools to a kitchen and bedroom embellished with old artefacts. They also sell local spirits, oils and caramelised almonds – of course, you can try them before you buy!

Read more things to do in Blato .

32. Dress up for Half New Year

Probably one of the best evenings in the year! Every 30 June Korcula Town is turned into a giant carnival with live music, food and drinks stalls and lots of people in fancy dress. The party continues well into the following morning with a firework display at midnight.

33. Explore the mystical caves at Kocje

Most of the rock on Korcula is karst and you can see some amazing rock formations at the nature park Kocje. The area is located in Zrnovo and it makes a really pleasant walk there from the village .

Read more things to do in Zrnovo .

34. Chink Zivjeli with a glass of rakija!

What happens with the skins after the grapes have been pressed to make wine? They are distilled and turned into brandy of course! This can be drunk neat but is usually flavoured. Such as with fruits, nuts or herbs. It can be very strong but is the typical Croatian way to greet your guests.

35. Snack down on Korcula’s cookies Cukarin

If you’re looking for a sweet treat be sure to try some of Korcula’s own cookies called Cukarin . They are shaped into a crescent with a hint of citrus. Other sweet delights to try include krostule, mindel, arancini and klasun. Cukarin & Skatula cake shops are the best places to try.

If you’d like to have a go making a traditional cookie/biscuit yourself, join us on one of our baking workshops .

36. Sample some of the island local products

We’ve already mentioned a ton of things to eat & drink on the island, but there’s more to try! Home-made jams, cakes, syrups, goat’s cheese, capers, vinegar…the list goes on. You’ll find small producers across the island and a tasting fair taking place weekly in Korcula Town. You can also find seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round. Join us on a Taste Tour on Korcula

37. Visit the lighthouse in Lumbarda

From the Lumbarda vineyards, you can continue to walk to the furthest point on the east side of the island to the lighthouse at Raznjic. It is possible to swim from the rocks. It’s a lovely spot to take a picnic and just enjoy the views.

Read more about things to do in Lumbarda .

38. Play bocce with the locals

In almost every neighbourhood on Korcula, you will find a narrow concrete bowling alley. But this is for a game of bocce . It is related to British bowls and French petanque .

39. Build a sandcastle

Don’t have to be a kid to build your own fortress in the sand! Although this is a particularly good activity to do on a family holiday. Korcula Island boasts a couple of sandy beaches in Lumbarda . So buckets and spades at the ready! Read more activities to enjoy with the kids on Korcula .

What things are you looking forward to doing on Korcula? Let us know in the comments below.

Further Information

Korcula Beaches Day Trips From Korcula Eating & Drinking on Korcula Tours on Korcula

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About Author

We are John and Rachael from Korcula Explorer.

2 Brits who fell in love with Korcula and made the island their home in 2010. We run unique and fun wine & food tasting tours on Korcula - both group and private tour options available.

Full tour details here: https://www.korculaexplorer.com/tours-korcula/

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Experience the town of Korčula! – TIPS (1, 2, OR 7 DAYS)

With its cultural landmarks and popular outdoor activities, excellent food and wines as well as beautiful beaches, Korčula provides a haven and a getaway from everyday stress! Depending on your interests and the duration of your stay, we have selected several options to help you plan your stay on our beautiful island. Walk the streets of the town of Korčula and take in one of the best-preserved medieval Mediterranean towns, renowned for its urban architecture.

Epic Journeys through the history

  • - a bas-relief with the winged lion of St. Mark, symbolizing the reign of the Venetian Republic,
  • - and a stone tablet commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the coronation of the first Croatian king, Tomislav.

Tips to discover the glory of the centuries-old traditions of the town of Korčula

St Mark's Cathedral and Bishop’s Treasury

From the bell tower of the St Mark's Cathedral overlooking the main square, you can enjoy amazing views of the town whose structure resembles a fish bone. Under the stone ciborium in the cathedral, there is an altarpiece by the Venetian Renaissance master Jacopo Tintoretto dating to 1550. Also, if you visit the Bishop’s Treasury, you can explore a unique collection, which includes many works of art and archaeological findings.

St Mark's Cathedral and Bishop’s Treasury

KORČULA TOWN MUSEUM

Find out more about the history, significance, and cultural achievements of the town of Korčula through 11 collections displayed in the Town Museum . Did you know that the islanders’ everyday lives were subject to the provisions of the Statute of the town and island of Korčula since 1214?

Marco Polo house

INTERPRETATION CENTRE MARCO POLO

Visit the newly opened Interpretation Centre Marco Polo and find out more about the most famous man from Korčula and world explorer, who was captured beneath the town walls of Korčula in 1298.

Marco Polo house

SWORD DANCES MOREŠKA, KUMPANIJA AND MOŠTRA

Don’t miss the performances of the sword dance Moreška , and the old sword battle dances Kumpanija, performed in Pupnat, Čara, Smokvica, Blato, and Vela Luka, and Moštra, performed in Žrnovo on the island of Korčula.

Sword dance Kumpanjija

ICON COLLECTION

Religious traditions of the town of Korčula are linked to confraternities: Confraternity of All Saints (1301), Confraternity of St Roch (1575), and Confraternity of St Michael (1603). Confraternities’ processions are a unique experience, and the most impressive ones take place during Holy Week, on Good Friday, and on St Theodore's Day (29th of July), who is the co-patron saint of the town of Korčula. In the hall of the Confraternity of All Saints, you can check out the liturgical jewellery, typical candles, and the Icon collection from the Cretan War.

Confraternities

EXHIBITION "KORČULA WOODEN SHIPBUILDING"

The exhibition "Korčula wooden shipbuilding" by Dušan Kalogjera, also the author of the book "Korčula shipbuilding" (winner of the J. J. Strossmayer-HAZU award) and book "Korčula sailing ships in the 19th century" and the director of the Korčula Culture Center, Lana Filippi Brkić was opened on July 23, 2022 in Korčula's Loggia, a new gallery of the Town of Korčula. The exhibition shows a section of Korčula's wooden shipbuilding through history and it is divided into several areas: the history of shipbuilding from the 13th century, shipyards, sailing ships, types of ships, boat figures, shipbuilders, motorboats, tools and documents. All texts are at the same time also translated into English.

exhibition 'Korčula wooden shipbuilding' by Dušan Kalogjera

Collaborators at the exhibition were members of the Association "Korčula wooden shipbuilding" and Marija Hajdić, director of the City Museum of Korčula. The exhibition will remain open until the end of the year, and will be open for viewing during July and August every day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For groups min. 5 people from September the 2nd 2022 - advanced announcement required: +20 716 529 Text and photo: Lana Filippi Brkić

KORČULA TOWN ARCHIPELAGO

Enjoy the short boat ride ( taxi boat or water taxi ) to the island Badija . The natural beaches on the nearby islets ("Škoji") in the archipelago of the Town of Korčula will give you a feeling of relaxation and relief. Sandy beach lovers will be delighted with beaches in Lumbarda, accessible by regular bus transport, by boat or by hiking through olive groves and the field of indigenous Grk wine variety.

Franciscans monastery Badija Korčula

HIKE & CYCLE TO ŽRNOVO

Explore the island on foot or by bike, climb the hills, enjoy the mesmerising views, experience the stunning sunsets or engage in a different sports activity. Fertile fields of the island are intersected with gravel roads, the most famous of which is Stari put or Marmont Road that follows the original route of the oldest path across the island of Korčula. The area known as Kočje, a nature reserve with the highest degree of protection, is perfect for hiking.

Korčula bike and hike

The fertile Čarsko field is the home to the best Pošip wines. In the wineries in Čara you can taste Pošip in the original ambience of this most famous wine from Korčula.

Čarsko field - Best Pošip wines

After a sightseeing tour through the Town of Korčula (walking tour of Korčula Old Town), start discovering one of the most beautiful and romantic islands. From the Town of Korčula, along the northern coast, you will find a series of bays: Medvinjak, Žrnovska Banja, Vrbovica, Tri Žala, Oskorušica and Kneže. Račišće, a picturesque village with a centuries-old maritime tradition, is located in a beautiful bay, 12 kilometres away from the Town of Korčula.

Račišće

From the smallest place on the island, Pupnat , on the road to Čara by the sea, you will reach the largest pebble beach of the island in Pupnatska Luka. Don’t miss out on numerous family farms which feature a rich offer of traditional dishes made from autochthonous ingredients.

Pupnatska luka - Korčula

ADVENTURE, FUN

If you are looking for adrenaline , sailing, kitesurfing, diving or kayaking are the right choice for you. For beginners, we recommend diving and sailing schools and local experts have created unique tours to bring you near to the tradition and lifestyle of the islanders.

Korčula adventure, sport and fun

setting color

Banje Beach is pebble / shingle beach, situated in Borak area in Korcula Town. This is the oldest beach in the town, very busy in the summertime, crowded with tourists as well as locals.

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Korčula Island

Rich in vineyards, olive groves and small villages, and harbouring a glorious old town, the island of Korčula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching nearly 47km in length. Dense pine forests led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu). Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and more pebbly.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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St Mark’s Cathedral

Dominating the little square at Korčula's heart is this magnificent 15th-century cathedral, built from Korčula limestone in a Gothic-Renaissance style by…

City Defences

City Defences

Korčula’s towers and remaining city walls look particularly striking when approached from the sea, their presence warning pirates the town would be no…

Icon Museum

Icon Museum

This modest museum has a collection of interesting Byzantine icons, painted on gilded wood, and 17th- and 18th-century ritual objects. The real highlight…

St Mark's Abbey Treasury

St Mark's Abbey Treasury

The 14th-century Abbey Palace houses an important collection of icons and Dalmatian religious art. The most outstanding work is the 1431 polyptych of The…

Proizd

For a total veg-out at the beach, nothing beats the island of Proizd at Korčula's northwestern tip. There's not much here but a single summertime…

Korčula Town Museum

Korčula Town Museum

Occupying the 16th-century Gabriellis Palace, this museum traces the history and culture of Korčula throughout the ages. Displays cover stonemasonry,…

Pržina

Families swarm to this sandy stretch for safe swimming and sandcastle construction, and to hang out in the little cafe-bars. To get here from the main…

Ošjak

The tiny uninhabited island of Ošjak sits within Vela Luka harbour, only 15 minutes by taxi boat from the town. Paths lead through the pine forest to…

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korcula tourism

Jun 25, 2019 • 7 min read

Poised gracefully against the glistening Adriatic Sea at Croatia's southern tip, the enchanting city of Dubrovnik graces many a bucket list. If you’re…

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Korcula Travel Guide: What To See, Do & Eat

Have you heard about Korcula? Croatia’s most scenic island? Inspired by my latest Croatian escape, this helpful guide is a must read for any traveller looking for a beautiful off-beat place to visit!

Korcula (pronounced Kor-chu-la) is one of the highlights of Croatia! It’s brimming with natural beauty, from the postcard-perfect vineyards, hidden beach coves to the charming old town – and you will LOVE the relaxed grown-up vibe, on this nearly perfect wine island.

Let’s dive in to the best things to see, do and eat !

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • WHAT TO SEE & DO
  • WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
  • NEED TO KNOW TIPS
  • WHERE TO STAY IN KORCULA
  • LEARN MORE ABOUT CROATIA

Korcula Island Morska Vrata stairs.

WHAT TO SEE & DO ON KORCULA ISLAND

You can make your days as busy or as chilled as you like, there’s a real variety of things to do in Korcula! Whether you’re feeling active, fancy a relaxed beach day or ‘just visiting for the wine’! You will find plenty enjoyment – this much I promise!

Here are my best picks for things to do in Korcula!

GO WINE TASTING AT LUMBARDA VINEYARDS

Korcula is known for its spectacular vineyards. How does a day of exploring winery’s with jaw-dropping views over orchards, villages and the blue sea sound? I am a complete fan! I loved this experience so much I have been on two occasions – the Lumbarda village is just THAT stunning and easily accessible from the old town.

THE DETAILS

Vitis and Popic vineyards in the Lumbarda village are literally next door to each other and are the easiest to visit if staying in the old town. Travel by taxi boat, cycle or taxi (15-20 minutes 120Kuna each way) .

For solo’s wanting company and a bit of fun I couldn’t recommend the Lumbarda bike and wine tour enough! This is the first trip I took and thoroughly enjoyed the whole cycling-through-vineyards experience and meeting like-minded people over a glass or three of wine!

BOOK THE LUMBARDA VINEYARD BIKE & WINE TOUR

TIP! Outside of Lumbarda; Toreta Winery and Merga Victa are also worth checking out!

korcula tourism

EXPLORE KORCULA OLD TOWN

Korcula’s old town is a wonderful place to stay and wander, similar to Dubrovnik and just as charming , but without all the steep stairs. It’s small and easy to cover on foot, but so tightly packed that it will take you a while to uncover all the shops, restaurants and bars. Especially along the pretty tree-lined prom with stunning water and mountain views – this is something that takes the edge over Dubrovnik.

Korcula old town buildings.

VISIT MORO BEACH CLUB ON STUPE ISLAND

Want to get away from it all? Head to Moro Beach club on tiny Stupe Island, a natural lagoon with an air of secrecy! I was immediately won over by the beachy blue and white décor, open air cocktail bar, vibey music and swing in the sea – it has everything you would want from a cool and adult beach day. There’s scattered blue bean bags and sunbeds to chill and a cute restaurant on the premises for lunch, stay here for the day – I did!

TIP! Take the yellow taxi boat from the water station at the base of Korcula Old Town, its super easy to hop on and off (plus you can visit other islands if you wish) .

korcula tourism

WALK TO THE HIDDEN VIEWPOINT

Want to know where the best view over Korcula Town is? A short up-hill stroll from the harbour to the panorama view will give you a whole new perspective of Korcula Old Town. This spot (pictured) is somewhat of a hidden gem (for now) and if you follow in my footsteps and head there in the early evening you will capture the orange roof tops in the best golden light – without the usual sunset crowds ( ahem Massimo bar!!!).

Korcula Old Town viewpoint.

FIND A WONDERFUL SECLUDED BEACH COVE

The water around Korcula island and even in the town is some of the bluest I have ever seen, but the jury is out on what is classed as a ‘beach’. It’s common to find beaches that are nothing more than rocks or a slither of pebbles between the road and sea – particularly along the western edge of town (where the yachts dock).

But don’t worry, I found the secret! If you walk a little further, past Nigra restaurant (more on that below) you’ll come across a row of houses and a small church THEN keep your eyes peeled for a narrow passage of steep steps that lead down to a tiny but perfect beach cove – voila!

PUPNASKA LUKA BEACH: A note on the most talked about beach in Korcula; while this natural beach is said to be the best in Korcula, it is a good 30 minute drive from the old town. You’ll need a set of wheels or a fairly expensive taxi ride to get there and bear in mind popular spots are often the most crowded!

korcula tourism

SHOP BOHO CLOTHES AND CRAFTS

You can easily while away a few hours shopping for original arts and craft or even summer clothes and they’re not all tourist led either! Here you’ll find a surprising mix of specialist wall art, ceramics and attractive boutique clothes shops – this is the place where I bought my beloved white boho dresses (as seen in this post)!

TIP! The shops and markets are open as late as the restaurants, so you can spend an enjoyable evening doing both!

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK ON KORCULA ISLAND

Korcula is affectionately known as ‘wine island’ for the numerous vineyards and wineries, which is great news for wine lovers as they are super easy to visit! Besides this, you’ll find tapas bars, Michelin rated restaurants, live music bars and some superb terraces with dramatic mountain views!

Here’s a few of my very best eating and drinking experiences – starting with a healthy breakfast and gorgeous view!

ENJOY A HEALTHY BREAKFAST AT BEAUTIFUL AURORA

Healthy breakfast lovers will thank me for this tip! Aurora is the best spot I found on ANY Croatian island! If you’re in need of home-made granola, fresh fruits, Greek yoghurt, fresh juices and good coffee to start your day then look no further! I enjoyed it all so much and the beautiful setting I went every single morning – and this is rare for me! Just take a look at the pictures – they speak for themselves!

korcula tourism

LATE LUNCH ON THE LOVELY NIGRA TERRACE

Nigra stole my heart! It is a must find! Located just outside of the Western entrance with a stylish terrace perfectly situated along the waters edge. Stop by around 6pm (in September) and you will discover as I did, excellent service, tasty fish specials, a wonderful sunset view across the old town and to top it off a solo guitarist to play everything out – what could be dreamier?

Korcula is home to the delicious Grk wine! You must order this with your meals as it’s hard to find elsewhere in Croatia and if you do you can be sure the price will be a LOT higher!

korcula tourism

TRY A UNIQUE TAPA OR TWO AT IGNIS

Ignis is a little gem! You’ll find it along the narrow walk-way parallel to the taxi boat stand and is best visited around 7-8pm (in September) just before the busy period when live music fills the streets. Feast on small yet unique tapa inspired by Spain and the Mediterranean. My fave was the grilled hake and egg plant in tempura. You could easily spend the whole evening here!

DINE AT THE MICHELIN GUIDE RESTAURANT FILIPPI

If you’re looking for high end food and service Filippi is worth remembering! This Michelin rated restaurant is full every night – and for good reason. I suggest arriving early (in daylight) if you want one of the good seats on the tree-lined terrace over looking the blue water.

What to order? Personally given the location I would choose the fresh fish every time (fillet of snapper of seabass is a favourite around here), delicious white Grk (we are in Korcula!) and a table by the sea!

HAVE A SUNSET COCKTAIL IN A TOWER AT MASSIMO

One of the best things to do in Korcula at sunset – and one of the most popular! Massimo uniquely sits at the top of a tower, accessed only by a narrow ladder, you’ll want to wear something other than a dress or skirt! My tip is to arrive a good hour before sunset for the best experience and a seat (there are queues each evening). Rest assured – the sweeping views are well worth the effort and the pink gin is delicious!

korcula tourism

ENJOY A DRINK OR TWO HERE…

BARIC WINE BAR : The only wine bar along the water’s edge with a sophisticated style and plenty of wine to choose from – ask for assistance!

SERVANTES: Set away from the main tourist thorough fare, Servantes has more of a local feel and there’s always (cool) live instrumental music in the evenings – the best time to visit!

HOTEL DEL LA VILLE: Best for whiling away an hour on a pretty terrace in the late afternoon with an Aperol or wine overlooking the yachts. A perfect spot for people watching!

korcula tourism

DAY TRIP TO LUSH MLJET NATIONAL PARK

Korcula is so wonderful there is really very little reason to leave it! But if you’re here for a week or more you could consider going to lush Mljet Island . Mljet has a totally different landscape and vibe. The entire west side of the island is a National Park and home to two salt water lakes, forests, walking paths and a tiny island. This is where I recommend spending your time, it really is very stunning! You could even climb up to Montocuk to capture this same viewpoint.

It’s possible to travel independently to Mljet via the ferry from Korcula old town to the town of Pomena , on the edge of the National Park, where you will purchase an entry ticket and map.

Check ferry times and purchase HERE .

Want to visit more than one island? Jump to 5 WONDERFUL ISLAND TO VISIT IN CROATIA

WHERE TO STAY ON KORCULA ISLAND, CROATIA

Where is the best area to stay in Korcula? For first time visitors without a doubt the old town is the best place to be based. My personal recommendation (especially for solo ladies) is just outside of the walls along the western edge, where there is a strip of rentable apartments in a serene spot over-looking the water and mountains!

BEST ACCOMMODATION | KORCULA TOWN

KANAVAVELIC PLACE | Good value in the centre of Korcula old town! Light and airy apartments with a patio and garden views.

ZUVITEO RESIDENCE | Well designed newly renovated rooms with a good breakfast and nice views over the old town if you choose one with a balcony – a splurge, but worth it!

APARTMENTS MILION | Nice apartments for a few days stay! Tucked down a narrow cobbled passage in the middle of the old town close by the water taxi’s.

THE FABRIS LUXURY INN | A charming boutique hotel with seaviews and spacious rooms in the best location! Pick a room with a balcony and watch the yachts dock – you will not be disappointed!

READ NEXT: WHERE TO STAY ON THE DALMATIAN COAST: BEST AREAS & BOUTIQUES

KORCULA TRAVEL GUIDE | KORCULA ESSENTIALS

How long to stay on korcula.

Korcula is worthy of at least 5 nights, there’s so much to see and do here! You can easily make it a week if you’d like to add in some beach downtime and a day trip.

HOW TO GET TO KORCULA ISLAND?

Korcula is an island without an airport. So the only way to get there is by ferry transport from the hubs of Dubrovnik and Split. This is also a common island hopping route or an easy way to combine a city and island break!

Check the Jardrolinija or Krilo ferry time table to Korcula Town. Some are passenger and some are car ferries but both take passenger only!

HOW TO GET TO KORCULA ISLAND FROM DUBROVNIK?

Dubrovnik is the nearest city and airport to Korcula Town. If you can, book the two hour passenger-only ferry with an open roof top to sit and enjoy the passing scenery!

HOW TO GET TO KORCULA ISLAND FROM SPLIT?

Split to Korcula is a longer journey if you’re not stopping in Hvar or Brac island beforehand! You should take the car ferry to Vela Luka 3.5hrs then a 40 minute taxi to Korcula Town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KORCULA

In my opinion there are two ‘best times’ to visit Korcula – and the rest of Croatia. Early June before the summer crowds hit, the weather is hot and the nights are light (my personal solo traveller favourite!). Then mid-September is the second sweet spot when the sea is the warmest and the streets quiet!

HOW TO GET AROUND KORCULA ISLAND?

Driving is the best way to travel around Korcula especially if you’re travelling beyond Korcula town. The island is sprawling and not easy to get around with public transport – if it exists!

Alternatively taxi boats are plentiful from the old town of Korcula, which head to the Lumbarda region and a few smaller islands. The yellow water taxi’s run as a hop on-hop off service (and they can also organise car taxi’s), super easy!

Which island to visit next? Hvar Island! Hvar Town specifically, where you can jump on an easy catamaran from Korcula old town and switch islands in one hour 15 minutes! Check the schedule HERE .

FINAL THOUGHTS

Korcula Island is by far one of my all-time favourite places – coming a close second to Hvar Island. It has a friendly grown up feel, old town charm and lots of beautiful scenery all around! I found the whole experience relaxed and super safe for solo’s, I hope you enjoy this island in Croatia as much as I did!

Plan your Korcula Trip

Here’s my go-to list of resources for booking transport, accommodation, tours and more:

  • Booking.com : For the best accommodation rates
  • Trip Advisor : Check out the latest reviews & trips
  • Viator : For incredible day trips

READ MORE ABOUT CROATIA

  • 5 WONDERFUL ISLANDS IN CROATIA
  • THE COMPLETE DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE
  • THE COMPLETE SPLIT TRAVEL GUIDE
  • THE COMPLETE HVAR TOWN TRAVEL GUIDE
  • WHERE TO STAY ON THE DALMATIAN COAST

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korcula tourism

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Korcula Island, Croatia: The Ultimate Travel Guide!

The beautiful Korcula Island in Croatia is one of the absolute travel highlights of the country. Here on the approximately 48 kilometers long, so-called “green island” await you next to the famous old town of Korcula , a variety of fantastic attractions and incredibly paradisiacal dream beaches. Unique are also the various Mediterranean landscapes, characterized by viticulture, hundred-year-old olive trees and pine forests. In the inland you can find small romantic mountain villages and along the coast you can still enjoy many stunning , partly lonely natural bays . The tourist offer with excellent restaurants, delicious wine and the many good accommodations ultimately make a vacation on Korcula perfect.

In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips about Korcula Island in Croatia. We have summarized the most beautiful places, beaches, attractions, and things to do in Korcula. In addition, there are great recommendations on where to stay at the island.

Good to know!

If you don’t know yet what are the best places to stay on the island and if you are searching for hotel tips, then you should check out our guide about “ Where to Stay in Korcula “.

Korcula Island is famous for the countless picturesque bays and bathing places. There are even sandy beaches on the island! Here you can find in most beautiful beaches on Korcula .

The 3 largest resorts on the island of Korcula are Korcula Town , the beautiful resort of Lumbarda on the eastern end and the port town of Vela Luka on the west of the island.

The easiest way for getting to Korcula is from the mainland by ferry. From the ferry ports like Split or Drvenik you can take a car ferry or a catamaran ferry to Korcula.

korcula tourism

General information about Korcula Island

Korcula Island is located in southern Dalmatia, not far from the neighboring island of Hvar and the Pelješac peninsula. Internationally, Korcula in Croatia is famous mainly as an idyllic, green vacation island. Countless beautiful beaches , the medieval old town of Korcula , the many offshore islets, the excellent wines and the hospitality of the people attract tourists from all over the world to the so-called “black island” every year. With a size of 279.03 km², Korcula can be easily explored by car or rental car during a vacation. Finally, the exceptional choice of accommodation makes a trip to the island an unforgettable experience.

The history of Korcula dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. This is testified by findings from the Vela Spilja caves in Vela Luka. Only in the 6th century BC, Greek colonies settled the island and gave it the name Korkyra Melaina, which means Black Corfu . And indeed, the island of Korcula is still one of the most forested islands in Croatia. Among the most famous inhabitants of the island was the world traveler Marco Polo (1254 – 1324) . According to records, he was born in the old town of Korcula. Today you can visit the house where he was born as a museum.

korcula tourism

Best Things to Do on Korcula Island

During your vacation, there are plenty of things to do in Korcula Island . You can expect beautiful places, numerous activities and fantastic attractions. Here we have summarized all the highlights and the best sights of the island of Korcula at a glance.

Korcula Old Town

The old town of Korcula is probably the most beautiful and, at the same time, the most famous attraction on the island. Here you can expect a beautiful medieval old town with a unique flair, lovely attractions and many good restaurants. When strolling through the city, it might feel like you are time traveling . The best way to start the tour is with the beautiful stairs at the old city gate, and then we recommend wandering through the alleys of the historic city center of Korcula.

During a sightseeing tour you will discover countless interesting historical buildings. Such as the small church Svetog Mihovila, the City Museum, the Marco Polo House and not to forget the wonderful Cathedral Sveti Marko , one of the most important attractions of the old town. Impressive is also the historic city wall with the four towers, which characterizes the appearance of the city and has given the old town the nickname “Little Dubrovnik”.

Tip : In the middle of the old town of Korcula there are some beautiful accommodations. Really recommendable is the charming 4-star Hotel Korcula in an incredible location by the harbor.

korcula tourism

A visit to Lumbarda is probably one of the best things to do in Korcula. This lovely place enchants in particular with its picturesque sandy beaches , which are to be found rather rarely in Croatia. In addition, the landscape with the many vineyards is unique and absolutely worth seeing. Famous here is the Grk wine , a delicious white wine, which was named after the Greeks, who founded a settlement in Lumbarda at the beginning of the 3rd century BC. Recommended is to join a wine tasting in the many local wine cellars.

Tip : Really recommended is the ECO Aparthotel The Dreamers’s Club . Here, the extremely quiet location and the romantic and playful furnishing of the apartments are very inspiring.

korcula tourism

Island Badija

One of the most popular destinations for an excursion from Korcula is the island of Badija with its magnificent Franciscan monastery . It is the largest of the 19 islands that lie in front of the old town of Korcula. For many, a visit is a real highlight because with a little luck, you can meet the fallow deer living in the park in front of the Franciscan monastery. Always searching for food, these small animals are not afraid to be fed by tourists.

Tip : You can get to this little island by taxi boat from Korcula town or Lumbarda, but kayak tours are also offered.

korcula tourism

Beach Pupnatska Luka

One of the most beautiful beaches of Korcula and meanwhile a real attraction is Pupnatska Luka . This idyllic dream beach is located on the south coast of the island and is about 15 kilometers from Korcula town. Picturesquely surrounded by dense forests, this bay delights with unique blue sea colors  and a very fine, clean pebble beach. A real beach jewel, which you should not miss during your vacation on Korcula.

korcula tourism

Island Vrnik

The island of Vrnik is beautiful and a famous attraction of Korcula. It is a popular destination for a boat tour from Lumbarda and Korcula old town. The best way to reach this small natural jewel is by taxi boat. Vrnik is well-known for the oldest stone quarry of Korcula, but also for its extraordinary ambience with the ancient stone houses, the beautiful views of the deep blue sea and the incredibly beautiful landscape . Regularly, this island serves as a backdrop for painting and art courses.

korcula tourism

Cave Vela Spilja

The most important archaeological site on the island of Korcula is the Vela Spilja Cave . Some of the oldest finds date back to the late Stone Age, around 3,200 BC, and are now exhibited in the cultural center of the port city. The cave is situated on a hill, 120 meters above the town of Vela Luka and can be reached by car or by a 1-hour walk. At the top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the port and the bay. A visit to the cave is possible for a small fee.

korcula tourism

The port town of Vela Luka is one of the largest cities on the island, with a population of around 5,000. It is located at the western end of Korcula and enchants with a picturesque harbor and the many beautiful natural bays in the area. Unique here is for example the coastal part Martina Bock, which impresses with the Caribbean Sea colors. Interesting is also the Cave Vela Spilja , which is located on the hill Pinska rat and is one of the most important archaeological attractions on the island of Korcula. Vela Luka is also a great starting point to explore the offshore island of Proizd .

Tip : Recommend is the Kastel Ismaeli , a lovely boutique hotel with chic decorated rooms, and Villa Goga II , with a pool and a quiet beach location outside the center.

korcula tourism

Beaches on Korcula Island

The beautiful beaches in Korcula are definitely one of the reasons why this island has become so popular. On a vacation, you will find a gigantic variety of beautiful bathing places . Starting with wonderful sandy beaches, up to wonderful pebble bays, clean natural beaches and nudist beaches, everything can be found here. Even really lonely beaches are on this island. Pupnatska Luka, as mentioned above, belongs to the absolute dream beaches, but also the sandy beach Vela Przina Beach and the stunning Zitna Bay are true highlights.

korcula tourism

Hum Mountain

The viewpoint of the mountain Hum is definitely one of the most stunning places to visit on the island of Korcula. You can reach it either by mountain bike, by hiking, or by car on a mountain road. At the top you will see the small 19th century Hum fortress , wherefrom you will have a spectacular view of Vela Luka and the west coast of Korcula.

korcula tourism

Proizd Island

Beautiful and absolutely worth seeing is the island Proizd , in the west of Korcula. Picturesque natural bays with turquoise blue water and an indescribably enchanting scenery await you here. These dream beaches were already voted the most beautiful in Croatia several times. Proizd is uninhabited, and so you can enjoy unspoiled nature and a unique seclusion with beautiful bays during a walk across the island. The best way to get to the island is by taxi boat from Vela Luka. And, with a little luck, you will discover dolphins on the way there.

korcula tourism

Village Smokvica

In the middle of the island of Korcula lies the small mountain village of Smokvica . This village is well-known for the local Posip wine , which is grown in the protected valleys. This village also has a lot to offer in the gastronomic field, and so restaurants and typical konobas serve rustic Mediterranean dishes . They also serve homemade wines and typical liquors. Worth seeing is also the main square with the church of the Holy Virgin of Purity from the 20th century and the Venetian loggia.

Tip : This place is also popular as a destination for tours by bike or e-bike.

korcula tourism

Day Tours from Korcula

Not only Korcula Island is worth seeing, but also in the surrounding area there are many possibilities for excursions and activities . So you can discover many beautiful attractions during your vacation. Here are the best day trips destinations near Korcula:

By ferry or excursion boat you can visit some of the neighboring island like the famous Hvar Island , the island of Proizd, the island of Lastovo and also the island of Mljet .

A day trip from Korcula to Dubrovnik is an experience. Absolutely worth seeing there is the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town and the famous Dubrovnik Wall.

Very interesting is a tour to the Pelješac peninsula, where you can visit the beautiful towns of Ston and Mali Ston with the 5-kilometer-long defensive wall.

korcula tourism

Where to Stay on Korcula Island

Korcula offers its visitors a wide range of accommodations . From beach hotels and B&Bs to apartments or camping, everything is represented here. You can find our recommendations for the most beautiful places to stay on the island of Korcula here… It’s worth a look!

  • 4-Star Hotel by the Sea : The Tara’s Lodge Hotel is directly located on the beach on the north coast and also inspires with a beautiful outdoor pool and great sun terrace.
  • Mobile-Homes : Really amazing are the Mobile Homes – Port 9  & Camping . Guests love the good location between the old town of Korcula and Lumbarda and the great infinity pool.
  • Apartments with Pool : The Apartments Villa Julija are located in the popular vacation resort Lumbarda and convince with a modern design, pool and the proximity to the beaches.
  • Boutique Hotel : The Boutique Rooms Kastel Ismaeli is a great choice for a vacation in Vela Luka. It is situated in a prime location directly at the harbor and scores with a lot of charm.

Find the best accommodation in Korcula:

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The World Was Here First

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days on Korcula Itinerary

Published on June 15, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

korcula tourism

Planning a Korcula itinerary is an excellent way to unwind and relax when visiting Croatia . Located off the Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik, the island of Korcula is one of the country’s most popular islands to visit and it isn’t hard to see why. Though many visit as a simple day trip, spending 2 to 3 days on Korcula is an excellent way to really get the most out of the island and even explore some nearby areas.

If you’re considering visiting Korcula island and want to know what to do here, this itinerary will help you plan out the perfect escape to this gorgeous and dynamic Croatian paradise!

Table of Contents

How Many Days on Korcula?

Before mapping out an itinerary, you may be wondering how many days to spend on Korcula in order to do it justice. Even a day trip to Korcula is doable and you can cover a lot of ground, however, if you want to have a relaxing holiday and manage to see a lot of the island, plan to spend at least 2 days on Korcula.

If you plan to see Korcula in 2 days, then you’ll have time to explore the Old Town, sample some Grk wine in Lumbarda, take advantage of some of the best beaches on the island, go wine tasting and tour some wineries that lie a bit inland.

For those with more time, 3 days on Korcula can be ideal if you either want to relax on the beach for a day or are keen to explore the nearby Peljesac Peninsula. This will allow you to really get to know this area of Croatia and will be an altogether more relaxing time.

Korcula Town

Getting To & Around Korcula

Getting to Korcula is another thing that’s worth considering when planning your trip. As an island, Korcula is only accessible via ferry or personal boat but there are a few options open to you for those arriving to the island.

Assuming you don’t have your own boat to reach Korcula, you’re going to access the island via ferry. There are ferries to Korcula from Dubrovnik , the town of Orebic and Split .

The ferry to Korcula from Dubrovnik is only a passenger ferry and, therefore, you cannot take a car. It also only operates seasonally. You can  view ferry schedules here.

The most frequent ferries go from Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula to Korcula Town. These are car ferries and the journey time is only about fifteen minutes. Orebic is located about a 2-hour drive north of Dubrovnik.

You can also catch a car ferry from the city of Split to the town of Vela Luka on the western end of Korcula. This journey takes about 3 hours and doesn’t sail nearly as frequently as the Orebic to Korcula Town ferry.

In general, if you’re spending more than a day visiting the island, you’re going to want to have your own car in order to get to all of the best things to do in Korcula.

It makes it a lot easier to get around and you can reach some of the more remote beaches and explore a number of different villages with ease. You can browse car rental options here.

However, if you’re up for it, Korcula is also quite cycle friendly and it is popular to hire bicycles on the island. It’s not a very mountainous island (unlike an island like Hvar ) and you will see many cyclists pedalling all over the island.

Beautiful Korcula Coastline

2 to 3-Day Korcula Itinerary

Whether you have 2 days to spend on Korcula or 3, this itinerary is ideal to help you plan out the ideal trip to explore this island. Covering the historic old town, beautiful beaches and plenty of wineries, this is sure to be a trip you won’t soon forget.

Day 1 – Korcula Town & Lumbarda

Korcula old town.

No trip to Korcula is complete without taking the time to explore the beautiful old town of Korcula. If you’re arriving from Dubrovnik or Orebic, this is where you will arrive into and Korcula Town also makes for a great place to base yourself on the island.

Claiming to be the birthplace of Marco Polo (though there is no real evidence to back this up), Korcula Old Town is a compact and completely charming area to explore either independently or on a walking tour. Enter through the imposing Old Town Gate and take the time to wander through the winding, cobbled streets.

Make your way to the St Mark’s Church and, if you’re up to it, you can even climb the bell tower. If you want to learn more about the history of the island, you can also pop into the Korcula Town Museum. Not far, you can also find the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo.

Making your way over to the seaside, take in the Kanavelic Tower – one of the few towers still standing of the old city walls. There are also fantastic views of the Adriatic and the Peljesac Peninsula.

For those who want to go for a swim, there are some small beaches and swimming areas along the promenade in Korcula Town, however, there are better beaches in Lumbarda.

And if you want to take in an incredible view, make your way up some of the winding stepped pathways outside of the old town to the Panorama Korcula viewpoint – here you can get a bird’s eye view of the picture-perfect old town.

Korcula Town Gate

Degustation and Sveti Antun Church

Making your way out of the old town, it’s about a 20-minute walk (or a very quick drive or bicycle ride) to OPG Komparak, which is a great place to stop by and sample some local products.

Known mostly for organic, local honey, you can learn a bit about beekeeping and also sample a few kinds of honey along with some delicious jams and fresh-pressed extra virgin olive oil.

They also distil their own gin here and you can even do a tasting of that if that interests you! This is also a great place to pick up some unique, local souvenirs to take home with you.

Not far from OPG Komparak, you will find the Sveti Antun Church which is a historic church sat atop a hilltop. There is a steep, stone staircase to climb up to visit this church, but it is peaceful and tranquil up there and you can get some great views of the surrounding area from the top.

OPG Komparak

Now it’s time to make your way to the town of Lumbarda, which is only about 6 kilometres from the church – it’s a very quick drive and is also accessible by bicycle. There are also organised tours such as  this wine tour  or  this wine and bike tour.

Lumbarda Town itself is pretty sleepy with not much going on, but it’s worth visiting because the town is known for having some of Croatia’s only sandy beaches and also for its wine production.

Lumbarda is studded with countless vineyards and it is incredibly picturesque. It is also home to a unique white grape variety – Grk – that only grows in this specific area on Korcula.

Because the Grk grape needs sandy soil, it’s not ideal for anywhere else in Croatia. The vine also only produces female flowers and, therefore, cannot self-pollinate. This means that Grk vines must be grown in between Plavac Mali vines – a red grape variety that is quite commonly found throughout Croatia.

Lumbarda is dotted with wineries and you can spend your afternoon hopping between them and sampling some local vintages. Most wineries also offer food so you can enjoy a platter with local cheese, charcuterie, anchovies and olive oil all while sipping a chilled glass of Grk white wine.

We highly recommend heading to Sabulum Winery and Vitis Winery, however, there are plenty more to choose from in the town of Lumbarda and they’re all very easy to access.

Wine Tasting @ Sabulum Winery

Dinner and Drinks in Korcula Town

If you haven’t had enough local wine in Lumbarda, head back to Korcula town for your evening and grab a pre-dinner drink at Mariolo Wine Bar. Tucked in a quiet alleyway in the old town, they have a great list of Croatian wines available by the glass.

And if you’re looking for a great dinner option, then head to Konoba Aterina . They have a local, seasonal menu with great specials where you can sample delicious local specialities at good prices. They also have a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy.

Wine Tasting @ Mariolo Wine Bar

Day 2 – Southern Beaches & Smokvica

Pupnatska luka beach.

On your second day, it’s time to venture a bit further out from Korcula Town and Lumbarda and explore some of the beautiful beaches on the southern coast of the island.

In fact, if you’re stuck choosing between islands like Hvar or Korcula and you want to have a number of gorgeous beaches to choose from, then Korcula has a number of great ones to choose from.

Begin your day at, arguably, one of the most beautiful pebble beaches on the island – Pupnatska Luka. To reach this beach, direct yourself to the View Point Pupnat on Google Maps and follow the small road down to the beach – it isn’t listed on maps but the road is paved and in good knick (though there are some switchbacks).

From the beach car park, there is a small staircase down to the beach and, for those who want to have a drink or refreshment, there is also a beach bar here. The beach itself is tranquil and there is plenty of room for those looking to spread out a towel, go for a swim and simply enjoy a day here.

If you’re looking for other great beaches nearby, the smaller Zitna Beach is a great option and the quiet Zal Beach in Brna Town is also a nice place to stop for a splash in the Adriatic.

Pupnatska Luka

If you want to explore more of the island, then after soaking up the sun on the beach, consider heading to the western end of Korcula to visit the second-largest town of Vela Luka.

If you arrive on a ferry via Split, this was your port of entry, however, it’s very much not as visited of a town and it has a much more local vibe than old town Korcula.

Take the time to wander along the seaside promenade and maybe pop into a cafe for a cup of coffee or an ice cream. There are also restaurants here where you can get a bite to eat for lunch.

Vela Luka

As you’re driving across the island, you will be winding your way through hectares and hectares of vineyards. There are countless wineries throughout Korcula and if you want to sample some more local wines, then consider making a stop in the village of Smokvica.

This town is home to the white Posip grape (a common grape variety found throughout Croatia but particularly on Korcula and on the Peljesac Peninsula). However, there are plenty of other grapes and wines to sip at the wineries here, as well.

Much like in Lumbarda, there are several different wineries to hop between where you can sample some local wines and have a plate of food while learning more about winemaking in this area.

The views of the valleys below are also absolutely stunning so it’s worth coming here just for these vistas alone.

Church in Smokvica

Day 3 – Peljesac Peninsula

Peljesac day trip.

The final day of this Korcula itinerary will see you heading off of the island and over to the Peljesac Peninsula. Though this peninsula is quite a well-known destination among European tourists, it’s not as popular for visitors form further afield and you can get quite a good, off-the-beaten-path experience here if that’s what you’re after.

Start by taking the ferry from Korcula Town to Orebic (it’s only about fifteen minutes). Orebic is worth exploring in its own right – you can definitely grab a coffee here – but there is far more to see than this town.

Peljesac, like Korcula, is completely covered in vineyards and there are a number of incredible wines to sample and wineries to visit. And if you’re into other gastronomic products, the peninsula is also known for its mussels and its oysters and you will see farms dotting the coastline.

Those looking for a good place for a swim will find plenty of great, calm and secluded swimming spots and places to splash around. And there are also beautiful villages and historic towns to explore.

One particularly popular place to visit is the walled town of Ston, where you can enjoy a walk along the city walls with a fraction of the crowds found in Dubrovnik!

And if you’re a fan of modern architecture, make sure to take in the beautiful and brand-new Peljeski Most – a bridge that connects the peninsula with the Croatian mainland and prevents having to cross into Bosnia & Herzegovina when driving to or from Dubrovnik .

Peljeski Most connecting Peljesac Peninsula to the mainland

Where to Stay on Korcula

Apartments Milion – Located in the heart of Korcula Town, this is a great place to base yourself when exploring the island. They offer both double rooms and fully furnished flats along with plenty of great amenities for guests to enjoy.

Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel – Those looking for a luxury option while visiting this beautiful island will love this plush hotel. Located on the coast in the centre of Korcula’s old town, they have many lovely rooms on offer along with breakfast, room service and an on-site bar.

Villa Nobilo – If you’re after a quiet, self-catering stay close to some of the best wineries on Korcula, then this place in the village of Lumbarda is an excellent choice. There are several fully-furnished studios to choose from along with an excellent location for exploring the island.

Hostel Korcula – Budget travellers to this Croatian island will love this highly-rated hostel. Located in the centre of Korcula Town, they have a range of dorms and private options available along with good common areas and self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Korcula hotels!

Vineyards in Lumbarda on Korcula Island

Planning the perfect Korcula itinerary is truly a joy when you consider just how much this lovely Croatian island has to offer. From wineries to beaches to historic towns, Korcula is the ultimate Dalmatian island escape.

Are you planning a trip to Korcula? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

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An insider's guide to Korčula, Croatia’s lesser-known island

Korcula Old Town harbor at the seafront Croatia

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You’d be forgiven for never hearing of Korčula, a small  Dalmatian island  of just 276 square kilometres, neatly tucked beneath mainland  Croatia’s sprawling coastline . Despite its proximity to ever-popular  Dubrovnik  and Hvar, Korčula receives decidedly less airtime than other idyllic stone towns in  the Adriatic .

But look beyond its neighbours’ beloved TV-themed tours and penchant for partying, and you’ll find a hidden gem offering quiet beaches, unspoiled landscapes and a crowd-free destination rich in fascinating history and culture.

Proizd island Croatia

When the ancient Greeks saw the island’s dense forests of holm oak and pine, they named it ‘Black Corfu’ (Korkyra Melaina), and legend suggests Korčula was discovered by the Greek hero Antenor escaping from Troy. Now, the fortified medieval old town is listed in UNESCO’s tentative list of outstanding world heritage sites. Outside of the town’s picturesque cobbled streets and unspoiled beaches and coves, you’ll find acres of olive groves and vineyards producing local olive oil and wine.

The small island is easy to explore in just a few days, and there are plenty of taxis and buses connecting the west to the east in around 45 minutes. Here’s how to discover Korčula, Croatia’s secret retreat…

The best beaches on Korčula

Proizd

Vila Pržina

Just a 15-minute drive from the old town is Lumbarda, a small fisherman’s village with the best – and only – sandy beaches on Korčula. Pržina means “sand” in local Lumbardan dialect, and though it may not be large, Pržina Beach certainly lives up to its name. Its waters are warm year-round (you’ll find locals swimming as late in the year as November ) and it has a volleyball court plus a beach bar serving drinks and snacks.

Just a few minutes from Pržina you’ll find the smaller but equally pretty Bilin Žal; a favourite beach spot amongst families thanks to its shallow water ideal for paddling and its stone wall backing providing shelter from the sun. There’s a stone pier which juts out into the crystal clear turquoise water, providing a lovely photo opportunity. 

Western Vela Luka, around 50km from Korčula town, boasts some nice beaches (Pičena Bay is a secluded picnic area with a few wooden sunloungers and rattan parasols certainly worth checking out), but most visitors use the bay as a jumping-off point for uninhabited Proizd, a 35-minute boat journey west of Korčula. There are plenty of secret beaches to discover, and though they’re mostly rocky, their unspoiled ruggedness – coupled with the distinct lack of tourists and impossibly clear waters – adds all the more charm.

Pupnatska Luka

Pupnatska Luka

Pupnatska Luka Beach is arguably the main draw of Korčula’s south coast. The pebble beach is around a 20-minute drive from the old town and has spectacular views over the glistening water to Lastovo island, as well as two cute seaside restaurants. Bring a parasol as there’s little natural shade on the beach. 

A short water taxi ride away from the old town is Korčula’s Vrink islet, a tiny island quietly loved by A-listers from Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. Though it’s known for its deep stone quarries dating back to Roman times, the pebble beach in front of the island’s only restaurant is perfect for paddling and sunbathing while sipping local wine.

Where to stay on Korčula

Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel

Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel

This hotel was the very first to open on Korčula island in 1912, celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2022. Heritage Hotel is situated on the seafront in the heart of the old town – the ideal base for exploring – with views over the yacht-filled quay and Pelješac Channel. Its 20 rooms are cosy and comfortable, with a brasserie serving a buffet breakfast and Dalmatian cuisine for lunch and dinner on a beautiful sun-soaked terrace overlooking the palm-lined promenade.

Lešić Dimitri Palace

Lešić Dimitri Palace

A boutique bolthole unexpectedly nestled in the middle of the ancient old town, Lešić Dimitri Palace is housed in a restored 18th-century bishop’s palace and is the only five-star accommodation on Korčula. The hotel has six spacious suites to choose from, each designed by a team of Asian-Croatian architects and inspired by Marco Polo – a native of the island – and his travels along the Silk Road. Its Michelin-star restaurant is not to be missed (more on that later), and its  luxury spa  – a rarity on the island – offers various types of massage and wellness treatments.

Hotel Liburna

Just a 15-minute stroll from the old town you’ll find Hotel Liburna, which boasts an impressively-sized  outdoor pool  on a round terrace with postcard-pretty views over the surrounding Pelješac slopes, sea, and the old town itself, just over the other side of the harbour. Most of its 112 rooms offer sea views too, as does the restaurant which offers both international and Mediterranean fare.

Prekrasna Villa

Prekrasna Villa

Over on the west of the island, Vela Luka is sparse in hotels, but plentiful in smart rental accommodation, most with sea views and  private pools . As a result, this part of the island is home to many repeat tourists; often families with young children. Prekrasna Villa sleeps six guests and is near a promenade which offers sprawling views over the bay and neighbouring pine forests, as well as quiet beaches at either end. The swimming pool is of course a major draw, too.

Aparthotel The Dreamers Club

Aparthotel The Dreamers’ Club

Back on the east coast, Lumbarda is like Vela Luka in that it remains untarnished by large hotels and most guests opt for self-catering options. The small, sleepy village, just 6km from the old town, is home to the island’s only sandy beaches and is known for its laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect base for families or couples looking for a relaxing retreat. The Eco Aparthotel ‘The Dreamers’ Club’ offers six picturesque apartments and terraces complete with sun loungers, hammocks and a tree house.

Where to eat on Korčula

Filippi

Filippi was undoubtedly our most impressive dinner on the island. The restaurant is situated on the seafront promenade in the old town and offers a three- or four-course menu, choosing from cold or hot starters, mains and desserts. The fresh fish – particularly the tuna carpaccio and pan-fried sea bass – aren’t to be missed, but if you only order one thing, make it the homemade macaroni (a local speciality), washed down with the island’s best Grk or Pošip wine. Book a waterfront table at  sunset  so you can sit beneath the towering pine trees, listen to the sea lapping against the shore, and watch the sunset over nearby Badija island.

Address:   Restaurant Filippi, Šetalište Petra Kanavelića, 20260, Korčula, Croatia Website:   restaurantfilippi.com

Adio Mare was affectionately referred to as “the best restaurant on Korčula” by our taxi driver Antun, who says the family-run tavern has hardly changed since it opened its doors in 1974. Hearty Dalmatian meat and fish dishes are prepared on an authentic barbecue, and you can sit on the terrace with picturesque views of the surrounding old town or on the long tables inside the old shipbuilding workshop, a reminder of what was once Korčula’s most important industry.

Address:   Adio Mare, Ulica Marka Pola 2, 20260, Korčula, Croatia Website:   smokvina.hr

Though most of Korčula’s most celebrated restaurants are found in the old town on the east of the island, Pod Bore draws locals and tourists alike to Vela Luka. The menu is extensive, but the black cuttlefish risotto – a Dalmatian speciality – is done particularly well here. Pop in for lunch or dinner and try to grab a table outside to enjoy the views of the boats bobbing on the harbour opposite.

Address: Pod Bore, Obala 2, 20270, Vela Luka, Croatia Website: podbore.com

LD Restaurant

LD Restaurant

With outdoor tables along the same promenade as Filippi, and in a similar fine-dining vein, Michelin-starred LD Restaurant also celebrates local, seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly, but look out for the fresh, melt-in-your-mouth scallops and platters of Ston oysters .

Address:   LD Restaurant, Don Pavla Poše 1-6, 20260, Korčula, Croatia Website: ldrestaurant.com

Vrnik Arts Club

Korčula’s Vrnik islet is worth a visit for the delicious homemade food, lovingly prepared by chef Neda Karapandža. Perched on the town beach next to the island’s church, pull up a chair or sun lounger and enjoy views over the azure waters while tucking into the likes of creamy macaroni with succulent monkfish, severed with hunks of Neda’s warm, homemade cornbread.

Address: Vrnik Arts Club, Vrnik 10, 20260, Korčula, Croatia Website: vrnik-arts-club.business.site

What to do on Korčula

Old town of Korcula

Explore the historic old town

Korčula is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic, so exploring its crenellated walls and narrow cobbled streets – cleverly built in the architectural form of a fish bone to protect from the cold north winds, while allowing mild winds to blow through – is a must.

St. Mark’s Cathedral, completed in the 15th century in Gothic-Renaissance style, houses works by Tintoretto and interesting sculptural details on its façade, including squatting figures of Adam and Eve. Climb to the top of the cathedral’s Bell Tower for magnificent views. Also worth visiting is the Abbatial Treasury with an impressive collection of 15th and 16th-century Dalmatian art; the House of Marco Polo; the Icon Collection in the House of the Brotherhood of All Saints; and the Town Museum, where you can see a copy of the fourth-century Lumbarda Psephisma, the oldest inscribed stone fragment in this part of Europe telling about the founding of an Ancient Greek settlement, the earliest proof of civilisation on the island.

After exploring, head to Massimo Bar – housed in a 15th-century turret with a rooftop patio, which you access by climbing a ladder through a small opening – for a sunset cocktail.

Island hopping in Korčula

Island-hop to Badija, Stupe and Vrink

From the old town’s marina, hop on a water taxi or hire a speedboat to explore Korčula’s idyllic Škoji archipelago, scenic isles of cerulean sea lined with lush pine forests. On unpopulated Badija – the largest island in the archipelago – you’ll find a 15th-century Franciscan monastery with a newly-opened art gallery, scenic walking or cycling paths, and a herd of fallow deer. Jet over to Stupe which, thanks to Moro Beach Club restaurant and bar, feels much more modern and is ideal for sunbathing, snacking, and snapping photos on the white seashore swing. Aforementioned Vrink will also be a stop on your island-hopping tour and is likely where you’ll want to spend the most time.

Vineyard near Cara Croatia

Sample local wines

Many famous wines are produced from Korčula’s vineyards: Pošip, Grk and Rukatac (white) and Plavac (red). There are various wine tours depending on your preferences – whether you want to be privately driven or join a cycling group – and most are run by local guides taking you to family-run wineries to sample local wine, honey and other regional delights.

Step back in time in ancient Blato

Towards the west of the island and around a 40-minute drive from Korčula old town is Blato , a small, sleepy rural town with a single avenue running through the centre. The quiet and peaceful square is home to Blato’s parish church of All Saints (which some sources date back to as early as the 10th century) next to its bell tower and the loggia.

Stop by the Etno House Barilo to see the ethnographic collection from the Barilo family, who have curated a private museum of old trinkets and treasures to illustrate life on Korčula through the ages. There are walls of old cooking utensils in the kitchen, photographs in the living room, and traditional nightgowns in the bedroom.  Pop into the Blato Cultural Centre to see some fascinating archaeological finds on the first floor, and exhibitions from local artists on the second floor. Stop for food at Mala Kapja – where you’ll find all the locals eating and drinking at lunchtime – for traditional peka (a Croatian stew of meat, seafood and vegetables) cooked using an ancient roasting technique using a bell-shaped lid.

Vela Spila cave

Wonder at Vela Spila cave

From Blato, head just a few minutes west to  Vela Luka  to visit the archaeological site of Vela Spila, an awe-inspiring cave with gaping openings in the roof. The signs around the cave will tell you of its fascinating discovery, and the archaeological finds – including skeletons – paint a picture of the prehistoric communities which once settled here. Hike from Vela Luka or take a car, and don’t forget to stroll down the pebble path near the cave’s entrance for a beautiful view over the town, the bay, and to neighbouring islands and the open sea.

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Home > A Guide To Korčula – 18 Things To Do In Korcula Croatia

A Guide To Korčula – 18 Things To Do In Korcula Croatia

Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Here’s the ultimate guide on what to do on Korcula Island. Best known for its picturesque walled Old Town, the island as a whole has so much to offer for everyone. Where to eat, sleep, explore… this extensive things to do in Korcula Croatia guide covers everything!

Croatia Travel Blog_Guide To Korcula Island

Korčula Island (pronounced kor-chu-la), also known as the Emerald Isle, is one of Croatia’s many islands . Located in Southern Dalmatia, this small, 279-square-kilometer island is a favorite among travelers .

Acquiring the nickname “mini Dubrovnik.” The old quarter is no doubt architecturally & historically fascinating, but the island as a whole has so much to offer for all visitors.

Like many of Croatia’s islands , Korčula naturally provides a crowd-free holiday. For one, there are a lot fewer people here! You are constantly surrounded by beautiful nature and clear blue seas. There are plenty of outdoor activities and open spaces to enjoy the fresh air.

A place of culture, history, beauty, and charm , the island of Korčula offers a variety of activities and unique traditions, all set in the stunning Adriatic and blessed by excellent Korčula weather. Ferries from Dubrovnik and Split on Croatia’s mainland bring visitors to Korčula Island (spelled Korcula in English), private sailboats, and catamarans.

Whether you plan a day trip to Korcula Island or stay for several weeks, come to the island to enjoy the hidden beaches, pebbly and sandy shores, various water sports, and picturesque views from all directions. Before visiting Korcula, ensure all the essential travel items you need to make your holiday much more comfortable.

Let’s answer the question “What to do in Korčula, Croatia” and help you discover the island of Korčula like a local. 

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

What To Do In Korčula Croatia

Korčula Island is blessed with many things; the best one – not as many tourists as Hvar. The island of Korcula is laid back but has much to see and do.

Things To Do In Korcula

1. Visit The Picturesque Korčula Old Town 

Korčula has received the name “Little Dubrovnik,” and Korčula Old Town can be credited for the nickname. Built on a small peninsula jutting into the Peljesac Channel, the medieval city walls in the Old Town boast the same picturesque Venetian-style buildings with red rooftops as Dubrovnik . The city sits on the UNESCO Tentative List and is integral to the island’s history.

St. Mark’s Cathedral is located at the center of this town, a stunning Gothic-Renaissance-styled church. Built on the peninsula’s highest point, the church is the most important building in Old Town, so viewing this architectural wonder is necessary.

A stop at the Korčula Town Museum is an exciting way to learn about the island of Korčula and its history, while the view of Old Town from inside Marco Polo’s supposed birth home (see below) can’t be beaten.

After wandering the narrow streets, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes  or catch a new Hollywood release or independent film at the open-air cinema in peak season.

2. Korčula Town Museum

History buffs and culture lovers will relish visiting the excellent Korčula Town Museum. Housed in the beautiful Gabrielis Palace, a fine example of 15th- and 16th-century architecture on the Old Town’s central square, it offers a superb insight into Korcula’s cultural development, history, and crafts.

A fun exhibit details shipbuilding history in the area, an industry that originated in the 1300s. Its collections and exhibitions may appear chaotic across four floors, but you can find several unique and remarkable artifacts there. These include an ancient tablet that proves the Ancient Greeks’ presence on the island as far back as the 3rd century BC.

3. Visit Marco Polo’s Home

Korcula Island Korcula Travel Blog Church | Chasing the Donkey

Many believe Marco Polo, the famous world traveler, writer, and explorer, was born in Korčula. I’m afraid I have to disagree, but you can decide for yourself after you have heard the local stories and been to the house on Ulica Depolo Street on the island of Korčula.

A visit to Marco Polo’s alleged birthplace is something history and mystery lovers will enjoy. A portion of the house is available for guests to explore, and the view from inside over Korcula’s Old Town is quite spectacular!

A small entrance fee is required, but children under ten may enter for free. The home is open from April through October for tours.

Find local tour options here.

4. explore the whole island.

What To Do On Korcula Island - Post-COVID _ Tower

When exploring the island, don’t just limit yourself to the Old Town of Korčula. As picturesque and historic as it is, don’t miss out on seeking out the small charming villages, quiet bays, and tiny islets.

In recent years, Croatian island-hopping has become the norm, with people squeezing in as many stops as possible. However, this year would be perfect for returning to slow travel. Stay on Korčula Island longer and soak it all up.

  • Pasta Making:  Wander around the old stone houses and churches in Zrnovo. While you’re there, why not have a chat with a local 
  • Boating:  If you’d like to visit archipelago islets, rent a boat or sit back and relax on a boat trip. Mario​ from Fish & Fun​ and Goran​ from Explorer Boat are funny guys​ who offer small group and private boat trips.

5. Enjoy The Outdoors & Fresh Air

Best Things To Do In Lumbarda, Croatia

Walking and cycling are great ways to explore Korcula. You can get an island map with marked cycling and walking trails from a tourist agency or the local tourist boards.

Take A Walk Across The Island Of Korčula

Okay, so not all the way across. Walking and hiking paths are plentiful on Korčula Island and may lead to significant, hidden delights. If you require solitude or a break from the busy town, put a walk on your list of things to do in Korcula.

Walking trails on the island are suitable for all levels and are best enjoyed in the spring or early autumn when the temperature is cooler.

For something easy, you can take a stroll around the Lumbarda vineyards.

Another great place to hike is Žrnovo, a small, charming village near Korcula’s town , offering various trails for all fitness levels. A popular hike is a moderate 40-minute walk to Kocje Nature Park in Zrnovo. A protected, unique landscape, Kocje is full of wild-life, rock formations and stone mazes for those looking to explore a little more. Plus, you will also enjoy some stunning views across the channel to the Pelješac mainland.

Local tip: Look out for more than the “usual” sights. Check out the building for its small, almost-missable details.

Cycle Across Korcula Island

Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or simply looking for a leisurely pedal through the countryside, Korcula Island is perfect for exploring by bicycle all year round, thanks to the enjoyable K orčula weather .

Bike rentals are available at multiple locations on Korcula, where you can rent bikes by the hour or by the day, but should you want a little more direction, you can also join guided bike tours.

Heading along the southeast coastline from Korcula Town is an excellent (and hill-free) route with fantastic coastal scenery and roads leading through the stunning Lumbarda vineyard (check out our self-guided cycling tour to Lumbarda for tips and information).

If you’re up for a more challenging day on two wheels, this path to the fishing village of Racisce comes highly recommended!

For the hardcore folks, cycle all 40km of the island or hike to some of the highest points on the island, such as Hum in Vela Luka or Kum in Blato.

Join A Guided Walking Tour

For those looking to get a little history while on the move, a guided walk, including tours of Korčula Old Town, can be a great option. We recommend getting in touch with Ruth​ from Vaja Tours .​ 

6. Make The Most Of The Sea

SJ SUP IN VIR

The Adriatic Sea is so amazingly clear, and the water around Korcula is so still, it’s lake-like. Windsurfing, kayaking, SUPing, snorkeling and diving are just a few ways to embrace the tranquil Adriatic waters of Korcula.

Windsurf On Korčula Island

One of the most popular water sports activities in Korčula, thanks to the glorious K orčula weather,  is windsurfing. The island is in a prime position to catch the perfect afternoon Maestral, a summer wind that allows windsurfers to enjoy plenty of movement out on the waters.

Gliding over the open sea connects guests and locals alike, and all skill levels are welcome to join in.

Windsurfing schools offer lessons in areas on the island where the wind is less intense, and equipment designed for beginners is available for use at these schools.

Explore The Dalmatian Coastline With A Kayak Or SUP

The Adriatic sea surrounding Korčula is a treasure trove of crystal clear waters waiting to be explored. The calm sea provides the perfect conditions for kayaking and SUPing, and there are many places to check out. In particular, the archipelago between Korcula and Lumbarda are lovely, tranquil places to visit – the small islets here, such as Badija, Vrnik & Stupe, are beautiful and so peaceful.

This is a super-fun way of getting around the island if you have the time and fitness. In any case, a kayak or SUP allows you to access hidden coves, bays, and beautiful beaches near Korcula Town that may otherwise be unreachable.

You can rent a sea kayak or SUPS from local agencies for independent exploration in Korcula.

If you prefer a guided kayaking trip, friendly couple Ivka​ and Boris, who run Spirit of Korkyra ,​ will be your perfect guides. 

Explore Korcula’s Underwater Life By Diving

After you’ve spent enough time on the surface of the sea, how about getting deep under? The warm sea and fantastic visibility are ideal for diving . Blessed with some of Croatia’s most transparent waters, Korcula is a dream destination for scuba divers (and snorkelers). Underneath the gentle waves of the relatively shallow Adriatic Sea around the island, you’ll find hidden caves, underwater walls, several shipwrecks, and dozens of fish species.

Most popular dive sites around Korcula are accessible via a short boat ride and located only a short distance from the island. Visibility is almost always phenomenal—you can usually see further than 30 meters (100 feet).

If you plan to dive, you must go with a certified company. 

Several diving schools on the island cater to beginners and experienced divers, and a few dive centers on the island of Korcula offer diving lessons and excursions.

Professionals Steve​ and Jan from Dupin Dive Centre​ are located in Korčula Town and are ready to take you diving, so get in touch with them to make your reservations.

7. Eat & Drink Local

Croatia Travel Blog_Things To Do In Korcula_Knoba Belin

We can’t talk about Korčula and not mention the food and drink scene . Some excellent restaurants are on the island, and al-fresco dining here is the norm!

The location of Korcula makes it perfect for the two great Croatian gastronomy delights : seafood and wine!

Croatia’s southern Dalmatian region is known for its award-winning wines , and Korcula has the ideal environment for producing two of them – Pošip and Grk . You can order these varieties of white wine at most restaurants on the island, so don’t hesitate to indulge in a drink… or two.

Notably, you will not find Grk anywhere other than in the vineyards surrounding Lumbarda. That’s just one more reason to enjoy a glass of this famous wine while relaxing on the shores of Korcula Island.

Eating seafood to your heart’s content is also one of the most incredible things to do on Korčula Island. It’s top-notch eating whenever Croatian seafood is on the menu. Mediterranean fresh fish caught off Korcula’s shores are prepared in local restaurants.

Be sure to try the local specialty “ Zrnovksa Makaruni ,” pasta shaped in tubes with a tasty sauce. Konoba Belin in Zrnovo always has freshly made makaruni on the go & if you fancy a challenge, they also offer pasta-making lessons.

And if you want to be amazed at how quickly the local ladies shape that pasta, the Zrnovski Makaruni Night takes place in the village of Zrnovo every August.

8. Discover The Local Beer Scene

The craft beer industry is booming worldwide, and Croatia is no exception . Even Korčula now has its own brewery and pub!

Lovers of the golden liquid will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to try a local Korcula brew. Simultaneously, many other bars on the island also serve craft beers from elsewhere in Croatia .

9. Go Wine Tasting

Best Croatian Wine - 5 Grapes_Lombarda Korcula Dalmatia

The island of Korčula is well known for wine production, especially Grk and Posip. Hard to pronounce, but very delicious, the white wine “Grk” is only produced here on Korcula in the sandy soil in Lumbarda.

There are several family-run wineries in Lumbarda to visit, including Winery Grk, Popic Winery, Lovric Winery, and Bire Winery. There are wineries in Smokvica to see, including Toreta Winery, Grosic Winery, and Black Island Winery.

Opening hours will be more varied this summer, so it may be advisable to contact the winery in advance to let them know you are coming.

Local Tip: We highly recommend heading to Popic or Bartul-Cebalo in Malo Postrana for great wine & spectacular views across the vineyards.

  • Lumbarda​ Wineries
  • Smokvica​ Wineries

10. Wine Tours

If you would prefer to visit the wineries as part of a winery tour, consider joining a small group trip or private trip. Offerings include a relaxed​ cycling & wine tasting tour, a walking & and tasting tour, and a privately driven wine tasting tour – check them out here .​

The only prerequisite is that you like wine! You’ll learn more about the area and wines, stop for some excellent photo ops, and enjoy the best wines and food. 

11. Track Down Local Produce

Be sure also to source some fabulous local producers whose wines, olive oils, jams, and brandies are so delicious. Most of these producers are small family-run operations, so you know you will not be surrounded by many people during any tastings.

In Zrnovo, you can visit the home of the legendary Diana​ from Eko Skoji for organically produced oils, syrups, and homemade bread.

In Lumbarda, pay a visit to Ana​ and Ivan from OPG Anica Bazika ,​ with whom you will instantly become friends! There’s always something delicious and new to try here, including fig cake, candied orange peels, and an infinite number of jams!

In Sveti Antun, bee-man Vlaho​ from OPG Komparak ​ will make you fall in love with these tiny creatures and his delicious homemade honey.

Again, like the wineries, it would be a good idea to let the local producer know if you plan to come and to make an arrangement. Or book a Taste of Korčula tour  and let the reservations be created for you.

12. Taste Local Olive Oil & Visit An Olive Oil Producer

First view of our olive oil finally arriving.

As well as wine, excellent olive oil is produced on the island, and products using ingredients grown on the island. Visiting a small producer is the best way to try.

Olive oil from Korčula is on the list of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) of the European Commission, which means it’s of superior quality and made according to traditional, authentic methods. There are no fewer than ten olive mills on Korcula and nearly a thousand olive farms! This is one of only a handful of regions in Croatia that produces olive oils of this kind of quality.

Therefore, one of the best things to do in Korčula is to visit a local olive farm to sample different oil types. This, of course, also makes for a great souvenir .

In Vela Luka, the beautiful couple Jerolim​ and Marita from OPG Jerolim ​will welcome you to try their range of tasty products, including flavored olive oil, brandies, carob syrup, and preserves.

13. Experience Korcula Island’s Local Culture

An absolute must-do thing in Korčula is experiencing the traditional sword dance and drama, Moreska. Performed on an open-air stage near the Old Town, visitors can watch this theatrical and cultural dance from the 16th century on Monday and Thursday evenings during the summer months. The dance depicts a conflict between kings, seven circles of dancers “battling” with swords, the beat of drums, and the sound of bagpipes. A sure crowd-pleaser!

Another great cultural experience is learning to cook the local specialty of  Zrnovksa Makaruni . This dish comprises homemade pasta-shaped tubes topped with sauce, somewhat similar to goulash . The family-run Konoba Belin offers pasta-making lessons for those willing to take on the culinary challenge. However, if you prefer not to cook on holiday, we suggest going to Žrnovo to try this restaurant’s version of the dish .

14. Donkey Safari On Korcula Island

Colours Of Istria Trip Donkey 3 (1)

Our friends at Korcula Explorer say the Donkey Safari excursion is an excellent way to take in Korcula’s scenery, and it’s fun to do on Korcula with kids . Starting from the town of Žrnovo, ride donkeys through the olive groves to the beautiful Pavja Luka pebble bay.

Here, you will spend the day soaking up the sun, swimming, snorkeling, or even reading that book you haven’t found time for yet. Your group will also enjoy a delicious lunch of grilled fish and wine – and you already know how we feel about seafood and wine on Korcula Island!

15. Take A Korcula Island Buggy Safari Tour

Croatia Travel Blog_Korcula Travel Guide_Island Buggy Safari Tour

Spend half a day exploring Korcula’s beautiful natural surroundings on a buggy tour with this family operated business! The tour is good for all ages and will take you along the south side of the island.

Some of the highlights of the tour include stunning views of area islands (Hvar, Mljet, Peljesac and Lastovo) along with olive groves, vineyards, ancient stone walls, monuments, beaches and more. 

Snacks, wine tasting (for those over 18 years of age), local delicacies and cold beverages are all included.

Read reviews and book the tour here.

16. watch a korcula sunset with a drink.

Korcula Island Sunset | Korcula Travel Blog | Chasing the Donkey

Okay, so it’s cliche, but I don’t care. Sunsets and Croatia are a match made in heaven and perfect for the romantics of the world! Did I yet mention the famous K orčula weather? Imagine your friends asking you when you get home about what you did in Korcula, and you show them a sunset pic.

Watch a stunning sunset with a glass of wine in hand, complete with the silhouettes of the fishermen & their boats, and then look up into the night sky for some awesome star-gazing. On certain nights you’ll be able to count numerous shooting stars – that’s a lot of wishes!

You can enjoy the delightful combination of cocktails and sunset views from many vantage points on the island. One particularly great suggestion is Maksimilijan Garden. This intimate bar has one of the best Korcula Island views for sunset watching.

Local tip: Try the homemade limoncello at Maksimilijan Garden.

17. Visit Seba Dizajn & Admire The Scintillating Filigree Jewellery

croatian art seba dizajn

Whenever I wear my filigree earrings handcrafted by the two men from Seba Dizajn, I can attest that everyone asks, “Where did you get them?”.

It’s hard to imagine, but the artist Doka learned filigree from his father, Gjovalin Seba. The Seba family has a connection with filigree that stretches back an incredible 500+ years. Doka and his father work together in their Korcula Island studio so that you can see the boys at work.

See more of Seba on Facebook or head to the studio at Ulica de Polo, Korcula, beneath Marco Polo Korčula Bell Tower.

18. Hire A Scooter On The Island Of Korcula

There are numerous gorgeous hidden bays , and enclosed beaches dotted all around the Korcula coastline. Hire a scooter and discover your own piece of paradise.

Alternatively, head to the Defora region, where you will find unimaginable beauty.

This is always a fun way to explore the Croatian islands , so hire a scooter to discover the Korcula island at your own pace.

  • Head to the beaches (see below for some great suggestions, including fabulous Vaja Beach).
  • Stalk out the places that grow the Grk grapes.
  • Head to the Defora region, where you will find unimaginable beauty. Visit Orlandusa on the southwest coast – the mesmerizing blue sea is so inviting. Shh, don’t tell everyone, though!
  • Take a break from the main town and seek out Smokvica and Cara. Both are two lovely small villages.
  • Ride up to Mount Hum, which is really just a hill, and check out the old fort. Local tip: hikers can also get up there on foot!

Korcula Island Details |Korcula Travel Blog

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Things to do in korcula island with kids.

Croatian beaches are usually pebbled, but the village of Lumbarda boasts two fantastic sandy beaches . Buckets and spades in hand, it’s time to build sandcastles at Przina or Bilin Zal beaches, just a 15-minute bus ride from Korcula Town.

And afterward, it’s time for ice cream! And yes, the island makes some delicious gelato. Practice your Croatian and ask for “pola-pola”: half ‘n’ half, two flavors for one’s price.

Local tip: Building sandcastles and eating ice cream are some of the fun things kids can do in Croatia; here are some more that we suggest.

Day Trips To Take From Korcula

THINGS TO DO IN CROATIA - mljet national park

So, what to do in Korcula after seeing all the main sights? If you plan to stay on Korcula Island for any length, you should take a day trip and explore further.

Check out these tours to see which one suits you best. With these tours, you can book ahead, guarantee your place, and save money . Alternatively, though, you can also find options when you arrive.

  • Korcula Island Snorkeling Adventure
  • Korcula Island Mountain Bike Tour 
  • Hvar Yacht Excursion From Korcula
  • Town Of Marco Polo Private Tour
  • Mljet Island Yacht Excursion From Korcula Island

Best Beaches On Korcula

Vela przina beach.

Vela Przina Beach, Korcula| Croatia Travel Blog

One of Korcula Island’s most popular beaches for tourists and locals is Vela Przina Beach. Found in the village of Lumbarda on the southern side of the island (a 15-minute bus ride from Korčula Town), this beach has beautiful sandy shores and is set in a large bay offering fantastic sea views. Arrive early to get a good spot, spend the day here , and enjoy the beach cafes, a game of sand volleyball, and the radiant sunshine.

Bilin Zal Beach

The other sandy beach on Korcula Island, Bilin Zal, is about four kilometers from Korčula Old Town in Lumbarda. The water is not as crystal-clear here due to the sandy bottom, but that sand brings locals and tourists to this beach for a chance to go barefoot onshore and in the sea. And little kids love sandy beaches .

The beach is ideal for families and young children, but it’s important to note that no natural shade is available at this location, so be sure to pack a pop-up beach tent like this one ! If you find yourself hungry, Konoba Bilin Zal is the perfect place to grab a bite .

A Local’s Favorite

korcula tourism

The stunning Vaja Beach is a 15-minute walk from the fishing village of Rasisce. Small and hidden, we dare say isolated, this beach will bring out the romantic in you . If you love the contrast between beautiful white pebbles and the azure sea, this picturesque beach is for you.

Vaja Beach is perfect if you want a chance to skip the crowds, find some solitude, and connect with the water and sun. The beach access includes walking up a hill at the end of the Racisce harbor and climbing down a steep slope. Those willing to take on the challenge will be rewarded with the views!

Pupnatska Luka Beach

Located in the bay of Pupnatska Luka, this gorgeous small pebble beach is famous for swimming. Crystal-clear waters invite locals and tourists to take a dip, while even those wishing to remain dry won’t be disappointed by the channel’s picturesque views from the shoreline.

With chair and kayak rentals, portable toilets, various restaurants in the bay, and the close proximity to Korčula Town (15 kilometers away), this beach is incredibly family-friendly and one of the more popular beaches on Korcula Island.

Korcula Archipelago Beaches

A picturesque stone wall stretching alongside the tranquil body of water in Korcula.

Mostly undiscovered by tourists, the Korcula Archipelago offers numerous remote and hidden pebble or rocky swimming areas. These beaches make for the perfect getaway for those who love to snorkel , dive, or live for the adventure of feeling like you’re in undiscovered territory.

To get to the Archipelago, you can hire a water taxi (year-round). Once there, hunt for your perfect little spot of shoreline, take in the wide-open views, and breathe.

  • Where To Stay In Korcula

Here are some of our favorite accommodations in Korčula – both hotels and hostels.

1. Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel

Croatia Travel Blog_Where To Stay In Korcula_Hotel Korčula (De La Ville)

The first hotel was built in Korčula (back in 1912); this iconic hotel is uniquely positioned, backed by the historic quarter of Korčula Town, and offers beautiful sea views from its front. Guests will find the stone villa design of the hotel and the vine-covered terrace charming and romantic.

Newly renovated in 2015, everyone will love the 5-star quality and elegance of the rooms for the 4-star price. Beaches are within walking distance, while onsite restaurants serve delicious Dalmatian cuisine with live music in the evenings, making it one of the best hotels in Korčula, Croatia.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

2. Hotel Korsal

Croatia Travel Blog_Where To Stay In Korcula_Hotel Korsal

Located in Korčula’s traffic-free zone and near the marina, bus, and Korčula ferry stations, this family hotel has received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for four years in a row.

Family rooms are available for larger parties, and each of the hotel’s comfortable, modern rooms comes with free Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom.

This Korčula hotel is located near a beach and offers terrace dining with a sea view at the onsite restaurant. A great selection of Dalmatian dishes can be enjoyed here, along with a buffet breakfast each morning.

3. Aminess Liburana Hotel

Croatia Travel Blog_Where To Stay In Korcula_Aimness Liburna Hotel

Located on the shores of the Adriatic with a stunning view of Old Town, Aminess Liburana Hotel is a favorite in Korcula.

Cozy rooms feature free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and minibars. Two-floor suites are available with ample space for families on holiday .

An outdoor pool, beach access, and nearby windsurfing & sailing schools make this location excellent for those who enjoy the water. For those looking to relax onsite, a hotel lobby bar, pool bar, and a restaurant are all available, along with a spa for a luxurious massage.

4. Hostel Korčula

Croatia Travel Blog_Where To Stay In Korcula_Hostel Korčula

The Korčula Hostel is 100 m from Luka Korčulanska Beach and all major attractions. Guests can choose from beds in 6-bed or 8-bed mixed dormitories with access to air conditioning, heating, safety deposit boxes, shared kitchens, shared loos, and free Wi-Fi.

A Full English or Irish breakfast is served onsite, while cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets are within walking distance. If you’re looking for cheap hostels in Korčula that are laidback and clean, this is the ideal choice!

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Key Festivals & Events On Korcula Island

Wine festival.

Sip the famous white wines of the island with locals and visitors, similar to the sounds of live music. Wineries offer samples of the best wines they have available alongside fresh, hot bread. Enjoy conversation with your travel companions or locals at this event. This festival is not to miss if you visit Korcula in July!

Korkyra Baroque Festival

If you love Baroque music, this festival is for you . Somewhat new to the island (2012 was the festival’s debut), this event features some of the world’s leading Baroque music specialists in the ensemble and soloist categories. Choose any concerts to attend over ten days and delight in the music of this period!

Sword Dance Festival

A group of people with swords at Korcula sword dance festival in Croatia.

Held at the beginning of June, this unique festival is one Korcula is famous for. While the sword dance is performed on other occasions, this festival celebrates the dance with an opening ceremony in Korčula Town. In contrast, different styles of dance are performed in surrounding villages. Watching one of these performances is a fantastic way to experience local culture and tradition.

Boat Race Kneze

This annual event takes place in Korcula each June. Organized by a local racing club, teams row in traditional boats from Kneza to Korcula Town. This is an exciting opportunity to watch the local sport and experience a traditional event while on holiday!

Traveling To Korcula Island

Korcula Island Aqua | Korcula Travel Blog | Chasing the Donkey

Korcula can easily be reached from Croatia’s mainland during the summer months. During the off-season, connections can be a bit trickier but are not impossible to find.

Visiting Korcula is one of our favorite day trips from Dubrovnik . Leaving the mainland from either Dubrovnik ( skip the crowds for a day! ) or Split is the most convenient way to reach the island unless you’ve charted a sailing adventure starting from another location.

Korčula Ferry

May to October, a ferry  from Dubrovnik to Korčula is available. You can take a ferry from Split to Korcula Island or Vela Luka all year round. Direct passenger ferries from Mljet to Korcula run in July and August, and other indirect routes are available during the other months.

A bus from Dubrovnik to Korčula leaves the central Dubrovnik bus station daily at 3 p.m. (subject to change). It gets you to Korcula Island just after 6 p.m.

All year round, a coach from Dubrovnik to Korcula travels along the coast to a car or passenger ferry in Orebic, depending on your preference. The car ferry option allows passengers to continue taking the bus once on Korcula Island to Korčula Town and on to Vela Luka if needed.

A bus from Split runs to Dubrovnik, and, alternatively, another originating in Zagreb stops in Split with a final destination of Korcula/Vela Luka (runs through the night).

Should you want a car or taxi option, you can also drive yourself or be escorted by a private cab onto the island using the same Orebic car ferry option.

Book your car rental here.

Traveling to further destinations.

Traveling further after a visit to Korčula Island is as easy as catching any of the ferries or buses that initially got you to the island. You’ll most likely travel from Korcula to Dubrovnik , Split, or somewhere along the Peljesac Peninsula. Oysters in Ston, anyone?

Did we miss any on this list? Have you been to Korcula Island, Croatia? What were your top things to do in Korcula?

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Photo credits: A special thanks to my dearly departed friend Ruth Seba for giving me several of these photos to use.

Comments (13)

Korcula ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Korcula (and the south Riviera of Korcula) is the most beautiful Island in Europe with most sunny days :-)

Oh I’d love to be there!!

What a lot of options. Moreska looks interesting, and I’d want to check out a lot of the beaches (water at Vaja beach looks beautiful), as well as one – or all three – of those coffee bars.

AND…. that’s not all. There is so much more. But with so many things already, we thought we better stop writing :D

Yet another supremely comprehensive article. You really are rather good at these, SJ and Mate ;) I stayed dead opposite Vinum Bonum and loved the place! So friendly. Plus I hired a scooter and had a really good look round, Račišće, Pupnat, Zavalatica, Čara and finally Lumbarda – but I omitted to try Grk while I was there :( Keep the articles and trip ideas coming, I love to read all about them.

Thanks, Jon. We try – we also as people we know who have been so we can include stuff we have not done. Even still. so much is missing. I hope to get back this summer and add to it!

❤️this place is heavenly

Will be there in 5 weeks

Hard to pick a favourite……. But this comes in way up there! Absolutely loved my stay there

Can’t wait to see Korcula in a few weeks

My birthplace

The view from my balcony while I stayed in Korcula was just as amazing as this one! I fell in with Croatia during my visit there a couple of years ago & haven’t stopped telling people about it since! Might just have to come back for another holiday one day

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Korcula Town

Korcula Town

One of the more southerly Dalmatian islands, the beautiful Korcula is best known for the main settlement – Korcula Town – which has a charming little old town that some say resembles Dubrovnik . This lovely town and island is an excellent stop whilst exploring Dalmatia as it’s easy to get to from the mainland and some other islands, and has a rich sightseeing and cultural offering for visitors.

The island is reputed to be the birthplace of famed merchant and explorer Marco Polo, and much is done to celebrate the man in the town and the island. (Pop into the Marco Polo Interpretation Centre, for example, to learn more about the Korcula connection.) Marco Polo was certainly captured during a battle in front of Korcula Town in 1298.

korcula tourism

Getting to Korcula Town

You’re spoilt for choice in reaching Korcula Town which is lucky as this place is so charming, you’re bound to want to visit! As you can see below, there are a number of ferry and catamaran options from towns and cities on the mainland both to the northwest and southeast of the island. Additionally, you can also make the journey to Korcula by bus as this utilises the car ferry boats.

There is a car ferry that travels from Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula to Domince, just on the outskirts of the town. This very regular ferry – which has a higher frequency in the summer months – is run by Jadrolinija and has a journey time of just 20 minutes.

By Catamaran

Korcula Town is a stop on almost all the coastal catamarans that operate from Split to Dubrovnik and vice versa.

One such catamaran is Jadrolinija ‘s which operates from roughly mid-June to mid-September each year. It takes 3 hours 40 minutes to reach Korcula Town from Split or 2 hours to reach it from Dubrovnik. This catamaran also makes stops at Bol on the islands of Brac and Hvar Town, so you can use it to reach Korcula from either of these two islands.

Kapetan Luka has two coastal catamarans running between Split and Dubrovnik which stop at Korcula Town. The first – which also stops at Milna (Brac), Hvar Town and Pomena (Mljet) operates daily from the start of April through to the end of October, making it especially useful to travellers. This one takes 2 hours 20 minutes from Split or 2 hours from Dubrovnik.

Kapetan Luka ‘s second coastal catamaran runs from Split to Bol (Brac), Makarska, Korcula, Pomena (Mljet) and Dubrovnik and return. This one only operates from mid-June to mid-September; it takes 2 hours 55 minutes from Split to Korcula Town and 2 hours 45 minutes from Dubrovnik.

As if that wasn’t enough, the same company Kapetan Luka have some additional catamaran services from Split to Korcula Town via Hvar, one route operating year-round. (In summer, the service also makes a stop at Prigradica on the western side of Korcula island.)

TP Line also has a couple of coastal catamarans, operating roughly the same routes from Split to Dubrovnik as above. The same company also operates a line that sails from Dubrovnik to Sobra (Mljet) to Korcula Town and on to Ubli (Lastovo), plus Dubrovnik – Sipanska Luka (Sipan) – Sobra and Pomena (both Mljet) – Korcula Town – Ubli (Lastovo).

There is a non-daily bus that runs from Dubrovnik directly to Korcula Town which takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. It is run by Arriva Autotrans .

What to See and Do in Korcula Town

The old town.

The Old Town itself is of course the main draw for visitors here. Built on a peninsula on this part of the island, it is a very well-preserved example of a medieval town layout. If seen from above, the Old Town has a central street with smaller streets branching off it to both the west and east – something of a fishbone layout.

The Old Town’s walls were originally built in the 13th century although they have been restored many times since then. The walls contained a number of four-sided towers, although just four remain today, all from the 15th century. There are two entrances into the Old Town – through the Land Gate and the Sea Gate . The Land Gate is located at the base of Revelin Tower which was built in 1485. Above the gate, you can see a winged lion, a symbol of Venice.

Within the Old Town is St Mark’s Cathedral which was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries, although Korcula itself became a bishopric in 1300 when the Bishop of Ston moved here. The Cathedral is home to several paintings by Italian Renaissance master Tintoretto, including The Annunciation.

The Abbey , next to the Cathedral, was the former home to the Bishop. Today it houses a number of religious works of art.

The Korcula Town Museum is housed in Gabrielis Palace, the former of an esteemed 16th-century family. The museum tells the history of the town and its inhabitants, with exhibits including a focus on important local professions and crafts such as shipbuilding.

The Interpretation Centre Marco Polo is the place to come to learn more about Marco Polo himself, as well as his connection with Korcula.

Excursions on and near Korcula

Take a look at some of the day trips that are possible to do from Korcula Town:

Events in Korcula Town

The half year is celebrated in Korcula Town each year on the 30th June with a masked parade.

During the summer months, a weekl presentation of the famous Moreska sword dance is held in the Old Town. It’s an absolute highlight of the island and an important part of its identity – make sure you attend! The sword dance tells of a battle between two armies (dressed in black and red) who fight over a young girl named Bula.

The Korcula Baroque Festival is a classical music event that takes place every September featuring Croatian and international ensembles.

Accommodation in Korcula Town

If you’re after a special place to stay, you’re in luck; there are some really lovely hotels here. Top picks include the stunning five-star Lesic Dimitri Palace right in the centre of the Old Town. The small property features a handful of exquisitely decorated and finished apartments.

Anotehr top choice is the four-star Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel which is the oldest hotel in Korcula. Housed in a grand old building, its prime position overlooking the Adriatic can’t be beaten. Another four-star property right in the thick of the action is the four-star San Teodoro n which has a pretty terrace.

Those looking for a larger resort-type hotel with outdoor pools and other amenities should consider the four-star Aminess Port 9 Resort , located a short walk from the centre of town. The hotel is home to seven restaurants, two pools, a spa and wellness centre and a kids’ club.

The one campsite in town is the Port 9 Campsite by Aminess , part of the larger Port 9 Resort. With space for tents, you can enjoy access to a sandy beach, several restaurants and bars, pools, kids’ entertainment, sports facilities and more.

Use the map below to search for hotel and rental accommodation:

There’s plenty more invaluable info on the Korcula Tourist Board website or on the Visit Korcula island website.

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Korčula island

Korčula island travel guide

Quiet coves, olive groves and sandy beaches... It's our essential travel guide to Korčula island

As you travel to Korčula from the mainland nearby, the crowded little houses on the edge of the island seem to be pushing each other out of the way to see if you are friend or foe. Holding them in, stern medieval walls centrepieced by the slim belltower of St Mark’s Cathedral stand guard over the narrow Pelješac Channel, protecting the riches contained on the sixth largest island in the Croatian Adriatic. So lush with dark pine forests, vineyards and olive groves the ancient Greek settlers called it Korkyra Melaina (‘Black Corfu’), Korčula has managed to avoid the tourist trap tendencies of its original Greek namesake to the south.

No longer fought over by Turk or Venetian, by French or Austrian, by Partisan or German, Korčula is one of Dalmatia’s most relaxing getaways. The main town of the same name, set on the north-eastern tip of the island opposite the Pelješac peninsula, has one of the best-preserved medieval centres in the Adriatic. Historic Korčula is therefore the most popular south- Dalmatian destination after the more crowded Dubrovnik , with which it is often compared.

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Korčula town area guide

Korčula town area guide

Our expert's guide to Korčula town.

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Korčula town overview.

Korčula town: the lowdown.

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Our pick of the best things to do in town.

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Korčula events

Throughout Summer various music, theatre, film, gastronomy and sporting events take place. Here's our pick.

Korčula island beaches

Korčula island beaches

The best beaches on Korčula island.

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Our guide to shopping in Korčula town.

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We discover 'boutique' Korčula.

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Korčula island bar guide.

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Korčula and Pelješac gourmet tour

Korčula and Pelješac gourmet tour

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Korčula cheap eats

The best restaurants and cafés in Korčula for good food and great value.

Recommended restaurants in Korčula town

Recommended restaurants in Korčula town

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Around Korčula island

Abound with rustic charm, the medieval settlement of Korčula town has a year-round appeal. The palm-lined streets and ancient surrounding walls regularly...

Lumbarda area guide

Lumbarda area guide

Arranged around a series of small bays, the village of Lumbarda, 6km from Korčula town, is thought to be the oldest settlement on the island. A stone...

Žrnovo area guide

Žrnovo area guide

Spread across the hills above Korčula town, Žrnovo is a sprawling settlement made up of several distinct villages, Prvo Selo, Brdo, Postrana and Kampus, each...

Račišče area guide

Račišče area guide

Twelve kilometres west of Korčula town, Račišče is a picturesque port spread around a broad bay. Overlooking the shore is the Church of St Mary the Helper, and...

Pupnat area guide

Pupnat area guide

The village of Pupnat is a typical wine and vegetable-growing community set at the side of a small but fertile plain. To the south of Pupnat at the bottom of a...

Čara area guide

Čara area guide

Like near-neighbour Pupnat, the village of Čara hovers above a broad agricultural plain whose vineyards produce some of the island’s best Pošip grapes. The...

Smokvica area guide

Smokvica area guide

Smokvica is one of the most picturesque of Korčula’s inland settlements, its red-tiled houses spilling down a hillside overlooking fields that produce some...

Blato area guide

Blato area guide

Once the biggest settlement on the island (a status now enjoyed by Vela Luka), Blato was once an important agricultural centre, exporting its wine and olives...

Vela Luka area guide

Vela Luka area guide

Occupying an irregular-shaped bay at the western end of the island, Vela Luka is the island’s main port for car ferries to Split and Lastovo. Founded by the...

Trpanj area guide

Trpanj area guide

Not so long ago, Trpanj was home to only fishermen and mariners. Laid back and full of charm, Trpanj still has that small village feel, but now attracts...

Where to stay on Korčula island

Where to stay in Korčula

Where to stay in Korčula

Korčula stocks a good range of accommodation options. Here's our pick.

Budget accommodation in Korčula town

Budget accommodation in Korčula town

Book yourself into one of the no-frills resting spots in Time Out's guide to cheap hotels, hostels and campsites in Korčula town.

Korčula luxury hotel guide

Korčula luxury hotel guide

Check out these classy places to stay with our guide to luxury and boutique hotels in Korčula.

Where to stay in Korčula town

Where to stay in Korčula town

Korčula town has a great crop of sleeping options: here's our guide.

Hotel Korčula

Hotel Korčula

  • price 3 of 4

This landmark opened in 1912. Behind its pristine, palm-lined exterior lie 22 careworn rooms that were last renovated in the early Eighties and haven’t...

Hotel Korkyra

Hotel Korkyra

Vela Luka’s old harbourside hotel has been more or less totally rebuilt to provide a home for this new, beautifully-designed four star, with cool, contemporary...

Lešić-Dimitri Palace Korčula

Lešić-Dimitri Palace Korčula

  • price 4 of 4

Quality five-star representing the pinnacle of luxury in Korčula, located in a beautifully renovated 18th-century bishop’s palace and five medieval cottages,...

Wineries on Korčula Island

Bire Winery

Bire Winery

Winemaker Frano Milina-Bire enjoys a growing reputation for producing some of the best Grk  on Korčula, and his visitor-friendly winery, occupying a hillside...

Toreta Winery

Toreta Winery

A family business at least four generations, Toreta winery is just below the main street that leads through Smokvica. There's a display of wine-pressing...

Popić Winery

Popić Winery

A family winery offering Lumbarda Grk to taste and for sale, as well as a intriguing barrique Plavac.

Krajančić Winery

Krajančić Winery

Luka Krajančić is one of Korčula's most enterprising contemporary wine makers, producing individually crafted Pošip wines that can hold their own with...

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13 Cool Things to Do in Korcula, an Island Paradise in Croatia

13 Cool Things to Do in Korcula, an Island Paradise in Croatia

Korčula is one of the most beautiful gems of Croatia, and over time, because of its remarkable beauty and its strategic position, everyone wanted to live there…. and now everyone wants to vacation there.

But first, a little history. First, it was settled by Mesolithic and Neolithic peoples (the evidence of which you can find at Vela Spila and Jakas Cave). After that, the Greeks formed two colonies on the island. Artifacts such as carved marble tombstones can be found at the Korčula town museum, and the oldest written stone monument was found in Lumbarda. Also, this little island was promised to Italy during the First World War (luckily, Croatia still has it!)

Amazing history, isn’t it!? While Korčula was coveted in the past, now it’s firmly part of the Croatian tourism scene, and it’s on many tourists to Croatia’s bucket list. So, before you start packing your bags: here I present you with the 13 best things to do in Korčula!

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

 >> Read Next: The Absolute Best Croatian Islands to Visit <<

Where to Stay in Korcula

korcula tourism

Budget | Apartments Milion

Located right next to St. Mark’s Church in the heart of Korcula’s Old Town, Apartments Milion is a cozy place to stay in Korcula that won’t break the bank, a mere 50 meters away from the ferry port.

Rooms have en-suite bathrooms with showers, cable TV, and bathing amenities like a hairdryer and toiletries. Some rooms even have a balcony or a small kitchen (or both), so do check the room types to ensure you’re getting what you want.

Since it’s so close to the heart of Korcula, you’re surrounded by restaurants, bars, and wonderful sights worth seeing — the location can’t be beaten, plus the hosts’ kindness and hospitality were remarked on by nearly all previous guests! All that at a budget-friendly price, and you have a winner for budget-conscious travelers in Korcula.

>> Check prices, reviews, and availability here

Boutique | The Fabris

For a boutique stay in the heart of Korcula’s Old Town, look to T he Fabris Luxury Inn . This exquisite hotel has kept its historic features like stone walls and wooden elements, but it’s modernized it to make it comfortable for the modern-day traveler who expects a touch of luxury, like flat-screen TVs and luxe linens.

Enjoy some time on the sun terrace, grab a coffee at the on-site coffee shop, or indulge in the delicious provided breakfast. And best of all, you’re never far away from any of the beautiful attractions of the Old Town of Korcula, since you’re literally right inside of it!

>> Check prices, availability, and reviews here

Luxury | Hotel Liburna

For an exquisite luxury hotel in Korcula, look no further than Hotel Liburna. Located just a 10-minute stroll from the Old Town of Korcula along a beautiful seafront promenade, you’ll temporarily escape the crowds as you immerse yourself in total 4-star luxury.

Rooms offer a stunning seafront view, with modern furniture design and spacious layouts (this is something you won’t get in an Old Town room, no matter how luxe!).

Amenities include a beautiful pool with sun loungers, a semi-private beach area, massage center. For the active among us, there are tennis courts and windsurfing schools nearby.

>> Check out prices, reviews, and availability here

What to Do & See in Korcula

Admire the towers of korcula.

Main tower leading into walled city with steps

Korčula was one of the finest fortified medieval towns in Croatia. Due to its strategic position, the town was built of thick stone walls and towers. You can still see the impressive defensive structures which dominate the skyline of the old town of Korčula.

On the edges of the town, you can see eight remaining towers (there used to be twelve towers) that were built in the Middle Ages. Heading from north to the west you can see Zakerjan Tower, Kanavelić (the name was given after poet from 16 th century Petar Kanavelić), and Sea Gate Tower (a small, crumbling tower with inscription in Latin from 1592 declaring that Korčula was founded after the fall of Troy) .

There is also the Small Governor’s Tower and Large Governor’s Tower (these two towers are in front of each and they were built in the 15 th century to protect Governor’s Palace) , Revelin Tower (it represents the southern entrance into the old town) ,  Tower of All Saints (nowadays, only basement has left of this tower that was built as part of twelve towers in 1493) .

Lastly, on the hill above the Old Town of Korčula, is Forteca – the English name for the tower is  Fort Wellington . The tower was built in 1813 in the place of the Venetian fortification from 1616.

Explore the remarkable Old Town of Korcula

 Rough stone houses, facades with windows, green plants, flowers in Dalmatia, Croatia.

This historical town was built up from local stones on a rocky peninsula, and it represents an outstanding symbiosis between man’s work and the natural environment.

In this exceptional town, you can indulge in a stroll through streets designed in a fishbone pattern. The longest street is like a spine, and it is crossed by about a dozen shorter streets. This pattern allows free circulation of air but at the same time, it protects the town against strong winds.

One interesting thing about the Old Town of Korcula is that almost every street has steps and Charity Street (Ulica javne dobrotvornosti) is the only one without… for that reason, it’s been given the nickname ‘the Street of Thinkers’ (I suppose because you can be lost in thought while walking, as you don’t need to look out for stairs).

All those stone walls and picturesque streets will arouse your imagination and take you back to Korcula’s olden days (plus, they make for great Instagram photos as well!)

Immerse yourself in the local culture

Old wall with towers and sea in background

Korčula has a captivating history and culture. You can take a guided city walking tour, a day trip to the island , or you can just visit on your own the amusing museums or churches to learn something interesting and new about this charming place.

Korčula also has the longest tradition of knightly tournaments in the Mediterranean! Their moreška – a traditional sword dance and drama from the 12 th and 13 th century is something you have to experience as well as harmonious singing of klapa (a group of friends) – traditional a cappella singing which has earned a place on UNESCO’s  Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Moreška has become a regular event during the summer season, held every Monday and Thursday in Ljetno Kino (summer cinema) – a small open-air stage right on the edge of the old town and on rainy days, it is held in the Dom Kulture (cultural center) in the heart of the town.

>> Read More: How to Smoothly Get from Dubrovnik to Kotor & Back By Bus <<

Visit Marco Polo’s House and Museum

Old house with bell on top of roof, supposedly Marco Polo's birthplace

It is believed that the legendary explorer, writer, and traveler Marco Polo was born in Korčula. The house was rebuilt, but it preserved its old charm.

This museum allows you to delve into the life of this remarkable explorer and his travels. Through seven remarkable scenes and surprisingly realistic puppets, this museum showcases the life of Marco Polo.

Here you can also find shops with over four hundred authentic products.  In addition, you can get some great views of Korčula here!

Visit St. Mark’s Cathedral

Facade of 15th century church with white stone walls

An unmissable historical building, St. Mark’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral from the 15 th century. It was built and painted by Italian and local masters (Tintoretto, Jacopo Bassano, and Bonino de Milano, to be specific) in a Gothic and Renaissance style.

On the door pillars, you will notice the naked figures of Adam and Eve, and on the triangular gable cornice at the very top, there is some intriguing detail, specifically a two-tailed mermaid and elephant.

Inside, you can find the sarcophagus of St. Theodore , the protector of Korčula, an icon of the Virgin from the 13 th century, cannonballs and weapons from wars with the Ottomans, and paintings by the aforementioned Italian master Tintoretto.

The cathedral is located in the heart of the town, on the highest point which means it provides the most alluring view of Korčula and the Adriatic Sea. It is not easy to go up, but it is well worth the effort.

See the town museum

Just across from the cathedral, you will see the 16th-century Gabrielis Palace , which now houses the Town Museum. This museum traces the history and culture of Korčula from ancient history to nowadays.

The building has three floors. On the ground floor, you will find ceramics dredged up from ancient Greek and Roman shipwrecks, shipbuilding tools and drawings, etc. The most important display is a replica of a 4 th century Greek stone tablet called the Psephism from Lumbarda. This is the oldest written document found on the territory of Croatia. 

On the second floor, you can see furnishings through the ages, various artifacts from typical Korčula houses, portraits, drawings, and paintings. Finally, in the loft is a reconstruction of a traditional Korčula kitchen, as in the old days, it was common for kitchens to be situated in the loft.

Explore St. Anthony’s Hill

Old stone church amidst trees and vegetation

From the heart of the city, the road along the sea leads to St. Anthony’s Hill. At the top of the hill is St. Anthony’s Church , dating back to the 14th century.

You need to go up two hundred steps through a wonderful cypress alley (planted in 1708) to reach the top… but you will be rewarded with stillness, peace, and a wonderful view. This hidden gem is a religious monument, but also a protected area of natural beauty.

Take a bike tour

Bicycle in front of Korcula marina at sunset

If you are tired of walking you can just hop on the bike and explore the coastline or some other incredible part of this charming island.

From the heart of Korčula town, you can cycle in any direction of the coastline. One option is to head west towards the youngest settlements Račišće and follow the sinuous coastal road. On this route, you will find a great number of stunning places where you can take a break and enjoy the view or have a swim.

Or you can head east towards the small fishermen’s village Lumbarda . On this road, you will pass through a picturesque area of pine woods, olive groves, and a lot of sandy vineyards.

If you are an adventurer (you will have a lot of hills to cope with), you can cycle towards the Defora region (a great area to savor the sunset) on the south-east side of the island and make your way to some of the most stunning hidden beaches of Korčula.

Rent a kayak or boat to explore the Adriatic

Unrecognizable family kayaking in Vela Luka

This part of the sea is wonderfully calm, crystal clear, and perfect for some water sports. You can rent a boat or kayak and enjoy stunning views or you can sail to one of the many charming archipelagoes where you can find a piece of paradise just for yourself.

The enchanting colors and clarity of the water will lure you to freshen up and explore the depths of the sea. So why don’t you just dive in whilst you are here?

In addition, here you can have a sailing or windsurfing course, or you can book one of their many tours – sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, night boat tour, and more.

Enjoy the stunning beaches

 Aerial view of Korcula island beach in Pupnatska Luka cove

This charming gem is blessed with plenty of alluring beaches. In the southern part of the island, you can find some sandy beaches nestled in isolated bays, or you can have one of the pebbly beaches on the northern side of Korčula.

If you like popular beaches with a lot of crowds, head to the Borak area where you will find the oldest beach in the town Banje beach, or Zakrjan Beach , a rocky beach in the center of Korčula. 

But if you want to spend some quiet time away from the crowds, head to Lenga Beach located in the vicinity of Lumbarda. Nestled on the intact northeast coast of Korcula Island, this beach is made up of large white and golden rocks and slabs.

Lenga Beach is perfect for snorkeling as is Ražnjić Beach , located on the eastern horn of the island. Select the beach of your choice, and enjoy the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the sea while you are lounging on warm sand or rock.

Other beautiful beaches include Pupnatska Luka Cove (pictured above), Zitna , and Proizd , an island near Vela Luka.

Taste some of the best wines

A woman waiting at a table ready to enjoy a meal with a view of a sprawling wine vineyard growing the local grk grapes with the small town of Lumbarda

What’s better than a glass of good local wine after a long walk through the city?

It is well known that the southern Dalmatian region is the best wine-growing area…and Korčula can be proud of its heavenly white wine, Grk .

This wine is produced only in Lumbarda (which is a community of fishermen and farmers) and nowhere else in the world.

There are several wine tasting tours ( like this one !) that will take you to various spots to try the local wines. And this wine goes best with some seafood. So, what are you waiting for?

>> Read Next: 16 Wine Experiences in Croatia: Top Croatian Wineries to Visit During Your Trip! <<

Feast on fresh seafood

korcula tourism

It’s time to savor the sea with all your senses!

If you want to indulge yourself in some delicious local dishes, it is best to start with fresh fish and makaruni – a unique island specialty, handmade pasta served with a rich sauce.

The most popular fish dish is lešada or popara – a special kind of fish stew…or you can try the octopus cooked in its juices!

The humming sound of the sea, a slight gentle breeze, crisp fresh flavors, and a heavenly wine… what else you can ask for on a summer day?

>> Read Next: Sensational Croatian Food: 7 Traditional Croatian Dishes You Simply Must Try! <<

Experience Korcula’s nightlife

This may not be the most popular place for crazy parties and wild nightlife, but it certainly does have its unique charm.

If you want to loosen up a bit and dance head straight to Dos Locos – a popular open-air bar or Gaudi Night Bar  – a disco located in one of the oldest arsenals on the Adriatic.

But if you want to chill and just have some wine or cocktail with friends, the perfect place for you is Massimo Cocktail Bar . This unique bar is located on the top of a 15th-century tower (Zakerjan or Berim Tower) and it has the most stunning view and fabulous drinks!

What to Pack for Korcula

Greece - Crete - Heraklion - Old Venetian Harbor Luggage

Mosquito repellent:  Mosquitos in the summer can be nasty! You can bring ones  with DEET  or  without DEET , or I love having some of these  mosquito repellent wipes  that I can keep in my bag in case I suddenly start to get swarmed and don’t have my regular repellent with me.

Sunscreen:  You can buy sunscreen in Croatia, but it’s likely cheaper at home or bought  online  in advance. I love this  solid Neutrogena sunscreen . Who doesn’t love a good solid for liquid swap? Great to keep in your bag without worrying about sunscreen explosions.

Water shoes:  Pebble beaches in Croatia are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the pebble seafloor is what creates that gorgeous deep turquoise-colored water that is hard to beat, as the lack of sand means you have incredibly clear water. However, on the other hand, pebble beaches and rocky shores can be downright painful!

Our friend recently cut his foot on a rocky beach in Croatia; had he been wearing water shoes, he’d have avoided such unpleasantness! We suggest these  unisex water shoes . They’re not sexy, but they will make your trips to the beach far more pleasant!

A secure backpack:  We both carry the  CitySafe backpack by PacSafe not only on our travels but in our day-to-day lives. It’s cute, it’s functional, it’s comfortable, and it’s secure. We’re talking about interlocking zippers (which you can then put through a second clasp for two layers of security), slash-proof wire mesh construction, and RFID blockers to keep your data safe.

It’s neutral enough to be unisex, it’s roomy enough to fit a small laptop, large camera, and tons of odds & ends, and it fits under the plane seat in front of you. We’re obsessed.  Check it out for yourself!

Grayl Water Filter :  Tap water is generally safe to drink in Croatia, but if you’re not used to drinking tap water from other countries, the typically harmless bacteria found in all water can cause some gut irritation.

To both be safe and not buy dozens of plastic water bottles, you can get a reusable water bottle that comes with a water filter so that you can stick to the tap water and reduce your plastic waste. If you’ll be traveling outside of the major tourist cities, check locally before drinking from the tap without a filter.

Seabands:  If you get seasick easily, pack some Seabands or   seasickness pills  so you don’t miss out on the best parts of Croatia – being on the water! A trip to Croatia isn’t complete without a quick boat trip, so make sure you’re prepared to enjoy it to the fullest!

More Croatia Travel Resources

Dubrovnik - Croatia - Boats in the harbor with view of old town in background

Headed to Croatia? We have some great travel resources to help you with your trip.

First read our guide to  planning a trip to Croatia , which covers visas, budgets, vaccines, and much more. We also have a  packing list for Croatia  in all seasons that will surely be of help!

If you’ll be visiting Dubrovnik , check our guide to the  best Dubrovnik day trips  and  Instagram spots .

For Zagreb , check out our  Instagram spots , as well as our guide to visiting  Plitvice from Zagreb .

For Split , check out our guide to the  best day trips from Split .

For Hvar , check out our guide to things to do in Hvar .

If you’re still putting together your itinerary, here’s a great list of  places to visit in Croatia,  our  Croatian islands guide,  and our  Croatian waterfalls guide  to help you choose.

Finally, you’ll want to read our guide to  shopping in Croatia  so you know which souvenirs are truly local gems.

If this will be one of your first trips in the Balkans, check out our massive  list of things to know before traveling the Balkans  as well as our  Balkan bus ,  road trip , and  itinerary  guides. 

We publish new content nearly every day! Bookmark our pages on  Croatia  and the  Balkans  so that you don’t miss out on any new info or resources that we publish before your trip!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

I’m sure you’re aware that travel insurance is a good idea for traveling in Croatia (or really, any part of the world)! We have both been paying customers of  World Nomads  for the last three years. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption.

While the Balkans are perfectly safe to travel around, there’s always a risk inherent in everyday travel, so it’s better to play it safe.

>>  Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here  <<

Pin This Guide to Things to Do in Korcula

Planning to visit Korcula? This beautiful Croatian island is full of unique travel experiences. From wine tasting to nightlife to seafood restaurants to churches and towers, here are the best things to do in Korcula,  best Korcula beaches, and where to stay in Korcula - your ultimate Korcula travel guide!

Born and raised in Serbia, Ana learned how to fight for her dreams. After finishing her Masters studies in Technical Science, she received an award and her science project “Advertising in the old Serbian press” was published. In 2015, she followed her heart and started a new life in Brussels. Her passion for travel started very early, when her parents took her to the Greek islands. From then on, she traveled through Europe and America. She loves to dance and enjoys cooking

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Visiting Korcula Island, Croatia

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Things to do in Korcula Island

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COMMENTS

  1. :: KORČULA TOURIST BOARD OFFICIAL WEB SITE :: Member of Dubrovnik and

    Welcome to the Official Web Site of Korcula Tourist Board :: The Mediterranean as it once was :: Member of Dubrovnik and Neretva County Tourist Board :: Korčula enchants the senses with its timeless beauty and casts an everlasting spell of wonder on those who tread upon its ancient stone.

  2. Korcula

    Tourist Offices on Korcula. Korcula Town Tourist Office at Trg 19. travnja 1921. br.40, 20260 Korčula, Tel: 020 715 701 Website: www.visitkorcula.net Email: [email protected]. Vela Luka Tourist Office at Ulica 3 br. 19, 20270 Vela Luka, Tel: 020 813 619 Website: www.tzvelaluka.hr

  3. Korcula Island Travel Guide (Updated)

    This Korcula travel guide is written by someone who actually knows this island. The guide includes things to do, beaches, sights, tours, ferries, and much more ... The islanders from seaside towns and villages live mainly from fishing and tourism, as the rocky, indented coastline offers numerous secluded pebble beaches and bays, breathtaking ...

  4. Visiting Korčula, Croatia: Travel Guide to Croatia's Coolest Island

    This is a tour organized by the Korčula Tourism Office offering the best of both worlds — physical activity, stunning scenery, and deliciousness. Our guide Lea met us at our hotel with perfectly sized e-bikes and led us on a tour out of Korčula Town down to the village of Lumbarda. ... Formerly Hotel Korcula de la Ville, now Aminess Korcula ...

  5. Visit Korcula

    Welcome to Korčula - the island of Marco Polo! With its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, the island of Korčula will leave you breathless. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Illyrian, Greek, and Roman civilisations have left their mark on the history of the island as witnessed by numerous findings from Vela ...

  6. 17 Beautiful Things To Do in Korcula (Croatia's Hidden ...

    Korcula is an island located in the Adriatic Sea, about halfway between Dubrovnik and Split. You can decide to visit Korcula by ferry from either one of these mainland towns, or come in from a nearby island. Hvar, Brac, and Mljet, all offer ferry connections to Korcula, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. Towns of Korcula

  7. Ultimate List of Things to Do on Korcula Island (Updated 2024)

    Top Things to Do on Korcula Island. 1. Enjoy a scenic walk. Stretch your legs and appreciate the unspoilt nature on the Island of Korcula. The island is a walker's paradise, with many beautiful walks and stunning hiking trails. Choose a walking route. 2.

  8. Visit Korčula

    The old town of Korčula is one of the best preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean. Walls and towers defended the strategic position of the city, whose layout of streets and squares is designed in the shape of a herring-bone in order to provide residents with security and comfort. The Statute of the town, dating from 1214, regulated life ...

  9. Korčula

    KORČULA - SEE & DO :: KORČULA TOURIST BOARD OFFICIAL WEB SITE. Korčula. THINGS TO DO. SEE & DO. Experience the town of Korčula! - TIPS (1, 2, OR 7 DAYS) With its cultural landmarks and popular outdoor activities, excellent food and wines as well as beautiful beaches, Korčula provides a haven and a getaway from everyday stress!

  10. Korčula Island travel

    Korčula Island. Rich in vineyards, olive groves and small villages, and harbouring a glorious old town, the island of Korčula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching nearly 47km in length. Dense pine forests led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu). Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the ...

  11. Korcula Travel Guide: What To See, Do & Eat

    Inspired by my latest Croatian escape, this helpful guide is a must read for any traveller looking for a beautiful off-beat place to visit! Korcula (pronounced Kor-chu-la) is one of the highlights of Croatia! It's brimming with natural beauty, from the postcard-perfect vineyards, hidden beach coves to the charming old town - and you will ...

  12. Korcula Island, Croatia: The Ultimate Travel Guide!

    The tourist offer with excellent restaurants, delicious wine and the many good accommodations ultimately make a vacation on Korcula perfect. ... Korcula Island is located in southern Dalmatia, not far from the neighboring island of Hvar and the Pelješac peninsula. Internationally, Korcula in Croatia is famous mainly as an idyllic, green ...

  13. The Perfect 2 to 3 Days on Korcula Itinerary

    The most frequent ferries go from Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula to Korcula Town. These are car ferries and the journey time is only about fifteen minutes. Orebic is located about a 2-hour drive north of Dubrovnik. You can also catch a car ferry from the city of Split to the town of Vela Luka on the western end of Korcula.

  14. An insider's guide to Korčula, Croatia's lesser-known island

    Address: Adio Mare, Ulica Marka Pola 2, 20260, Korčula, Croatia. Website: smokvina.hr. Pod Bore. Though most of Korčula's most celebrated restaurants are found in the old town on the east of the island, Pod Bore draws locals and tourists alike to Vela Luka. The menu is extensive, but the black cuttlefish risotto - a Dalmatian speciality ...

  15. Korcula Island: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)

    24. from $131 per adult. Multi Adventure Experience - Rafting with elements of canyoning. 160. from $77 per adult. Private Wine and Gin Tour Around the Island of Korcula. 7. from $225 per adult. Korcula Island Tourism: Tripadvisor has 40,913 reviews of Korcula Island Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Korcula Island resource.

  16. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Korcula Town (2024)

    Korcula Water Taxi. 59. Ferries. Private boat tours provide a personalized journey through crystal-clear waters with snorkeling, cliff jumping, and swimming, complemented by serene island-hopping via water taxi. See ways to experience (5) 6. Korcula Town Walls. 97. Historic Sites.

  17. A Guide To Korčula

    After wandering the narrow streets, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes or catch a new Hollywood release or independent film at the open-air cinema in peak season. 2. Korčula Town Museum. History buffs and culture lovers will relish visiting the excellent Korčula Town Museum.

  18. Korcula Town

    One of the more southerly Dalmatian islands, the beautiful Korcula is best known for the main settlement - Korcula Town - which has a charming little old town that some say resembles Dubrovnik.This lovely town and island is an excellent stop whilst exploring Dalmatia as it's easy to get to from the mainland and some other islands, and has a rich sightseeing and cultural offering for ...

  19. Korčula island travel guide

    Read our essential Korčula travel guide to find the best things to do on Korčula island, with great beaches, restaurants, bars, hotels, shopping and more.

  20. 13 Cool Things to Do in Korcula, an Island Paradise in Croatia

    Visit Marco Polo's House and Museum. It is believed that the legendary explorer, writer, and traveler Marco Polo was born in Korčula. The house was rebuilt, but it preserved its old charm. This museum allows you to delve into the life of this remarkable explorer and his travels.

  21. Korcula Island

    Includes how to get to Korcula, things to do, Old Town, archipelago and more. Korcula.NET. Korcula island, Croatia. Home Arrival Korcula Old Town Lumbarda Beaches Vrnik Archipelago. Things to Do. ... Korcula Tourist Board HR-20260 Korčula, Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana 4 Phone: +385(0)20 715 701 / +385(0)20 715 867 Fax: +385(0)20 715 866 ...

  22. Plan Your Trip to Korcula Town: Best of Korcula Town Tourism

    Korcula Town Tourism: Tripadvisor has 20,076 reviews of Korcula Town Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Korcula Town resource.