Charming Korcula Guide

This Korcula Guide will show you what to do and see on this magical Island in the Adriatic Sea, Croatia. We will also advise you when to visit, where to stay, and many more secret tips to make your Korcula travel even more memorable.

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A short introduction to our Charming Korcula Guide

Korcula is a Croatian Island in the Adriatic Sea that lies off Dalmatia’s southern coast. Unlike Hvar Island, it has a reputation as a family island. Top beaches, fantastic cuisine & wine, plenty of sights – it’s all there. But, it is an island for those looking for a more peaceful stay in Croatia. Covering almost 300 square kilometers, Korcula stands out on its own. Exploring all its hidden and popular gems takes a few days. While most choose Korcula town, often as a day trip, those who decide to stay a bit longer can discover beautiful places on the Island and learn the definition of a – relaxing vacation!
In this guide, I will take you through the Island in detail and give you all the necessary information, such as which towns to visit, the most beautiful beaches, historical insight, food, and activities.

Why should you visit Korcula Island?

While choosing islands, we had difficulty narrowing it down to my top two favorites. Korcula (or Korčula) has been voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world! It has one of the most stunning old towns, gorgeous beaches, lots of little islands to explore close to the central Island, and a much slower pace and vibe than its famous sister island, Hvar. It’s also central to Split and Dubrovnik, so adding it to your itinerary is very convenient. While choosing islands, I had difficulty narrowing it down to my top 2 faves. Korčula has been voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world! It has one of the most stunning old towns, gorgeous beaches, lots of little islands to explore close to the central Island, and a much slower pace and vibe than its famous sister island, Hvar. It’s also central to Split and Dubrovnik, so adding to your itinerary is very convenient. We have visited the Island many times and always loved it, so we wrote our Charming Korcula Guide in the first place.

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Where is Korcula?

Croatia has just over 1200 islands, one of which is Korcula. Lying almost halfway between Split and Dubrovnik, the Island of Korcula is part of the South Dalmatia region. Nearby islands include the Skoji archipelago (between Korcula Town & Lumbarda), Lastovo, Mljet, and Hvar. Korcula is separated from the mainland, the Peljesac Peninsula, by a mere 1270 meters. The Island spreads over 279 km2 and is home to about 15,500 genuinely hospitable people.

How do you arrive on the Island of Korčula?

To reach Korcula, you can take a bus or taxi from Dubrovnik or Split Airport to the bus station or ferry port. Daily buses from Dubrovnik, fast ferries from Split to Korcula town, and car ferries to Vela Luka. During the summer, there are car ferry and catamaran connections to/from the mainland and other islands. The primary ferry connections are from Orebic to Domince and Split to Vela Luka. Korcula Island has three ports: a fast ferry port for passengers only in Korcula town, a ferry port called Domince next to Korcula town, and a ferry port in Vela Luka.

Getting around on Korcula island

All major towns on Korcula Island—Vela Luka, Blato, Korcula town, and several villages—have daily bus connections. The number of daily “Island buses” depends on the time of the year. During the summer season, there are more departures. Also, buses to and from the ferry port of Domince and Korcula town operate according to ferry departures and arrivals. More information about buses in Korcula can be found here.

Exploring Korcula by car is the best way to get around. So, if you’re staying on Korcula Island for several days, consider planning to rent a car in your budget. It might pay off, as there are villages, coves, and wineries you can only discover if you can get around alone.

On the other hand, many islets off Korcula Island can only be visited by taxi boat.

When is the best time to visit Korcula?

People visit Korcula at all times of the year, depending on what you want to do when you get here. It’s a seasonal tourist destination, so you will find that most of the attractions, restaurants, etc., are closed from November until April. There are also more limited travel options to the Island at this time. Many rental properties or hotels may not be open during this time or have limited heating options.

From mid-May through to the start of October, plenty of establishments should be open, and you should have enough options to get on and off the Island quickly. When you come during that time, it will depend upon how much sun you want, if you wish to swim, whether you want to avoid the crowds, and your budget.

Where to stay in Korčula

Where to stay in Korcula? You’re not alone! Knowing the best areas to visit and the best hotels to stay in can be tricky when you’ve never been there before.

In this blog post, we’ll share our top picks for the best areas and towns in Korcula for your vacation. Whether you’re looking for a quiet village by the sea or want to be in the heart of the action, we’ve got you covered!

Anywhere you stay on Korcula will be fantastic! However, your choice will depend on how long you plan to stay on the Island, whether you want to be close to amenities, and what accommodation style you prefer.

For example, if you’re staying short, staying close to one of the main towns, such as Korcula Town or Vela Luka, would be a good option. If you’re staying longer, choose a destination outside these central hubs, such as Lumbarda or Zrnovska Banja. If you want to experience more of a local feel but still be close to the sea, Racisce might be a good choice. Head to the hills in Zrnovo or the vineyard-growing village of Smokvica for something rural.

Note: We recommend using Booking.com to find the right place to stay.

For how many days should I plan my visit there?

It depends upon how much you want to see and experience. I do not think one day or one night is enough—not. I appreciate that there are many incredible places to explore in Croatia, and you might not have time to spend longer on the Island, but if you can, do so. One of the things we hear from guests who join us on a wine and food tour is that they wish they had planned to stay longer at Korcula.

What is the minimum length of time: 3 nights? This gives you time to relax on your arrival day, explore the Old Town, spend time on the water, visit another town or village, and chill out at the beach – all without rushing through it all. Suppose you can stay longer, even better. Korcula Island is perfectly positioned to explore other Dalmatian locations as day trips. For example, you could visit the National Park Island of Mljet.

Which towns to visit on Korcula island

As previously said, Korcula Island is big, so there are many places you can visit during your stay. It would help if you narrowed it down. I will recommend those that are worth your time and attention.

Korcula town—As its name suggests, Korcula town is the principal place to visit. Its city walls are the prominent landmark of the Island. Korcula town also offers the most sights, history, restaurants, cafes, etc. Visiting Korcula island without seeing Korcula town is simply nonsense.

The town of Korcula – The best for first-time visitors

Korčula was once a vital part of the Venetian empire, and the city walls and towers were built to protect their prize from pirates and Turkish invaders. Korčula Town resembles a much smaller version of Dubrovnik with its fortified solid stone walls, terracotta rooftops, and some fine examples of Venetian architecture.

The old town is a great place to stay if you want to immerse yourself in the Island’s history and culture. (Famous traveler Marco Polo used to live here!) This area has many restaurants, bars, shops, and sightseeing attractions.

If you are wondering where to stay in Korcula for the first time, Korcula Town is one of the top choices.

Old town Korcula has many hotels and apartments for rent so that you will have plenty of choices. The old town is one of the Island’s main tourist hotspots, which can get hectic during peak seasons. So, if you want to stay here, plan and book early to ensure you get the best rates and availability.

Tip: If you love the beaches, you could even decide to stay in Orebic in Peljesaca. Over there are much better beaches than in the old town of Korcula. Another plus is that it is cheaper and very near Korcula town. All you need is a 15-minute boat drive to the old city. So, it is a win-win situation.

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Vela Luka

Vela Luka is a quiet municipality to the west of the Island with several miles of beautiful countryside and a charming town in a large bay. The region is characterized by many indented coves that create a unique and impressive landscape. The town center has historic 19th-century buildings, and there are many restaurants, bars, and cafes to visit, including Konoba Bata, Restaurant Dalmacija Vela Luka, and Konoba Skalinada Vela Luka. The town’s busy port offers several ferry routes to nearby islands, such as Hvar and the mainland of Croatia, making it an ideal place to stay with your family in Korcula.

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Lumbarda – Best Area in Korcula for Families

Consider Lumbarda for a budget-friendly place to stay in Korcula. It’s a scenic area with lower accommodation rates and beautiful beaches, just a 10-minute drive from central Korcula Town. Stay here to save money on accommodation while exploring the rest of the Island. The village of Lumbarda, however, is small and quiet but has unique offerings, including many wineries. Bire Winery, Lovrić Winery, and Cipre Winery are in the area.

The Korcula Guide Bucket List to do

Wander the beautiful streets of Korcula’s old town.

When you arrive in Korcula, explore the stunning old town (Korcula Town) on the small peninsula with sea views. The pedestrianized area’s fishbone-style layout allows for a pleasant breeze, making it a great destination. Despite its small size, wandering around the old town is a magical experience, offering a good feel for the Island’s laid-back vibe.

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See the Moreska sword dance – one of the most unusual things to do in Korcula.

During your visit, you should book to see a traditional sword dance performance called Moreska. This is one of the most unique things to do in Korcula. The Moreska dates back to the 12th century and used to be done all over the Mediterranean. But Korcula is now the only place keeping it going.

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Try some local food.

We tried Makaruni, a traditional homemade Korcula pasta typically served with beef, prawns, or tomato sauce. It’s hand-rolled and delicious and best enjoyed at Konoba Mirakul. Food and drink are integral to life in Croatia and Korcula, with rustic gastronomy enjoyed by family and friends. Here are some traditional dishes and produce to try on Korcula:

Peka: A must-try metal or earthenware bell dish cooked over embers.
Zrnovski Makaruni: Homemade pasta served with various sauces and seafood.
Olive Oil: Locally produced with subtle flavor variations.
Pasticada: Slow-stewed beef in rich wine gravy, served with gnocchi or pasta.
Brodet: Regional fish dish cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and white wine.
The Grill – Fish & Meat: Enjoy lamb, steak, and seafood grilled to perfection.

©themediterraneantraveller.com

Do a wine tasting at Lovric Winery and try Grk, which is unique to Korcula.

Croatia produces outstanding yet undiscovered wines, best enjoyed with local food. The Mediterranean climate helps produce top wines, from light white to full-bodied reds. Specific wines include Posip, Grk, Prosek, Plavac Mali, Postup, and Dingac. Most importantly, when visiting Korcula, take advantage of the unique Grk wine produced only in Lumbarda. Lovric Winery offers tours and tastings of small-batch, organic wines.

Tours: Korcula: Private excursion through vineyards, wine tasting, and The Korcula: Buggy Tour Including Local Food and Wine Tasting.

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Best Beaches

Korčula has many beautiful beaches. The southern part of the Island has primarily sandy beaches in quiet bays, while the northern side has pebbly beaches that are more shallow and flat. Here’s a local guide to the best beaches in Korčula:

Pupnatska Luka: This beautiful bay can be reached by car or boat. The sea is stunningly colored and best enjoyed in the early morning.
Bacva Bay: A small pebble bay near Pupnat with clear blue waters, sun loungers, and a small restaurant.
Proizd Island is a popular tourist spot with four beautiful pebble beaches, including Veli Bok Beach, which is ideal for couples. The beaches are accessible by a pine forest.
Vela Przina: A sandy beach in Lumbarda, perfect for young children to play safely in the water and build sandcastles.
Vaja Beach: This is a typical Croatian pebble beach, about a 15-20-minute walk from Racisce, ideal for snorkeling.
Zrnovo municipality, located on the Island’s eastern side near Lumbarda, offers a peaceful and romantic alternative to Korcula Old Town. It features diverse landscapes, including hills, cliffs, and beaches. Towns like Pastrana, Prvo Selo, and Zrnovo are less crowded and more residential. Zrnovo is known for vineyards, olive groves, and affordable accommodations, and it’s only a 10-minute drive from Korcula Old Town, with restaurants and shops available.

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The best day trips from Korcula

Most tourists usually stay around Korcula Town, the best place to visit. However, if you stay on the Island for over a few days, you can explore Korcula and its neighboring areas. That’s why our Korcula Guide is giving you a few suggestions:

Orebic

This charming townlet lies on the Peljesac peninsula just opposite the old town of Korcula. It’s a lovely place to spend tranquil holidays. You can enjoy delicious food, hiking and cycling trips, and the views of Korcula Island and its little islets. More importantly, there is a good boat connection with the old town of Korcula. So, here comes our top travel tip for you. If you’d like good beaches and want to be near significant cultural sites, stay in Orebic because there are many beautiful beaches. There are boat rides every half hour to the medieval town of Korcula, so you can quickly taste that, too. There’s more because the city is not well known, you will find even cheaper accommodation there than in Korcula. So, if you are interested, click here to see the deals.

Tip: If you are more for the beaches and relaxation but still want to mix it all with some culture and good local cuisine, we recommend you stay here. Because Orebic is just a 15-minute boat ride away from the Korcula. Even more, connections are persistent during the primary season.

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Mljet island

Mljet is an elongated island in the Adriatic Sea, southeast of Korcula. It has many peculiarities; here, we will mention only some. Mljet is one of Croatia’s greenest islands, with a protected Aleppo pine forest. In 1960, a third of the Island was declared a national park. The park has two salt lakes, one large and one small. There are many organized tours from Korcula to this beautiful Island. That’s why we strongly recommend taking one.

Day Trip to Dubrovnik from Korcula by Boat

Visit Dubrovnik’s Old Town on a day trip from Korcula Island. The historic city walls and charming old town will amaze you. Start early in the morning, take a 2.5-hour speedboat ride, and stop at one of the Elafiti islands for breakfast, coffee, or a swim. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit one of the most picturesque cities in Europe.

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The Island of Hvar and Pakleni Islands archipelago

The Pakleni Islands, also called Paklinski Islands, are rocky islets near Hvar, Croatia. They’re a popular day trip destination known for their breathtaking beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and beach clubs. You can explore picturesque coves, beautiful beaches, trendy bars, and stunning natural beauty. The Pakleni Islands are the perfect place to soak up the Mediterranean sun, swim in clear waters, discover new bays, and have a great time.

Cultural Etiquette

First and foremost, greetings are essential. Make it a point to use “Dobar dan” (Good day) during the day and “Dobra večer” (Good evening) in the evening. A handshake is the standard greeting when meeting someone.

When dining in a restaurant, you must wait for the host to start eating or say “Bon Appétit” before you begin your meal. Keep your hands on the table—elbows should not rest on them. Finishing everything on your plate is an essential sign of appreciation for the meal.

Dress modestly. Although Korčula is quite liberal, you should prioritize modest attire, especially when visiting religious sites.

Be vigilant about local customs and festivals. If you receive an invitation to local events, participate respectfully. Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.

Travel Safety

Korčula is generally safe for all travelers, including female solo travelers. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, so it’s important to stay vigilant.

It’s also good to note emergency numbers; the local number is 112 for general emergencies.

Make sure you have travel insurance that covers health and safety, and rest assured that the tap water is safe to drink.

The Korcula Guide – FAQs

Which Is Better, Hvar Or Korcula?

The answer to this question is more complex. It all depends on what you want from your holiday. Firstly, Hvar is the clear winner if you want a place with good beaches, plenty of activities, and a bustling nightlife. However, Korcula is the better option if you are after a long, relaxing holiday and a more affordable rented apartment. Hvar is a more lively island and city, with a younger crowd and much more to see. Its beautiful old town has many restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. The central city of Korcula has equally impressive Venetian architecture and history, plus plenty of good restaurants. However, it is quieter, with less nightlife and a more laid-back feel. Ultimately, we concluded that this Island is better suited to a more peaceful family holiday or a fun day trip for exploring.

Is Korcula expensive?

Croatia’s popularity as a tourist destination has led to increased prices. Korcula is less expensive than Dubrovnik and Hvar but pricier than the capital. While there are expensive options, there are also affordable traditional places. Overall, it’s moderately priced compared to other parts of Central Europe.

Does Korcula have good beaches? What is the best beach in Korcula?

Korcula has primarily small and pebbly beaches, with some of the best in small bays or on islets off the coast, such as Proizd and Vrnik. The water is clear, perfect for swimming anywhere. If you prefer sandy beaches, you can find some in Lumbarda. Vaja in Racisce is a favorite due to its mesmerizing water. Proizd and Vrnik beaches are small but offer incredible views and water clarity, which makes them perfect for snorkeling.

Final Thoughts on Korcula

Korcula Island in Croatia is magical and spectacular. This guide mentions villages and towns perfect for visitors, but Korcula Old Town is a top choice. It has plenty of accommodation, entertainment, and food options for all ages and tastes, as well as budget-conscious travelers. Share your thoughts in the comments.

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References and sources:

Korcula Explorer

Things to do in Korcula Island