A Visitor’s Guide to Korčula, Croatia

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Forget the Seychelles, Maldives and Hawaii. It’s time for Korčula!

The Big 7 declared Korčula as the world’s fifth most beautiful island, ahead of the aforementioned world-famous locations. However, HORZU does not agree, claiming that Korčula is not the fifth…but the first! Isn’t this impressive?

Despite being from Croatia, this summer was my first visit to Korčula Island. And I was delighted. I think this is the first time I have truly rested during a vacation.

I would describe it as tame and untouched, with plenty of beautiful beaches, lush pine forests, olive groves, secluded coves, and crystal-clear waters. And it is quite tranquil in comparison to Hvar and Dubrovnik.

Anyway, if you don’t know, my country, Croatia, is in Europe, bordering Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Italy. The capital city is Zagreb.

The beautiful island of Korčula is located in Dalmatia (Dalmatian coast). And, in my opinion, the natural beauty of this southernmost part of Dalmatia is next level compared to the rest of the Adriatic coast.

So, in this travel guide, I will share with you fresh information about Croatia’s sixth largest island.

But First…

Korčula vs. Korčula Island

Before we start, I would like to emphasize this.

Korčula is the name of the island, but there is also a town named Korčula (which is a must-visit).

Korčula or Korkyra

Also, “Korkyra” was the Greek name for Korčula. The island was known for its strategic location and natural beauty, so it was an important site in ancient maritime trade.

The name “Korkyra” comes from the nymph Korkyra, whose beauty fascinated even Poseidon. In Croatia, the island is now known as Korčula.

Okay, we’re ready to continue now.

How to Get to Korčula Island

Korčula is an island and you will need a ferry. If you have a car, you can take it on the ferry as well.

A one-way car ferry ticket from Split to Korčula costs 80 euros and includes a ticket for one person.

If you don’t have a car, the one-way price per person is around 10 euros. I recommend buying it online from Jadrolinija’s website. The ride lasts about 2.5–3 hours.

You can also take a ferry to Korčula from places like Hvar, Dubrovnik, or Mljet.

The ride is very comfortable and scenic. On the huge “terrace” of the ferry, you can enjoy coffee and the beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea and its islands.

It is a really wonderful experience: when you board the ferry, you don’t feel like you’re still traveling to your destination; instead, you feel like your vacation has just begun.

Recommendation: Rent a Car or Scooter

We were so happy that we had arrived on Korčula Island with a car. Because we were located in a small village, we had to go to nearby towns to find larger grocery stores (small shops on islands can be extremely expensive).

Just keep in mind that in small villages, buses rarely run during the summer months. So if you want to go on day trips, you will have to rent a scooter or car. Also, parking may be limited in the Korčula city, so consider parking outside of town.

Korčula is a small island where you may enjoy secluded beaches like Pupnatska Luka in the morning, drink local wine Grk in Lumbarda in the afternoon, and dine in Vela Luka in the evening.

So, scootering is a great way to fully experience the beauty of this Croatian island. And trust me, there is plenty of it.

Things To Do on the Korčula Island

Exploring Old Town of Korčula

I love Croatian old towns! Stone houses, magnolias, and the scent of Mediterranean in the air, with the Adriatic Sea sparkling in the distance.

Korčula is also called Little Dubrovnik.

Its Gothic and Renaissance architecture really reminds me of the Adriatic Pearl. But with many fewer crowds since, yeah, Dubrovnik is really crowded.

Also, a fun fact: Korčula’s streets are herringbone-shaped. That way, air can flow freely while the shape protects people from strong winds. Cool, right?

I recommend touring Korčula Old Town on a “leg day,” as there are plenty of stairs.

Explore Korčula’s city walls and cafes, and visit the iconic St. Mark’s Cathedral with its bell tower. After that, enjoy a glass of local wine. Do you know why? Keep reading.

Read More: Visit These Top National Parks in Croatia

Lumbarda and Grk: Time for Local Wines

The island of Korčula is actually a hidden gem for wine lovers. It has a rich winemaking history dating back to ancient times.

So, trying local wines is a must. Also, a wine tour could be a very funny activity. I recommend family-run wineries for tasting local wines (like Pošip in Smokvica) combined with traditional Dalmatian dishes.

I also highly recommend Lumbarda.

It’s a famous wine region with picturesque vineyards overlooking the Adriatic Sea. There, you have to try a white wine called Grk. Its indigenous white grape variety is grown only here in Lumbarda.

Visit the Birthplace of Marco Polo

Did you know that some find Korčula the birthplace of Marco Polo? Although Venetians claim that he is from Venice.

So I recommend visiting his home in Korčula, which is now a museum. After that, form your own opinion.

Read More: 10 Best Places to Visit in Croatia: An Adriatic Paradise

Badija: Island Hopping With Water Taxi

When was the last time you saw a fallow deer? Beautiful Badija is located only a short water taxi trip from Korčula. It’s a day trip to tranquility that you’ll be grateful for at the end of the day.

Anyway, Badija is a very small island. You can cross it in 45 minutes.

Also, it is desolate, and your hosts will be deer. Yes, deer. They are friendly, and sometimes even in a mood for a nice selfie. Feel free to reward them with appropriate food because they will eat from your hand.

What else can you do? Enjoy beautiful beaches and visit a Franciscan monastery. If the sun is not too strong (summer months in Croatia are very hot), I suggest hiking to St. Katarina’s Church.

It is the highest point in Badija.

You are already aware that your reward will be a beautiful view. If that isn’t enough, go to the island’s only restaurant and treat yourself to a cold beer, wine, or juice.

If you need more ideas, Proizd and Vrnik are also two more fantastic small islands accessible by water taxi.

Enjoy Moreška Sword Dance

And now something dramatic: a knife battle. I am not typically that kind of person, so why Moreška Sword Dance?

Korčula is the only place in the world where you can still view this show (and occasionally Dubrovnik and Split).

So, what is Moreška Sword Dance?

Moreška dates from the 12th century. The group of dancers dressed in medieval costumes will captivate you with their skilled swordplay, rhythmic movements, and dramatic storytelling.

It’s actually nice to experience something we don’t see every day.

During the summer, Moreška Sword Dance is available on Mondays and Thursdays in the open space of the Ljetno Kino.

Also, even if the swords are wooden, I would not recommend sitting in the front row.

Massimo Bar: Enjoy the Moment… and the View

Korčula is known for its wines, but if you prefer cocktails (like me), I recommend Massimo Bar.

You will have to climb the ladder to the top of this cute and unique rooftop bar. It is located on the city’s ancient walls. It is famous for its beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands.

This is a nice place to drink a cocktail or two and take a selfie. But at some point you will become hungry and you can’t order food here. So let’s see Korčula’s culinary offerings.

Visit Konobas and Enjoy Local Food

Fun fact: Mediterranean food on Croatia’s coast is on the UNESCO’s List. How cool is that?

So, while on Korčula, I recommend eating at konobas. These are small, cozy taverns with a homely atmosphere.

I recommend homemade pasta with goulash, fresh fish with potatoes, black risotto, and octopus with vegetables at Konobas Marko Polo, Škver, Belin and Mate.

The average lunch price per person is between 15 and 25 euros.

Read More: Discovering the Best of Balkan Cuisine: A Culinary Journey

Beautiful Beaches: Pupnatska Luka & More

Of course, if you visit Croatia during the summer months, you probably came for the beautiful beaches.

According to many, Pupnatska Luka (Pupnat) is Korčula’s most beautiful beach. It is a beautiful cove with crystal-clear waters and pebbly shores, surrounded by lush pine forests.

For more pebble beaches, I recommend Bačva and Žitna. I also recommend Vaja Beach near Račišće, ideal for unspoiled nature.

If you are looking for sandy beaches, I recommend Vela Pržina and Bilin Žal.

Day Trip to Pelješac Peninsula

A day trip to the Pelješac Peninsula is just a short ferry ride away from Korčula. Pelješac is famous for its scenic vineyards and charming coastal towns.

In Ston, you can walk along the 5.5 km city walls, which date back to the 14th century. You can also visit Europe’s oldest salt pans. It has been in use since Roman times.

Next, I recommend Orebić. It is known for its maritime history and Franciscan Monastery.

You know what it is also famous for? Wine production.

And a man has to do what a man has to do. So, cheers to the amazing island of Korčula!

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