The Ultimate Guide to Korcula
What to see and do on this Croatian island paradise
Korčula is a beautiful island located in the Adriatic Sea, off the southern Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Known for its lush vegetation, clear waters, and medieval architecture, the island is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Many people visit the island of Korčula on a day trip as part of their Croatian island-hopping tour, but it’s also a great place to spend more time as there is so much to see and do (think beaches, wine-tasting, and a medieval walled city) but it’s also not as touristy as some of the other islands, making it a wonderful place to kick back and relax in.
This guide will help you make the most of your visit to this picturesque Mediterranean destination.
10 Things To See and Do on Korcula Island
From historical sites and cultural experiences to outdoor adventures and relaxation on stunning beaches, Korčula offers a diverse range of activities that cater to every traveler’s interests. Here’s my list of 10 things you cannot miss!
1. Explore Korcula Old Town
Korčula Old Town is often referred to as a “Little Dubrovnik” due to it also being a walled city and the similarities of its charming medieval architecture. Enter the town through the Revelin Tower (also known as the “Tower of the South Land Gate”) and wander through the picturesque cobbled-stoned streets of the town’s particular fish-spine layout.
Don’t miss St. Mark’s Cathedral, with its gothic-renaissance bell tower, or the Korčula Town Museum which showcases the island’s history, culture, and art. Korčula is also said to be the birthplace of the famous Venetian explorer, Marco Polo, and while this is most likely just a myth, it’s still kind of fun to imagine the world traveler wandering the same streets that you are today.
Read the full guide below for more details.
2. Go Wine Tasting in Lumbarda
Korčula is renowned for its winemaking tradition. Lumbarda, Korčula’s prime wine region, is home to several notable wineries that offer a chance to experience the unique flavors of the Grk white wine grape (native only to Korčula) and the island’s winemaking heritage. Some of the best wineries in Lumbarda include:
Bire Winery
Known for its dedication to producing quality Grk wines, Bire Winery offers guided tours and tastings in a charming setting overlooking the vineyards and the sea.
Popić Winery
This boutique winery specializes in organic and sustainable winemaking, producing a range of wines including Grk. Their modern approach to wine production is reflected in the quality and uniqueness of their products.
Cebalo Winery
Situated in a picturesque location near the sea, Cebalo Winery is known for its Grk wines and offers a tasting room where visitors can sample their wines while enjoying stunning views.
3. Relax on Pristine and Secluded Beaches in Korcula
Korčula offers numerous idyllic beaches where you can spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Here are some of the best:
Pupnatska Luka Beach
This beach (only 15 km away from Korcula Town) is often considered one of the most beautiful on Korčula. With its turquoise waters, pebble shore, and surrounding greenery, it’s a popular spot for water sports too.
Vela Przina Beach and Bilin Zal Beach
Both Located near Lumbarda, these sandy beaches (two of the few in Korčula) are known for their shallow waters and family-friendly atmosphere. The clear waters make it ideal for swimming and it has excellent coastline views.
Vrbovica Beach
Nestled in a peaceful bay near Racisce, Vrbovica Beach offers tranquility, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s also a great place to learn how to wind-surf.
4. Wander Through Vela Luka
If you want to check out another town on the island other than Korčula Old Town, why not explore the charming town of Vela Luka on the western side of the island? Visit the Vela Luka Cultural Centre, housed inside a beautiful baroque building, check out the galleries and shops, or visit one of the many gorgeous beaches nestled in the surrounding bays.
5. Go Cycling around the Island
Being an island, one of the best ways to explore Korčula’s scenic landscapes is on two wheels. Korčula Old Town has many bicycle rental shops where you can rent a bike for the day or more, and it makes for the perfect way to explore nearby areas such as Lumbarda and Račišće.
There are various roads that take you past olive groves, vineyards, and picturesque villages. Cycling is also one of the best ways to reach the more secluded beach spots. The roads were generally well-paved but you do share with cars sometimes so always keep an eye out for traffic.
6. Hike up Saint Anthony’s Hill
Just a half-hour walk from Korčula Old Town lies one of the most beautiful spots on the island. St. Anthony’s Hill is a protected area of nature. Hike the 102 cypress-lined steps to the top for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. You can also visit the 14th-century chapel, at the peak, dedicated to St Anthony. The climb is especially rewarding during sunset.
7. Taste the Local Korčulan Delicacies
One of my favorite activities to do, wherever I am in the world, is to indulge in the local culinary delights – and Korčula is no exception! Savor the fresh seafood, especially the black risotto made with squid ink, sample the grilled lamb, and try the žrnovski makaruni – Croatia’s version of pasta that originated right here on Korčula Island!
For the most authentic (and often cheapest) experience, visit local konobas (taverns). Your dishes will most likely be prepared with the high-quality olive oil produced on the island, and don’t forget to pair your meal with a nice Grk wine!
8. Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Island
Embark on a boat tour to nearby islands like Badija, where you can explore the Franciscan monastery and its lush surroundings. It’s also the best way to find secluded coves, hidden bays, and underwater caves.
You can also take a day trip to visit Mljet National Park, known for its stunning saltwater lakes and lush landscapes. Or visit Hvar, another gorgeous island known for its beaches, stunning views, and reputation as a party town. Both are easy to get to by ferry as well.
9. See a Traditional Sword Dance
If you’re in Korčula during the summer season, you have to see a performance of Moreska, a traditional sword dance and drama that illustrates the conflict between the Red King and the Black King. Originally performed throughout the Mediterranean during the 12th-13th centuries, the dance-battle reached Korčula only by the 16th century – however it’s the only place left in the Mediterranean that still performs it.
Performances are held every Monday and Thursday during the summer months at the open-air cinema on the edge of town. Check here for tickets.
10. Investigate Vela Spila Cave
One of the coolest sites on Korčula is the Vela Spila Cave, an archaeological marvel nestled on the outskirts of Vela Luka. With a history spanning thousands of years, this limestone cave has revealed traces of human activity dating back to the Paleolithic era, making it one of the most significant prehistoric sites in Croatia.
Today, visitors can enter the cave and explore its well-preserved interior which provides a glimpse into the daily lives of these early settlers. While much of the cave’s historical artifacts are housed in museums, being in the same space where our ancient ancestors lived and worked is an awe-inspiring experience.
Where to Stay on Korcula Island
There are a number of different places you can enjoy a stay on Korčula Island, ranging from charming Old Towns accommodations to relaxing beach stays. Here are three areas to consider:
Korcula Town
The island’s capital offers a mix of luxury hotels, charming boutique accommodations, and budget-friendly hostels.
Lumbarda
A quieter option with beautiful beaches, Lumbarda provides a more relaxed atmosphere and family-run guesthouses.
Vela Luka
A larger town on the western side of the island, it boasts a range of lodging options and a more rustic ambiance.
How to Get to Korcula Island
Korcula Island does not have an airport so the only way to arrive there is by sea. You’ll have to take a flight into either Split or Dubrovnik and then take a ferry from there. Ferry availability changes depending on the time of year it is. Here are some of the more popular routes below:
Dubrovnik to Korcula Island
There are a few different options if your starting point is Dubrovnik. If you’re a foot passenger you can take one of the high speed catamaran ferries departing from Dubrovnik port and arriving in Korcula Town. These ferries are operated by various companies, such as Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka, and they usually take about 2-3 hours to reach Korcula.
As a foot passenger, you also have the option to travel by bus. The bus departs from Dubrovnik’s main bus terminal, drives along the coast, crosses over by ferry in Orebić, and arrives to Korcula Town in 3h30. The bus continues its journey across the island, stopping in all the major towns until arriving in Vela Luka. This is a good option if you’re staying somewhere other than Korcula Town during your stay on the island.
If you’re traveling by car you’ll have to take the same route as the bus: drive along the coast until arriving in Orebić and then cross over with the ferry. It takes about 2h and is a pleasant journey.
If you want to cross with your car the only option is to drive to Prapratno and take a car ferry from there to Sobra with Jadronlinija Line. You can also choose to do this by foot if you want to arrive at a later time than the catamaran ferries offer, or if there is bad weather and the catamarans have been cancelled. In that case, you can take a bus to Ston or Doli and then a taxi to get to Prapratno.
Split to Korcula Island
There are three ferry options available if you’re traveling from Split. Two are high-speed passenger ferries, and one is a slower car ferry. You can get a fast passenger ferry to one of three ports on the island: Korcula Town, Prigradica, and Vela Luka. They take from 2h30 to 3h30.
The car ferry, on the other hand, only goes from Split to Vela Luka. If you want to get to Korcula Town you’ll have to drive down to Orebić and take the ferry from there.
There is also a daily bus that departs from Split and stops in every main village in Korcula until Vela Luka. However, this may be a bit inconvenient because it departs late at night.
Unfortunately, there is no direct car ferry from Split. If you’re traveling by car you’ll have to make your way to Prapratno.
FAQs About Korcula Island
Below are some frequently asked questions about Korcula Island. I tried to be as thorough as possible, but you can always drop me a comment or email if you have a question that wasn’t answered here and I’ll try and get back to you as soon as possible.
How do you pronounce Korcula?
Good question! The Croatian letter c is pronounced like an English “ch” (as in cheese). Therefore Korcula is pronounced: ‘KOR-chu-la’, with the emphasis being on the first syllable.
When is the best time to visit Korcula?
Korcula enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters. Summers (June to September) are the peak tourist season, offering warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine for beach activities. Spring and fall are also pleasant times to visit, with fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures for exploring. I visited in May and couldn’t have been happier!
Is Korcula island worth visiting?
Definitely! If you like beautiful beaches, historic town centers (that look like Dubrovnik without the crowds), and delicious wines, then Korcula is the island for you!
How do I get to Korcula Island?
What is Korcula Island known for?
It’s known for the charming Korcula Old Town; beautiful beaches, such as Pržina Beach in Lumbarda and Pupnatska Luka Beach; the high quality Grk wine, grown only on the island; and Moreška, the traditional sword dance demonstrations. Legend has it that it’s also the birthplace of famed explorer Marco Polo!
Are there ATM machines and currency exchange services on Korcula Island?
Yes, there are ATM machines available on the island, especially in Korcula Town. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and exchange offices.
Is it easy to rent a scooter or car on Korcula?
Yes, it’s relatively easy to rent scooters, cars, or bicycles on Korčula. There are rental agencies both in the town of Korčula and at the ferry ports.
Is Korcula Island safe?
Yes! I went as a solo female traveler and couldn’t have felt safer. I walked around town both during the day and during the evening, rent a bike and cycled on roads alone, and went to the beach alone and never once felt unsafe. As usual, it’s advised to take any precautions you would normally take and, as always, listen to your gut!
What are the best day trips from Korcula?
Popular day trip destinations from Korčula include Mljet National Park, Lastovo Island, and wine tours on the nearby Pelješac Peninsula.
How long should I stay on Korcula Island?
This depends entirely on you and your Croatian itinerary schedule. If you’re on a tight schedule, you can see a lot in just one day, but if you want to see more and do activities such as wine-tasting, then 3 days is the perfect amount.