The Croatian islands are amazing parts of this small European country. If you’re planning to travel to Croatia and considering which of these islands to visit, you might be asking: Is Korčula worth visiting? The short answer would be yes, but if you leave this article now, you won’t find out why that is so.
This article will bring you all the best things about Korčula and why this island is popular among many travelers coming to Croatia. We travel to Korčula often and through the years, we have explored most of its offer and best places. Many even choose to spend their whole vacation on Korčula and explore it thoroughly.
Let’s explore this amazing island and see why you should consider putting it on your itinerary.
1. Korčula Town: A Mini Dubrovnik with Fewer Crowds Korčula Town is a fortified town with characteristic medieval architecture, which is somewhat similar to Dubrovnik, but on a much smaller scale. That’s why you can often see a synonym ‘Little Dubrovnik’ when reading about Korčula online. This town is surrounded by ancient stone walls and towers, and many consider it to be among the most picturesque towns in Croatia.
Visit the Cathedral of St. Mark and climb its bell tower for stunning views.
Explore the Marco Polo House . Many believe that this house it the birthplace of the famous world explorer.
Explore the picturesque Old Town, in which houses were made in a unique fishbone pattern as protection from the wind.
2. Authentic Island Culture and Local Life Korčula is a bit less touristy than places like Hvar or Dubrovnik. If you have ever visited Dubrovnik during the summer, you know how crowded it can get. Korčula can also get crowded, but never as much as some other destinations in Croatia. That’s why you can really experience the true, authentic Croatia and the local life.
Watch a traditional Moreška sword dance , an event unique to Korčula.
Explore smaller villages of Korčula like Lumbarda and Žrnovo , places famous for local crafts and traditional way of life.
When visiting Korčula, try to live like a local and eat locally sourced food.
3. Beautiful Beaches and Clear Adriatic Sea Just like any other island in Croatia, Korčula is known for the very clean Adriatic Sea. Not only is it clean (because it’s clean in most of Croatia), but it’s also very clear, and this is something you won’t find in many places on the mainland coast. Korčula is also full of all kinds of beaches, most of them are pebbly, although there are a few sandy ones. Some of the most famous beaches on Korčula are:
Vela Pržina : A sandy beach near Lumbarda, the perfect place for families visiting Korčula.Pupnatska Luka : A beautiful secluded bay with a peaceful atmosphere.Bačva Beach : Another secluded beach with a peaceful and serene vibe.
Many beaches on Korčula are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, but also for additional activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
4. Amazing Local Wine and Food Croatia is famous for its wines and Korčula is one of the best wine-producing islands in Croatia. The part of the island around Lumbarda is famous for its Grk white wine, while Pošip is often grown in inland parts of Korčula.
We suggest pairing wines from Korčula with local Dalmatian dishes:
Fresh seafood , octopus salad, and black risottoPeka , a slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish that’s cooked under the bellLocal Croatian olive oil, cheese, and different homemade sweets
There are also many wine tasting tours in Korčula paired with vineyard visits that are a highlight for any gastronomy enthusiast.
5. Outdoor Adventures and Nature Outdoor is the way to go. We love spending time outdoors in Croatia. It’s a country full of all sorts of landscapes and a wide variety of activities. When it comes to Korčula adventure tours, here’s what to expect:
Hiking and cycling routes through olive groves and vineyardsKayaking on Korčula along the coast or to nearby isletsBoat trips to small islands like Badija and Vrnik
Korčula also has some great buggy tours
6. Easy to Reach from the Mainland and Other Islands Korčula is relatively easy to reach and it’s accessible by ferry or catamaran from Split , Dubrovnik , and Hvar . Ferries from Split arrive in Vela Luka, while catamarans usually arrive in Korčula Town . There is also another option of getting to Korčula, and that is a short ferry line that connects Korčula and Orebić on the Pelješac Peninsula. This ride lasts for a bit more than 20 minutes and takes you to the ferry port near Korčula Town.
7. Peaceful Atmosphere and Slower Pace Croatia is full of busy destinations, especially during the summer months. On the other hand, Korčula still retains a peaceful and relaxed vibe . As such, it’s a perfect place if you’re looking to:
Unwind without sacrificing culture or comfort
Experience traditional island life
Avoid crowds without going too remote to places such as Lastovo or Vis Island
Still, expect many travelers in some parts of Korčula, but it’s never as many as in destinations such as Hvar, Dubrovnik, Split…
Final Thoughts: Is Korčula Worth Visiting? Is Korčula worth visiting for you depends on your travel preferences. We suggest you visit at least one island during your vacation in Croatia. They are simply the oases of authenticity and the traditional way of life in Croatia. Korčula is a nice mix of history, culture, and beautiful nature, paired with great activity options. It’s also very close to the Pelješac Peninsula, so you can easily combine a visit to Korčula with many day trips to nearby locations such as Pelješac or Mljet National Park.
Enjoy your stay on Korčula Island!
