A SPECIAL TOURIST STORY
EXPLORE THE ISLAND OF KORČULA
Just as every tourist is unique, Korčula is a special tourist story. Such may find each other eventually. On the one hand, Korčula attracts travellers who want unspoiled nature and the indigenous island spirit, while on the other hand it proudly radiates timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Every tame place on the island and every wild cove tells a unique story waiting to unfold before you.
Located on the east coast of the island of the same name, the town of Korčula is a must stop for anyone who wants to indulge in the rich history of this medieval town. Walking through the old town, you can step deep into the 13th century, as its floor plan has been preserved to this day.
Designed in the shape of a fishbone, it protects the core from strong winds while allowing free air flow to small, picturesque streets.
These charming stone streets of the old town of Korčula are surrounded by thick walls and towers that defended Korčula from enemies. Of the eleven towers, nine have been preserved to this day. Be sure not to miss the Revelin Tower, which offers an attractive view of the old town from the top. For those looking for a refreshing break, the Zakerjan Tower hides a cocktail bar at the top and provides a stunning view of the Korčula archipelago to be enjoyed with a glass of an excellent cocktail.
Every corner of the town of Korčula seems to be telling a story of its own. The historical core testifies to the times of the ancient Illyrians, Greeks, the Roman Empire and the Venetian Republic. It also reveals the famous Korčula Statute – one of the oldest legal documents in Europe.
In the very heart of the old town, the Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St. Mark will be revealed before you. You can climb its bell tower and enjoy the view of the Korčula archipelago and the Pelješac peninsula.
Although it is often called Little Dubrovnik, due to its rich cultural heritage and characteristic walls, Korčula is still unique in its stories. The ancient Greeks called it Black Korčula (Korkyra Melania / Korkyra Nigra) because of the dense holm oak and pine forest, and legend has it that Korčula was a nymph called Korkyra that Poseidon turned into an island out of jealousy.
Marco Polo, a world traveller and researcher who was born here, was certainly proud of Korčula. This is evidenced by his Korčulan surname De Polo and his birth house as one of the most famous Korčula sights.
In addition to Marco Polo, Korčula offers its visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy watching Moreška. This knight game was once played all over the Mediterranean, and for more than 400 years it has been preserved only on Korčula. The recognizable sword dance actually tells a love story – it is a fight for a girl, known as Bula, between the armies of a black (Arab) and white (Turkish) king. The more curious can find the story of Moreška as well as the traditional clothing and swords in the exhibition area of the Revelin Tower.
If you walk around town in the evening, head to the Hotel Korčula de la Vile, which bears the title of the hotel with one of the most beautiful views in the world, and enjoy a magical sunset.
Untouched natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, crystal clear sea and pleasant Mediterranean climate, or the hospitality of the people of Korčula, are only a part of what you will discover while staying on this island. But be careful, because Korčula can easily get under your skin and become your ideal place for complete relaxation.
A FAIRY TALE ATTRACTION
Korčula is specific for its indented coast with numerous bays and islets that hide beautiful beaches where you can enjoy the sun and the sea. The Korčula archipelago consists of about twenty islets that can be reached by taxi boats departing from the town of Korčula. With a day ticket and a Hop on, Hop off tour, visit several islands and experience a true sea trip for the whole family. Don't forget to "pop" to the largest island of Badija which holds a Franciscan monastery from the 16th century. In addition to the monastery, the island’s attraction are the fallow deer that have been roaming freely around Badija for half a century. The little ones will surely enjoy watching these tame animals, and few will refuse to take a selfie with a deer because such a scene is rarely seen at sea.
A PERFECT DESTINATION
Vela Pržina
the most popular sandy beach on Korčula, located on the south side of Lumbarda, is ideal for families with small children due to the shallow sea. The beach has a fast food bar and a beach volleyball court, as well as the possibility to rent deck chairs and sunshades.
Bilin Žal
smaller sandy beach on the north side of Lumbarda, also a common choice for families with children because the tavern is located right by the sea, so parents can drink coffee carefree while watching their children play in the sand. After swimming, you can treat your little ones to ice cream or have dinner on the beach together.
Pupnatska luka
pebble beach located in a peaceful bay surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, not far from the town of Pupnat. It is often declared the most beautiful pebble beach on the island, and The Guardian called it one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. There you can find a beach bar and a restaurant with grilled food, and you can also rent kayaks, deck chairs and sunshades.
Bačva
pebble beach also located not far from Pupnat in a bay with turquoise sea surrounded by pine trees, with a small tavern offering homemade grilled food.
Žitna
small pebble beach adorned with especially turquoise sea. There is a nice beach bar offering refreshments.
Proizd Islet
Although this islet is located in the westernmost part of the island of Korčula, and it can be reached by a small boat that departs daily from Vela Luka during the season, we highly recommend visiting it because it has some of the most beautiful beaches on the island with turquoise sea and untouched nature. The New York Times rightly ranked it among the 12 most beautiful trips in the world. For those looking for a good bite, there is a small restaurant open during the summer season.
WINE AND OLIVE REGION
The interior of the island hides 9 other picturesque places, in addition to the town of Korčula, whose gastronomy and hospitality will surely enchant you. Lumbarda, Račišće, Žrnovo, Pupnat, Čara, Smokvica, Blato and Vela Luka are unique and picturesque, each in its own way. In addition to each of them nurturing its traditional dances, almost every family is involved in the production of wine and olive oil. Because Korčula is known as a wine and olive region, feel free to indulge in a glass of homemade wine and a drop of olive oil. For all wine lovers and those yet to become, it is worth tasting some of the finest wines like Pošip, Grk, Rukatac and Plavac. We would certainly highlight Pošip and Grk as two indigenous varieties of white grapes that grow exclusively on Korčula, resulting in superb, award-winning white wine. You can taste the finest wines at wine bars in the town of Korčula, and our recommendations are Wine & tapas bar ‘’Lole’’ and ‘’Bokar’’ wine bar or you can go on an organized wine tour with a guide for a complete experience.
Good wine and olive oil are ideally paired with Korčula's gastronomic delicacies such as traditional pasta called Žrnovski Makaruni, brodetto made from fresh fish and crabs, or sweets such as Cukarin and Klašun, where the lemon and orange zest is the inevitable aroma of all desserts in this area.
Although you can try all these delicacies in many restaurants of the old town, our recommendation for a restaurant with local ingredients and a homely atmosphere is ‘’Marko Polo’’ Tavern. For those who prefer a slightly more exclusive experience, we recommend the Michelin-starred restaurant ‘’LD’’ where you can taste traditional food prepared from seasonal ingredients in a modern way. If you prefer a vegetarian menu, you will surely find something to your liking at ‘’Aterina’’ . Almost all restaurants in the old town have terraces by the sea so, in addition to local specialties, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Korčula archipelago.
If you want to go a little deeper into the island and feel the rural atmosphere, we recommend the family-owned rural tavern ‘’Gera’’ in Žrnovo. There you can try local cuisine such as Žrnovski Makaruni or grilled fish, always freshly caught in the Korčula waters. Do not miss the visit to the family pub ‘’Pinjac’’ pub & grill, the only brewery on the island where in addition to premium craft beer and burgers you can enjoy house specialties such as dried fish pate, homemade sausages, various liqueurs and jams.
If one day you decide to stay on the beach longer, there is a family tavern called ‘’Caparin’’ just a few minutes’ walk from Villa Leda, where you can try some of the local specialties.
We definitely recommend a visit to Orebić (15 minutes by boat from the town of Korčula) where, while walking and visiting the old captains’ houses, you can try homemade gelato made in ’Croccantino’’, confectionery, have a fruit smoothie or try their delicious cakes.
A PARADISE FOR CYCLING AND HIKING LOVERS
For travellers with an adventurous spirit, Korčula offers numerous activities in a beautiful natural environment.
Rent a bike and embark on an adventure because with more than 200 km of cycling and hiking trails, Korčula is a paradise for cycling and hiking lovers.
If you are more of a sea type, we recommend diving in the waters of Korčula with experienced divers. If you would rather enjoy the Korčula waters without getting wet, board a tourist submarine that sails from the Korčula waterfront once every hour during the season.
The island of Korčula is also one of the key sailing destinations in Croatia, which is confirmed by the first windsurfing school in the country, founded right here on Korčula. Sea activities include kayaking and sailing, as well as windsurfing.
If you want to further complement your stay on Korčula, many agencies offer various themed trips for the whole family or as a solo adventure. In the rich offer you will surely find what is most fulfilling for you: getting to know the cultural heritage of the town of Korčula, a tour of the whole island, a panoramic train trip, a boat fish picnic, buggy safari to Lumbarda, donkey safari, a day trip to the islands of Mljet or Lastovo, Pelješac peninsula or to the city of Dubrovnik. If you want to be more independent while exploring the island and the town of Korčula, agencies offer the possibility of renting bicycles, scooters, cars or speedboats. Whatever you decide, Korčula will certainly delight you.
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