Welcome to Korcula!

Visiting Korcula Island

One of the most popular travel destinations on Croatia’s South Dalmatian coast, the island of Korcula (pronounced Kor-chu-la) is also one of the greenest. It’s dark, dense pine forests inspired the Ancient Cnidian Greeks to name it Melaina Korkyra (Black Corfu or Corcyra, as their homeland region was once known), when they settled there in 6 BC. Today, the lush pine forests remain as one of the main features of the hilly Adriatic island, especially along its north facing slopes, scattered with dry stone walls enfolding vineyards and olive groves; still cultivated as a livelihood by inland settlements today. In fact, two of the most popular Croatian white wines, Posip and Grk are grown on the island.

The islanders from seaside towns and villages live mainly from fishing and tourism, as the rocky, indented coastline offers numerous secluded pebble beaches and bays, breathtaking hilltop views, including a small and uninhabited archipelago consisting of sixteen islets, which can be explored by boat, water taxi or kayak.

Like its more popular neighbours Dubrovnik and Hvar, the island has much to offer in terms of history, culture and of course, natural beauty, with the bonus of having a more relaxed and authentic ambience.

Its most visited destinations are the town of Korcula, known as mini Dubrovnik, with its cluster of terracotta roofed houses above medieval fortified walls and round towers, facing a narrow sea channel with mountain views from the neighbouring peninsula, Lumbarda a small village surrounded by Grk-producing vineyards and the only sand beaches on the island and Vela Luka, the island’s second main port on its western side; a modest resort, known for its prehistoric archaeological finds. Smaller towns and villages around the island, such as Brna, Prizba and Racisce are less popular but offer a quieter, more local holiday experience, away from the increasing tourist crowds in Croatia.

The main town on the island, also named Korčula is where the sword dance Moreška, a well-known folk drama/dance, which used to be played all over the Mediterranean is now solely performed. Korčula Old Town is a typical medieval walled Dalmatian town, with its round defensive walls and towers and red-roofed houses where Marco Polo (1254 - 1324) the famous world-traveller and writer, as well as a Venetian merchant, is reputed to have been born. In the Old Town, his supposed house of birth will shortly be turned into a Museum of Marco Polo.

The nearest airports are Split and Dubrovnik. The island is fairly easily accessible from the Croatian mainland by various ferries.

Getting to Korcula

Korčula is well connected to the Croatian mainland and Dalmatian coast. There are various options to reach the Island and the town of Korčula including flights, buses, ferries; you will find here all info about transport links to Korčula - read more » Getting to Korčula + How to get to Korčula Island >> From Dubrovnik; From Split; From Mljet ; From Vis; From Zadar ; From Zagreb; From Mostar

Getting around Korcula island

The easiest way to get around Korčula is to walk, cycle or use public transport. Here is your comprehensive guide to public transport in Korčula, including taxis, local buses, airport shuttle and local ferry boat services as well as map of all ferries,ports,taxi stations and bus stops + Korčula Town map - detailed, visitors map of the Old Town and surroundings .. - read more » Getting around Korčula

Things to Do

Sights and Places of Interest

Visiting local sights, beautiful buildings, small squares and monuments in medieval Old town is one of the most interesting things to do in Korčula. Look at the map of Korčula historical heritage sites that indicates locations of squares, monuments, churches, palaces and more - read more » Korčula Sights

Beaches on the Island

Except for its historical heritage, Korčula is also a great place for summer holidays as it offers warm sea, lot of sun and lovely beaches. There are several beaches around the old town and numerous more around the island for one to enjoy - here is a map with list and my reviews of more than 50 beaches around Korčula - read more » Beaches in Korčula & Map of Korčula Beaches

Excursions, Day Trips, Activities and Tours

There are numerous excursions, day trips, tours and activities you can do in Korčula. There is a page with activities and excursions listings that include day tip to Mljet and Dubrovnik, The Island Tour and Sightseeing tour. See also Dubrovnik Travel Guide for more info if you plan a trip to Dubrovnik.

Where to stay

There is a whole range of accommodation in private houses, villas and apartments in Korčula. Most of the rooms and apartments are of fairly high standard, but there will be some examples of accommodation which is not as good as others. Here are some comments and listings about staying on the Island: Where to stay on Korčula Island ; Where to stay in Korčula Town ; Old Town Hotels - selection of good accommodation in the Old Town; Coastal and Rural Holiday Cottages - selected self catering holiday cottages to rent on unique coastal or rural locations.