With over a thousand islands, most travellers to Croatia find it a hard time deciding which island to visit, resulting in them often skipping over some of the best ones, including Korcula.
I’m here to make sure Korcula ends up as one of the destinations in your Croatia itinerary.
In my opinion, Korcula Town is one the most authentic, and underrated places in Croatia, and therefore not to be missed.
The historic fortified town of Korcula is often referred to as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean, and trust me, that’s for an excellent reason.
From the incredible Korcula land Gate to the winding alleyways of the old town, the intriguing ornate St. Mark’s Cathedral, to the alleged birthhouse of famous world traveller Marco Polo, this small yet incredible town sure knows how to charm and captivate.
Here’s my guide to Korcula, including the best things to do in Korcula, where to stay, when to visit, and how to get there, as well as essential information and tips that help you make the most out of your time here.
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Where is Korcula
Where to stay in Korcula
There’s a whole myriad of excellent accommodations in Korcula Town, including luxurious hotels, homey apartments, and budget-friendly hostels, that fit any budget and travel style.
+ White House Apartments | Nestled in the lively streets of Korcula Old Town, White House Apartments offers a unique and authentic setting, and a prime location near all the best things to do in Korcula, while also providing superb comfort. The room comes with an excellent bed, air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and a kitchen with a washing machine – perfect for either short or long stays.
B&B Ghetto | Situated just outside Korcula Town is B&B Ghetto, a spacious apartment that provides comfortable beds, air-conditioning, and an excellent private bathroom. On top of that, it is fairly priced, as well as close to most of the interesting things to see and do in Korcula.
Alternatively, search for accommodations in Korcula Town on booking.com.
8 Unique things to do in Korcula
1. Admire the Veliki Revelin Tower
It is often said that Korcula is among the best-preserved medieval towns in Croatia, and the old town’s picture-perfect main entrance surely adds to this noteworthy reputation.
Dating back as far as the 14th century, the Veliki Revelin Tower is a medieval construction with an adjacent staircase, that is presently used as the town’s main entrance.
At first, the old town of Korcula was entered via a wooden drawbridge, before it was upgraded in the midst of the 18th century to the exquisite staircase we walk today.
Entering the old town from here is among the best things to do in Korcula, as it provides authentic, medieval feels – plus it makes an excellent backdrop for your next Instagram post.
2. Visit the Marco Polo House
Although we’ll never know for sure, local legend has it that famous world traveller Marco Polo was actually born in the coastal town of Korcula, Croatia.
Given his exceptional reputation, it is little wonder that the Korcula locals embrace this (alternative) story with a large amount of pride.
Situated in the vibrant streets of Korcula Town lies a small, yet charming house that is alleged to be the birth house of Marco Polo, one of the best explorers the world has ever seen.
At present, the house is open to visitors, though it’s probably far from its old grandeur.
Recently, the Korcula Town Authority bought the rights to the property, with a clear mission to restore the building to its former glory, as well as turning it into the Museum of Marco Polo.
Honestly, I believe the Marco Polo House is not worth the entrance fee at the moment of writing (August 2020), but I do see that it has great potential in the near future.
If you do however plan to go inside, make sure to visit the loggia on top.
Additionally, you could visit the Marco Polo Museum just outside Korcula Old Town, costing 75 HRK (€10,-) per person.
Where | Marco Polo House
Opening hours | Daily 11:00 – 21:00
Cost | 20 HRK (€2,65) per person
3. Spend a day on of the stunning Korcula Beaches
It’s not only medieval splendour that characterizes Korcula Old Town.
No, Korcula is in fact home to a great selection of incredible beaches and awesome swimming spots sprinkled around the neighbouring coastline.
Whether you’re after a quiet stretch of pebble beach, a local town beach, or a dock to lay down your towel, before diving into the refreshing waters of the Adriatic, Korcula has you covered.
Some of my favourite Korcula beaches include:
Beach Ispod Duvana | At only a 10-minute walk from Korcula Old Town lies Ispod Duvana, a picture-perfect stretch of beach that is without a doubt my favourite beach in Korcula.
As soon as you lay down your towel, you’ll be welcomed by the most iconic view of Korcula Old Town. The view genuinely gave me goosebumps, even though it was 34 degrees.
On top of that, this quiet stretch of pebble beach offers easy access to the Adriatic, making it an excellent place for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing.
Where | Beach Ispod Duvana, Korcula
Zakerjan Beach | Located on the eastern edge of the old town, Zakerjan Beach is among the oldest swimming spots in Korcula and is popular with travellers and locals alike.
Zakerjan beach offers a small pebble cove, concrete platforms as well as a number of ladders and steps that provide easy access to the sea.
All this makes Zakerjan Beach the perfect spot for those wanting to stay close to their accommodation, while also having the possibility of enjoying the Mediterranean sun and sea.
Where | Zakerjan Beach, Korcula
Banje Beach | Considered the oldest beach in town, Banje Beach is a small pebble beach situated in the Borak area, roughly 15 minutes east of the old town.
The cove around Banje Beach is also home to a couple of excellent restaurants serving food and refreshments, making it perfect for families.
However, Banje Beach is one of the most popular local beaches near Korcula Town, and therefore more crowded than the aforementioned beaches, especially during the summer months.
Where | Banje Beach, Korcula
4. Sample delicious pastries at Aurora Sweets
If you’re a seasoned sweet tooth after a mouth-watering treat, I’m pretty sure this little gem is the recommendation you were waiting for.
Tucked away in one of Korcula’s charming alleyways lies Aurora Sweets, a small bakery that serves a great selection of cakes, cookies, and desserts, as well as excellent coffee and nourishing smoothies & bowls.
If it wasn’t for my decision to walk the old town one more time before leaving for Dubrovnik, I would have never stumbled upon this cosy dessert cafe, which would have been a disaster.
But fortunately, I did.
After a short chat with the friendly lady behind the counter, I selected the Shrek Mint pastry, an excellent cake that was perfectly crafted around the subtle, yet refreshing flavour of mint.
However, what I liked most, and why I would go back, is the fact that most of their pastries are based on natural ingredients, resulting in a great array of vegan, refined sugar and gluten-free options.
Where | Aurora Sweets, Korcula Town
Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 21:00
5. Get lost in the streets of Korcula Old Town
Said to be one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean is Korcula Old Town, a small coastal town that is easily among the most attractive towns I’ve ever set foot in.
Korcula Old Town is, in fact, picture-perfect as if lifted straight from a traditional romantic movie.
For that reason, the best thing to do in Korcula is simply wander through the town’s narrow cobblestone laneways, whilst taking in the beautifully elegant architecture.
Honestly, walking here felt as though I’d stepped back in time.
If you’re after an even better experience, make sure to walk the streets during sunrise, when there’s barely anyone awake, and the rustic buildings reflect the day’s first rays of sunlight.
In one word: mesmerizing!
Although I spend only a day in Korcula, I wouldn’t mind spending a whole week, getting lost in Korcula Old Town’s enchanting little laneways.
6. Visit the St. Mark’s Cathedral
Situated on a small square in the heart of Korcula Town is the majestic St. Mark’s Cathedral, a towering construction that is charmed by its locally obtained limestone, intriguing details, and ornate Gothic-Renaissance style.
When the building was built in the 15th century (on top of an older church), both local and Italian artisans, gave significant importance to the cathedral’s facade, which if you ask me, is easily reflected in the church’s baroque details and sculptures.
But it wasn’t just the outside that left me in awe.
Inside, the cathedral has an elevated ceiling, a colonnade that is made of exquisite limestone pillars, as well as a handful of exceptional artworks, including a bronze statue of St Blaise, and a notable painting in the ‘Three Saints’.
If you’re keen on going to higher grounds, make sure you visit the bell tower as well.
Due to the church’s strategic position (the highest point of Korcula Town), it provides the most spectacular views of both the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea, making it one of the best things to do in Korcula.
Where | St. Mark’s Cathedral, Korcula Town
Opening hours | Daily from 09:00 – 21:00
Entrance fee | 10 HRK (€1,33) per person
Entrance Belltower | 25 HRK (€3,32) per person
7. Walk the seaside promenade of Put Svetog Nikole
Just west of Korcula Town lies Put Svetog Nikole, a palm tree-lined promenade that is hands down my favourite place to escape the sizzling Mediterranean heat in Korcula.
During the summer months, both locals and travellers enjoy going here for a lazy afternoon of swimming, relaxing, and tanning.
To me, that’s no surprise.
Along the entire promenade, you’ll find easily accessible swimming spots, mainly in the form of docks and concrete platforms, mostly providing ladders to enter the sea.
On top of that, there is Ispod Duvana, an excellent beach where you’ll easily find yourself chilling away an afternoon (or two) – so don’t forget to bring a good book.
But it is only when your afternoon of relaxing is over that the real charm comes to attention.
When walking back in the direction of Korcula, you’ll be welcomed by the most iconic view of both Korcula Old Town and the stunning Adriatic in the distance.
Where | Put Svetog Nikole
8. Discover the Korcula Archipelago
Similar to the neighbouring island of Hvar, Korcula is home to an impressive group of islands, dotted throughout the Adriatic.
Charmed by 18 quaint islands, the Korcula Archipelago has clearly no shortage of pristine beaches and coves, that are ideal if you’re after swimming, relaxing and activities on the water.
The largest and best-known of these islands is Badija, an island that is known for its 14th-century Franciscan Monastery, fallow deers, and an array of excellent beaches and swimming spots.
Other great islands that are worth visiting include Vrnik and Stupet. These 3 islands, as well as Lumbarda, are easily accessible by using the water taxi or hop-on-hop-off speed that departs from the main harbour in Korcula Old Town.
If you’re keen to go off the beaten path and explore the smaller, more secluded islands & islets, make sure to rent a small boat. Do bear in mind that you need a license to operate a motorboat.
No license, no problem. Alternatively, there is the option to rent a boat including a skipper.
Where | Korcula Archipelago
Cost boat rental | Starting at 400 HRK (€54,-) | Including a skipper 800 HRK (€108,-)
Cost Hop on Hop Off | 200 HRK (€27,-) for a day ticket, book here
Things to do in Korcula | The essentials
The best time to visit Korcula
Like most islands in the Mediterranean, Korcula enjoys great weather year-round. Accordingly, the summers are hot and lengthy, with July and August as the hottest months.
Personally, I think that the best time to visit Korcula is just outside those peak months when temperatures are excellent, yet still bearable, providing the best circumstances to tick off all the best things to do in Korcula
These shoulder months run from April to June and from September to October.
During these periods, the days are long, there is little to no rainfall, as well as smaller crowds and slightly cheaper prices, which is always a good thing right?
My favourite day tours & activities in Korcula
If you’re after an organized tour to discover Korcula and surrounds, here are some of my personal favourites.
How to get to Korcula Old Town
If you’re keen to visit the charming island of Korcula, you’ll have to step aboard one of the ferries that operate between Split, Brac, Hvar, Korcula, Mjilnet and Dubrovnik.
There are two companies that service the islands, one for foot passengers only – Krilo, and one for both car and foot passengers – Jadrolinija.
The ferry services are among the best I’ve ever used, and operate the area frequently throughout the day – plus they are pretty affordable, comfortable, as well as strictly on time.
Both operators offer excellent services, and tickets are easily booked online or at the ticket booth in the harbour.
I would recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
How to get from Hvar to Korcula | Hvar Town is basically built around its picturesque main harbour, therefore it’s pretty straightforward to find your departing ferry to Korcula.
As soon as you board the ferry, sit down, take it easy, and enjoy the epic sceneries along the way. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Where | Harbour of Hvar
Cost | 110 HRK (€14,55) one-way
Travel time | Roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes
Departure time | Daily 08:50 and 18:10
How to get from Split to Korcula | The ferry from Split to Korcula departs from the first pier at the main harbour in Split and the journey takes roughly 2 and a half hours.
Make sure that you’re at the right terminal by checking the number that is indicated at the dock. If you’re not completely certain, don’t mind asking the ticket vendor.
Where | Split Ferry Port
Cost | 140 HRK (€18,50) one way
Travel time | Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
Departure time | Daily 07:40 and 17:00
How to get from Dubrovnik to Korcula | If you’re after a trip to Korcula from Dubrovnik, you’ll have to go to the Dubrovnik ferry port, situated in Gruz, a neighbourhood roughly 25 minutes from Dubrovnik Old Town.
Make your way to the ferry port by jumping aboard a local bus that leaves for Gruz from the Pile gate. Bus lines that operate in this area include no 1a, no 1b, and 3. More information on the Dubrovnik bus lines here.
As soon as you leave Dubrovnik, it should take around 2 hours to reach Korcula.
One thing you should take into account is the fact that this route is operated exclusively by Krilo, and departs only once daily at 16:30.
Where | Dubrovnik Ferry Port
Cost | 140 HRK (€18,50) one way
Travel time | Around 2 hours
Departure time | Once daily at 16:30
Safety in Croatia | Travel insurance
While Croatia is completely safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, the reality is often that something can go wrong at any given moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
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