Have you thought yet about how long you will stay on Korcula Island? There is no average length. Some people come for just a day or two, others for their 2 weeks on an even longer holiday. To get the most out of Korcula Island, we’d recommend that you stay for at least 2 or 3 full days. A weekend in Korčula will show you how culturally diverse and arguably more beautiful it is. Located just two and a half hours by ferry from Split, the island is less than thirty miles long and only five miles wide, making it the perfect place to explore for a weekend. Korcula Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia. Although fairly small there are an incredible number of things to do in Korcula. Home to ancient sites, stunning coastlines, local wineries and the birthplace of Marco Polo, it’s easy to understand why so many tourists choose to visit Korcula.
Enjoy the beaches and crystal sea at Korcula Island!
How to get to Korcula:
You can get the ferry to Korcula from Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Mljet. Both car ferries and foot passenger ferries are available:
How much time to spend in Korcula:
Many visitors will choose to visit Korčula as a day trip from Split or Dubrovnik. If you’re tight on time, this can be a good option. It’s better to see it than not! However, if you have some spare time, 2-3 days on Korčula is ideal. This gives you enough time to rent a bike, try a good selection of restaurants and enjoy the beach.
Is Korcula worth a visit?
Of course! If you’re looking for a destination in south-Dalmatia, that’s a little less touristy than Dubrovnik, Korcula is your island. Korcula is Croatia’s 6th largest island, located directly in the middle of Split and Dubrovnik. Covered in lush pine forests, vineyards and historical treasures, it’s the reason why people want to visit Korcula.
What is the best time to visit Korcula?
Korcula has a temperate climate with warm dry summers and cooler winters. The best time to visit Korcula Island is from May to September. The weather will be warm (and very hot in July-August) and you will have plenty of daytime sunlight to explore the island.
Where to stay on Korcula?
Korcula is only a small island at the end of the day. This makes choosing where to stay an easy task. If you are visiting Korčula, we recommend staying in The Villa Gabriela. This beautiful villa for rent offers carefully decorated accommodation with luxurious amenities and services. You can check 360 tour here.
Day 1
Morning
Start the day with a coffee and a croissant & watch the world go by. Croatians love coffee, but it’s more cultural than that. The cafe is the place where numerous social & business interactions take place. Where you meet your friends or hold a meeting or job interview. So it’s the perfect first stop for a taste of island life.
Next up it’s time to explore the iconic Korcula old town. The very first glimpse of it when you arrive is truly memorable. You can take a guided tour of the old town, but it is small enough to explore on your own. Things you want to include are:
- The Town Museum, where you can see ethnographic collections and learn more about the island
- St Mark’s Cathedral & the Bell Tower, where you can enjoy amazing views from the top
- Picking up a couple of wonderful homemade souvenirs, such as filigree jewellery or natural beauty products
- Stop by one of the many churches – some are harder to find than others
- Retrace the legend of Marco Polo by visiting his “supposed” house or the museum created in his name
Afternoon
In the afternoon go for a wine and food tour! You’ll get to taste a variety of delicious produce and meet local producers. Or see more of the island during a wine taster tour and visit a family-run winery in Lumbarda and Smokvica. You can also pack your towel and swimwear and head to one of Korcula Town’s beaches. You’ll find small pebble, rocky beaches around the Old Town.
Evening
Sunsets on Korcula are truly spectacular, so be sure to catch them. If in Korcula Town, head to Massimo, a cocktail bar in a medieval tower where you can get a great view. Or walk to the end of the pier on the west side of Korcula Old Town and watch the sky turn shades of red and pink.
Head to one of the town’s eateries to sample some traditional food. You’ll find “konobas” (more rustic style dining) which serve more traditional dishes and restaurants which typically offer local dishes with a modern twist. For a more fine dining experience within the Old Town walls book a table by the sea at Filippi.
Day 2
Morning
After a refreshing night’s sleep begin the day with a swim. It is very peaceful, the sea is very calm and there are far fewer people around. There are a number of places to swim in Korcula Town such as Sveti Nikola street and in front of the Old Town walls. You can also rent a kayak.
After the morning swim, hire a bike and cycle Korcula Island. Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or simply looking for a leisurely pedal through the countryside, Korcula Island is perfect for exploring by bicycle all year round, thanks to the enjoyable Korčula weather. It is possible to hire bikes for the day from a number of travel agencies in Korcula Town. If you’d prefer slightly less pedal power, up for an e-bike. Pack up a picnic and choose a cycling route.
Afternoon
It’s time to take a break. The location of Korcula makes it perfect for the two great Croatian gastronomy delights: seafood and wine! Croatia’s southern Dalmatian region is known for its award-winning wines, and Korcula has the ideal environment for producing two of them – Pošip and Grk. You can order these varieties of white wine at most restaurants on the island, so don’t hesitate to indulge in a drink… or two.
Evening
The craft beer industry is booming worldwide, and Croatia is no exception. Even Korčula now has its own brewery and pub! Lovers of the golden liquid will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to try a local Korcula brew. Simultaneously, many other bars on the island also serve craft beers from elsewhere in Croatia.