If you’re looking to visit Korcula, Croatia, I couldn’t recommend it more as there are things to do in Korcula for anyone who loves beautiful and pristine views, authentic culture, and lively little towns.
I have spent LOTS of time in Korčula over my 6 summers working as a tour guide in Croatia, and I can’t wait to tell you about all the best Korčula activities, restaurants, old towns, swimming, nightlife, accommodation, and more.
I’ve packed this little guide FULL of fun facts and historical tidbits to give you the best understanding of Korčula in a short time. Enjoy!
Korčula Overview
Home of the little walled town, or a ‘mini Dubrovnik’ as many like to call it, Korčula Croatia is nothing short of charming. With water so clear it almost seems impossible, views of a dramatic cliffy Peninsula, and quiet alleyways of old town teeming with flowers, vines, coral shops, and old Venetian blinds, it’s almost like a fairytale.
And, that’s pronounced Korch-uh-luh. Which rhymes with porch-uh-luh. The little carrot above the letters in Croatian is kinda like adding an -h in english. so š is like sh, č is like ch, ž is like zh… and so on. Read more introductory Croatia information for planning your trip.
Getting to Korčula
As it’s a relatively small island – surprise – you’ll have to take a boat! Good thing there are multiple ferries each day to Korčula from Dubrovnik, Mljet, Hvar, and more.
The main town or Korcula island is called Korcula – so this is where you will want to get a ferry there rather than Vela Luka, a smaller port on the other side of the island. Korcula Town has more going on and is the island’s hub. Book ferries in advance here and check out accommodation options below.
You can also visit the island as a day tour from Dubrovnik along with some other wine regions.
Check out Some More of my Croatia Content to Help You Plan Your Trip
- Guide to Hvar
- Balkans Road Trip Itinerary
- Guide to Booking Croatia Sailing Tours
- Best Festivals in Croatia
- Guide to Split
- Day Trips from Split
- Guide to Vis
- Guide to Dubronvnik
- Hideout Festival Review
- Total Croatia Guide
Things to Do in Korčula Croatia
Possibilities are boundless with things to do in Korcula, so let’s dive in! I’ll begin with things do do in the town and end with more remote beaches and activities.
Get Lost in Korčula Old Town Streets
Explore the beautiful vine-laden stone streets of Korčula’s old town. You will notice that all the streets on the east side are curved and all the streets on the west are straight – giving the town a fishbone-like shape. This is because, in winter, a very strong wind comes from the east in the winter.
Hundreds of years ago, the Korčulans made note of this and made sure to curve the streets in the east so the strong wind couldn’t get through to the center of town, but made sure that the gentle western breeze could get into the town in the summer. How smart is that?!
There are also some museums to visit in the center of old town with all sorts of historical artifacts and island history.
Wind Sports
Because Korčula island comes within just 1.2km of the Pelješac peninsula, all the wind blowing between the mainland and the sea gets funneled into a little air tunnel in this area. This makes it perfect for wind surfing!
It is quite a spectacle to watch the windsurfers on a good day, there are literally hundreds out on the sea flitting about in every direction. Spend some time watching them do their thing, or try it yourself!
Marco Polo’s Birthplace + Museum
As some legends have it, Korčula Croatia is the birthplace of the very famous explorer, Marco Polo. No, not the pool game. Yes, we have all learned that he is an Italian explorer…. but, because Korčula was part of the Venetian Empire during Marco Polo’s (or Marko Polo as they spell it here) time, he still was, well, Italian… Venetian to be exact.
Marco Polo is famous for sailing up from the Adriatic with his father and uncle on a massive, legendary expedition. They traveled through the silk road in Mongolia, Russia, China, etc lasting twenty-three years. Crazy, huh?
So in Korčula you will see him all over the place… gift shops with cute little explorer trinkets, his alleged birth place, and a whole museum dedicated to him which is complete with life-size mannequins doing medieval times things. They’re pretty proud of the fact that he might have been born here! 😛
Watch the Moreška Dancing
Korčula is also the birthplace of a traditional sword dance called Moreška (mo- resh- kah). This is a choreographed dance where the performers wear traditional Croatian clothing and dance with swords. The dance was originally meant to reenact the wars that went on here in the 14-1600’s. A tiny history lesson – as I said above, a lot of the Croatian coast was part of the Venetian empire during those years.
The Ottoman Turks were also conquesting most of the coast as well, and largely succeeded in the late 15 and early 1600’s. However, when it came time to conquer Korčula, the Korčulans were actually all able to come together from all over the island into the walled old town and fend off the Ottomans. Which, considering how powerful they were at the time, is reeeeeally impressive!!
Explore or Picnic up the Shore
If you walk around the west side of town, you will see a little stretch of oceanfront with tons of little piers and swimming areas. This is a lovely little place to have a stroll up, have a little swim or picnic, and have a great view of the walled old town from afar!
Explore Around the Island with a Hop On Hop Off Boat Tour
Yes, you read that correctly; Korcula has a HOP ON HOP OFF BOAT that takes you to 4 different locations around the eastern part of the island. This is the best tour in Korčula by far if you’d like to visit some little beaches and islands.
It stops at some secluded islands and beaches where you can swim, SUP, or lay in the sun – in places most visitors to Korcula don’t get to!
Have a Coffee at One of the Cafes
All of the old town, and especially the east side of the walls, is lined with cafes. The ones along the water have fantastic views over the Croatian coast!
Wander Through Old Town’s Shops for Souvenirs
Right along the right side of the main staircase entrance to Old Town, you will find tons of little markets selling anything you could wish to buy.
If you look around the town you will also see loads of coral jewelry – Korčula is famous for this! There are lots of stores selling extremely intricate and elaborate red, pink, and blue coral jewelry, and also a lot of brushed silver. This is the place to get jewelry in Croatia!
Don’t follow me on insta yet? Why not?!
Swimming
There are many different swimming spots around the old town. There’s a little beach down the coast a bit where you can also rent stand-up paddleboards (right past the end of the old town marina – south of old town. Next to Hotel Marko Polo), and there are lots of staircases on the east side of old town that lead right down to cute little places to swim.
Rent a Bike or Do a Cycle Tour
Riding a bicycle around is one of the most popular things to do in Korcula. You can rent one from a local shop and explore for the day, or sign up for a tour that will take you around by bike while teaching you some history.
My favorite Korcula bike tour comes with WINE as well – because what better combination than that?! Check it out below.
Things to do in Korčula for Sunset
Here are some activities that are the BEST to do at or before sunset, but you can still do them at any time of day.
Do a Sunset Kayak Tour
You can sign up for a tour that takes kayaks out on the water to watch the sunset from the best possible place – the sea itself! Watch the sunset light glimmer over the ripples in the water before enjoying a glass on local wine on a secluded beach near Lumbarda.
Watch a Beautiful Sunset from Old Town
If you perch yourself anywhere along the west side of Old town (on the left after you enter the main gate) you will be perfectly situated to see a gorgeous sunset over the sea.
The sunset in the picture above is Tramonto, of my favorite restaurants in Korčula Croatia (which I will go into below). It just so happens to have a perfect view of the sunset and one of the best steaks I have ever had!
Climb the Tiny Staircase at the Korčula Bell Tower – St Mark’s
The most iconic part of Korčula’s old town is the bell tower directly in the middle of the small hill the old town is situated upon.
For just about 20 Kuna you can climb up this extremely narrow stairwell (only fit for one-way traffic, so make sure you wait until the light is green!) to stand at the highest point int the city with panoramic views of the blue Adriatic and mountainous Pelješac peninsula. Watch the sun set right over the sea from up here; it’s a beautiful sight!
Drink Cocktails inside Massimo’s 14th Century Fortress
The Croatians have a thing for making party venues out of ancient ruins, for some reason! Massimo’s is a 14th century fortress-turned-cocktail bar, with all sorts of amazing cocktails that they make two floors down and use a pulley system to get them up to the roof. Oh yeah, and you have to climb a ladder to get up to the top. This might not be the day to wear a skirt!
Adventurous Things to do in Korčula: Beaches + Day Trips
Want to get out a little? Here are some places to visit in Korula with amazing beaches and attractions that are more remote than the town.
Visit Lumbarda
Lumbarda is only a few miles away from Korcula town and is a slower and more relaxed vibe. Lumbarda is great for checking out tiny islands off the coast, swimming, and kayaking. They offer kayak + history tours which are a fantastic way to have a bit of an adventure while getting to know the island’s impressive history.
Visit Vela Luka + Vela Spilja Cave
Vela Luka is the ‘old port’ on the other side of Korcula island. Vela Luka doesn’t have as much going on as Korcula Town, but there are some lovely authentic restaurants, a bar or two, and a prehistoric cave called Vela Spilja where you can go inside and view exhibits of the prehistoric bones and artifacts they found inside from thousands of years ago.
Rent a Scooter
Korcula Island is LONG, and one of the best ways to see it (if not by boat) is by scooter! You can rent scooters from a local shop in Korcula Town and jet around the whole island, visiting tiny bays and other small towns as you go.
Bilin Zal Beach
Bilin Žal Beach is in Lumbarda, and one of the only couple sandy beaches on the whole island. If you’ve been in Croatia a while and are tired of laying on hard rocks, make the commute to Bilin Žal for some soft sand and amazing water.
Some other great beaches in the area include Banje Beach and Vela Przina.
Check out Žitna Cove
Žitna is a tiny cove about halfway down the island that you will only beach via boat or rental vehicle. It’s famous for swimming as the water is crystal clear.
Where + What to Eat in Korčula Croatia
Try some Local Pošip and Grk Wine
Pošip is the name of a dry white wine produced locally on the island. You can grab a glass pretty much anywhere; make sure to try it! There are wineries all over the island and surrounding the town if you wanted. tovisit one in person.
Tramonto
Home of my favorite steak in Croatia.. hell, I think my favorite steak in the world. I used to get it every week and still not get tired of it! It’s called the beefsteak tramonto, and its a steak cooked medium rare in a sour cream, caper, and brandy sauce serves with fries, Croatian Ajvar sauce, and grilled veg.
To Die. For. They also have fantastic pasta and gnocchi (seafood gnocchi or 4 cheese gnocchi – yum), great meat and seafood. Oh, and an entire pizza menu. It’s the best.
Kavana No. 1
New in the last few years, Kavana No. 1 turned into the best place to go for dinner and a view in Korcula Croatia. You must climb a bit of a hill to get there, but trust me, the views (and food) are worth it.
They have a special dish here called peka which you must pre-order so they can slow-cook four types of meat for 2-3 hours before it is served with potatoes, salad, and grilled veg.
Creperia Sempre Dritto
This indulgent little place is a newer Creperie right next to Dos Locos Bar. And it is absolutely fantastic. I got the ham and cheese crepe with tomato paste, and it came out absolutely perfectly crispy on the outside with oozey cheese and perfectly spiced. I also got a banana nutella and cookie crepe (a different week don’t worry 😉 ). Go there.
Things to Do in Korčula Island at Night
Live Music in Old Town
There is a lot of live music in Korčula! If you wander around the old town at night, it really comes to life. Their town lights up at night, and there are loads of restaurants and bars and places to get a drink or two. Listen for live bands and you’ll find a lot inside and just outside of town.
Dos Locos No 1. Bar
Dos Locos is owned by the same company as Kavana No 1, creating a nice monopoly on the place. Dos Locos #1 is a nice massive bar with great aircon and music, and two stripper poles inside that have seen a lot in their time from drunk Aussies coming through on the boats 😛 There are three rooms, lots of cocktails, and a sound system and lights fit for a club.
Deja Vu Bar
Deja Vu is an outdoor bar just across from the bus station in Korčula Croatia. It’s nice for enjoying a few bevvies in the open summer air, and listening to music as well.
Boogie Jungle
Now, is that not the best name for a club, ever?! leaving from Korčula’s main bus station, which also happens to be right across from Dos Locos #1 and Deja Vu, you can find lots of free party vans shuttling people up to Boogie Jungle starting around 12:30/1am on most nights in the summer. The ride up is free (about 5-7 minutes), but there’s an entry fee of 50 kuna or so.
‘Boogie’ is one of my favorite clubs of the route – I always end up having the best time there. There is fast food for you to munch on on the way out, and taxi’s back to town or to the port should be no more than 50 kuna per car, or 10 kuna per person in bigger vans. Don’t let them scam you!
Where to Stay in Korčula:
Here are some unique + boutique places to stay in Korcula for different budgets.
Hostel – Hostel Korčula
If you are looking for a hostel in Korcula, stay at Hostel Korcula. That’s easy to remember isn’t it?! It’s the most well-rated and central and is also VERY social and tucked inside a 500-year-old building.
Hotel – Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel (Prev. Hotel Korčula)
Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel is very central with a great view. You can’t get much better than this location, which looks out directly to the sunset near the restaurant I mentioned above.
This hotel is on the higher-end of Korcula accommodation, and while stunning and boutique, can get a bit pricey in July and August. Stay in the off/shoulder season for better rates.
Airbnb/Rentals in Korcula
There aren’t as many airbnb’s in Korčula, especially for bigger groups, but there are options if you book early.
This Apartment is one of the ONLY available inside the old town.
This Studio is one of the most affordable options with a view above the beach.
This two bedroom apartment has an AMAZING view of old town and is the most affordable for 3-6 people/bigger groups.
Where to Go From Korčula Croatia:
Check my Guide to the Best Places to Go in Croatia for some inspo on where to go from Korčula, or how to plan a day trip here from any of a few locations.
Dubrovnik is a must-see in Croatia, and is a short ferry away. See more things to do in Dubrovnik here!
Hvar is also a short ferry ride away. Check out more things to do in Hvar here.
PIN THIS TRAVEL GUIDE TO KORCULA ISLAND HERE!
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.
Karen Cornella
Wednesday 25th of January 2017
Clearly we need to visit Korcula too!! : )