Things to Do
Discover the Best of Korčula
Korčula is a captivating island in the Adriatic Sea, known for its crystal-clear waters, historic charm, and Mediterranean allure. Nestled along the tranquil shores of Prižba, Villa Miris Mora offers you the perfect gateway to explore this island paradise.
From ancient towns and scenic coastal drives to authentic local cuisine and quiet pebble beaches, Korčula promises a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
Let your stay at Villa Miris Mora be more than just a holiday—immerse yourself in the rhythm of island life, where timeless landscapes, warm hospitality, and unforgettable moments await.
3 Reasons Why You Should Visit Korčula
Croatia has one of the most rugged coastlines in Europe which means it has a large number of islands and islets. However, Korčula is one of the most often talked about. What’s that which distinguishes Korčula from other islands you might visit and what are the most important reasons to visit Korčula?
Depending on the person, there are different reasons for choosing Korčula as your vacation destination. However, we’ve made a list of some of the most often which will convince you to visit this beautiful island or give you an idea of what to incorporate into your itinerary.
Travel back to history with cultural sights
The town of Korčula is filled with cultural sights with its town core being one of them. Even though many towns on the Dalmatian coast have a town core, this one is the best preserved thanks to which you can travel back in time. A great architectural monument is the Cathedral of St. Mark which is on an elevated and protruding position.
Another cultural landmark is the potential birthplace of Marco Polo, an Italian explorer and writer. Korčula is also thought to be the place where Kyrka, the sorcerer, held hostage Odyssey and his soldiers, which tells a lot about the importance of Korčula in sea routes even in ancient times.
When speaking of culture on the island of Korčula, we’re talking about prehistoric culture too, from about 20 thousand years ago. The Vela Spila Cave archaeological collection is kept in the museum in Vela Luka and is absolutely worth visiting.
Aside from physical cultural sights, Korčula is home to many traditions. An interesting one is moreška – a sword dance which combines music and drama. Another great tradition is the acapella singing style called klapa which is famous throughout the whole Croatian coast.
Wine and dine
If there’s one thing Korčula’s famous for, then it’s the wine. People of Korčula have been into winemaking since ancient times and have continued up to today. Also, the harvest is often done manually just like in ancient times because of the way the vine is planted.
Some wines you can find on Korčula are even autochthonous, such as Pošip and Grk which are special sorts of white wine. Pošip is a famous wine with a long history, and you’ll definitely enjoy a tour of any local winery which will tell you its story. Pair that wine with some local homemade food and you’ll be in for a treat.
Enjoy the sea and nature
There are numerous beautiful beaches all over the island – some of them are easily accessible by car, while some require a little bit of hiking. The most popular one amongst locals is the Pupnatska Luka Beach, but you can’t really go wrong when searching for a beach in Korčula.
If you’d like even more peace and tranquillity, visit the neighbouring islet of Proizd or Badija. Badija is home to a beautiful Franciscan monastery and deer who aren’t afraid of people. Proizd held the title of the most beautiful beach spot in all of Croatia in 2009 and its crystal-clear turquoise sea is still beautiful.
When discovering nature, it’s best to take your bike on one of many trails around the olive groves and vineyards. The most popular one is between Korčula and Lumbarda which besides olive oil and wine offers the view of the sea.
These are only some of the reasons why you should visit Korčula, and once you arrive, you’ll discover many more of them.
Authentic Food Of The Korčula Island
This beautiful Dalmatian island has many things to offer. Thanks to the crystal-clear sea around Korčula, its inhabitants have been closely connected to the sea and all it has to offer. Seafood and fish are one important aspect. This long-standing relationship with nature is why the people of Korčula have such a strong bond with their food and amazing authentic dishes.
Aside from using the sea as a food source, the people of Korčula have used their environment for agricultural activities since ancient times. There are marks of viticulture and olive oil making ranging from the time of Ancient Greece. Because of this, their wine and oil are of high quality. When you have quality oil, it’s important not to waste it on mediocre food, and the gastro traditions of Korčula are all but mediocre.
Žrnovski makaruni
This is a type of pasta made in the village of Žrnovo, Korčula. It’s rather long, but not a type of long pasta like spaghetti, and its middle is empty. This is due to the use of a stick in the pasta making. When you try makaruni, you’ll realise that they’re handmade so there’s always some peculiarity and difference, but the taste is impeccable. Especially if you pair them with a meat sauce like beef sauce which won’t just slide off. For the true experience, you have to find both good makaruni and quality sauce.
Octopus
Different parts of Dalmatia prepare octopus in different ways. On Korčula, you’ll get “octopus in its own juice” or “drunken octopus”. The point is that octopus lets out a lot of juice in the making, and you have to mix that juice with garlic, wine, and parsley rather than getting rid of it. This helps retain a special flavour and you’ll get a nice sauce.
Korčulanska pašticada
Just like octopus, there are numerous versions of pašticada all over the Croatian coast. However, Korčula has one of its own. In its essence, pašticada is stewed beef in a sauce made of prošek (a type of wine) and dry prunes. Most often, it’s served with homemade potato gnocchi. This might seem similar to Žrnovski makaruni, but the sauce is completely different, and we suggest you try them both while you’re on this amazing island.
A lot of sweets
When it comes to sweets, Korčula has several great desserts.
Lumblija
This is a type of sweet bread which originated in Blato, Korčula. Some ingredients include almonds, walnuts, prošek, rakija, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, anise, orange and the most important one – cooked grape must or mošt. You can easily see that it’s an aromatic desert with a specific flavour.
Klašuni
Another special desert of the island of Korčula is klašuni. They’re a type of small cookie with a strong aromatic taste and a couple of special ingredients: ammonium hydrogen carbonate, walnuts, almonds, oranges, white raisins soaked in rose rakija etc. Their taste is different than any other sweets you’ve tried.
Cukarini
Cukarini is another type of cookie which is in their texture similar to klašuni. They also include ammonium bicarbonate and citrus, so you’ll feel a citrusy flavour and a texture similar to shortbread. However, they’re even more brittle. The crucial step is dipping them into a rose rakija and then into sugar.
Great island with amazing food
All these magnificent dishes have once started as food for the poor. People used what they had which was olive oil, wine, and fish. The cuisine of Korčula shows that you can make wonderful and rich dishes with ingredients you find in nature.
Best Things To Do On Korčula
As the sixth largest Croatian island, Korčula has a lot to offer. Everyone will find something for themselves; there are great hiking and cycling trails for adventurists, beautiful scenery for nature lovers, landscapes varying from olive groves to pine forests, crystal clear sea as everyone’s favourite aspect of Korčula and much more.
We’ll cover some of the best things to do on Korčula in this article; for more detailed lists of nature activities or cultural sights, see some of our other articles. Also, keep in mind that there’s so much more to discover and we couldn’t possibly list all of the great things Korčula offers.
Walk among the deer on Badija island
This one is probably the most famous activity on Korčula, or to be precise, near Korčula. Badija is a small island next to Korčula which is home to a beautiful Franciscan monastery. As you might know, monasteries always have beautiful gardens and arboretums which is true for this one too.
However, the main attraction on Badija island are the deer which were introduced in 1958. and since then, have established a stable population. They aren’t really afraid of people so you might even get to come close to them. Anyhow, visiting Badija is a unique experience you shouldn’t skip when vacationing on Korčula.
Travel back in time on a wine tour
We’ve already mentioned that Korčula is sometimes called “the island of wine” due to its long-standing tradition of viniculture and a few autochthonous wines Pošip and Grk. Aside from these special sorts, the people of Korčula grow a lot of other wine sorts and are proud of their tradition.
Because of this, it’d be a great idea to go on one of the tours starting in Korčula town on which you’ll visit local wineries and hear stories about their history and the whole process of winemaking while also tasting some of the local wines. You could also visit some of the oil mills if you’d like to taste their world-famous olive oil.
Discover the old town
Korčula’s old town core is one of the best preserved on the Adriatic Coast. Due to this, you can truly get a feeling of what it was like to live here in ancient times. The town and the island have a rich history so there’s a lot of material to discover. However, we won’t go into much detail on the cultural aspect in this article, but you can read all about it in our list of best cultural sights.
Visit some of the traditional festivals
People of Korčula still have a strong love for their traditions and culture which is why they keep alive some of the great historical aspects of their culture. Because of this, there are festivals like the Korkyra Baroque Festival which gathers baroque musicians and artists from all over the world. This festival holds place in various beautiful settings throughout Korčula and Pelješac and is known for its high standard.
Love for tradition on Korčula is evident in their relationship with food. For a few years now, there’s been a food and wine festival called Korčulanske Pjatance taking place in spring and autumn. Here you’ll get a taste of traditional food from some of the best restaurants on Korčula and get an authentic experience.
Endless options
There are many more activities aside from these – you’ll stumble on different events in the summer which will delight you and make you want to come back. There’s always something to do and see on Korčula, you just have to explore it.
Events On Korčula
Visiting Korčula doesn’t have to consist only of sightseeing and hiking. This island offers a lot of events and activities throughout the year, but especially in the summer. As we’ve already mentioned, they have a strong relationship with their culture and history. This is why a lot of events are somehow related to old traditions.
Aside from the regular festivals, there’s always something new. Every year a new face pops up, and a new street musician arrives or performs at well-known festivals. Because of this, you’ll never feel like you’ve seen it before, even if you return to Korčula year after year. And once you experience this island, you’ll want to return.
Musical events
Korkyra Baroque Festival
Probably the most famous festival in Korčula is the Korkyra Baroque Festival. Every year, a bunch of talented musicians and bands from around the world come to Korčula and perform at this festival. You can see some Croatian artists, as well as those who’ve never been here before. No matter the country of origin, the common thing to all these performers is high standard and quality. They’re all amazing musicians who specialize in baroque music or have baroque music in their repertoire. This event is usually held in September.
Korkyralis Music Festival
A complete opposite of the baroque music of the previous festival is the electronic music of Korkyralis. Here you’ll also find Croatian and international artists and DJs who specialize in various subgenres of electronic music. Events of these festivals are scattered through July and August, so you’ll probably only catch some of them.
Aside from these festivals, there is a large number of individual concerts throughout the summer on Korčula. Especially worth mentioning are the classical music concerts in the Cathedral of St. Mark – definitely a unique experience.
Exhibitions
Music isn’t the only form of art people of Korčula love. There are often different exhibitions in various spots in Korčula. Some take the standard form of showcasing artwork, while some are modern and require the public to use their smartphones. Every year there’s something new and interesting so you can be sure that you’ll catch at least one exhibition during your vacation.
Food festivals
Korčulanske pjatance
This festival is only 5 years old, but it’s a real hit. The idea is that the best restaurants of Korčula offer some of the traditional dishes prepared classically so everyone can get a taste of Korčula as it once was. This way, everyone gets to taste the premium offer on Korčula without having to pay for a full meal at the restaurant. It’s a great way to promote tradition, the gastro scene, and the community.
Traditional town festivals
This is the most popular form of festival throughout Croatia. Virtually every town has its form of this. Essentially, the town organizes a lot of activities during a few days period which include shows, concerts, workshops, food trucks, tournaments etc. The point is to gather the people of the town together and make them participate in some traditional games and modern activities. This type of event is actually beloved amongst tourists because they get a feeling of what it’s like to live in one of these smaller towns.
Moreška
One of the most popular events in the summer is Moreška – a battle dance with swords which emerged in the 12th century on the Mediterranean. Korčula has its own authentic version of Moreška and today is one of the few places that still value this tradition. Make sure to check out tickets for Moreška when you’re visiting Korčula!
Historical And Cultural Sights On Korčula
Even though Korčula is most famous for its natural landscape and beautiful sea, it has many great cultural and historical sights. This island has been inhabited since ancient times and has had a rich history. Due to this, there’s much to discover in the old town cores today.
The old town core of Korčula is one of the best preserved on the Adriatic so you’ll be able to explore it in detail and really get a feeling of how the people lived here once.
Visit Vela Spila and travel back in time
When talking about historical sights, Vela Spila is the oldest one in Korčula. It’s a cave located near the town of Vela Luka and is relatively easily accessible. It’s a prehistoric archaeological site whose excavations are kept in the museum in Vela Luka. Vela Spila offers evidence of this island being inhabited by cca. 20000 years. It’s an important site for Korčula, as well as the rest of Europe.
Lumbarda Psephisma
Lumbarda Psephisma is one of the oldest written monuments in Croatia, which was discovered in the town of Lumbarda, Korčula. Today, it’s kept in the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, but it’s still important for the island and its history. The monument talks about the relationship between the Greek settlers and local people.
Excellently preserved old town core of Korčula
There are many charming things about the old town of Korčula, and here are some of the most important. The Cathedral of St. Mark is the most famous cultural sight on the island. It was built throughout the 15th and 16th century by local artisans. An interesting thing about this cathedral is that the icon of Our Lady of the Island is kept in it which is believed to have saved Korčula from the Ottoman Navy.
The Cathedral is situated on the most protruded spot on the island, on the peak of a small peninsula. Thanks to this, there’s a great view from the top of the cathedral. It’s worth mentioning that there are numerous classical music concerts held in the Cathedral because of the great acoustics so check them out if you happen to visit at the right time.
Another sight in the old town of Korčula is the gates. Korčula was once surrounded by walls, and you could get in the city only through the gates. The so-called Land Gate is a cultural monument and here you’ll find a few important symbols from the history of Korčula.
One thing you shouldn’t skip is the Zakerjan or Berim Tower. The tower was built by a local stonemason and has a distinctive pattern at the top. The good news is that you can take a break at the top of Zakerjan Tower in a cocktail bar before you continue exploring the old town.
The churches and museum in Blato
While a lot of people visit Vela Luka and Korčula, there are many more places worth visiting, and one of them is Blato. Here you’ll find the largest church on the island, as well as the ethnographic museum in which you can discover everything about the traditional life on Korčula. Aside from the largest Parish Church of All Saints, there are several other smaller churches in Blato which will delight you.
Island of culture
There are many more cultural and historical sights in Korčula, one of the more famous being the potential birth-house of Marko Polo. All of them are worth visiting, but it’s up to your itinerary and accommodation. However, you can’t go wrong with any cultural sights you choose.
How To Get Around Korčula
Once you’ve gotten to Korčula, you’ll have to figure out transport throughout the island. As the sixth largest Croatian island, Korčula is easily navigated, but you won’t be able to travel the whole island by foot. It would take approximately 10 hours to get to Lumbarda from Vela Luka. Because of this, you’ll have to combine walking with other forms of transportation or opt for something else entirely.
Travelling by bus
This is one of the most popular options if you’re going to the towns of Vela Luka and Korčula. Regular bus lines are starting both in the town of Korčula and Vela Luka so it doesn’t matter which one you’re arriving at first. That same bus line has several stops so you can get by bus to some other towns like Blato, Smokvica, Čara, Pupnat and Žrnovo.
Aside from Vela Luka, there’s a bus line from Korčula to Lumbarda. It departs around five times a day in both directions. All these bus lines are a great option for travelling between these larger towns, but how to get to smaller towns?
Taxi and taxi boat for larger groups
If you want to visit some specific spots near larger towns, taking a taxi is a great option. However, keep in mind that there’s no Uber or any other larger taxi companies on this island so you’ll have to find local services. Also, if the trip is too short, it won’t pay off for the driver so they might deny you. Your best option is to rent a taxi as a group and make a deal with the driver to take you both ways – this can be costly, but it pays off if you split the bill as a group.
To get to secluded beaches and bays, you can take a taxi boat. They’re a great option for discovering the coast and have become more and more popular throughout the Adriatic Coast. You can even visit the neighbouring islands, the options are endless.
Cycling for nature lovers and adventurers
If you don’t have much luggage, cycling might be the ideal option for you. Whether you’re bringing your bike or renting one in Korčula, this is a great form of transportation for adventurers and nature lovers. It’s the perfect method for combining travelling and sightseeing as you can take some less-known roads and macadams surrounded by fields.
However, you should be in shape for cycling throughout Korčula and bring enough water since not all roads are straight and some are uphill. Cycling is also a great option if you’re staying in one of the villages near towns with bus lines so you can get to the nearest bus by bike.
Private car or rent-a-car for maximum flexibility
All aforementioned forms of transportation offer limited flexibility and you’re dependent on one or more factors. So, if you want to explore various parts of Korčula with maximum comfort, you should travel by car. If you’re taking your private car, keep in mind that car ferries drive to Vela Luka and Korčula.
There are a few car-renting services on the island, but you don’t have to rent a car for the whole duration of your stay. Plan your vacation in such a way that daily trips for which you need a car are day after day. Another benefit of car travel is that you can easily get to our villa in Prižba, no matter if you’re taking your car or renting one in Vela Luka or Korčula.
How To Get To Korčula?
As one of the islands in the central Dalmatian archipelago, Korčula isn’t accessible by car. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take your car to the island. Discovering the natural beauty of this island is much easier with a vehicle and it pays off to rent one if you’re not travelling by your own car.
Since there isn’t a bridge, you’ll have to take different forms of transportation to get to the island. There are multiple combinations of getting to Korčula, and the one you choose depends on where you’re coming from and whether you’ll be visiting Korčula only.
The number of travelling options becomes more extensive if you’re not travelling by car though. If you’d like more flexibility in getting to Korčula and if you plan on staying in one place on the island, it pays off to travel carless and get cheaper transport to the island.
How to get to Korčula without a car?
Your two main checkpoints when visiting Korčula are Split and Dubrovnik. These cities are the closest ones with airports so the majority of visitors will be travelling through them. If you’re only visiting Korčula, getting a flight to Split or Dubrovnik is your best option. When travelling without a car, you can search for catamaran options or even car ferry options if the timetable suits you better.
There are two daily passenger-only catamaran ferry lines from Split:
Split – Vela Luka (Korčula),
Split – Hvar – Town of Korčula.
When travelling from Dubrovnik, the schedule of the ferry varies throughout the year, but there’s a daily line all year round. Another exciting option is taking a bus from Dubrovnik – it’ll take you to the Pelješac peninsula which is connected to the mainland with a bridge, and from there the whole bus will take a ferry.
Even though most of the transport goes over Split and Dubrovnik, there are occasional catamaran lines from the coastal town of Makarska which is halfway between Split and Dubrovnik, and the islands of Brač, Mljet or Lastovo. These catamaran options are perfect if you’re island hopping or want to explore the coast a little bit before settling on Korčula.
Getting to Korčula by car
Whether you’re driving your own car or renting one, there are several car ferry lines connecting Korčula with the mainland or neighbouring islands. However, there isn’t one from Dubrovnik, so you’ll have to get to Split or the Pelješac peninsula. It’s good news too that Split has several car renting companies so it’s a perfect combination when flying to Croatia.
When travelling from Split, you’ll take the line:
Split – Vela Luka (Korčula) – Lastovo.
An even shorter car ferry line is the one from the Pelješac peninsula. It departs from the town of Orebić and arrives at Korčula town, the Dominče port.
How to get to our villa?
Since your final destination is in Prižba, it’s best to take a ferry to Vela Luka. Once in Vela Luka, you’ll take a 25-minute drive to your accommodation and that’s it. You can also travel through the town of Korčula if it suits you better, since the drive to Prižba isn’t too long either, only 44 minutes.
The final verdict
If you’re travelling by car, your options are car ferries from Split or Pelješac (if you’re flying to Dubrovnik). You’ll have more flexibility when getting to Korčula without one since you can take catamarans from multiple points, but you won’t be able to explore Korčula truly without a car. Whichever you decide, the beautiful island of Korčula is here waiting for you.
Island Hopping From Korčula
Just because you’re vacationing on Korčula, doesn’t mean you can’t see some of the neighbouring islands too. Luckily, Korčula is surrounded by other beautiful islands, and you can incorporate even a few of them in a day tour.
An even more popular way of discovering multiple destinations is island hopping. It can take anywhere from 1 day to 1 month but most often around a week. The most popular are short tours that last up to three days. What you’ll need when island hopping is a private boat, a charter boat or an island-hopping company. You can start from the coast or from one of the islands you’ll be visiting. Our suggestion is you stay at Korčula since it has the ideal position for island hopping in all directions.
Visiting the small islets around Korčula
This is a unique island-hopping tour which you can plan on your own. Korčula is surrounded by several small islands, and while some of them are well-known like Badija, some are unheard of by tourists. Because of this, you’ll find peace on this island. For many of them, there isn’t any form of public transport so you might even get the island for yourself.
We suggest you visit a lot of islets around the whole island of Korčula since they’re relatively close and accessible by boat. Aside from the most popular ones like Badija and Proizd, you should visit Ošjak for its wild nature and Trstenik on which stands a beautiful lighthouse built in 1873. If you’d like a more forested islet, visit Planjak which is near the town of Korčula.
Islets closest to our villa in Prižba are Vrhovnjak, Sridnjak and Crklica. They’re all uninhabited islands with untouched nature and great swimming spots. The seafloor around them is natural and filled with life so bring snorkelling equipment with you.
Island hopping to some larger Croatian islands
When you’re going island hopping from Korčula, you don’t have to stay so close. Most of the popular Dalmatian islands are only a short boat drive away. A great tour would include the Pelješac peninsula, the islands of Hvar and Brač, and in return the island of Vis. However, this tour would take several days or even a week. Both Brač and Hvar have amazing landscapes, ancient ruins, and lots of activities so the choice is up to you.
If you’d like a shorter island-hopping tour, there are a few great ones. Try combining Pelješac and Mljet. They’re both close to Korčula and Pelješac is culturally connected with it so you’ll get the whole picture of the history of this region. Mljet is one of the most important islands considering marine biodiversity so it’s a great diving or snorkelling spot. Even if you’re not planning on discovering sea life, it’s a great destination and a part of it is a national park.
If you’d like to explore more nature, head to Lastovo which is a part of the Nature Park Lastovsko otočje. The peace and quiet you’ll experience on Lastovo and the neighbouring small islands are incomparable with anything. Here you’ll really feel away from your everyday urban life and worries. Far out from Lastovo is the islet Galijula which is the the southernmost point of Croatia, but it’s quite a long drive from both Lastovo and Korčula.
Whichever islands you choose to visit when island hopping from Korčula, you won’t be sorry. Every single one of them is special in its way and has many things to offer: from untouched nature to amazing summer fun.
Korčula By Night
Although Korčula is beautiful by day, with its natural beauty and historical landmarks, there’s something magical about it in the nighttime too. It’s well known that the most beautiful time of the day on the Mediterranean coast is sunset, but the day doesn’t end when it falls dark.
Korčula actually has a good offer of bars and nightlife, so you don’t have to worry about what to occupy yourself at night. Just like during the day, there’s something for everyone, especially in the summer with all the events and festivals.
Discovering the romantic side of the island
There’s something about summer evenings on Adriatic islands. Everything simply turns magical once the dark falls and all the old town cores turn into movie scenes. Discovering the old town by night is a unique experience and it’ll make you fall even more in love with Korčula. Explore the narrow streets surrounded by stone walls and romantic steps which are a perfect spot for eating ice cream.
A lot of the landmarks are visible in the nighttime too, but in different light so you’ll get a new perspective on what you’ve seen during the day.
Discover the nightlife
Nights on Korčula don’t have to consist solely of strolling through the city. There are some great nightclubs and bars for those looking to have fun and dance.
A good suggestion is Dos Locos Bar. This is a nightclub beloved by locals, located on a narrow street near the bus station. In the summer, you’ll find a lot of people in front of it and you’ll meet some new interesting people in no time.
If you prefer live music to DJs, you’re in for a treat. A lot of bars and cafes have live music in the evenings ranging from jazz and rock to pop or Croatian country music. Some of those are Akademija, which books great jazz and rock musicians, and Dno Dna which is a beloved local café and pub.
For a more chill atmosphere, head to Tramonto Cocktail Bar or Massimo Cocktail Bar. They both have a wide offer of drinks, chill music, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Explore the street events
If you prefer going to festivals and street events rather than in bars or clubs, Korčula has a lot to offer. We’ve covered only several festivals in our list of events in Korčula. There are many more music festivals which take place all year round so you can rest assured that something will be going on when you arrive.
Even if you miss all the festivals, there’ll definitely be some street musicians. You’ll stumble upon this kind of concert a lot in Croatia, and while they’re free to listen to, they accept donations.
If you’d like to see a particular festival like the Korkyra Baroque Festival, check the official tourist website of Korčula for dates in advance.
Relaxing after a day of exploring
After all, not everybody wants to explore the island 24/7. Why not just rest in your villa after a long day of marvelling at the beauty of Korčula? This way, you can prepare for the next day, new adventures, and memories, and skip the hangover and tiredness.
Korčula has something to offer to everyone, both during the day and at night. That’s why it’s easy to vacation here with a group of people of different interests – everyone can find a suitable activity. You just have to explore the official website and check out events beforehand so you can plan your trip in advance. This way, you’ll get the most out of Korčula.
Natural Beauty Of The Korčula Island
As one of the most beautiful islands in the world according to many international travel sites, Korčula is bound to have abundant natural beauty. You’ve most definitely already heard about its amazing sea, but there are many more natural jewels around the island.
Some parts might remind you of southern Italy or France, and some of Greece, but the combination of it all is unique. Everyone who visited Korčula agrees that its reputation is justified, and we bring you a list of some of the best examples and great ideas for your trip.
Kočje rocks in Žrnovo
One hiking spot you might haven’t heard of is Kočje, just outside the town of Žrnovo. This is a protected landscape with fascinating dolomite rocks from the Cretaceous period. You can climb them or walk around them – they’re beautiful in any way. A lot of rocks are covered with moss and plants, so you’ll feel like you’ve entered a fairytale. Once you’re done hiking, head to Žrnovo and get some žrnovski makaruni for a great lunch.
Pine forests around the island
Among larger Croatian islands, Korčula is the most forested one. More than half of its surface is covered in it, and most of the forests are of cypress and other related trees such as pines. This means that even in the hot summer months, you’ll find plenty of shade and hiking trails with normal temperatures in the afternoon. Don’t let the summer heat stop you from discovering nature around the island.
Olive orchards
Olive trees are a big part of the scenery on Korčula. You’ll stumble upon many modern and old olive orchards going on for kilometres. Since this region is famous for its high-quality olive oil, it’s no wonder that a lot of surface goes to the oil industry. Cycle next to olive trees or head to an olive mill to discover more about this wonderful tradition.
Vineyards
Another part of the natural beauty of Korčula is the endless vineyards. There are even old vineyards which were planted in a terraced way. This is something you might be familiar with from other Mediterranean countries, but it’s always a wonderful sight.
Aromatic and wild plants
If you read our article about the authentic food of Korčula, you’ll remember that they use a lot of aromatic herbs and spices in their desserts. Because of that, there are fields of aromatic plants like lavender, rosemary, laurel, sage, and many others. Taking a walk along these fields is a memorable experience because your senses will be overloaded with beauty.
Animals of the Korčula island
When talking of natural beauty, we often mention plants and geological formations. However, there’s an important part of the ecosystem we forget – wild animals. Korčula has stable populations of hares, minks, weasels, mongooses, and jackals. An interesting thing is that wild boars aren’t autochthonous to the island, but they often swim from the mainland and between Croatian islands.
Aside from wild animals, it’s important to mention the domestic animals of the island which you’ll see much more often. Donkeys and mules are the most often bred farm animals on Korčula and you’ll see plenty of them roaming the fields. You might even have to wait for a herd to cross the road before continuing your journey.
The sea speaks for itself
We’ve mentioned the crystal-clear sea around Korčula more than anything else. It’s worth noting that the seafloor is just as beautiful as the beaches, so bring snorkelling equipment and discover the abundant marine life around this beautiful island.
Packing Guide For Visiting Korčula
When planning a trip to Korčula, you have to bear a few things in mind. This Croatian island has a Mediterranean climate like the rest of the Adriatic coast. This means that it has warm and dry summers with mild winters. Knowing weather conditions before the trip allows you to make the best out of it. However, temperatures and rainfall aren’t the only factors you should consider when packing for a trip to Korčula.
What’s the climate like on Korčula?
Korčula is a relatively warm island with an annual average temperature of 16°C. This average can drop down to 9°C in the winter, and rise over 26°C in the summer. However, even considering that it’s surrounded by the sea, daily temperatures don’t vary significantly which is good news when packing for a trip as there aren’t large fluctuations.
It’s also good to know that the number of rainy days is small – around 40 which means you’ll probably have a sunny vacation. However, the temperature might seem lower due to the wind which is often present on the side next to the Pelješac peninsula.
What to wear when visiting Korčula?
The best time to visit Korčula is in the summer months since you’ll get to enjoy the sea. The temperatures in the summer can go well over the average 26°C, so prepare for hot weather. The unofficial dress code for the Croatian coast is cotton and linen which are great breathable fabrics.
Wear sleeveless T-shirts and blouses throughout the day, but always pack a light shirt to protect your shoulders and arms from the Sun. Light shirts are also a must for boat excursions or even a walk in nature. You don’t have to dress fancy, but remember that people live here, so entering stores or museums in a bathing suit isn’t acceptable.
Summer months on Korčula call for short pants of light materials. If you intend to explore the old towns, you can even bring summer dresses and skirts. However, if you’re more interested in nature and hiking, different clothes are needed, such as fast-drying sports clothing.
Since the number of rainy days is so low, you probably won’t need a raincoat or an umbrella, but it’s smart to bring one because of the unexpected rainfalls characteristic of Mediterranean summer. Pack a lightweight raincoat which will fit in any pocket and you’re good to go.
Even though there aren’t big fluctuations in temperature, the difference still exists, so you’ll need a cardigan or a light jacket in the evenings, especially if it’s windy.
Which shoes to bring?
No matter whether you’re exploring the town or nature, you’ll need comfortable shoes. A lot of tourists make the mistake of wearing shoes solely for fashion purposes and forget that they’ll walk a lot. Bring some comfortable open shoes for discovering the seaside and a pair of sneakers for forest trails. You’ll soon discover that a lot of the locals walk around in sandals or loafers.
Korčula has some great hiking and mountain biking trails so make sure to bring equipment if you plan on discovering them. This includes the right shoes, but also large water bottles, snacks, first aid etc. Don’t go discovering nature wearing the same outfit as in the city.
With all these suggestions in mind, only you can decide what you’ll need when visiting Korčula and it largely depends on the style of your trip. Discover the wonderful nature by foot or bike or take a dip in the sea near our beautiful villa – it’s all up to you.
The Most Beautiful Beaches On Korčula
Korčula is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean and it’s been on multiple lists of the most beautiful islands in the world. A great deal of its charm is due to the clear blue sea around it. There are only a few places in the Adriatic where you’ll find the sea as mesmerizing as here.
Aside from the sea itself, Korčula has several amazing beaches ranging from pebbled to rocky – something for everyone. There are options for families who want sports activities and offers for children, as well as peaceful beaches for people looking to rest and enjoy the quiet.
Island of Proizd is number one
While not actually on Korčula, Proizd is just next to Vela Luka and is definitely worth visiting. It’s a peaceful island without any cafes, restaurants, beach bars or crowds. You can enjoy the turquoise sea, pebbled beaches, and deep Mediterranean shade without any worry in the world. Proizd held the title of “the most beautiful beach in Adriatic” in 2007, and its beauty is still present. It’s important to note that Proizd has also been on lists of places with the clearest sea in the world.
Pupnatska Luka
This jewel is located near the village of Pupnat which is one of the oldest inhabited places in Korčula. It’s worth visiting both Pupnat and Pupnatska Luka or Pupnatska Bay Beach. This is one of the most magical beaches on the whole island. You’ll get round pebbles, crystal-clear sea, and deep Mediterranean shade just behind the beach so you can turn it into a whole day trip.
Even though it’s popular, you can find peace on this beach, as well as a nice stroll through nature coming to and from the beach.
Bilin Žal
If you prefer sandy beaches, there are several options. One of the best is Bilin Žal which is the locals’ favourite. This naturally sandy beach also has rocky parts which are great for jumping and snorkelling. Since you have a natural sea floor, there is abundant sea life, and you’ll enjoy the underwater view even more than the crystal clear sea itself. There’s a great view of the Pelješac peninsula.
Žal in Prižba
Even though it’s a little bit further from the towns of Korčula and Vela Luka, the main beach of Prižba is one of the most attractive beaches on the island. It’s a great beach for families and sports lovers since there are a lot of activities around it. For those looking for fun, there’s a beach bar and some snack bars. Also, it’s the closest one to our villa in Prižba so it’s the ideal option.
Žitna near Zavalatica
The Žitna beach is an amazing rocky beach perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling. There are straight rocks on which you can lay all afternoon and a pine forest to hide in shade over the hottest hours. For those who’d rather skip the rocky part, there’s a small pebbled beach. However, the pebbled part tends to be more crowded than the rocky part so you should come early.
Orlanduša near Žrnovo
This beach is rarely crowded, and it takes a bit of effort to reach it. However, it’s worth it once you arrive because you’ll have access to a small pebbled beach surrounded by natural rocks and a beautiful pine forest. Swim in the turquoise sea while enjoying the sounds of crickets and wind.
Hidden beachs of Korčula
Aside from the beaches we mentioned, there are many more jewels on this island that you’ll discover as you go.
Where To Drink On Korčula
As an island with endless vineyards and even some autochthonous wine sorts, Korčula is bound to have a few great bars and wineries. Or even more than a few. Home to high-quality white wine, Korčula, offers numerous wine and gastro tours. When planning a vacation on this island, you simply can’t skip a wine-tasting tour or a visit to some of the amazing wineries.
However, even though it might be called “the island of wine”, the drink offer is much wider than that, so anyone will find something for themselves, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Rule of the thumb is that where there’s great food, there are amazing drinks to pair with it so you can follow our guide to the best restaurants on the island too. Still, there are some bars we haven’t mentioned which will delight you with their drink offer.
Old-school wineries with autochthonous wines
Blato 1902.
This is actually the most important wine-making company in this region. In history, it started as an agricultural cooperative which bought wine from workers and allowed them to provide for their families with winemaking. Blato 1902. is a product of many people who once worked in that cooperative. Their social role still exists, which is why they’re so important for Korčula and neighbouring regions.
In Blato 1902. you can taste some of the autochthonous wines such as Pošip or Korčulanka, and other great quality wines like Merlot and Plavac mali which is autochthonous for all of Dalmatia. The good news is that its tasting room is in the town of Blato, close to our villa in Prižba.
Bire Winery
The most popular winery of Korčula island is definitely the Bire Winery. They’re especially famous for their Grk wine which is another autochthonous wine sort of Korčula. Bire Winery is known for its love of tradition, and it makes sure to keep the ancient Korčula alive. This is visible in the design of their bottles, as well as the high-quality winemaking of Lumbarda.
Wine bars in the city
BARić
In the town of Korčula lies a wine bar called BARić focused on local wines of the island Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula. You can get a glass of any of these wines which is a great way to try out the local offer before settling on a bottle. Even though it has a “bar” in its name, you can actually get great food here, whether it’s finger food or whole meals. Essentially, it’s a wine and tapas bar which is perfect for an afternoon snack.
Lole Wine Bar
This is another wine and tapas bar very well-known amongst the locals. The selection of wine is focused on Korčula with additional wines from all over Croatia. Pair your wines with plates of prosciutto crudo and some delicious cheese for the best experience!
Cocktail Bar Massimo
Once you’ve had enough of high-quality wines, head to the Cocktail Bar Massimo for something more fun and chill. It’s located at the Zakerjan Tower which was built in the 15th century and offers a beautiful view at any time of the day. It’s the perfect place for a cocktail before going out or for a picture with a view.
Good drinks are everywhere on this island
On the “island of wine”, you are guaranteed to find amazing wine wherever you go. It’s good to try many different sorts and manufacturers first before you settle on one you’ll be taking home. And since the quality of Korčula’s wine is so high, we’re sure you’ll want to take at least one bottle with you.
Where To Eat On Korčula
The beautiful scenery of Korčula island is an indicator of the food quality. Picturesque olive groves and vineyards, in contrast to the crystal-clear sea, are all signs of great local cuisine. And that’s the case on Korčula. No matter whether you’re searching for a traditional tavern with homemade food or a fine dining experience, you’ll find just the right place.
The quality of food on Korčula is known throughout Croatia and you won’t find only tourists visiting these restaurants. One amazing thing about a lot of these restaurants is that they aren’t empty through the day like some tourist-oriented places but rather serve as a coffee place in the morning and a spot to eat something quick in the afternoon.
Traditional food beloved by locals
There are a few categories when choosing restaurants on the Adriatic coast, and the most searched-for one is traditional food. Here are some taverns which are locals’ favourites.
Konoba Planjak
Remember that we mentioned how a lot of taverns have customers throughout the day? Well, Planjak is the most popular one amongst the locals and has once been the centre of cultural life in Korčula. This place doesn’t only serve great food but is also a place for fun. It wouldn’t be odd for someone to start singing and many others to join them.
Adio Mare
This is one of the oldest taverns on all of Korčula and you can feel that they follow tradition in their old-school dishes. The menu is wide, but one common factor to all their meals is that it’s homemade and authentic. Adio Mare is perfect if you’re looking for a good lunch or dinner and want to taste the traditional Korčula – one that is truly connected with nature.
Konoba Maslina
When you have “olive” in the name, the food can’t be anything else than great, right? At least, that’s the case with Konoba Maslina. They have one of the best traditional pasta dishes called žrnovski makaruni, but you can’t go wrong with any other thing on the menu.
Fine dining for gastro enthusiasts
If you’d like something new, a mix of traditional taste and modern delivery, Korčula has some great places too. One of the restaurants actually has a Michelin star so it’d be a shame not to visit it while you’re here.
LD or Lešić Dimitri
The name comes from the location of the restaurant which is in the Lešić Dimitri Palace. While the ambience is amazing and the restaurant is extremely aesthetically pleasing, that’s not its only advantage. A unique thing about this place is the creations of chef Marko Gajski who uses traditional ingredients and tastes with a modern twist. This amazing food earned the restaurant a Michelin star which is why you can’t skip it.
Best of both worlds
Konoba Škafetin
This restaurant isn’t like the traditional taverns we described, nor is it a true fine dining experience. It’s actually a perfect mix of both of these worlds. Their menu is simple but covers all the essentials: pasta, fish, meat… Everything they use is fresh since they try not to freeze or keep ingredients that are out of the season. Some meals you might recognize, but some are unique and modern – this is why Škafetin stands out from all the other restaurants.
Don’t forget the others
We couldn’t mention all the great restaurants on this island, however, Korčula is full of amazing taverns. Visit Konoba Maha for a ranch experience or Cukarin for something sweet. Sometimes the best restaurant is the one you simply stumble upon.
Where To Shop On Korčula
If you plan on visiting Korčula, it’s good to know where all the good shops are. We’re talking about souvenir shops, grocery stores, art galleries, clothing stores etc. While smaller towns usually have one grocery store and possibly a souvenir shop, larger towns on Korčula have a wide offer.
There are places where you can discover local art and support the artists by buying their work, or shops and tasting rooms for olive oil and wine. You’ll find a place for whatever you might need on the island.
Grocery shops
If you’re only eating out for some meals, you’ll have to buy groceries. There are a few market chains available on Korčula: Studenac, Konzum and Tommy. Our advice is to compare the prices when you make larger purchases because they tend to vary between the stores. Also, don’t buy wine or oil from the grocery stores when you’re surrounded by high-quality products wherever you go. Even if you’re on a budget, we’d suggest you try some traditional dishes in a restaurant, rather than cooking everything at the place you’re staying.
Souvenir and traditional products shops
A lot of souvenir shops on Korčula also sell traditional products from local manufacturers so you’ll find various types of wines like Pošip and Grk, as well as olive oil. You might find different products with this local olive oil such as cosmetics. A lot of souvenir shops offer aromatic products made with wild plants or locally grown herbs.
One particular shop selling traditional products we’d recommend is Eko Škoj. Everything you find here is locally grown or made on Korčula. It’s actually a family farm dedicated to keeping the tradition and culture of Korčula alive. They emphasize fresh produce, local herbs and spices, as well as natural ingredients.
If you’re interested in natural cosmetics, then Kasiopea is the perfect place for you. They use locally sourced natural ingredients to make organic cosmetics. A lot of it is based on honey or oil of the Korčula island.
Jewellery shops
Buying jewellery on a vacation might not be your first idea, but once you enter the shops with beautiful, handcrafted jewellery in Korčula, you’ll have to bring something home.
There’s Trezor, where you can find unique handmade pieces made of Adriatic corals, pearls, shells, stones, and silver. You’ll find a lot of traditional motives and sea details because they also value tradition and life on the island.
If you’re interested in coral jewellery, there’s the Coral Shop Irena which bases everything off of Adriatic corals. It’s been in business since 1990 so they have a family tradition of making and designing jewellery.
Art and clothing
You can find a wide offer of clothing, jewellery, and small art pieces in Manina. Here you can discover clothes from various Croatian designers, glass artwork and a lot of jewellery. It’s a great shop for buying gifts you can bring back home or something to remember Korčula by. We wouldn’t say it’s a souvenir shop, rather an art and clothing boutique.
Pastry shops
If there’s one shop you shouldn’t skip when on Korčula, it’s Cukarin. Here you can find all kinds of traditional local cakes, and the most popular one is cukarin. They use local ingredients and follow traditional recipes thanks to which you’ll discover the true taste of Korčula. Since a lot of these cookies are dry, you can even bring them back home to keep the memory of Korčula lasting. Aside from cakes, Cukarin has widened its offer to wine, olive oil and other traditional products.
Contact Us
- Prižba 131, 20271 Blato, Korčula
- 904-993-4795 Marsha
- info@villa-korcula.com