This Croatian island has medieval walls, Renaissance buildings, and beaches. Locals claim it's Marco Polo's birthplace. Vineyards produce white wine from the Pošip grape.
Korčula, an island in southern Croatia's Adriatic Sea, is known for its marble-paved Old Town, St. Mark's Cathedral, and local Grk wine. You can walk through centuries-old streets, swim at Pupnatska Luka beach, cycle through vineyards near Lumbarda, and taste grilled fish at seaside restaurants. Korčula offers a chance to experience Croatian island life away from larger tourist centers like Split or Dubrovnik.
Exploring Korčula Old Town
The heart of Korčula island is its Old Town, a compact medieval settlement on a small peninsula. When you enter through the Land Gate, you'll find yourself in a maze of narrow alleys laid out in a herringbone pattern. This design allowed sea breezes to circulate while protecting against strong winds. At the town's highest point stands St. Mark's Cathedral, built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Its façade combines pointed arches and Renaissance sculptures. You can climb the bell tower for views over the town's red-tiled roofs and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.
Swimming and Sunbathing
Korčula has many calm bays and pebbly beaches. Pupnatska Luka on the south coast has a crescent of white pebbles surrounded by pine trees. For a sandy beach, head to Vela Pržina near the village of Lumbarda. This shallow bay has calm waters and a gradual depth. If you want fewer people around, take a water taxi to one of the small uninhabited islets like Badija or Vrnik, where you'll find quiet coves and remains of old stone quarries.
Wine and Local Food
Korčula is known for its white wines, especially the dry Grk grown only around Lumbarda village. You can visit family-run wineries to taste Grk and other local varieties like Pošip. Pair your wine with fresh seafood at restaurants in Korčula Town or small taverns in villages across the island. Local specialties include brodet (fish stew) and peka (meat and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid). For dessert, try Korčula's traditional pasta-like sweets called cukarin.
Cycling and Hiking
Cycling allows you to explore Korčula's interior, with trails passing through olive groves, vineyards, and small villages. You can rent bikes in Korčula Town and follow marked routes. For hiking, there's a trail up Korčula's highest peak, Klupca (568 m), which takes you through pine forests to the summit. Water sports enthusiasts will find places for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing, particularly around Lumbarda and Vela Luka.
Transportation and Accommodation
Ferries connect Korčula to Split, Dubrovnik, and nearby Orebić on the Pelješac peninsula. In summer, catamarans also link Korčula to Hvar and other islands. Most visitors choose to stay in or near Korčula Town, which has hotels, guesthouses, and apartments across different price ranges. For a less busy environment, consider villages like Lumbarda or Račišće.
