One of the more southerly Dalmatian islands, the beautiful Korcula is best known for the main settlement – Korcula Town – which has a charming little old town that some say resembles Dubrovnik. This lovely town and island is an excellent stop whilst exploring Dalmatia as it’s easy to get to from the mainland and some other islands, and has a rich sightseeing and cultural offering for visitors.
The island is reputed to be the birthplace of famed merchant and explorer Marco Polo, and much is done to celebrate the man in the town and the island. (Pop into the Marco Polo Interpretation Centre, for example, to learn more about the Korcula connection.) Marco Polo was certainly captured during a battle in front of Korcula Town in 1298, and a family named Depolo are long-standing residents of the island.
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Getting to Korcula Town
You’re spoilt for choice in reaching Korcula Town which is lucky as this place is so charming, you’re bound to want to visit! As you can see below, there are a number of ferry and catamaran options from towns and cities on the mainland both to the northwest and southeast of the island. Additionally, you can also make the journey to Korcula by bus as this utilises the car ferry boats.
The nearest airport to Korcula Town is Dubrovnik Airport. Transfer to Dubrovnik port from the airport and then make use of one of the below ferry/catamaran options to reach the town. However, Korcula can also be reached from Split, so you could also utilise flights to that city’s airport.
By Ferry
There is a car ferry that travels from Orebic on the Peljesac Peninsula to Domince, just on the outskirts of the town. This very regular ferry – which has a higher frequency in the summer months – is run by Jadrolinija and has a journey time of just 20 minutes.
By Catamaran
Korcula Town is a stop on almost all the coastal catamarans that operate from Split to Dubrovnik and vice versa.
One such catamaran is Jadrolinija‘s which operates from roughly mid-June to mid-September each year. It takes 3 hours 40 minutes to reach Korcula Town from Split or 2 hours to reach it from Dubrovnik. This catamaran also makes stops at Bol on the islands of Brac and Hvar Town, so you can use it to reach Korcula from either of these two islands.
Kapetan Luka has two coastal catamarans running between Split and Dubrovnik which stop at Korcula Town. The first – which also stops at Milna (Brac), Hvar Town and Pomena (Mljet) operates daily from the start of April through to the end of October, making it especially useful to travellers. This one takes 2 hours 20 minutes from Split or 2 hours from Dubrovnik.
Kapetan Luka‘s second coastal catamaran runs from Split to Bol (Brac), Makarska, Korcula, Pomena (Mljet) and Dubrovnik and return. This one only operates from mid-June to mid-September; it takes 2 hours 55 minutes from Split to Korcula Town and 2 hours 45 minutes from Dubrovnik.
As if that wasn’t enough, the same company Kapetan Luka have some additional catamaran services from Split to Korcula Town via Hvar, one route operating year-round. (In summer, the service also makes a stop at Prigradica on the western side of Korcula island.)
TP Line also has a couple of coastal catamarans, operating roughly the same routes from Split to Dubrovnik as above. The same company also operates a line that sails from Dubrovnik to Sobra (Mljet) to Korcula Town and on to Ubli (Lastovo), plus Dubrovnik – Sipanska Luka (Sipan) – Sobra and Pomena (both Mljet) – Korcula Town – Ubli (Lastovo).
By Bus
There is a non-daily bus that runs from Dubrovnik directly to Korcula Town which takes 3 hours and 25 minutes. It is run by Arriva Autotrans.
What to See and Do in Korcula Town
The Old Town
The Old Town itself is of course the main draw for visitors here. Built on a peninsula on this part of the island, it is a very well-preserved example of a medieval town layout. If seen from above, the Old Town has a central street with smaller streets branching off it to both the west and east – something of a fishbone layout.
The Old Town’s walls were originally built in the 13th century although they have been restored many times since then. The walls contained a number of four-sided towers, although just four remain today, all from the 15th century. There are two entrances into the Old Town – through the Land Gate (Kopnena vrata) and the Sea Gate (Morska vrata). The Land Gate is located at the base of Revelin Tower which was built in 1485. Above the gate, you can see a winged lion, a symbol of Venice.
Within the Old Town is St Mark’s Cathedral which was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries, although Korcula itself became a bishopric in 1300 when the Bishop of Ston moved here. The Cathedral is home to several paintings by Italian Renaissance master Tintoretto, including The Annunciation.
The Abbey, next to the Cathedral, was the former home to the Bishop. Today it houses a number of religious works of art.
Museums
The Korcula Town Museum is housed in Gabrielis Palace, the former of an esteemed 16th-century family. The museum tells the history of the town and its inhabitants, with exhibits including a focus on important local professions and crafts such as shipbuilding.
The Interpretation Centre Marco Polo is the place to come to learn more about Marco Polo himself, as well as his connection with Korcula.
Beaches
Korcula Town isn’t especially known for its beaches, certainly in comparison to other spots on the island. Aside from beaches by some of the hotels (see further down the page), the best idea would be to get some wheels to explore other spots on Korcula, or head to Badija island (mentioned below).
Zakerjan and Puntin beaches are right outside the Old Town walls and although tiny pebble beaches, there’s something rather exotic about sunbathing with such a historic backdrop. Banje Beach is within easy walking distance from the Old Town; the small pebble beach offers swimming with a glorious view!
If you undertake a short walk in a westerly direction along the coast you’ll come to St Nicholas Beach – another pebble/rocky beach – which is a rather glam affair with another stunning view of the Old Town.
Excursions on and near Korcula Town
The forested islet of Badija – which is just off the coast of Korcula and which you pass on the car ferry from Orebic – is an ideal place to visit for a few hours of relaxation and tranquillity. Just one square kilometre in size, you can opt for a gentle stroll on the island’s paths before heading to a beach. There’s also a small restaurant/cafe here.
Take a look at some of the other day trips that are possible to do from Korcula Town:
Events in Korcula Town
The half year is celebrated in Korcula Town each year on the 30th June with a masked parade.
During the summer months, a weekly presentation of the famous Moreska sword dance is held in the Old Town. It’s an absolute highlight of the island and an important part of its identity – make sure you attend! The sword dance tells of a battle between two armies (dressed in black and red) who fight over a young girl named Bula.
The Korcula Baroque Festival is a classical music event that takes place every September featuring Croatian and international ensembles.
Korcula Cultural Centre hosts events throughout the year, including concerts.
Eating and Drinking in Korcula Town
When dining or drinking out, you must sample a glass or two of Posip, a white wine which is native to the island of Korcula.
Wine & Tapas Bar LoLe is a tiny, tiny place but worth it for its excellent Dalmatian tapas-style dishes and fantastic wine list. Make a reservation ahead of time to be sure you get a table.
For a special kind of dining experience, you must head to the Michelin-starred LD Restaurant from the Lesic Dimitri Palace Hotel. Opt for the chef’s tasting menu to really experience the best of LD Restaurant’s fine meals, and ask for recommendations for accompanying wine. Get a seat on the wonderful outdoor wraparound terrace if you can.
A sister restaurant to the above is LD Garden where you can also sample some of the excellent cooking. It’s also a great place for a relaxing glass of wine.
Konoba Aterina is an excellent choice if you’re after a restaurant in the Old Town itself. Perfectly positioned, there’s a great atmosphere here to go alongside the delicious mostly seafood dishes.
Konoba Marco Polo is a family-run restaurant that offers all manner of grilled fish and meat. The seafood platter in particular is well rated by diners.
Servantes Food & Wine Bar is the place to go for impressively sized top-quality pizzas.
Cocktail Bar Massimo is one of those places that has to be experienced to be believed. Housed atop a tower at the northern tip of the Old Town, you must climb up a ladder to get to the tables, and drinks reach you via a pulley system. Head here for drinks at sunset.
Accommodation in Korcula Town
If you’re after a special place to stay, you’re in luck; there are some really lovely hotels here. Top picks include the stunning five-star Lesic Dimitri Palace right in the centre of the Old Town. The small property features a handful of exquisitely decorated and finished apartments.
Anotehr top choice is the four-star Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel which is the oldest hotel in Korcula. Housed in a grand old building, its prime position overlooking the Adriatic can’t be beaten. Another four-star property right in the thick of the action is the four-star San Teodoron which has a pretty terrace.
Those looking for a larger resort-type hotel with outdoor pools and other amenities should consider the four-star Aminess Port 9 Resort, located a short walk from the centre of town. Located on a beach, the hotel is home to seven restaurants, two pools, a spa and wellness centre and a kids’ club.
Another similar option is the four-star Aminess Hotel Liburna. This hotel also has a pool and is located on a beach, and is an easy 10-minute walk to the Old Town.
The one campsite in town is the Port 9 Campsite by Aminess, part of the larger Port 9 Resort. With space for tents, you can enjoy access to a sandy beach, several restaurants and bars, pools, kids’ entertainment, sports facilities and more.
Use the map below to search for hotel and rental accommodation:
More info
There’s plenty more invaluable info on the Korcula Tourist Board website or on the Visit Korcula island website.