Korcula Island is one of the most beautiful in Croatia. Although fairly small (it’s less than 30 miles long and 5 miles across), there are an incredible number of things to do in Korcula!
Home to ancient sites, stunning coastline, local wineries, and crystal clear waters, it’s easy to understand why so many tourists choose to visit Korcula, Croatia.
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Best Things To Do on Korcula Island
Korcula is a fascinating place to visit. In addition to the best things to see in Korcula, it’s also a place to simply enjoy.
Many visit the island to only see Korcula Town – it ranks as one of the Top Croatian Destinations. We agree, the Old Town is a Korcula must-see.
However, there are other spots that shouldn’t be missed. Lumbarda and Vela Luka are also top Korcula Island destinations.
We’ll break down all three Korcula Island towns to visit to help you decide which you’d like to add to your Croatia Itinerary.
Furthermore, we include detailed tips, a helpful Korcula map of attractions and essential travel info – like how to get there and where to stay. Plus, we offer advice for top Korcula tours.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Korcula Travel Guide to plan your trip to Croatia!
Korcula Town, Croatia
The ancient Old Town is perched on a small peninsula and wrapped in defensive stone walls. The main thoroughfare runs through the center with angled side streets branching off each side.
In fact, Korcula’s pedestrian-only streets were designed like a fishbone. The layout was thoughtfully planned to welcome the summer breeze and limit the winter wind.
Things To Do in Korcula Town
Many Korcula sights are located within the confines of the historic Old Town. Because of their close proximity, the top attractions can be covered in a few hours.
What To See in Korcula Old Town
The entire fortified Old Town is a sight! The narrow cobblestone lanes are lined with opulent architecture.
We recommend simply wandering through the historic center and taking it all in. That said, make sure your self-guided Korcula walking tour includes these highlights.
Korcula Sightseeing
Land Gate (Kopnena Vrata): On the south side of the city, a wide stone staircase leads up to the grand Land Gate and 15th century tower.
St. Mark’s Cathedral: The Gothic and Renaissance church was built from the 14th to 16th centuries and is dedicated to the patron saint of Korcula.
Marco Polo House: It is believed (but disputed) that Marco Polo – one of the world’s most famous explorers – was born in Korcula in the year 1254. The Marco Polo Korcula Museum tells the story of his life.
Korcula Town Museum: From pre-historic to modern times, the museum details the history of Korcula – and it’s housed in a 16th century palace.
Top Tip: The Old Town is congested with tourists during the day in the peak season. For visitors who stay in Korcula Town overnight, we recommend getting up early to enjoy a blissfully peaceful walk through the center.
Korcula Attractions Outside the Walls
Outside the city walls, a walkway encircles the town. In addition to the sensational sea views, many of the best restaurants in Korcula Old Town are found along the eastern wall.
Next to the City Gate, in the Rotonda, is the local Korcula Market, where vendors sell in-season produce alongside souvenirs.
To the west of town, a path follows the coastline of Korcula Harbor. On the western side of the bay – across from the Old Town – is the Dominican Monastery, St. Nicholas Church and Convent.
From the shoreline, look back toward the Old Town for the absolute best view of Korcula. This is also our favorite spot for a picnic lunch!
Hiking on Korcula
One of the best things to do from Korcula Town is to make use of the paths and explore nearby sights.
Take a short walk to the British Fort just south of town. From the path you can get stellar views of the Old Town.
About a half-hour from town, make the trek up St. Anthony’s Hill to the St. Antun Church. It’s reached via a staircase of 102 steps through a Cypress forest with sweeping views from the hilltop.
Korcula Beaches
There are a few (non-sandy) beaches in Korcula Town where visitors can cool off in the refreshing Adriatic Sea.
Ispod Duvana Beach, near the Dominican Monastery, is the most popular Korcula Town beach. Other swimming spots are Luka Korculanska Beach, Beach Zakerjan and Banje Beach.
Korcula Town Restaurants
Seafood is heavily favored as the local cuisine, but there is a strong Italian influence, too. As already mentioned, many of the highly-rated restaurants in Korcula are located along the eastern wall with sea-view seating. Read reviews.
Our Recommendation on Where To Eat in Korcula
Although it’s difficult to pass up the sea view restaurants, visitors who want an authentic local meal should make the effort to go to Bistro La Tache (formally Pinjac Pub) in the nearby village of Zrnovo.
The family-run spot serves traditional fare (try the Zrnovksa Makaruni pasta), locally produced wine and their own homemade beer. Not only do they offer delicious feasts at fair prices, they are also an incredibly friendly. Read reviews!
Korcula Nightlife
When the sun sets, you’ll likely be wondering what to do in Korcula, Croatia at night. A popular spot with DJs and dancing is Dos Locos No. 1.
When we stopped in Korcula Town during our week-long Croatia Island Hopping Cruise, a group from our boat danced the night away at Dos Locos!
Korcula Bars We Recommend
While dancing all night at clubs can be a blast for some, we usually prefer a more laid-back vibe. Korcula has numerous establishments for a chilled out cocktail or glass of excellent Croatian wine.
Cocktail Bar Massimo
Although a bit of a novelty bar, the location can’t be beat! Located on the top of a 15th century tower on the northern tip of the peninsula, Massimo is a fun and unique bar in Korcula.
To get inside, guests climb a ladder up to the turret. Drinks, which are priced to match the view, are delivered via pulley from the downstairs bar and the views are simply outstanding!
Bokar Wine Bar
In our opinion, drinking Dalmatian wine is one of the essential Korcula activities! The intimate Bokar Wine Bar is an unpretentious place to sample wine from Korcula Island as well as the nearby Peljesac Peninsula.
The indoor space can accommodate about 12 people, but grab a spot outside (even right on the steps if necessary). The superb staff are knowledgeable, friendly and always ready to offer insight on the different offerings.
Lumbarda, Croatia
The quaint seaside village of Lumbarda is just 3.5 miles south of the Korcula Old Town. Inhabited since ancient times, it’s a small community of mostly fisherman and farmers.
During the 16th century, many wealthy families from Korcula Town built summer residences in Lumbarda.
Today, the village is again seeing a boost in tourism due to it’s sandy shoreline and local wine, Grk. Spending a leisurely day in Lumbarda is one of the top Korcula Island things to do.
Lumbarda Beaches
Unlike the rest of Croatia’s rocky coastline, some of the beaches in Lumbarda are actually sandy. In fact, there are four sandy beaches where you can enjoy a soft shoreline rather than a rocky edge.
Beach Vela Przina, along the south coast, is regularly rated as one of the best beaches in Korcula. The water is shallow, so it’s a favorite spot to play the Croatian handball game, Picigin.
Other Lumbarda Korcula Island beaches that are sandy are Beach Bilin Zal, Beach Tatinja and Beach Prvi Zal.
Although not sandy, Lenga Beach is a local favorite and a bit of a hidden gem (it’s also one of the Korcula beaches that is FKK, a.k.a. nude).
Grk Wine Tasting
As we already mentioned, drinking wine is one of the best things to do in Korcula, Croatia. When in Lumbarda, tasting Grk wine is a must!
The only place the Grk Bijeli white wine variety is grown in the world is in Lumbarda. The Grk vine only produces female flowers, so it is often cross-pollinated with Plavac Mali (another famous Croatian wine-making grape).
Grk Wineries
There are several wineries in Lumbarda where visitors can get a taste of the local Grk wine straight from the source.
Vineyards cover the land just inland from the shoreline. Popular Korcula wineries in Lumbarda that offer tastings are Winery Grk, Popic Winery, Bire Winery and Lovric Winery.
Top Tip: At restaurants in Lumbarda, Grk wine is usually offered by the glass or bottle – but is rarely found in grocery stores.
Explore Lumbarda
Being a small village, exploring Lumbarda on foot is a pleasant way to discover the area. A coastal path follows the shoreline in both directions from the town center; we particularly liked the route to the north.
Narrow lanes weave through the Old Town center to Sveti Rok, a charming church on the top of a small hill.
How To Get to Lumbarda from Korcula Old Town
Lumbarda can be reached by taxi, boat, bus or by walking. Get details at the Korcula Tourist Information Office.
Vela Luka, Croatia
Vela Luka, which translates to Big Port, is located on the western end of Korcula (opposite from Lumbarda).
Although Vela Luka often gets a pass from tourists in favor of captivating Korcula Town, we believe it can offer a lot to visitors. Especially if you’re trying to avoid crowds.
Vela Splia Cave
Vela Spila – or Great Cave – is one of the most interesting Korcula attractions. Artifacts found inside the prehistoric site prove that it was used as a dwelling more than 20,000 years ago.
The cave is just a 20-minute uphill walk from the port. Just follow the baby-blue markers up the side of Pinski Rat right to the entrance. A small fee is collected to enter and there are a few explanatory signs in English.
Top Tip: The same trail continues on and wraps around the backside of the mountain to small villages. We spent about an hour taking different path and working our way back down to the center of Vela Luka.
Hum Hill Hike
On the south side of the deep bay, Hum Hill rises over the town and sea. The Forteca – a 19th century Austro-Hungarian fortress – sits at the top.
To access the fort, a 3-mile trail leads up the mountainside. The trailhead is found along the coastline, but to get there you need to walk inland around the old shipyard. For more information about the hiking Hum Hill, read this article.
Northern Coastline Walk
On the north side of the port, a coastal path follows the shoreline past small beaches and secluded coves. After a brief trek through a forest, the path leads to the “Kissing Point” viewpoint, which is spectacular at sunset!
Vela Luka Sights
We were drawn to the viewpoint hikes and shoreline walks, but the Vela Luka city center has a few attractions worth checking out, too!
Churches: Located in the heart of the town is the 19th century St. Joseph Church and bell tower. Along the southern coastline, visitors will find the Church of Our Lady of Good Health. The small church was built in the late 1800s after an outbreak of The Plague.
Mosaic Tile Artwork: In 1968, Vela Luka hosted an international artist event called Artist’s Meeting of Painters. Those attending were charged with creating mosaic tiles that were implemented in the sidewalks around the town center.
Center for Culture: Utilizing a 19th century schoolhouse, the Center for Culture houses a small museum (featuring the findings from the cave) and hosts local events.
Jerolim Oil Products: Specializing in locally produced organic olive oil products, Jerolim was founded by a local couple.
Nearby Dalmatian Islands from Vela Luka
There are two very tiny but accessible Croatian islands from the Vela Luka port. During our shoulder-season visit, there were no taxi boats running, but we look forward to checking these out on a return trip to Korcula!
Osjak Island sits in the center of the harbor. Visitors go to explore the hiking trails and hidden coves. It takes 15 minutes to reach by taxi boat.
Proizd Island sits at the opening of the bay and is a 40-minute trip from the port of Vela Luka. Surrounded by dazzling blue water, you can go to swim and soak in the sun on the nearly deserted island.
More Ideas of What To Do in Korcula
The things to see in Korcula that we outlined above can easily fill 2 to 3 days. That said, guests staying longer may want to add a day trip or explore some Korcula hidden gems.
Moreska Sword Dance in Korčula Town
The Korcula Sword Dance – called Moreska – is a traditional theatrical performance that dates to the 12th century. During the summer months, you can watch the show on an outdoor stage.
The show tells the story of the battle over a princess. Korčula Island is the only place in the Mediterranean that honors the tradition of Moreska.
Excursions from Korcula
Most of the day trips from Korcula involve water activities, but there are a few on-land adventures, as well. We are highlighting a few of the most popular tours.
Korcula Wine Tour
Spend a day sipping and swirling local wine at 3 family-run wineries with a knowledgeable guide. On this tour, participants get to taste the flavors of the island and enjoy other homemade products, as well.
Korcula Kayaking
With a kayak rental, guests can explore nearby islets and coves that are only reachable by water. You can also join a tour that includes sea kayaking, swimming and snorkeling.
Another option is this highly rated, half-day kayaking tour, where small groups are led by a local guide to offshore islands to explore, swim, learn and taste the local products.
Korcula Boat Trips
Spend the evening aboard a luxury yacht for a night of wine and local fare. Set sail from Korcula Town and stop at Lumbarda for a wine tasting, then cruise back to the Old Town and feast on a 4-course traditional meal.
Private Korcula Buggy Tour
Get off the beaten path and discover a side of the island rarely seen by most visitors. Explore the countryside by dune buggy and discover picturesque landscapes. Stop in Lumbarda for a wine tasting and snorkeling from the beach. Read reviews!
Bike Tour with Wine Tasting
Looking for a more active adventures? Hop on a bicycle and pedal from Korcula Town to the Grk vineyards in Lumbarda! This tour includes a wine tasting and time to swim at a sandy beach.
Pupnatska Luka Beach
A gorgeous beach at the end of a deep cove, spending a day here is a fun thing to do on Korcula Island. There is a fee for parking and 2 cafe bars during the summer.
Korcula, Croatia Map
Use this Google Map to find your way to all the Best Things To Do on Korcula, Croatia!
Planning a Trip to Korcula, Croatia
Our above tips can help you plan what to see on Korcula Island. However, for our complete advice on visiting the country, read our Guide to Planning a Croatia Vacation.
As you prepare your trip, you will want to stay organized and our Printable Travel Planner can help. The 26-page digital download includes templates that will keep you on top of all the pertinent travel details!
Choosing Between Korcula or Hvar
Most travelers are limited on time and can only fit one island destination into their trip. The most common choice is to visit either Hvar or Korcula. We feel that’s a pretty tough call – and really encourage travelers to see both!
However, if it has to be one of the other, the decision should be based interests. Those who are into history and wine should visit Korcula Island. People looking for boating and nightlife might want to check out Hvar instead.
Read about the Best Things To Do in Hvar Town and Stari Grad, Hvar to determine which is better for your Croatia Trip!
How To Get to Korcula Island
Being an island – without an airport – the only way to get to here is via boat! Ferries and catamarans dock in Korcula Town and Vela Luka (but not Lumbarda). There are, however, marinas in all three towns, where yachts can moor.
Getting To Korcula by Ferry
There are two primary ferry companies serving the island, Jadrolinija and Krilo, and their schedules vary greatly by season.
Boats to Korcula depart from Split, Dubrovnik and Orebic. Tickets can be purchased online or at the port. In the peak summer season, we recommend buying in advance.
Where To Stay on Korcula Island
We have stayed in Korcula Town twice and in Vela Luka once and are pretty sure we would like staying in Lumbarda, too.
We are sharing a few highly-rated Korcula hotels for your trip. Before starting your search for prime properties, read our tips on Finding the Best Rates.
Korcula Town
We stayed at the prominently located Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel during our first trip to the island – and we absolutely loved it!
The completely remodeled (and rebranded), sea-facing hotel features rooms with views that are ideal for sunsets and watching the boats come and go.
Located south of the walled Old Town, Hotel Marko Polo has two pools, views overlooking the sea and a highly-rated breakfast.
Two beachfront hotels that get great reviews are the Aminess Port 9 and Hotel Korcula Hill.
Lumbarda
Featuring sea view rooms, a pool and buffet breakfast, Hotel Lumbarda is located right across the street from the harbor.
Vela Luka
Well-positioned in the heart of town, Hotel Korkyra has an outdoor pool, a wellness center and an included breakfast.
What To Pack for a Korcula Vacation
It’s time to think about what to pack for your trip to Croatia! Regardless of whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase, there are a few must-have items.
Proper Shoes
Travelers need the right shoes for exploring Korcula. In the summertime, a pair of flip flops might be sufficient for seeing the Old Town and heading for the beach, but for hikes you will need better footwear. Take a peek at our reviews for the Best Travel Shoes.
Sun Protection
The sun is strong in Korcula! Make sure you are prepared for the sunny weather with adequate sunscreen (it’s quite expensive in Croatia) and a wide-brimmed travel hat.
Travel Camera
Make sure you have an actual camera to capture the beauty of Croatia. We use a Canon Rebel DSLR with a 18-135mm lens.
It takes quality photos, is easy to use and comes with heaps of accessories at an affordable price. We feel it is one of the best cameras for price.
Day Bag
A good day pack is ideal for exploring Korcula Island. The best styles are comfortable to wear, have zippered pockets and are large enough for everything you need for a full day of sightseeing.
We use these lightweight backpacks – but check our reviews on the Best Travel Day Bag to get the perfect one for your trip!
Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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