Things To Do
in Korčula

Korčula is a sun-soaked island town perched on the Dalmatian coast, known for its white limestone streets and medieval walls. The old town rises from a protected harbor, where stone houses, narrow lanes, and church spires create a timeless panorama. Vineyards, pine forests, and crystal-clear Adriatic seas surround the town, offering a blend of culture, history, and outdoor beauty.

Visitors can expect authentic Croatian hospitality, seafood-fueled meals, and scenic coastal paths with panoramic sea views.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Relaxation
morning
:

Arrive in Korčula and check into your charming seaside accommodation. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in the first views of the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, starting your day with fresh pastries and aromatic coffee.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon exploring the historic old town of Korčula, known for its medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. Visit St. Mark's Cathedral and climb its bell tower for panoramic views of the island. Stop for lunch at a traditional konoba, savoring fresh seafood paired with local wines.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine at a waterfront restaurant, enjoying delicious local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. After dinner, take a romantic walk along the shore while digesting the day’s experiences. Conclude your evening at a local bar, sampling regional liquors like Grappa or Travarica.

day 2
Wine Tasting and Village Exploration
morning
:

Start the day with a visit to the nearby village of Lumbarda, famous for its vineyards and Grk wine. Join a wine tasting tour at one of the local wineries, learning about the unique blend and the winemaking process. Enjoy a light breakfast with a view over the vineyards, surrounded by serene landscapes.

afternoon
:

Return to Korčula and spend your afternoon at Vela Przina Beach, one of the island's finest sandy beaches. Relax under the sun, swim in the turquoise waters, or engage in exciting water sports like kayaking. Grab lunch at a beachside cafe, where you can enjoy fresh salads and grilled fish.

evening
:

Experience an authentic Dalmatian dinner at a historic restaurant, featuring local delicacies such as octopus or pašticada. After dinner, join a cultural event or live music performance to immerse yourself in the island's rich traditions. Unwind at a cozy bar, where locals gather, sipping on refreshing cocktails.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍷Glass of local wine$3-6
Coffee$2-4
🧀Local cheese and olive oil tasting$6-12
🏨Mid-range hotel room (per night)$90-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning medieval town with accessible coastline and island scenery
  • Excellent seafood, wines, and olive oil; friendly locals
  • High-season crowds in July and August can affect quiet experiences
  • Some island areas have limited public transport and steep, narrow streets
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You’re welcome
  • "Gdje je toaleta?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Da" - Yes
  • "Ne" - No

Places to Visit in Korčula

Visit one of these nice places.

St. Mark's Cathedral square and façade

Gothic-Renaissance details and a dramatic coastal backdrop provide a compelling subject, especially at dawn or golden hour.

Bokar Fortress (Kojac or Bokar lookout)

Elevated vantage point above the old town with sweeping views of the harbor and red-tiled roofs.

Korčula Old Town harbor at sunrise

Calm waters, fishing boats, and pale stone streets catching the soft morning light.

Lumbarda vineyards and coast

Rolling vines, limestone cliffs, and blue-green sea views—great for landscapes and sunsets.

Culinary Guide

Food in Korčula

Korčula’s cuisine centers on the sea and land: olive oil, fresh Adriatic fish, grilled vegetables, and regional wines. Expect bright seafood dishes, simple and flavorful preparations, and ingredients sourced from olive groves and vineyards across the island.

Korčula Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grilled sardines (srdela) with lemon

Simple, bright and coastal—a staple in harbor-side konobas, best enjoyed with a glass of local white wine.

Must-Try!

Crni rižot (black risotto)

A rich risotto made with squid ink, garlic, and fresh seafood, often finished with parsley and olive oil.

Brodet fish stew

A hearty Dalmatian fish stew usually served with polenta or rustic bread, showcasing the day’s catch.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gradska Tržnica Korčula (Old Town Market)

A daytime market offering olives, honey, figs, olive oil, and fresh seafood; great for a quick bite or to pick up ingredients for a picnic.

Local street snacks

Try fritto misto of small fried fish or octopus salad from street vendors near the harbor; perfect for a casual lunch.

Climate Guide

Weather

Korčula enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer days commonly reach the high 20s to low 30s Celsius (80s–90s Fahrenheit) with generous sunshine. Spring and autumn are pleasantly mild, ideal for outdoor activities and wine tasting. Winter is cool and occasionally rainy, with sea temperatures dropping but still reachable for off-season visits.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite 'Dobar dan' (Good day) or 'Bok' when meeting someone; a handshake is common in formal settings.

Church and dress code

Dress modestly when visiting churches; remove hats indoors and speak softly in sacred spaces.

Dining etiquette

Wait for all to be served before starting; sharing plates is common in Dalmatian dining; compliments to the cook are appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Korčula is generally very safe for travelers. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, avoid isolated spots at night, and follow local guidance for water activities. The island has reliable emergency services, and healthcare facilities on KorčulaTown handle routine needs; serious cases are referred to mainland hospitals or larger cities on the coast.

Tipping in Korčula

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In Croatia, leaving a tip of 5-10% for service is common in casual places, and 10-15% in nicer restaurants if service is not included.

Payments

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but carrying some cash is handy for small, family-run konobas and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; great for hiking and exploring empty beaches before peak season.

Summer

Hot days and lively evenings; ideal for boat trips, swimming, and long seaside dinners, with peak crowds in July and August.

Autumn

Warm seas, harvest-time wine tastings, and quieter towns; a good time for cycling and coastal walks.

Winter

Cool and quiet with occasional rainfall; many restaurants reduce hours, but the town feels authentic and inviting.

Nightlife Guide

Korčula at Night

Korčula’s nightlife centers on harbor-side bars, casual lounges, and seasonal live music. In summer, evenings often feature live klapa singing, acoustic sets, and wine bars along the Riva with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe rather than heavy club scenes. Many venues close by late evening, prioritizing sunset views and strolls through the old town. For a livelier vibe, take a short stroll to nearby villages or coastal towns on the island for tavern and small bar experiences.

Hiking in Korčula

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal and hillside trails around Korčula Town

Moderate climbs with sea views and pine forests; ideal for day hikes and sunset rounds.

Vineyard route near Lumbarda

Gentle slopes through vineyards and olive groves, with farm-to-table stops and panoramic coastal lookouts.

Pelješac proximity hikes

A short drive away, Pelješac offers higher ridges and coastal trails with views of the Adriatic and the mainland.

Airports

How to reach Korčula by plane.

Split Airport (SPU)

Major international and domestic airport; drive or take a bus/ferry combination to Korčula (roughly 2.5–4 hours total travel time depending on connections).

Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)

Another international gateway with frequent seasonal flights; transfer to Korčula via road and ferry routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

Korčula Town is highly walkable, with compact streets and many scenic viewpoints. Expect hills and stairs in parts of the town; for exploring the wider island, a car or scooter is convenient, though buses and ferries cover major routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Traditional family communities keep the island’s culture and slower pace alive; you’ll hear Croatian and local dialects in neighborhoods.

Seasonal tourists

Summer visitors from Croatia and abroad bring vibrancy to the harbor, markets, and cultural events.

Retirees

A sizeable seasonal and year-round retiree presence contributes to a relaxed, safe environment with a strong sense of community.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing

Excellent sailing conditions around the island and nearby islets; many charter options exist.

Swimming and snorkeling

Clear Adriatic waters offer visibility and accessible coves along the coastline.

Diving

Coastal wrecks and reefs near sheltered bays provide beginner to advanced dive options.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light within the Old Town, with narrow lanes and limited parking. Island-wide travel relies on roads that can be narrow and winding; ferries and local buses connect Korčula Town with the rest of the island and nearby Dubrovnik or Split via the mainland. Renting a car or scooter is common for island exploration.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Korčula.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Korčula offers fresh salads, grilled vegetables, pasta with tomato or mushroom sauces, and olive-oil drizzled dishes. Ask for eggplant, zucchini, or mushroom options, and enjoy local cheeses and bread.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics and a hospital facility in Korčula Town for routine care. For serious emergencies or specialized treatment, patients are usually referred to larger hospitals in Split or Dubrovnik, with ambulance or air-evacuation options available if needed.

Discover Croatia

Read more in our Croatia 2025 Travel Guide.

Croatia Travel Guide