Last updated on October 30th, 2025 at 01:55 pm
Have you heard about Korcula? Croatia’s most scenic island? Inspired by my latest Croatian escape, this helpful guide is a must read for any traveller looking for a beautiful off-beat place to visit!
Korcula is a stunning Croatian island, brimming with natural beauty, from the postcard-perfect vineyards to the charming Medieval old town and landscape dotted with stone houses, rolling hills and pretty bays with clear turquoise water. I fell for this island the moment I arrived and I’m sure you will too!
Everywhere in Korcula is scenic, it’s got mountains surrounding the old town walls and sea all around – and you will LOVE the relaxed grown-up vibe, on this perfect wine island! There are some fantastic restaurants and wine bars in Korcula Town, as well as boutique hotels to stay!
It may be Dubrovnik’s little sister, but in my opinion, you’ll have a more relaxing, purse-friendly experience staying in Korcula and exploring the jaw-dropping attractions!
So, let’s get straight into the best things to see, do and eat in Korcula, plus my insider tips for planning your own trip!
Best Hotels In Korcula!
Short on time? Here’s my top picks for Korčula Island accommodation!
- Hotel Korcula – elegant heritage hotel in Korcula Old Town
- Tara’s Lodge – a stylish boutique hotel on the seafront
- Zuviteo Residence – chic apartments & charming location
WHAT TO SEE & DO ON KORCULA ISLAND
Whether you fancy exploring the ancient town, a relaxed beach day or cycling to the vineyards, this island seems to have it all! With such a variety of things to do in Korcula, there’s really something for everyone and if you plan on staying in the town, they are easily accessible. Here are my best picks for things to do on Korcula Island!
EXPLORE KORCULA’S CHARMING OLD TOWN
One of the best things to do when visiting any Croatian old town is to explore the charming lanes and squares on foot, this is my favourite way of discovering hidden gems!
Korcula’s Town is stunning, it is surrounded by an old town wall and the Adriatic sea and what I love about it most of all is the fully pedestrianised prom to walk along next to the water’s edge and it’s lined with huge trees and alluring restaurant terraces – that are NOT tourists traps at all, some of the best places to eat are along here.
As well as eating and drinking in the centre, there are some very attractive narrow cobbled lanes housing cool art shops and boutiques, you can easily escape the sun in these shady spots – and there’s no steep ‘Dubrovnik’ stairs, so minimal effort is involved. (It will take you an hour at the most to see it all).
But speaking of stairs, what you can do is climb the 65 steps of the Cathedral bell tower in the old town’s St Marks Square for a view over the rooftops and the surrounding area (basically the mountain and sea backdrop) it’s worth the steep €8 entry.
GO WINE TASTING AT LUMBARDA VINEYARDS
After the old town the next best thing to do in Korcula is go wine tasting in the Lumbarda vineyards! As a fan of wine in general, I think I explored this region on day two of my first visit to Korcula, it is well known for producing excellent and inexpensive local wines such as Grk, which are not exported because of the small batches, so it’s really special!
A wine tasting afternoon is a must do and Lumbarda, where all the vineyards are, it’s literally a ten minute taxi drive from the old town, it couldn’t be nearer and more easier to get to and there’s several wine tasting places to choose from – if you google the area and zoom in you’ll get a good overview of all the wine glass symbols on the map!
I really enjoyed Vitis Winery, the setting is the stuff of dreams, rolling vineyards, a small village with orange rooftops and a church spire in the distance with mountains and the bright blue sea all around! It couldn’t have been more magical and the wine, especially the rosé, was also incredible – and I’m fussy!
You can book ahead for the wine tasting experience, I didn’t and had to wait a bit, but I loved every minute of it and even got the owner to take a few snaps (shown below) which was very brave of me!
GO ON A COUNTRYSIDE BIKE RIDING TOUR
One of my most memorable adventures in Korcula was this morning bike riding tour I took from Korcula Old Town across to the stunning landscapes of Lumbarda!
You’ll set off from Korcula with a small group on professional mountain bikes, but don’t worry, it’s very manageable – even for me, who does not typically bike anywhere! We cycled through scenic vineyards with nothing but rolling hills and blue sea all around us. It was so idyllic and the pace was leisurely enough, so that we could rest and take pictures of the fantastic views!
At the end, we stopped by two wineries for wine tasting among the vineyards, it was the perfect ending to the bike tour and our guide was super friendly and knowledgeable about both the area and wines! I highly recommend this tour; it was a great experience!
Book: Your spot on the scenic Lumbarda Vineyard bike & wine tour!
FIND THE BEST SCENIC SPOTS IN KORCULA
As I’ve previously mentioned, Korcula is extremely photogenic; it’s hard NOT to take a good picture of this place, but after a lot of walking and exploring, I found some extra cool spots with dramatic scenery well worth seeking out, not only for the views but to keep as a memory of this lovely island!
The first major viewpoint sits above the old town on Novi Puti Road, where you’ll find gaps in the trees that expose a beautiful panoramic view of Korcula Town and beyond. You can ask your taxi driver to stop here on the way back from the Lumbarda vineyards; otherwise it’s a 30-minute hike from town.
Another great spot for scenery is along the waterfront, you’ll get a great view from Filippi Restaurant of the trees, old town buildings and mountains, the morning is quieter and best for photo’s. Speaking of restaurant views, one of my favourites is from Nigra’s terrace, a stunning restaurant and view (I’ve written more about it below).
In the old town, the most photogenic street is Ismaelli Street and it’s gallery wall, you’ll see it just off pretty St Marks Square with a church and colourful flags and of course, the money shot; Kopnena Vrata (Land Gate) and the Revelin tower above it!
EXPLORE KORCULA’S ISLANDS BY WATER TAXI
You might be surprised to learn that Korcula Island also has a small group of tiny islands right off the shoreline, which you can visit from Korcula Town Harbour. It’s a similar set-up to Hvar, only these islands are even more uninhabited; they are only really made for short stops, which is exactly what you can do on this inexpensive island-hopping yellow water taxi!
I first visited tiny Vela Stupe Island, a natural lagoon occupied entirely by the Moro Beach Club, they provide a restaurant, bar and beach bags to hang out, which I did! I loved the blue and white beachy theme and the cocktails were decent, just take a look at the gorgeous pictures I took here! It felt like an adult beach day and it was hard to leave!
Next, I stopped by Badija Island Korcula, it has a totally different vibe, the focus is a Monastery and a coastal path that takes you around the island in 1 hour 30 minutes. I didn’t do the full circuit, but I did see the giant white stone beach, just be aware there’s zero shade on these beaches!
Pretty Vrnik Island is the third and final island on this ticket, which, believe it or not, is even smaller! You can get off the boat and sunbathe here if you want to feel like you’re on a desert island, but I headed to Lumbarda beaches, which are some of the best beaches in Korcula, but not AS good as the wine it produces!
Tip! Buy your water taxi ticket ahead of time here, do not buy individual tickets at the harbour unless you want to be marooned at an tiny island for hours on end!
TAKE A PRIVATE BOAT TO KORCULA’S GEMS
One of the best things I found to do in Korcula is a private boat tour around Korcula’s beautiful bays and islands, it’s perfect for a laid-back and scenic experience on the water, where everything is taken care of by your skipper/guide!
We explored more bays and beaches in Korcula, such as Paradise Beach and stopped for swimming in clear turquoise sea near the historic shipwreck, it was a brilliant experience away from the crowds, I loved all the places we were taken to on this tour!
I think shorter 4-hour boat tours like this are great, they slot into the tightest of itinerary’s and if you wanted to see Stupa Island (my favourite) and have a drink at the beachy cocktail bar, you can do, but honestly, it was just as nice to see all the beautiful passing scenery and changing landscapes!
We had a fantastic morning on the water, it was calm and peaceful at this time – visiting four great locations, our guide Sasha was fab at tailoring our tour, I highly recommend, but do book in advance!
Book: Your scenic 4 hour private boat trip around Korcula!
FIND THE BEST BEACHES IN KORCULA
If you’re staying for a few days in Korcula you might want to break up the sightseeing with some relaxation time and there are a few lovely shallow-water beaches in Korcula worth spending time on.
Korcula Island is surrounded by some of the bluest sea I have ever seen, even those close to the town, but as always in Croatia, what is classed as an actual beach is questionable. It’s common to find beaches that are nothing more than rocks or a slither of pebbles between the road and sea – particularly along the western edge of town (where the yachts dock).
But don’t worry, I found the secret! If you walk a little further, past Hotel Korcula and Nigra restaurant (more on those below), you’ll come across a row of houses and a small church THEN keep your eyes peeled for a narrow passage of steep steps that lead down to a small but perfect beach cove – voila!
I swear this is a total hidden gem (see images below for reference). Other Korcula beaches include those in Lumbarda, which have sunbeds and facilities and Pupnaska Luka Beach, which is said to be one of the largest and best beaches in Korcula, but you’ll need a set of wheels to access it!
If you’re looking for more beach experiences, check out my guide to the best beaches in Korcula and top boat trips!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN KORCULA CROATIA
Korcula is known as ‘wine island’ for the numerous vineyards and wineries, which is great news for wine lovers, you can get a good glass with every meal! Besides this, you’ll find tapas bars, Michelin-rated restaurants, live music bars and some superb terraces with dramatic mountain views!
Here’s a few of my very best eating and drinking experiences – starting with breakfast and a gorgeous view!
BREAKFAST AT BEAUTIFUL AURORA
You might walk past Aurora, it’s right in the middle of all the terraces along the waterfront with the giant trees and epic mountain and sea views, but I definitely recommend getting breakfast here at least once on your trip!
I enjoyed this spot so much I went at least 3-4 times, on the menu is a decent portion of home-made granola with fresh fruits, Greek yoghurt, juices and coffee as well as a variety of toasts and eggs and the prices are very reasonable for such a great location!
You can pick a table right next to the water’s edge and enjoy the sea views and a spot of early morning people watching, you can really linger here, which is why I suggest it for a leisurely breakfast!
LUNCH ON THE LOVELY NIGRA TERRACE
Just down the shoreline from Hotel Korcula, you’ll come across Nigra restaurant, it has the most amazing terrace over the water with views of the old town in the background. I saw it first on the way to that little hidden beach I mentioned earlier and knew I had to return!
I’ve since eaten here twice, once for lunch and on the second visit they’d just set up for dinner and I had the intimate terrace and solo guitarist stumming hypnotic Spanish-esque sounds all to myself! It was a stunning and romantic setting – couples would love it, I however, felt a bit awkward about my ironic solo dining situation so close to the performer (he probably felt the same).
You must try the specials, which are usually fish dishes, the one I chose was my favourite main meal in Korcula; chunky white fish fillet on sweet potato, no fins in sight, the presentation was excellent! Eat here, you will not be disappointed!
DINE AT THE MICHELIN GUIDE RESTAURANT LD
If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience, LD Restaurant is worth remembering! It has a Michelin-starred menu with a fantastic wine list and is part of Lesic Dimitri Palace, situated along the town’s beautiful waterfront promenade.
You can choose the tasting menu matched with some of the best wine on the island, it changes often, but you can expect things like scallops with black truffle and on the main menu there are local dishes such as Makaruni, traditional homemade pasta, which is delicious and a must-try!
I even ate dessert here, which I never normally do, but they had affogato (espresso with vanilla ice cream) on the menu and this one came with a little Michelin twist; almond and lemon zest. LD is really one of the best restaurants in Korcula – for a treat, it’s totally worth it!
SUNSET COCKTAILS AT MASSIMO TOWER
You might have already seen the images of Massimo Tower, it’s the infamous 15th-century tower-turned bar and it’s one of the most popular spots in Korcula Croatia, in the evenings.
I have been out of curiosity and thought that it was worth doing, it’s a bit of fun and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, Korcula isn’t typically one of those places with cocktail bars – so this is unique and it has views over the town and water’s edge.
But what makes it attractive is the novelty of accessing the top of the tower via a narrow ladder to a small hatch – the drinks are served on a pulley-tray system and miraculously are kept intact! I recommend heading there an hour before sunset for the best experience (and chance to grab a seat) – the sweeping views are well worth the effort and the pink gin is delicious!
ENJOY A SOPHISTICATED DRINK IN KORCULA TOWN
Cocktail towers aside, there are a few lovely spots that I discovered in the old town where you can enjoy a nice drink in sophisticated surrounds that offer sommeliers and great service!
BARIC WINE BAR
I love Baric wine bar set along the water’s edge with a sophisticated style and plenty of wine to choose from and seats arranged along the wall. The ambience is low-key, sultry with a flicker of light on the table and perfect for evening drinks – the service and recommendations were spot on!
HERITAGE HOTEL KORCULA
For stylish drinks next to the marina full of yachts, there’s no better place than Heritage Hotel Korcula, this my favourite hotel in the town and the oldest!
In front of the hotel is a very inviting and long terrace and it’s always peaceful, it’s great for whiling away the afternoon with a drink overlooking the yachts, this view and location is also why I really enjoyed staying here!
For more eating and drinking tips, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Korcula and wine spots you’ll love!
DAY TRIP FROM KORCULA ISLAND
If you’re staying on Korcula for more than five days you could go on a day trip and see a bit more of Croatia and nearby gems including Mljet National Park, which is on the neighbouring island or Peljesac for wine and oysters – two nature-filled places!
Here’s the details of both locations and tips for how to get there!
Mljet National Park
Mljet is actually one of my favourite day trips from Dubrovnik, but the good news is it’s even closer to Korcula! One of the things that makes it worth seeing are the two huge saltwater lakes (4km), bright turquoise in colour, which you can walk beside, along a lovely white pebbled path and in the area, there’s kayaking, beautiful beaches and a monastery to discover.
It’s so serene and lush green and the perfect day out for seeing an alternative natural and quieter side to Croatia, especially if you have only been to Dubrovnik and Korcula’s Old Town, this is the perfect combination!
The Details:
It’s possible to travel independently to Mljet via the ferry from Korcula old town to Mljet’s Pomena village, on the edge of the National Park, where you will purchase an entry ticket and map – the ferry journey is around 45 minutes.
If you’re not up for navigating the national park by yourselves (well, the area is 5,300 hectares), this easy, small group Mljet boat excursion fills the gap. It includes a tasty Mediterranean lunch and swim stops – right off the boat, so you don’t have to hike to the beaches!
Pelješac Peninsula & Ston
You have probably never heard of this area of Croatia and I hadn’t until I once went on a private tour from Split to Dubrovnik, it’s somewhat of a hidden gem! Medieval Ston is on the mainland, around 1.5 hours from Korcula Town. It’s the place of fresh oysters and ancient walls – the second longest defence walls in the world, both are well worth exploring.
Nearby along the Pelješac Peninsula, there are gorgeous, authentic vineyards that cascade down rolling hills for the most dramatic and scenic effect! Wine tasting and cellar tours alongside fresh oysters and Dalmatian bites is a must-do!
The Details:
Now, to get there independently and hit all the spots mentioned, you will need to hire a car and plan well ahead, including booking the oyster farm, wineries and lunch!
But, by far the best way to travel to this region is with this VIP Tour, very similar to what I did from Split and it receives rave reviews!
You will be transported – hassle free in a private vehicle and guided through the ancient town of Ston with an expert, including the wall walk for the best viewpoint, oyster tasting pre-arranged at an oyster farm, lunch on a boat and two renowned vineyards for wine and views! Check out the full details of this tour here!
WHERE TO STAY IN KORCULA, CROATIA
For first-time visitors and shorter trips, the best place to stay in Korcula is in or next to Korcula Town, it’s the most convenient location and the main attraction on the island!
In Korcula Town, you are within walking distance to all the best restaurants, charming old town lanes, waterfront promenade, beaches and boat trips, if you stay elsewhere, you will be constantly forking out for taxis!
I love staying just outside the old town walls, this is where the most beautiful boutique hotels are (including my favourite hotel; Korcula Heritage Hotel – facing the sea and you’ll be pleased to know they are a fraction of the price than anything you’ll find in Dubrovnik!
Here’s my top accommodation picks for Korcula!
HOTELS IN KORCULA CROATIA
A beautiful heritage hotel in Town with a lovely sea view and elegant rooms, this is where I first stayed for three nights in the superior double with seaside balcony and it was totally worth it!
If you want to treat yourself to a stylish room in the centre of the old town Zuviteo Residence is the best option by far. Well-designed, newly renovated rooms with a good breakfast and nice views over the old town especially if you choose one with a balcony!
Another great option is this stylish boutique hotel with sea views. The location is fantastic and the hotel is one of the best places to stay that’s just a 5-10 minute walk outside of the old town walls, it always scores high reviews!
For those who want to be slightly outside of Korcula Town with access to a pool and the sea, this gorgeous boutique hotel on the beach is ideal. It’s just a five-minute taxi ride away and you’ll get a beautiful bay location and pebble beach to chill. I stayed here two nights and loved the vibe!
For a full breakdown of areas and best boutique and luxury hotel recommendations, check out my complete guide on Where To Stay In Korcula for beach stays, charming old town accommodation and more!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO KORCULA CROATIA – USEFUL INFORMATION
When To Visit Korcula
Korcula is lucky to have a sunny and warm climate for most of the year, but the low season May to early June or September, is the best time to visit, when it’s less busy and hot!
July and August are the peak summer months, which I usually avoid, and in November through to March the island closes many of its activities, accommodation and restaurants; not many people will be visiting then.
How Long To Stay In Korcula
I recommend staying for at least four nights in Korcula to explore the old town, absorb the surroundings and visit the beaches, islands and vineyards, ideally three full days or longer, depending on how much relaxing you want to do in between exploring!
How To Get To Korcula
Korcula does not have an airport; instead you have to fly into Split or Dubrovnik and take the ferry. In my experience, the ferries run a regular daily schedule from both places and are clean and comfortable, especially the catamarans. You can check times and options here!
How to get from Dubrovnik to Korcula:
The ferry from Dubrovnik leaves from Gruz Port, which is around a 10-minute drive from Dubrovnik old town. I recommend booking the 2-hour fastest ferry and at least a few days in advance as this is the most popular route.
Book the Dubrovnik – Korcula ferry!
How to get from Split to Korcula:
Ferries from Split to Korcula leave from Split’s Port, just a few minutes walk from the Riviera, it’s super close and convenient! Usually, the ferries will stop in either Brac or Hvar Island beforehand, making the journey around 30 minutes longer than Dubrovnik.
Book the Split – Korcula ferry!
How To Get Around Korcula Island
If you stay in Korcula Town, you won’t really need transport to get to places, as everywhere of interest is walkable, the only exception is the Lumbarda vineyards, for this you can grab a €10 taxi from Korcula harbour and for the islands, there are taxi boats and tours available from the same spot!
Check out my complete guide for how to get from Dubrovnik to Korcula, ferry, catamaran and day trip guide (2026)
THINGS TO DO IN KORCULA, CROATIA FAQ
Is Korcula worth visiting?
Yes! Korcula is absolutely worth visiting, it’s the most stunning island in Croatia, it offers visitors mountainous scenery, vineyards, islands, beaches and a charming central old town and prom to wander – you’ll love it! Ps It’s also home to the Marco Polo’s 13-century house – the original explorer!
Where is Korcula in Croatia?
Korcula is sandwiched between the islands of Mljet and Hvar, two hours away by ferry from Dubrovnik and a bit longer from Split to Korcula. It is a prominent and unmissable island in the Dalmatian group – perfect for Croatian island hopping!
How to get from Dubrovnik to Korcula?
You can only get from Dubrovnik to Korcula by ferry. It takes around 2 hours and leaves from Gruz port, just ten minutes outside of Dubrovnik. The first stop is Mljet National Park first (which is very scenic), then on to Korcula, and Hvar. Check out my complete guide for how to get to Korcula here!
Where is the best place to stay in Korcula?
If it’s your first visit (or a short 2-3 night stay) in Korcula, I recommend booking your accommodation close to Korcula Town, as it’s the most convenient spot for boat trips, visiting vineyards, dining at restaurants, and enjoying the nightlife – not to mention stunning!
My favourite hotel is Korcula Heritage Hotel, right on the marina front with a beautiful terrace and rooms! For accommodation tips, here’s my complete guide to the best hotels in Korcula!
KORCULA CROATIA – FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you found this guide to Korcula Croatia, inspiring for your trip, I absolutely love this island, it’s the most beautiful in Croatia!
I first visited Korcula on an Island-hopping trip and have been back for a week-long stay since – and found even more things to do in Korcula, from discovering the islands, scenic wineries and bike rides, trust me, you will not regret going to this island!
Planning a trip to Korčula? Don’t miss my guide to the best hotels in Korčula – from luxury stays in the Old Town to boutique beachfront escapes.
Plan your Korcula, Croatia itinerary!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, and tours for travel in Korcula Croatia!
- Booking.com for the best boutique rates
- Get Your Guide for unique day excursions
- Viator for incredible day tours
- Discover Cars reliable and best rates on rental cars
- Omio – best for booking ferries
Read Next:
- A Complete Guide to Korcula: Croatia’s Most Beautiful Island!
- The Best Hotels in Korcula, Croatia: Luxury, Boutique & Beautiful Stays For 2026!
- How To Get From Dubrovnik To Korcula : Ferry, Catamaran & Day Trip Guide (2026)
- Best Restaurants In Korcula & Top Wine Spots: A Food and Wine Lover’s Guide!
- Best Beaches In Korcula Croatia & Top Boat Tours: You’ll Love!
- The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Dubrovnik in 2026: What To See & Do!
- A Complete Guide To Visiting Vis Island: What To See & Do
- The Ultimate Guide To Hvar Island: What To See & Do!
- 25 Incredible Things To Do In Split Croatia – For Your First Visit!
- 5 Bucket List Islands For Island-Hopping In Croatia
- Helpful Tips For Travelling To Croatia In 2026
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!