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 (pronounced Kor-chu-la) is one of the highlights of Croatia! It’s brimming with natural beauty, from the postcard-perfect vineyards, hidden beach coves to the charming old town – and you will LOVE the relaxed grown-up vibe, on this nearly perfect wine island.
Let’s dive in to the best things to see, do and eat!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- WHAT TO SEE & DO
- WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
- NEED TO KNOW TIPS
- WHERE TO STAY IN KORCULA
- LEARN MORE ABOUT CROATIA
WHAT TO SEE & DO ON KORCULA ISLAND
You can make your days as busy or as chilled as you like, there’s a real variety of things to do in Korcula! Whether you’re feeling active, fancy a relaxed beach day or ‘just visiting for the wine’! You will find plenty enjoyment – this much I promise!
Here are my best picks for things to do in Korcula!
GO WINE TASTING AT LUMBARDA VINEYARDS
Korcula is known for its spectacular vineyards. How does a day of exploring winery’s with jaw-dropping views over orchards, villages and the blue sea sound? I am a complete fan! I loved this experience so much I have been on two occasions – the Lumbarda village is just THAT stunning and easily accessible from the old town.
THE DETAILS
Vitis and Popic vineyards in the Lumbarda village are literally next door to each other and are the easiest to visit if staying in the old town. Travel by taxi boat, cycle or taxi (15-20 minutes 120Kuna each way).
For solo’s wanting company and a bit of fun I couldn’t recommend the Lumbarda bike and wine tour enough! This is the first trip I took and thoroughly enjoyed the whole cycling-through-vineyards experience and meeting like-minded people over a glass or three of wine!
BOOK THE LUMBARDA VINEYARD BIKE & WINE TOUR
TIP! Outside of Lumbarda; Toreta Winery and Merga Victa are also worth checking out!
EXPLORE KORCULA OLD TOWN
Korcula’s old town is a wonderful place to stay and wander, similar to Dubrovnik and just as charming, but without all the steep stairs. It’s small and easy to cover on foot, but so tightly packed that it will take you a while to uncover all the shops, restaurants and bars. Especially along the pretty tree-lined prom with stunning water and mountain views – this is something that takes the edge over Dubrovnik.
VISIT MORO BEACH CLUB ON STUPE ISLAND
Want to get away from it all? Head to Moro Beach club on tiny Stupe Island, a natural lagoon with an air of secrecy! I was immediately won over by the beachy blue and white décor, open air cocktail bar, vibey music and swing in the sea – it has everything you would want from a cool and adult beach day. There’s scattered blue bean bags and sunbeds to chill and a cute restaurant on the premises for lunch, stay here for the day – I did!
TIP! Take the yellow taxi boat from the water station at the base of Korcula Old Town, its super easy to hop on and off (plus you can visit other islands if you wish).
WALK TO THE HIDDEN VIEWPOINT
Want to know where the best view over Korcula Town is? A short up-hill stroll from the harbour to the panorama view will give you a whole new perspective of Korcula Old Town. This spot (pictured) is somewhat of a hidden gem (for now) and if you follow in my footsteps and head there in the early evening you will capture the orange roof tops in the best golden light – without the usual sunset crowds (ahem Massimo bar!!!).
FIND A WONDERFUL SECLUDED BEACH COVE
The water around Korcula island and even in the town is some of the bluest I have ever seen, but the jury is out on what is classed as a ‘beach’. 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 Nigra restaurant (more on that 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 tiny but perfect beach cove – voila!
PUPNASKA LUKA BEACH: A note on the most talked about beach in Korcula; while this natural beach is said to be the best in Korcula, it is a good 30 minute drive from the old town. You’ll need a set of wheels or a fairly expensive taxi ride to get there and bear in mind popular spots are often the most crowded!
SHOP BOHO CLOTHES AND CRAFTS
You can easily while away a few hours shopping for original arts and craft or even summer clothes and they’re not all tourist led either! Here you’ll find a surprising mix of specialist wall art, ceramics and attractive boutique clothes shops – this is the place where I bought my beloved white boho dresses (as seen in this post)!
TIP! The shops and markets are open as late as the restaurants, so you can spend an enjoyable evening doing both!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK ON KORCULA ISLAND
Korcula is affectionately known as ‘wine island’ for the numerous vineyards and wineries, which is great news for wine lovers as they are super easy to visit! 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 a healthy breakfast and gorgeous view!
ENJOY A HEALTHY BREAKFAST AT BEAUTIFUL AURORA
Healthy breakfast lovers will thank me for this tip! Aurora is the best spot I found on ANY Croatian island! If you’re in need of home-made granola, fresh fruits, Greek yoghurt, fresh juices and good coffee to start your day then look no further! I enjoyed it all so much and the beautiful setting I went every single morning – and this is rare for me! Just take a look at the pictures – they speak for themselves!
LATE LUNCH ON THE LOVELY NIGRA TERRACE
Nigra stole my heart! It is a must find! Located just outside of the Western entrance with a stylish terrace perfectly situated along the waters edge. Stop by around 6pm (in September) and you will discover as I did, excellent service, tasty fish specials, a wonderful sunset view across the old town and to top it off a solo guitarist to play everything out – what could be dreamier?
Korcula is home to the delicious Grk wine! You must order this with your meals as it’s hard to find elsewhere in Croatia and if you do you can be sure the price will be a LOT higher!
TRY A UNIQUE TAPA OR TWO AT IGNIS
Ignis is a little gem! You’ll find it along the narrow walk-way parallel to the taxi boat stand and is best visited around 7-8pm (in September) just before the busy period when live music fills the streets. Feast on small yet unique tapa inspired by Spain and the Mediterranean. My fave was the grilled hake and egg plant in tempura. You could easily spend the whole evening here!
DINE AT THE MICHELIN GUIDE RESTAURANT FILIPPI
If you’re looking for high end food and service Filippi is worth remembering! This Michelin rated restaurant is full every night – and for good reason. I suggest arriving early (in daylight) if you want one of the good seats on the tree-lined terrace over looking the blue water.
What to order? Personally given the location I would choose the fresh fish every time (fillet of snapper of seabass is a favourite around here), delicious white Grk (we are in Korcula!) and a table by the sea!
HAVE A SUNSET COCKTAIL IN A TOWER AT MASSIMO
One of the best things to do in Korcula at sunset – and one of the most popular! Massimo uniquely sits at the top of a tower, accessed only by a narrow ladder, you’ll want to wear something other than a dress or skirt! My tip is to arrive a good hour before sunset for the best experience and a seat (there are queues each evening). Rest assured – the sweeping views are well worth the effort and the pink gin is delicious!
ENJOY A DRINK OR TWO HERE…
BARIC WINE BAR: The only wine bar along the water’s edge with a sophisticated style and plenty of wine to choose from – ask for assistance!
SERVANTES: Set away from the main tourist thorough fare, Servantes has more of a local feel and there’s always (cool) live instrumental music in the evenings – the best time to visit!
HOTEL DEL LA VILLE: Best for whiling away an hour on a pretty terrace in the late afternoon with an Aperol or wine overlooking the yachts. A perfect spot for people watching!
DAY TRIP TO LUSH MLJET NATIONAL PARK
Korcula is so wonderful there is really very little reason to leave it! But if you’re here for a week or more you could consider going to lush Mljet Island. Mljet has a totally different landscape and vibe. The entire west side of the island is a National Park and home to two salt water lakes, forests, walking paths and a tiny island. This is where I recommend spending your time, it really is very stunning! You could even climb up to Montocuk to capture this same viewpoint.
THE DETAILS
It’s possible to travel independently to Mljet via the ferry from Korcula old town to the town of Pomena, on the edge of the National Park, where you will purchase an entry ticket and map.
Check ferry times and purchase HERE.
Want to visit more than one island? Jump to 5 WONDERFUL ISLAND TO VISIT IN CROATIA
WHERE TO STAY ON KORCULA ISLAND, CROATIA
Where is the best area to stay in Korcula? For first time visitors without a doubt the old town is the best place to be based. My personal recommendation (especially for solo ladies) is just outside of the walls along the western edge, where there is a strip of rentable apartments in a serene spot over-looking the water and mountains!
BEST ACCOMMODATION | KORCULA TOWN
KANAVAVELIC PLACE | Good value in the centre of Korcula old town! Light and airy apartments with a patio and garden views.
ZUVITEO RESIDENCE | Well designed newly renovated rooms with a good breakfast and nice views over the old town if you choose one with a balcony – a splurge, but worth it!
APARTMENTS MILION | Nice apartments for a few days stay! Tucked down a narrow cobbled passage in the middle of the old town close by the water taxi’s.
THE FABRIS LUXURY INN | A charming boutique hotel with seaviews and spacious rooms in the best location! Pick a room with a balcony and watch the yachts dock – you will not be disappointed!
READ NEXT: WHERE TO STAY ON THE DALMATIAN COAST: BEST AREAS & BOUTIQUES
KORCULA TRAVEL GUIDE | KORCULA ESSENTIALS
HOW LONG TO STAY ON KORCULA?
Korcula is worthy of at least 5 nights, there’s so much to see and do here! You can easily make it a week if you’d like to add in some beach downtime and a day trip.
HOW TO GET TO KORCULA ISLAND?
Korcula is an island without an airport. So the only way to get there is by ferry transport from the hubs of Dubrovnik and Split. This is also a common island hopping route or an easy way to combine a city and island break!
Check the Jardrolinija or Krilo ferry time table to Korcula Town. Some are passenger and some are car ferries but both take passenger only!
HOW TO GET TO KORCULA ISLAND FROM DUBROVNIK?
Dubrovnik is the nearest city and airport to Korcula Town. If you can, book the two hour passenger-only ferry with an open roof top to sit and enjoy the passing scenery!
HOW TO GET TO KORCULA ISLAND FROM SPLIT?
Split to Korcula is a longer journey if you’re not stopping in Hvar or Brac island beforehand! You should take the car ferry to Vela Luka 3.5hrs then a 40 minute taxi to Korcula Town.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KORCULA
In my opinion there are two ‘best times’ to visit Korcula – and the rest of Croatia. Early June before the summer crowds hit, the weather is hot and the nights are light (my personal solo traveller favourite!). Then mid-September is the second sweet spot when the sea is the warmest and the streets quiet!
HOW TO GET AROUND KORCULA ISLAND?
Driving is the best way to travel around Korcula especially if you’re travelling beyond Korcula town. The island is sprawling and not easy to get around with public transport – if it exists!
Alternatively taxi boats are plentiful from the old town of Korcula, which head to the Lumbarda region and a few smaller islands. The yellow water taxi’s run as a hop on-hop off service (and they can also organise car taxi’s), super easy!
Which island to visit next? Hvar Island! Hvar Town specifically, where you can jump on an easy catamaran from Korcula old town and switch islands in one hour 15 minutes! Check the schedule HERE.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Korcula Island is by far one of my all-time favourite places – coming a close second to Hvar Island. It has a friendly grown up feel, old town charm and lots of beautiful scenery all around! I found the whole experience relaxed and super safe for solo’s, I hope you enjoy this island in Croatia as much as I did!
Plan your Korcula Trip
Here’s my go-to list of resources for booking transport, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com: For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Viator: For incredible day trips
READ MORE ABOUT CROATIA
- 5 WONDERFUL ISLANDS IN CROATIA
- THE COMPLETE DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE
- THE COMPLETE SPLIT TRAVEL GUIDE
- THE COMPLETE HVAR TOWN TRAVEL GUIDE
- WHERE TO STAY ON THE DALMATIAN COAST
PIN FOR LATER
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