Korčula Island Travel Guide
Get to Know Korčula Island
The reason why the islands Brač and Hvar are more popular than Korčula Island is very simple– Korčula is more far away from mainland ports, with less frequent ferry timetable in off-season. But don’t get the wrong picture at the very beginning because Korčula is very live and crowded place during the summer, and not too long distance from mainland!
Korčula is an island of fantastic history and nature, still pretty undiscovered for many travellers to Croatia but also well-known to many visitors who discovered this Southern Dalmatia island many years ago for their holidays.
Thanks to its fantastic position in Adriatic Archipelago, it’s located along the coast between Dubrovnik and Split, Korčula is the favorite yachting destination to numerous sailing adventurers.
Korčula is renowned by incredible coastline, particularly on island’s south, where you can discover numerous idyllic small beaches and over 200 coves. Moreover, Korčula is one of the greenest islands on the Adriatic, plentiful with the forests, vineyards and olive groves.
The main towns on the island are Korčula (often called Little Dubrovnik), Vela Luka and Lumbarda.
Get to Know Korčula Island
Town Korčula
The town Korčula is often called Little Dubrovnik and it is located on the north-eastern coast of island. Medieval stunning old town situated on a small peninsula in fact is a mini-fortress enclosed with stone walls hiding treasures like towers, numerous buildings and monuments, stone streets rich in Renaissance and Gothic architecture, cafes, restaurants, hotels, galleries.
As the legend says, famous Venetian merchant Marco Polo (1254-1324) was born in town of Korčula and there you can visit sites The Museum of Marco Polo and Marco Polo’s supposed house of birth.
The Old Town of Korčula is grooved with a series of narrow streets that branch like the fish bone. The fish bone shape was used in architecture to protect citizens from wind and sun providing them sheltered and comfortable accommodation.
The whole old town is well-preserved breathtaking historical site you will absolutely love to discover and here are some main location to visit: St. Mark’s Square (Pjaca), St. Mark’s Cathedral, Land Gate and Revelin Tower, Sea Gate, Rampada Tower, Abbey Treasury, Marco Polo’s house, Town Museum.
For sightseeing town Korčula, book your tour HERE.
Town Korčula
Town Vela Luka
The town Vela Luka is located on the western part of the island of Korčula, within 9.2 km long bay on the east island coast. You can reach it by car ferry from Orebić. It’s a very charming Mediterranean town surrounded by rich vegetation, olives and vineyards, offering you authentic Dalmatian island holiday.
During the summer months Vela Luka is a place of a great entertainment – you can enjoy in numerous events and performances from traditional choir singing, art exhibitions, fishermen nights, folkloric festival and concerts of pop and classical music.
Besides great historical and cultural heritage, very good choice of accommodation and excellent restaurants, Vela Luka has the wonderful archipelago with some of the most beautiful Croatian beaches.
Pretty little island Osjak and Proizd are both oasis with white beaches, crystal clear sea and Robinson Crusoe’s silence.
When visiting Vela Luka don’t miss the main sites while walking around the town: church of St. Joseph, museums and galleries in Center for Culture, Great Cave.
Waterfront in Town Vela Luka, Korčula Island
Things to Do on Korčula Island
Korčula Island offers you a variety of things to do. Besides amazing beaches and bays, consider to explore some fantastic places and do things you’ve never done before.
Discover Korčula Island in Your Way
The best way of exploring the island in your own arrangement is to rent a scooter, boat or bike but you can also travel around by your car or rent one. You will feel absolute freedom by hitting the roads taking you to hidden places.
Wine Tasting
Did you know that Korčula is a famous winemaking region? Learn about the ancient history of Croatian wine and discover the unique flavors of wine made in the individual terroirs of Korčula’s vineyards. Taste wine like a pro, learn how to pair wine with a food and enjoy the rolling scenery of the area.
Read more and book your private wine tasting day HERE.
Korčula Island sightseeing with wine tasting
Buggy Island Experience With Branko and Ana
Original Buggy experience is an unique opportunity to discover Korčula island! The locals Branko and Ana will take you to unforgettable rides on the south side of the island 36-42 kilometers long. You will have a fantastic view of the surrounding hills, the island Hvar, the peninsula Pelješac, the islands in front of Dubrovnik and the island Mljet and Lastovo. You will see olive groves and many diferent vineyards surrounded by ancient stone walls and the most famous vineyards on the island. Along the way you will also visit some monuments from the Second World War. You will relax and swim on the beach with a cold drink. At the end of the tour, you will have some wine tasting and try local delicacies Branko and Ana prepare for you in their house!
Read more about this fantastic adventure and BOOK HERE.
Exploring Small Islands by Kayaking
Do not miss to explore beautiful small islands in front of Lumbarda and Korčula by kayak. You will hear the stories about local history, culture, food and wine while you paddle and stop on small islands like Gubavac, Vrnik and Badija. Also, you will have time to relax, drink coffee or tea, and try homemade produce like Klašun cake and Grk wine. You will explore stone quarries on Vrnik island and old Franciscan monastery on Badija Island. You will enjoy some amazing beaches.
You can join this half-day tour HERE.
Sea kayaking around Korčula Island
Day Trips From Korčula Island
When on holidays on Korčula you can easily plan your day trips to get to wonderful places in Adriatic archipelago. Exploring the islands Hvar, Mljet or Lastovo for a day, or take an excursion to Dubrovnik, Hvar or Brač Island is a great holiday experience.
Excursion to Incredible Mljet National Park
Feel freedom on a yacht when sailing to the island Mljet National Park in such a grandiose style. The National park is famous for its two salt lakes and 12th century Benedictine monastery.
Enjoy snorkeling, swimming or sunbathing, and a delicious 3 -course Mediterranean lunch on a yacht. If this sounds like a perfect day in Mljet Nature Park, read more and BOOK HERE.
To get to Mljet Island, you can also board a ferry or catamaran.
Day trip to Mljet Island National Park
A Day Trip to Famous Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a fascinating place with numerous incredible sights that will take you breath away again and again. Do not miss out to feel excitement within its historical scene of buildings, squares and places all around the Old Town. When you arrive there you will realize that this is one of the most incredible places you have ever visited.
You can enjoy 90-minute pleasant yacht cruise to famous destination Dubrovnik and discover outstanding Old Town with your private tour guide. After you leave Dubrovnik, your will have a delicious Dalmatian lunch on a yacht. You will have plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing in crystal clean sea before you sail back to Korčula.
You can find out more on this amazing private day trip by motor yacht and BOOK HERE.
Also, for a day trip in your own arrangement, you can easily board a catamaran in Town Korčula.
Read more about this fascinating town in our Dubrovnik Travel Guide.
Dubrovnik Town
Day Trips to Brač and Hvar Islands
Brač Island offers plenty of sun, wonderful nature, fantastic beaches, domestic Mediterranean fruits, fresh fish and lambs, excellent olive oil and wines. The most famous beach on the Adriatic, Golden Horn Beach (Zlatni Rat) is right here on Brač Island, in lovely town Bol, one of the most popular tourist destination in Croatia. This sandy-pebble beach 500m long change the shape depending on the wind. Enjoy swimming in the clear blue water, wind surfing and water skiing while relaxing in the afternoon summer breeze.
The ancient town Hvar on Hvar Island is a one of the most popular destination in Croatia. It offers a blend of an authentic Mediterranean ambience, rich culture and history.
If you do not want to miss to visit one of these islands, or both, just board a catamaran in Town Korčula.
A Day Trip to Split
Split is the heart of Dalmatia, a hot place to visit in Croatia. On your way to Korčula Island you boarded a ferry in Split but did you have time to discover this amazing ancient city? If you would like to explore a perfect blend of history and culture with great entertainment, shopping and numerous activities at the same time, board a ferry or catamaran in Korčula Town or Vela Luka Town and spend an amazing day in Split.
Hvar Town
Beaches on Korčula Island
Numerous gorgeous bays and beaches hidden along the Korčula coastline are waiting for you to discover. Among the most beautiful beaches is Vaja Beach near the village of Račišće and Orlanduša Beach in Defora bay.
The most popular beaches are sandy Vela Pržina Beach in Lumbarda, pebbled Pupnatska Luka Beach and Proizd Beach (naturist beach on Proizd Island).
Beaches in Korčula Town: Banj, Zakrjan, Spomenik, Sveti Nikola, Luka Korčulanska.
Beaches in Lumbarda: Vela Pržina, Tatinja, Lenga, Bilin Žal
Beaches in Korčula Archipelago: Badija Island, Stupe Island, Vrnik Island, Planjak Island.
Other amazing beaches on Korčula Island: Vaja Beach near Račišće, Orlanuduša Beach in Defora Bay, Bačva Beach (bay), Pupnatska Luka Beach, Defora Bay, Kneža Bay.
Amazing beach on Korčula Island
Where is Korčula Island and How to Get There
Korčula is must-to-discover island in Southern Dalmatian Islands archipelago. You can easily reach Korčula Island from Split or Dubrovnik by car ferry or catamaran. Also, the island is connected by ferry with Orebić on Pelješac peninsula.
Ferry From Split to Korčula
If you travel from Split to Korčula, you can board direct ferry to Korčula (Vela Luka) or you can board a ferry route to Dubrovnik or Lastovo Island – both stopping on Korčula (Vela Luka), but bear in mind that ferry to Lastovo Island is foot only.
You can also get to Korčula by catamaran from Split to town Vela Luka – check Jadrolinija website for routes and timetable.
There is one more way to reach Korčula – by catamaran from Split to Dubrovnik, stopping in Korčula Town, operated by company Kapetan Luka.
Read more info on our Getting around Croatia by ferry page.
Catamaran From Dubrovnik to Korčula
If you travel to Korčula from Dubrovnik you have two options – by catamaran from company Kapetan Luka, or company G&V Line, stopping at Mljet Island on the way.
Getting to Korčula From Orebić (Pelješac Peninsula)
Since western side of Korčula Island is very close to mainland (town Orebić at Pelješac peninsula is only 3.5 km off the coast), getting to island from Orebić is the fastest way if you are coming to Korčula from the Southern Dalmatian towns Dubrovnik or Cavtat.
Company Jadrolinija operates a car ferry route from Orebić to Korčula Island – precisely to Domince, suburb of town Korčula.
Getting to Korčula From Dubrovnik by Car or Bus
You can get to Korčula from Dubrovnik by bus (using the ferry Orebić-Korčula). Check bus timetable on Autotrans website.
The bus drives along the Croatian coast to Pelješac peninsula to small Orebić Town, the closest mainland point to Korčula Island. Once the bus arrives in Orebić, bus gets on car ferry and you are coming near to town Korčula (Domince) in about 30 min. If you travel to Korčula from Dubrovnik by car, route is the same as by bus.
Getting to Korčula From Pescara (Italy)
One more option to reach Korčula Island (Vela Luka Town) is from Pescara in Italy, if you are coming from this part of Europe. This ferry route operates in July and August only, please check HERE for timetable.
More information on getting to Korčula you’ll find on our Travelling to Southern Dalmatia and Travelling to Southern Dalmatian Islands pages.
Leave A Comment