Korcula holidays

Korcula holidays

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The island of Korcula is the perfect place to soak up everything the Mediterranean has to offer. Korcula holidays are all yours, whether you want a romantic getaway for two or a snorkelling adventure with the whole family. Known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and centuries of history, this tiny island boasts 20 miles of spellbinding coastline. 

In Korcula’s Old Town, medieval walls stand proudly while folk music echoes through the streets. The ancient town is home to luxury hotels, fine dining and some of the island’s most impressive landmarks, including the imposing St Mark's Cathedral. On the western tip of the island, Vela Luka is a bigger, less happening settlement - head for the Cultural Centre, which houses two Henry Moore sculptures.

Much of the rest of Korčula is given over to agriculture, the signature product being the local dry white wine, Grk. Like the name of Korčula itself, originating from ‘Korkyra Melaina’ (‘Black Corfu’), Grk links back to the time of Ancient Greek settlers here. Korcula is a dazzling Croatian island that has it all: sun, sea, and culture in spades.

Island-hop to Korcula

Before we get to the good stuff, let's figure out how you're going to get there. Ferries calling at Split, Hvar and Lastovo dock at Vela Luka. The bus-and-boat service from Dubrovnik hops across from Orebić on Pelješac to Korčula town. The trip takes about three and a half hours. Take advantage of the fresh air while you try to spot dolphins and make the most of your time at sea. Don't have the time? If you want to shorten your trip, you can take the catamaran from Split via Hvar, which only takes an hour and 45 minutes.

Explore an ancient Roman island

If you're a culture vulture, you'll feel the pull of Old Town from the very first moment you step on the island. The ancient, walled town of Korcula regularly invites comparisons with Dubrovnik and will quickly sweep you up in its historical magic. The Land Gate entrance is your gateway to the 13th century Old Town. It will be easy to tell you’re in the right direction when you come to a small peninsula dotted with whitewashed houses with fiery-red clay rooftops.

There's still an ancient fort on Korcula, surrounded by an imposing stone wall. The walls were built to keep pirates at bay. The island's most important landmark is St Mark's Cathedral, built in the 15th century. Visit the bell tower for spectacular views across the bay. Korcula Town Museum, across the street, offers a fascinating look at the island's history. There are four levels to explore, which make it a great place to learn about the ancient culture of the island. 

Feast on Dalmatian food and wine

A rich wine-growing island, Korcula’s vineyards are not to be missed. A delicate white wine is made from grapes from the vineyards near Smokvica and Cara. With a classic wine tasting experience, you can sample it along with a variety of others. If you're a foodie, you'll find a delicious haven of tastes and alluring smells throughout the village. Whether you enjoy a beach picnic or a classy seafood dinner, Korcula cuisine offers something for everyone.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Brac Island | CroatiaDalmatian CoastDubrovnik | HvarMakarskaRovinj | Split | Zadar | Zagreb

 

Map of Korcula

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9 to 25 ℃

Want to soak up the sun? July and August are your best bet, with highs in the low 30s°C

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3 hours

Fly to Split International Airport, around 50km away

Korčula is best for…

Beach lovers: Dreaming of unwinding by the pristine sea? Korčula is your perfect retreat. From easily accessible pebble beaches to hidden coves with crystal-clear waters, the island offers a stunning and serene coastline. Zakerjan Beach is a popular swimming spot, just outside the fortifications of Korčula Old Town.

Wine connoisseurs: Explore the island's wineries and sample local varieties like Grk and Pošip, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the rolling vineyards and the azure Adriatic Sea.

History buffs: Step back in time with a visit to Korčula Old Town, a captivating medieval treasure with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings and historic landmarks. Discover the legacy of Marco Polo and soak in the rich cultural heritage.

Fast facts for Korčula

Language: The language spoken is Croatian. Most locals speak good English, but try to learn a few phrases, as locals will appreciate the effort!

Currency: The currency used in Croatia is the Euro.

Local time: Korčula is an hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Dubrovnik International Airport. The journey time is in the region of 3 hours, including a ferry crossing.

Flight time from the UK: Around 3 hours.

Tourist information: Find out more about the island at the Korčula tourist board website.

Visa / Health: The latest advice can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

Getting around Korčula

On foot: If you’re visiting the island for a day trip then you’ll find Korčula Old Town within walking distance of the ferry terminal. The medieval streets are car-free allowing you to explore this picturesque gem at leisure. 

By road: It’s 43km from Korčula Town to Vela Luka. A coach service operates from one side of the island to the other, with stops in each of the towns and villages, but there’s only a few services every day. If you’re planning to cycle or drive do note the roads are very scenic but also twisty with steep inclines.

Events in Korčula

Moreška Sword Dance Festival: Held in July in Korčula Town, this centuries-old tradition features dramatic sword fights and vivid costumes, celebrating the island's rich cultural heritage.

Wine Festival: Toast to tradition at this annual festival in early September. Local winemakers showcase their best vintages, including the island's famous Grk and Pošip wines, providing a delightful experience for everyone who enjoys a drink.

Korkyra Baroque Festival: This prestigious event, held in September, brings world-class musicians to perform in stunning historical venues across the island, creating an unforgettable blend of music and history.

Korcula weather

As a gem of the Adriatic, Korčula boasts a delightful Mediterranean climate year-round. In July and August there's an average of 13 sunshine hours daily, with temperatures climbing to the low thirties. May and June are perfect for exploring the island’s vineyards, thanks to slightly cooler temperatures. September and October remain warm, with temperatures in the mid-20s, ideal for enjoying Korčula’s outdoor festivals.

This beautiful island, covered by dense pine forests promises unforgettable escapes right by the Adriatic. From its pretty pebbly beaches to its delcious seafood restaurants and qaint Old Town, you won't run out of things to do in Korcula. And when you're not taking advantage of its sleepy bays, you can always grab a taxi-boat to Badija Island, where you'll find even more selcuded coves to relax on.

9 Things to do in Korcula

  • A beautiful view across Korcula Island in Croatia

    Slap-bang in the middle of Korčula island, surrounded by sandy plains, you’ll find the Toreta winery in the small village of Smokvica.

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  • Vela Luka’s Cultural Centre on Korcula Island, Croatia

    There’s something very unusual about Vela Luka’s Cultural Centre - it’s a treasure trove of modern art.

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  • A picturesque winery in Croatia

    Grk is the classic Korčula wine, originating in and around the village of Lumbarda on the far eastern tip of the island

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  • Icon gallery at All Saints Church on Korcula Island, Croatia

    All that glitters is, in fact, gold, at the Icon Gallery at All Saints’ Church, tucked just inside the Venetian fortifications of Korčula’s Old Town.

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  • An aerial view of Franciscan monastery on the island of Badija in Croatia

    Accessed by taxi-boat that putt-putts over from Korčula Old Town, the island of Badija is one of the great experiences you can enjoy in this part of Dalmatia.

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  • A view of Korcula's beautiful coastline

    Korcula’s breathtaking beaches, craggy cliffs, and magnificent views will leave you speechless.

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  • A seafront restaurant in Croatia

    Ready for the best dining Korcula has to offer? It’s no surprise that the finest hotel on Korčula (Lešić Dimitri) also houses the island’s finest restaurant: LD.

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  • A beautiful view across Korcula Island in Croatia

    The island of Korcula is almost entirely covered in dark pine forests and lush countryside, and it’s surrounded by wild coastline.

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  • The famous bell tower of St Mark’s Cathedral in Korcula

    A tour of St Mark’s Cathedral provides expert insight into the creation of one of the most impressive pieces of religious architecture in Dalmatia.

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Best hotels in Korcula