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Korčula is a beautiful island off the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. Often referred to as the ‘Emerald Isle’, this beautiful part of the country takes its name for its vast greenery and lush landscape.
Many tourists choose to visit Korčula each year due to its hilly terrain, incredible beaches and historic towns and villages. Whether you’re seeking a holiday full of serenity and relaxation, or would rather explore and get active, Korčula has something for everyone.
If you’re planning a visit to Korčula, you’ll likely be wondering what you’re going to do whilst you’re on the island. To help get you started, we’ve put together the list below that will guide you through some of the best things to do in this beautiful part of Croatia.
St. Anthony’s Hill is southeast of Korčula town centre, if you follow the road along the sea it will take you to the top of the hill where you will find St. Anthony’s Church. This historic structure dates back to the 14th century and is a great way to see some of the island’s heritage.
A walk up St. Anthony’s Hill isn’t for the faint-hearted, as there are 200 steps to the top. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with the most incredible views out to sea and over Korčula. Not only do you get the chance to visit a religious monument here, but its location also sits in a protected area of natural beauty.
The whole of the quaint town of Korčula can be seen in no more than half a day. Its charming streets and small size make it particularly appealing for those who don’t want to head too far.
When wandering through Korčula Town, you will find plenty of beautiful colourful flowers that line the buildings throughout the streets, alongside a plethora of ancient architecture.
For those who want to spend the day unwinding in Korčula, there are also several restaurants, bars and shops in the Old Town. You can sit out in the cobbled streets and take in the amazing coastal views, whilst watching the rest of the world go by.
In the heart of Korčula Old Town, you will find the beautiful Gothic-Renaissance-style church of St. Mark’s Cathedral. The church sits at the highest point on the peninsula, providing the most picturesque vistas out to the sea and the surrounding landscape.
This Roman Catholic cathedral dates back to the 15th century, allowing for the perfect place to soak up some of Korčula’s history. Upon reaching the cathedral, you will notice the grand pillars situated on the outside of the building, you can spot the figures of Adam and Eve alongside other intricate architectural details.
It is quite a walk up to the cathedral, but the alluring setting and beautiful scenery make the walk well worth it.
For those visiting Korčula to soak up some of the best historical and cultural sights that the island has to offer, you won’t be disappointed after visiting Korčula Town Museum. Here you will find the stunning Gabrielis Palace, an excellent example of 15th and 16th-century architecture on the Old Town’s central square.
Upon visiting the town museum, you will find four floors with numerous exhibits and collections. You can spend hours browsing among the remarkable artefacts within the building, a great way to see some of the island’s heritage.
Once upon a time, Korčula was renowned for having some of the best fortresses in the country and there are many remains of these forts left today. The towers can be seen along the island’s skyline and are an iconic feature of Korčula.
Previously, Korčula had twelve towers in total spread out along the island; today only eight remain. With these impressive towers dating back to the Middle Ages, it provides yet another excellent way to explore some of Korčula’s historical background.
Which tower you decide to visit is entirely up to you, some of the oldest consists of the Tower of All Saints, which dates back to 1493, yet only the basement remains. The Small Governor’s Tower and Large Governor’s Tower go as far back as the 15th century, initially built to protect the Governor’s Palace. No matter which of these beautiful towers you choose to visit, you will be impressed by the incredible architecture that remains.
There are cycling opportunities for everyone on Korčula, whether you’re an enthusiast or would just prefer to bike around the island at your own pace. There are also bike tours available, an excellent way to explore the island’s coastline whilst learning about the top sights.
With so many tours spread out across the island, you can choose the one that best suits you. For those seeking a relaxing cycle with stop-offs at wine tasting venues, secluded beaches, and a chance to visit the lovely town of Lumbarda, there is a 4-hour bike tour which makes for the perfect choice. Your journey will begin in Korčula Town, providing an opportunity to not only see more of the island but to try out some quieter locations too.
It is no secret that Korčula offers some of the best beaches in Croatia. The beautiful sandy shores and turquoise waters make for utter paradise. Not only does the island have a fantastic range of coves to explore, but there are also many hidden bays for those seeking a little seclusion.
If you’re wondering where the best beaches are on Korčula, below shows our top three picks for sandy spots that shouldn’t be missed!
Vela Przina Beach is located in the lovely town of Lumbarda and is a very popular spot, mainly due to its picturesque setting. Vela Przina can get especially busy during the summer months when many tourists go here to make the most of the great weather. So, if you plan on visiting it is best to arrive early to make sure you get a good spot.
There are two open-air restaurants at Vela Przina which are great for those aiming to spend the whole day here. With incredible scenery and great amenities, you couldn’t ask for much more from a trip to the seaside.
For those who don’t like sandy shores, the pebbly beach of Pupnatska Luka is the ideal place. The beach has clear, shimmering waters and a small cove which is ideal for those who seek one of the quieter shores in Korčula. Pupnatska is approximately 9 miles from Korčula town and can be accessed by the regular bus service that runs from Korčula to Pupnat.
Pupnatska Luka Beach is perfect for families, as its quiet location, seaside restaurants, deck chairs and parasols available for hire, make for an easy day out with everything you need in one location.
Bilin Zal Beach is another sandy stretch situated on the eastern shore of Lambarda, approximately 2.5 miles from Korčula town. The beach consists of soft sands, turquoise waters and a few cafes and restaurants situated nearby.
This is one of the most popular places to go on Korčula for beach lovers, so bear in mind that if you plan on visiting Bilin Zal in summer, you should plan ahead of time to avoid the crowds.
The famous explorer Marco Polo, is said to have been born in a house in Korčula that is now open as a tourist attraction. Part of the house offers free entry, but if you plan on visiting the side of the building to witness the incredible vistas over Korčula, there will be a small entrance fee to pay.
When visiting Marco Polo’s house, you can also explore the museum where you will find lots of fascinating information on Marco Polo and his exciting travels. After you have spent some time learning, make sure you check out the shops around the area. You can spend some time browsing through more than four hundred traditional products; great for those who want to pick up some memorabilia to take home.
Although Korčula is relatively small, with lots of historical and cultural attractions and wonderful scenery, that doesn’t mean it falls short on its nightlife offering. There are several brilliant bars and nightclubs on the island that provide the perfect place to dance through the night when visiting here.
Some of the top nightlife attractions consist of:
Although Korčula doesn’t have the most lively nightlife in comparison to party capitals like Ibiza, it does offer a charming atmosphere with many great places to try. Wherever you decide to go, you will be sure to have a fantastic night out on this stunning island.
We’ve only scratched the surface of what there is to do in Korčula on this list. This island not only has much more to discover, but its incredible location means that your time here will be spent surrounded by stunning scenery and authentic historical sights. However you choose to spend your time in Korčula, you’ll be impressed at all that it has to offer.
For more recommendations on visiting Korčula, why not read our guides to the best time to visit and where to go?
If you’re planning a visit to Korčula and are looking for somewhere to stay in the area, Vida Villas has a fantastic selection of accommodation to choose from. Browse our range here, or get in touch and talk to our team about what you’re looking for.
Image Credits:
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/main-gate-old-town-korcula-on-315517958
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/korcula-lumbarda-coastal-village-on-island-1575493828
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/views-bilin-zal-beach-lumbarda-croatia-1213995859
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/old-stone-bridge-korcula-city-on-415009777
