First thing you need to know about this gorgeous Croatian island is that its name is pronounced as Kor-chu-la. Second, it is a haven for history buffs, photographers, adventure seekers, and wine lovers – as there are many things to do in Korcula.
If you’re not among those mentioned, the island of Korcula is bound to be an amazing discovery and it’s also considered one of the best islands in Croatia.
The best way to get to Korcula island is through Split, Hvar or Dubrovnik. There are ferries that travel from these towns to the island and it can also be a good day trip if you don’t want to stay. However, we recommend staying at least for a couple of days to fully enjoy the island.
From island hopping to climbing up medieval towers, strolling through the old town to drinking wine, here’s a list of best things to do in Korcula, Croatia.
Contents
12 Things To Do in Korcula
1. Explore Korcula
Start your Korcula visit with a stroll around its a charming old town. This place is quite small and can be easily explored in half a day. The old town is where you’ll find most restaurants, shops and Korcula’s major attractions.
Wander through the cobblestone alleys and see the colorful blooms going over the sides of old buildings. A walk around this cute old town is one of the best things to do in Korcula, and a great way to experience being a local.
2. Korcula Town Museum
Located in the gorgeous Gabrielis Palace, the Korcula town Museum is a haven for history buffs and those who want to know more about the island’s fascinating culture. In itself, the palace where it is housed is already one life-size artifact as it’s a stunning example of 15th and 16th-century architecture.
This palace stands in the Old Town’s central square, with the museum occupying four floors and features a variety of exhibits. Items on display include an ancient tablet that proves the presence of the Greeks on the island around the 3rd century B.C. And exhibits about the history of shipbuilding in the area.
Opening Hours
January–March, October –November– 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
July– September – 9:00 am- 9:00 pm
Admission Fee
For visitors in groups of 10
and more visitors – 15 kuna. (€2.02)
Price for individual visitors – 20 kuna (€2.68)
For children in organized visits – 8 kuna (€1.07)
Contact Information
Phone: +385 20 711 420
Email: info@gm-korcula.com
Address: Trg Sv. Marka, 20260 KORČULA
3. Go island hopping
A visit to Korcula isn’t complete without a trip to its neighboring islands. Island hopping is one of the best activities to do in Korcula and it’s a fun way to explore its natural beauty. A boat trip to Korcula’s surrounding island also introduces you to some of its best beaches.
These beaches include rocky Banje beach and Zakrjan beach in Korcula Town, as well as sandy Bilin Zal beach and Vela Przina beach in Lumbarda.
4. Visit Marco Polo’s house
It is said that the legendary explorer Marco Polo was born on this island, that’s why his house is one of the best places to visit in Korcula. The structure that’s said to be where Marco Polo was born is a small stone house with a tower that offers amazing views of the sea surrounding Korcula.
There’s also Marco Polo gift shop across the street that has some quirky Marco Polo branded souvenirs such as mugs, notebooks, pens, shirts, and sweets, plus a variety of other nautical-themed items.
Opening Hours
April-June, September- October
9:00 am- 3:00 pm
July- August
9:00 am-9:00 pm
Admission Fee
Groups (min.10 persons) 12 kn (€1.61)
Adults – 20 kn (€2.68)
Children up to age of 10 (accompanied by an adult) Free
Contact Information
Address: Ulica Depolo, Korcula
5. Donkey Safari On Korcula Island
Whether you’re in Korcula with kids or not, this is a highly recommended activity. This fun donkey safari is a great way to take in this island’s gorgeous scenery. It starts at Žrnovo town, where visitors get to ride donkeys through olive groves, which leads to the stunning Pavja Luka bay.
The pebbled beach is where you can spend the rest of the day sunbathing, snorkeling, swimming or just relaxing by the shore. Part of this tour is a delicious lunch of grilled fish served with local wine.
This is one of the best things to do in Korcula on weekends as it allows you to relax while still enjoying the sights.
6. Explore Korcula by Bike
Get a map from the visitor centre or download one, then either rent a bike or join a tour group. Whatever you choose, this is one of the best things to do in Korcula and you’re going to enjoy navigating the island with a different perspective and at your own pace.
A bike tour of Korcula takes you through the old town to its side streets, olive groves and vineyards with probably some wine tasting, then through rolling hills and secluded bays.
This is where you stop, lock your bike as you sit on the sand or pebbles and relax while taking in the sight of the Adriatic’s crystal blue waters.
7. Windsurf On Korcula Island
You can’t be on an island and not try at least one watersport. Try one of the most popular activities in Korcula — windsurfing. With the island’s glorious weather and its strategic position to catch the perfect afternoon Maestral.
That’s a summer wind that’s perfect for windsurfing, as it allows them plenty of movement while in the waters. Windsurfing is something everyone can enjoy, and it doesn’t matter if you haven’t tried it yet.
There are windsurfing schools in places where the wind is less intense, and they rent equipment, too. This is an ideal activity when in Korcula and something that every visitor of the island must try.
8. Day Trip to Mljet
From one gorgeous island to another — this is a definite must when you’re in Korcula. Mljet is just a quick boat ride from Korcula, a lush green island that’s home to one of Croatia’s top national parks.
This park is mostly forested, surrounding two saltwater lakes. While in Mljet, you can also visit an islet called St. Mary’s Island, which once housed a Benedictine Monastery from the 12th century.
This place looks straight out of a fairytale and it also has walking trails if you want to explore further.
Opening Hours
Mljet National Park
May– October
Daily- 8:00 am- 8:00 pm
Winter period ( November – April ) accepting visitors only by prior announcement.
Admission Fee
Mljet National Park
January- March, October– December
Adult ticket- 70 kn
Ticket for students (ages 7 to 18) and students-50 kn
Extra return boat ticket to Sv. Mary (with the presentation of a ticket)-30 kn
Mountain pass- 50 kn
Guided tours up to 2 hours- ** 400 kn
Children up to 7 years old- Free
June- September
Adult ticket- 125 kn
Ticket for students (ages 7 to 18) and students-70 kn
Extra return boat ticket to Sv. Mary (with presentation of a ticket) -30 kn
Mountain pass- 50 kn
Guided tours up to 2 hours- ** 400 kn
Children up to 7 years old- Free
Contact Information
Address: Nacionali Park Mljet 20226 Goveđari Pristanište 2, Croatia
Phone: +385 20 744 041 or +385 20 744 058
Email: np-mljet@np-mljet.hr
9. Try the local wine
With its long history of winemaking, one of the best things to do in Korcula just has to include its local wines. Visit a vineyard, observe the process at a winery, then sip some wine as you take in the island’s breathtaking views.
This activity is best done with a guided tour as it takes you to multiple vineyards and winery. The tours also include honey and olive oil tastings as they’re among the top products of Korcula, as well as delicious lunch to go with your wine.
10. Visit Seba Dizajn
Korcula is home to Seba Dizajn, known for their fine handcrafted filigree jewelry. The Seba family have been associating with the art of filigree that spans an incredible 500+ years.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not into jewelry, but it’s fascinating to look at what Seba Dizajn has to offer, or watch them at work as they painstakingly create some intricate metalwork against gold or silver.
A unique thing to do in Korcula, this it also shows you a different side of Korcula. Aside from the bays, beaches, and wine, the island also boasts of some serious art and craftsmanship.
11. Climb to the top of St. Mark’s Cathedral
Situated right in its tiny old town is one of the most important buildings in Korcula the St. Mark Cathedral. This Gothic and Renaissance structure dates back to the 15th century and is built in the highest point of the Old Town.
One of the best places to see in Korcula, visitors can also climb up the bell tower for stunning panoramic views over the d town as well as the rest of this island, stretching all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
12. Enjoy Cocktail Drinks in a Medieval tower
You don’t always get the chance to drink in a medieval tower, and Korcula offers visitors an opportunity to do just that. Head on to Massimo cocktail bar, which is located on top of a medieval tower with great views over the city as well ss the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic.
Go there early enough to catch the sunset, do it with a drink in hand as you take me. The fantastic views that you won’t see anywhere else.
