DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND: AN ADRIATIC HIDDEN GEM IN CROATIA!

DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND: AN ADRIATIC HIDDEN GEM IN CROATIA!

DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND: The "Old Town" on the Adriatic
DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND: The “Old Town”
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INTRODUCTION: DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND- AN ADRIATIC HIDDEN GEM IN CROATIA!

If you’ve been dreaming of a Mediterranean getaway, Korcula Island in Croatia might be exactly what you’re looking for. Known as the “Little Dubrovnik” for its medieval charm, this island offers something for everyone—pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and world-class wine. Did you know that Marco Polo is believed to have been born here? Let’s explore what makes Korcula one of the Adriatic’s best-kept secrets.

As someone who has lived on the Mediterranean for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge to help you make the most of your travels.

(To find out more about the Mediterranean see our related posts, “Discover Rovinj Croatia” and “Guide to the Mediterranean Coast“)

View from The "Old Town"
DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND: View from The “Old Town”

What to Expect on Korcula Island

Korcula is a beautiful island in the Adriatic just off the coast of Croatia. The island’s history stretches far into the past and this is reflected in the architecture of not only the town of Korcula but in the other small towns that make up this island. The “Old Town” in Korcula is especially noteworthy with medieval streets and various older buildings, a real pleasure to stroll through. The island is covered in forests, olive orchards, and vineyards, making this an excellent place for hiking and cycling, and along its coasts are several beaches and towns waiting to be explored.

Sailboats in the Harbor
DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND: Sailboats in the Harbor

Top Beaches on Korcula Island

The waters off the island are crystal clear and are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There is a wide range of beaches to select from, from pebble shores to hidden coves. Some are accessible by road while others, only by boat or by foot. Whichever way you choose to get there, you won’t be disappointed. Below is a list of only a few of the beaches you will find:

Zitna Beach: Located near the picturesque town of Zavalatica is Zitna Beach which lies at the end of a hidden cove. The waters are crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. There is a small parking lot located about 100m from the beach or you can reach it by foot from town, about 300m away. A great place to relax with a small tavern nearby for food and drinks.

Bilin Zal Beach: Bilin Zal Beach is at the east end of the island and is a much longer beach with shallow crystal clear waters ideal for families. From the shore, you have beautiful views of some of the other islands and the mountains on the mainland. Here you will also find a small tavern serving food and drinks. 

Batalo Beach on Proizd Island: At the complete opposite end of the island is the tiny island of Proizd. This island has a very rocky shoreline with a few beaches where you can access the water. The island can be reached with water taxis that shuttle back and forth to the island during the high season. There are trails, a lighthouse, and a restaurant on the island.

Islands and Secluded Beaches around Korcula on the Adriatic
Islands and Secluded Beaches around Korcula

Cultural and Historical Highlights

Korcula Old Town

When visiting Korcula, make sure to visit the Old Town where the streets are laid out in a fishbone pattern. The town is surrounded by stone walls and here you will find the famous Bishop’s Palace and the town’s main church, St Mark’s Cathedral. Along the town’s walls, you will find a large selection of restaurants and taverns from where you can enjoy the stunning views of the Adriatic, some of the surrounding islands, and the mainland in the distance. 

 Shopping in Old Town
DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND: Shopping in Old Town
The Marco Polo Connection

At one time Korcula was part of the Republic of Venice and is potentially the birthplace of Marco Polo, a historical point that is contested by Venice that also claims to be the birthplace of this famous explorer. Despite evidence of a strong trade link between the Polo family in Venice and Korcula which makes the claim from Croatia at least plausible, there is no conclusive proof confirming conclusively where Marco Polo was actually born. Despite the uncertainty on this point, there is another connection between Korcula and Marco Polo that is not debated.

After his return from China, Marco Polo became involved in a naval battle just off the northeastern coast of Korcula between Genoese and Venetian navies. The Venetians lost and Marco Polo was captured and later imprisoned in Genoa. It was during this time in prison that he met Rustichello, the man to whom he recounted his adventure in the Orient. This recounting would ultimately lead to the famous book “Travels” of Marco Polo”. Without this naval battle off the coast of Korcula, it is doubtful that his story would ever have been written.

In the end, there is a definite connection between the world-famous Marco Polo and Korcula, and the island celebrates this connection today in the names of various shops, businesses, streets, the house where he is reputedly born, and a museum related to his life and travels.

Best Activities on Korcula Island

Wine Tasting Tours

Blessed with the Mediterranean Climate, Wine has been produced in Korcula for centuries. Today there are various established vineyards on the island, producing excellent wines made from native grapes. When visiting Korcula, make sure to include a visit to at least one of the vineyards in your itinerary. Below is a list of 3 of these vineyards with a link to their websites.

Vineyards Offering Wine Tours
  1. Bire Winery: Known for its production of Grk, a unique white grape variety native to Korcula. Bire Winery offers tours that showcase their winemaking process and allow visitors to taste their distinctive Grk wines.
  2. Krajancic Winery: Specializes in Posip, another indigenous white grape variety. The winery provides tours where guests can enjoy Posip wines and learn about the traditional methods used in their production.
  3. Cebalo Winery: Focuses on producing wines from the Rukatac grape, also known as Marastina. Visitors can explore the vineyard and taste their Rukatac wines, gaining insight into the local viticulture practices.

For more specific details, I recommend visiting their websites directly or contacting them for the latest information on tours and offerings.

Cycling and Hiking

Visiting Korcula provides a great opportunity to get in some cycling and hiking. There are trails throughout the island that wind their way along beaches and coasts, and through vineyards, olive orchards, forests, and hills. Of course, you can drive around the island in a car but this doesn’t compare to the experience of exploring the island that both hiking and cycling give you. Below is a list of 3 places where you can rent different types of bikes on Korcula:

Kaleta Travel – They offer a variety of bikes including mountain, city, road, and e-bikes. You can find more information on their website.

Korcula Outdoor Experience: This shop provides mountain e-bikes for exploring Korcula and the Peljesac peninsula. Check out their offerings on their website.

Korcula Boat: They rent full-suspension and hard-tail e-bikes, available for daily or extended rentals. Visit their website for details.

Hiking the Coast
Hiking the Coast

Island Hopping Adventures

If you look at a map you’ll see that Korcula is only one of many islands in the area making this a great place to go island hopping. You can make various day trips to the other islands by taking one of the many boat tours available on Korcula. Tours range from short 1 hour excursions to whole-day adventures, stopping at various islands along the way. The tours also allow you to reach hidden coves and beaches that would be otherwise impossible or hard to get to. It’s hard to beat a boat tour when it comes to exploring an island, a great outing for the entire family, and an excellent way of making memories. Plan your island hopping today!

  1. Korcula Boat – They provide private boat transfers and tours, including trips to Hvar. More details can be found on their website.
  2. Korcula Adventures – Specializes in yacht cruises around the three islands archipelago, including snorkeling and paddleboarding. Visit their website for more information.
Crystal Clear Waters
The Islands are Surrounded by Crystal Clear Waters

Cuisine and Dining

Explore Korcula’s culinary scene, which includes fresh produce, olive oil, and seafood (this is an island after all!) from the area. Seafood dishes feature prominently on most menus but be sure to try the local specialties, Brodetto (fish stew) and peka (slow-cooked pork or fish).

Three highly recommended “konobas” (traditional restaurants) in Korcula where you can taste some real Croatian food are listed below:

  1. Konoba Mate – Located in the village of Pupnat, Konoba Mate focuses on authentic Dalmatian dishes. Here you can enjoy traditional handmade pasta, local seafood, and wine produced at nearby vineyards. www.konobamate.com
  2. Konoba Belin – This family-run restaurant in the village of Žrnovo specializes in dishes like peka and pasticada, served in a rustic setting.
  3. Konoba Adio Mare – Situated in the heart of Korcula Town, Adio Mare is one of the oldest taverns on the island. It serves traditional recipes, including grilled fish, risottos, and dishes prepared with homegrown olives and herbs.

Tip: make sure to order one of the locally produced wines, like Grk and Posip, with your meals to get the full Adriatic experience

Wine Tasting Tours
Wine Tasting Tours

Best Time to Visit Korcula

As with most places on the Mediterranean, and in this case the Adriatic, the best time to visit when it comes to weather is of course the summer, in July and August. You’ll experience sunny days, beach weather, and a bustling nightlife. If you’re looking for a less hectic pace but still want nice weather, then the shoulder seasons are for you. These run from May to June in the Spring, and September to October in the fall. There are fewer people and the pace is much slower allowing you to see the sights at your pace and without the crowds.

If traveling in the summer, pack swim gear and light clothing. If opting for the off-season, bring a light jacket, sweater, and pants as the evenings can be cool. But still, bring swimwear because the days will still be sunny and warm. Regardless of when you come, make sure to bring good walking shoes, there is a lot to see here. 

Tips for Visiting Korcula

During the tourist season, there are regular boat shuttles from Split, Dubrovnik, or other islands to Korcula. You can also reach Korcula by vehicle ferry. On the island, you can find Hotels, guesthouses, and private rentals in most locations.

You can check the link below to check the availability of rooms on the island to help plan your trip (Full disclosure:, if you end up booking accommodations on this site, I will make a small commission but rest assured that you will not be paying more for these accommodations then if you were to book directly with the hotels or guesthouses. But it will help me cover my costs – thank you).

To prepare for your trip, you may want to learn a few Croatian phrases to say hello or thank you. Simple gestures like these are appreciated in every culture. Tipping in Croatia, often approximately 10% of the bill, is valued in cafes and restaurants.

Old Town with Mediterranean Climate
Old Town with Mediterranean Climate

FINAL THOUGHTS: DISCOVER KORCULA ISLAND, AN ADRIATIC HIDDEN GEM IN CROATIA!

Korcula Island on the Adriatic is more than just a pretty destination—it’s an experience of a lifetime! Whether you’re here for its beaches, history, or authentic cuisine, it’s hard not to fall in love with its charm. Start planning your Korcula adventure today and see why so many travelers call it a true Croatian treasure.

“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”

How about experiencing the Adriatic islands firsthand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!

Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

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