Get your bucket list ready. In this guide, we’ll show you the best things to do in Korčula and how to experience them. Need help planning your trip? Check out our tips for visiting Korčula — you’ll find the best restaurants, where to stay, how to get around and more!
What to expect in Korčula
Korčula is Croatia’s 6th largest island, located directly in the middle of Split and Dubrovnik. Covered in lush pine forests, vineyards and historical treasures, it’s the reason why people want to visit Korčula.
Despite being one of Croatia’s more popular islands, Korčula has managed to preserve its authentic feel, creating an ambience of tranquillity and familiarity.
Your beautifully sunny days on the island can be spent eating great food, drinking incredible wine, lounging on the beach, or trying to windsurf. That doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
Note that the tranquillity of Korčula might not be everyone’s favourite, though. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit livelier, one of the other islands such as Hvar or Brač may be more interesting to you.
Top tours in and around Korčula
- Private Old Town tour with a licensed guide for €40
- Stunning sunset kayaking tour for €53
- Beach hopping buggy adventure around Korčula for €102
#1 Explore Korčula Town
Cast out into the ocean and surrounded by ancient city walls, Korčula Town is somewhere you’re guaranteed to fall in love with.
With around 3,000 inhabitants living in Korčula Town, you’ll be swept up into daily life. Alongside the locals, you can enjoy the monuments, cafes, restaurants, hotels and open-air cinema.
The best way to explore Korčula Town is to simply get lost. Immerse yourself in the hidden courtyards, backstreets and tucked-away alleys. That’s where you’ll find the real Korčula.
Nicknamed ‘little Dubrovnik’, the town boasts stunning Venetian-style architecture with iconic red roofs.
There are a number of spots that we recommend visiting which can be found below.
If you like to know a bit about what you’re looking at, join this private tour with a licensed guide to learn all about Korčula.
#2 Climb to the top of St Mark’s Cathedral
If there is one place everyone remembers from their trip to Korčula, it’s St Mark’s Cathedral.
Built in the 15th century by local masters and craftsmen of stone masonry, it’s certainly a work of art. The Gothic Renaissance style is very impressive.
St Mark’s Cathedral is probably the most important building in Korčula Old Town. It’s definitely the place to get the best view of the town and the Adriatic Sea.
Sitting on the highest point on the peninsula, once you climb to the top of the clock tower, you will be amazed. You’ll be greeted with panoramic views, the perfect place to watch the sunset.
It costs just €3 to get this incredible view.
#3 Enjoy the best beaches in Korčula
You’re on an island, so is there anything better than spending the day relaxing on a beach?
Vela Przina Beach
Vela Przina is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Due to its gently sloping, sandy shore, it’s the best for a refreshing swim or some relaxation on the sand.
If you head to the east of the beach, you’ll be able to escape the crowds and enjoy the peace.
In peak season, there is also a bar and a few small that open their doors.
Bacva Beach
Bacva Beach is the place to go if you’re looking for the incredibly blue waters that Croatia is famous for.
You’ll need to drive to this beach, as it’s just over 13 km from Korčula Town, but it’s definitely worth it. This also means that you get to escape some of the crowds.
Bacva Beach is a pebbly beach. Don’t worry, these are small stones made smooth by the water and sand, making them comfortable to lay on.
Pupnatska Luka Beach
Another unmissable beach is Pupnatska Luka Beach. A 15-minute drive from Korčula Town. This beach is surrounded by dense forests and a crystal-clear ocean.
At this fine gravel beach, you’ll also find a small restaurant that serves some great food and drinks.
One efficient and fun way to hit a number of Korčula’s beaches is on this adrenaline-fulled buggy adventure. You’ll visit stunning beaches, get the chance to snorkel, visit vineyards and discover ancient olive groves.
Book your buggy adventure around Korčula for €102.
#4 Explore the island of Korčula by bicycle
Due to its mild climate, Korčula is the perfect cycling destination all year round.
And hiring a bike is one of the most recommended things to do in Korčula.
Why is Korčula perfect for cycling?
With its quiet country lanes and off-road trails, Korčula is ideal for all levels of bikers. The stunning paths take you through vineyards, along the coast and on mountains.
Unlike in a car, you won’t zoom past these incredible sights. Instead, you’ll be able to really take them in.
You can find a map of all of the main cycling routes around Korčula here. However, most of the roads are pretty quiet, so it’s possible to cycle nearly everywhere on the island.
Hiring a bike for the day will cost around €13.
TIP: Our compact Korčula Travel Guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Korčula!
#5 Discover rich vineyards and try some incredible wine
We can’t rave about Croatian wine enough. It’s debatably some of the best in the world. Either way, it’s a gem that is hidden from most of the world.
Croatian wine isn’t hugely imported, which means that you have to make the most of it when you’re there.
Korčula is covered in flourishing vineyards, so it’s no surprise that it produces some spectacular wine.
Try Grk wine
Korčula, specifically the town of Lumbarda, is the only place in the world that grows the white Grk Bijeli wine variety.
Throughout Lumbarda, you’ll find a number of wineries and vineyards waiting for you to come and try some of their unique wine.
These include Vitis Winery, Popic Winery and Bire Winery.
If you’re looking to sample a variety of local wines, then Bokar Wine Bar, situated within Korčula Town, is a perfect spot.
If you’re visiting Korčula from Dubrovnik, then you can join this wine and culture tour of Korčula. It will show you the best of the island whilst getting to enjoy some delicious wine.
#6 Learn a new skill and try windsurfing
Due to its ideal geographical position, Korčula is a great place to learn to windsurf. If you already know how to do it, it’s easy to hire a board and jump straight in.
It’s possible to windsurf on almost any spot along the coast, but the best winds can be found in the Peljesac and Korčula channel.
In the afternoon especially, these waters will be graced with experts displaying their impressive range of skills. Even if you don’t want to give it a go, it’s still a fun sport to watch.
How to take windsurfing lessons in Korčula
There are a number of windsurfing schools offering board hire and also lessons. We would recommend taking lessons with Oreb Sailing.
They offer a variety of courses, starting from €60 per day. They are very experienced and will take you from novice to confident in no time!
If you can’t get enough of watersports, the neighbouring island of Brač, might be even more interesting to you. There’s a whole host of water activities to take part in there.
#7 Hire a kayak and explore the ocean
If windsurfing doesn’t sound like something that you want to try, what about kayaking?
The serene sea surrounding Korčula makes for a great place to go kayaking. Grab your paddle and head towards Korčula’s sea caves, islets and sheltered bays.
Hiring a kayak will allow you to access hidden gems that other visitors won’t get to see.
The easiest way to find a kayak to rent is to simply walk along the beach. It’s likely that there will be someone there offering kayaks.
To give you an idea of the price, 5 hours of kayak rental should cost around €25.
Go on a kayaking tour
If you don’t feel comfortable kayaking by yourself, you can also join a kayaking tour that takes you to all the best spots on the island. This sunset kayaking tour from Lumbarda does exactly that and also includes a glass of wine at the end!
You can book this stunning sunset kayaking tour online for €53.
#8 Hike up to St Anthony’s chapel
Looking to get your legs moving? The hike up to St Anthony’s chapel is a way to do just that.
Just 2 km outside of Korčula Town, a 30-minute walk will bring you to a small chapel set upon a hill.
After 102 steps, your legs might be burning a little bit, but it’s completely worth it. The path is lined with trees, offering a refreshing break from the sun and some beautiful views.
Built in the 14th century, the small chapel is very quaint and rustic. With this activity, it’s really more about the journey than the destination.
#9 Visit Marco Polo’s house
You’ve probably heard the name before. Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant, explorer and writer who travelled through Asia in the 13th century.
The reason why you might know his name may have more to do with the game named after him, Marco Polo, than with what he actually did.
Either way, it’s believed that Marco Polo was born in Korčula. In a house that is still standing and has now become a place for visitors to see.
What is there to see inside?
There isn’t that much to see inside Marco Polo’s house, but the narrow staircase does lead to some incredible views of the sea.
We’ll be honest, it’s not the most exciting experience, but at least you’ll be able to say that you’ve been in the house of Marco Polo.
Also, entrance costs only €2.60.
#10 Go island hopping to Hvar
If you’re looking to explore some of Croatia’s other islands, but don’t have time to stay on them, then a day trip could be a great idea.
Hvar is a very popular island in Croatia, situated only a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Korčula.
You can spend your day on Hvar wandering around Hvar Old Town, relaxing on the beach, or visiting some historical sites such as Fortica Fortress and Tvrdalj Castle.
Once the sun sets, Hvar really comes alive. If you can stay the night on Hvar, we’d highly recommend doing so.
Need some inspiration for what to do? Check out our list of the best activities in Hvar.
Rounding it up
Now you’ve picked the best things to do in Korcula, it’s time to start ticking off that bucket list. Not sure how to plan your trip? Our Korčula guide is here to help! You’ll find out how long to stay in Korcula, where to eat, how to get around and more. Happy planning!
Our favourite places to stay in Korcula
Important: Tourism in Croatia is very seasonal. Much of the available accommodation in Croatia is fully booked in the summer, but many sites are closed in the winter months. With July and August being the peak season, rates can rise 3 times as high as compared the low season or shoulder months. We recommend booking your accommodation at least 1 month in advance to lock in better rates.
Guest House Holiday - Budget Friendly
After a glimpse of this guesthouse, you won’t quite believe it’s a budget-friendly option. It’s an absolute bargain! The facilities and rooms make you feel like you are in a boutique hotel.
The rooms offer stunning views of the crystal clear water below. There’s no need for a TV (although there is one). The location and host easily make this place one of the best places to stay.
- The best views from your window
- Helpful and friendly host
- Perfect location
- Large and clean rooms
Apartments Milion - Mid Range
Here you’ll be located in the pumping heart of the Old Town and only 40 meters from the beach. You can’t really get much better than this! Enjoy sitting on your balcony and watching the world go by below you.
The rooms are modern and clean, but with a homely feel where you can’t help but relax. The host will also help you to relax with his friendly demeanor and helpful tips.
- Great location
- Close to the beach
- Modern and clean rooms
- Washing machine in some rooms
Kanavelic Place - Treating Yourself
Kanavelic Place has a number of beautifully decorated apartments available, for up to 4 people. Here you’ll be located within the Old Town and close to a number of bars and restaurants.
The tranquil garden offers the perfect place to unwind, or simply enjoy the sea view or sunset from your window.
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Perfect location
- Amazing views of the harbour
- Colourful and modern apartments
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
