Exploring Korčula Where to stay Where to eat How to get around How to get there Favourite places to stay
If you’re visiting Korčula soon, you’ve come to the right place. After reading this guide, you’ll know which area to stay in, where to find the best restaurants and how to get around this peaceful island in Croatia.
What to expect in Korčula
If you’re looking for a destination in south Dalmatia, that’s a little less touristy than Dubrovnik, Korčula is your island.
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.
Is Korčula worth visiting?
Despite being one of Croatia’s more popular islands, Korčula has managed to preserve its authentic feel, creating an ambience of tranquillity and familiarity.
Swapping the busy cities of Split and Dubrovnik for Korčula feels like a breath of fresh air.
Your beautifully sunny days on Korčula 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.
How many days should you spend in Korčula?
Many visitors will choose to visit Korčula as a day trip from Split or Dubrovnik. If you’re tight on time, this can be a good option. It’s better to see it than not!
However, if you do have some time to spare, 2-3 days in Korčula is ideal. This gives you enough time to rent a bike, try a good selection of restaurants and enjoy the beach.
To help you make the most of your time on the island, we’ve put together a list of the top things to do in Korčula.
Where to stay in Korčula
Korčula is only a small island at the end of the day. This makes choosing where to stay an easy task. If you are visiting Korčula for the first time, we recommend staying in Korčula Old Town.
During Korčula’s high season (June to August), accommodations get booked up months in advance. I recommend booking accommodation as soon as possible.
This is the best place for most people. However, if you would rather stay at the beach, we’ve also included another great alternative:
Location #1: Korčula Old Town — our favourite place to stay
When it comes to where to stay, Korčula Old Town is our number one recommendation.
The majority of things to do are located in the Old Town. Here you’ll find museums, historical sites, the majority of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops – essentially everything you need.
Korčula Old Town is the epicentre of beauty. The town walls, ancient stone buildings and red roofs are hard not to admire. Plus you can spend your evenings strolling along the stunning promenade, taking in the views of the sea.
Accommodation in Korčula Old Town
The Old Town is where most people choose to stay. That means there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from.
There is something for all price points. Apartments Milion is a great mid-range option, or go all out and treat yourself to a stay at Kanavelic Place.
Private rooms start from around €30 per night.
Location #2: Lumbarda — a beach retreat close to Korčula Town
If staying within a busy centre isn’t really your vibe, then you might want to consider Lumbarda.
Located just a 10-minute drive from Korčula Old Town, you won’t be far from the hustle and bustle.
You can find the village of Lumbarda nestled amongst a small and beautiful bay. It’s perfect if you’re looking to be close to the beach, and surrounded by serenity.
Accommodation in Lumbarda
Here you can find lots of luxurious apartments, villas and boutique hotels. Prices are slightly more expensive here than in the Old Town as supply is smaller.
Private rooms tend to start at around €50 per night.
Best places to eat in Korčula
Being on an island, a lot of the restaurants rely on locally produced ingredients. Having food grown just a few miles down the road 100% makes it taste even better!
Accompanying their top-quality food, Korčula wine is something special. Just like its neighbouring islands of Brac and Hvar, Korcula also is famous for its wine, so make the most of it whilst you can.
To ensure you have the best gastronomical experience in Korčula, here are our 3 favourite places to eat:
LoLe Wine And Tapas Bar — incredible wine and tapas
LoLe Wine and Tapas Bar is owned by a couple whose passion for food and wine shines through. They’ll recommend the best wine pairing for you, and teach you a bit about it at the same time.
The food is exquisite. Its tapas-style makes it the perfect place to go with friends and revel in the restaurant’s amazing location.
This place gets busy, for good reason, so make a reservation!
Adio Mare — the oldest family-run restaurant in Korčula Town
Adio Mare is Korčula Town’s oldest family-run restaurant. After opening in 1974, not much has changed. This simply adds to the charm of the restaurant.
The terrace is the highlight of the restaurant. Try to get a seat here!
If not, don’t worry. The food is still delicious, the service is great and they have a number of local wines available which you have to try.
Radiona — incredible location and food to match
Set right on the water, overlooking the boats, Radiona is a great place to spend the evening. The presentation of the food is almost too good to disturb, but trust us you’ll want to.
The fish is outstandingly fresh, the meat dishes tender and the homemade bread is mouth-wateringly good.
How to get around in Korčula
Korčula is the 6th largest island in Croatia, but it’s still not that big. The island is around 50 km long which means you can get from one end to the other in about 1 hour.
There are a number of ways to navigate your way around Korčula:
By foot
Once you’re in one of Korčula’s towns, getting around on foot is the best way to explore.
Your own two feet are all you need for discovering Korčula’s narrow streets and hidden gems.
By bicycle
Want to combine an experience with getting around the island? Then hire a bicycle! It’s one of the most recommended things to do in Korčula.
Quiet country lanes and off-road trails make Korčula an ideal place to cycle. The paths will 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 enjoy them and take them in.
Hiring a bike for the day will cost around 100 KN (€13.00).
By car
Hiring a car can be a great way to explore Korčula. It gives you the freedom to stop where you want when you want.
Unless you already have a car, we would recommend hiring a car when you get to Korčula. You’ll find a number of rental car companies at the airport and in Korčula Town.
Prices start at around €45 per day.
By bus
Korčula doesn’t have an extensive bus network, but at least it has one. The buses don’t run that frequently.
If you decide to use the bus, do some planning. You can find out the bus times on Arriva’s website.
The main bus station can be found in Korčula Town and runs to:
- Lumbarda
- Racisce
- Vela Luka
- Zrnovo
- Pupnat
- Cara
- Smokvica
- Blato
You can buy your bus ticket at the station or on the bus.
By taxi
There are plenty of taxis to be found in Korčula, especially if you’re in Korčula Town. These can be a great way to jump between the towns of Korčula, or for covering short distances.
To give you an idea of prices. The 30-minute journey from Korčula Town to Lumbarda costs around 100 KN (€13.00).
How to get to Korčula
In summary
Now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re almost ready for your adventure in Korcula. The next step is to create your personalised itinerary with our top picks of things to do in Korcula. Simply choose your favourite activities and places to visit, and you’re all set to make lasting memories in Korcula.
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.
