Korčula Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

If you have to choose one Croatian Island to visit, this is it! Korcula island is the best island in Croatia! The picture perfect Korcula Old Town is just as pretty as Dubrovnik but set on a stunning Croatian Island! Add to that the amazing Korcula beaches, sumptuous Croatian cuisine as well as Croatian vineyards and you have everything you need for the best Croatia travel destination. In this Korcula destination guide, we give you Croatia travel tips, Korcula things to do, a guide to the best Croatia food and much more! Whether you prefer the slower pace of Vela Luka or the charming Korcula town, we’ve got you covered!

Short on time? Here are our Korcula Croatia top recommendations:

Highlights: admire Korčula Old Town, bask on the beaches or sail on the crystal clear waters around the island.

Activities: book your Korcula Croatia Tours with Get Your Guide.

Accommodation: we use Booking.com to find the best hotels.

Car Hire: for great value car rental in Croatia we recommend Localrent.com.

Transport: FlixBus for intercity buses.

Flights: find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway.

Airport Lounge Access: start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass.

Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

What is Korčula Croatia known for?

Korčula is a beautiful island in Croatia that is famous for being the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches which are surrounded by turquoise water. Korcula is also known for its wine production, in particular GRK and Pošip wines. Other culinary delights from Korcula include its olive oil and oysters. Additionally, Korcula is home to pretty pine forests as well as the delightful old town with its cobblestone streets, boutique shops and stunning views.

Why you should visit Korčula Croatia

For a relaxing island holiday in Croatia, you can’t go past Korcula. Korcula is a gorgeous island surrounded by crystal clear water. We loved exploring the many beautiful beaches all around the island. Additionally, Korcula has great hiking areas, breathtaking old town areas as well as a number of vineyards. It is a great place to indulge in delicious Croatian food, with an abundance of seafood as well as tasty regional dishes.

It takes around 40 minutes to drive across the island. On one end is Vela Luka, a sleepy fishing village which is surrounded by natural beauty. This is a great place to disconnect from the world and get back to nature. The drive to Korcula Old Town takes you past small villages and up to scenic lookout points. However one of our favourite parts of the island is the stretch of road leading down to Korcula Old Town. This is undoubtedly one of the prettiest stretches of road that we’ve ever seen. The view of the town as you descend from the top of the island is an image that will stay with you long after you leave.

Korcula is also the perfect place for an active holiday. In particular the island is ideal for water sports. We enjoyed taking a kayak out for the day and exploring the hidden gems of the island. However if you prefer a more luxurious experience, why not rent a boat and sail around the island!

Korčula Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Korčula Croatia

• Language – Standard Croatian. English is widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will be able to speak English.
• Currency – euro (EUR). This has been the official currency of Croatia since 1 January 2023. Prior to 2023, the currency of Croatia was the Croatian Kuna (HKR). Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available on the island of Korčula.
• Population – 17,000 (2011)
• Area – 279 km²
• County – Dubrovnik-Neretva
• Region – Dalmatia
• Emergency number – 112
• Police number – 192

Utilities in Korčula Croatia

• Electricity – Croatia uses Type C as well as Type F power plugs. The country operates on a 230v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are not common in Croatia and typically do not last for long.
• Water – the tap water in Croatia is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country. However we found a lot of sediment in the tap water on Korčula and the taste of the water wasn’t great. This is because the water on Korčula is hard water. The water is safe, but can be an acquired taste. Due to these considerations we decided to boil our water in Vela Luka. Furthermore, on the Korčula Old Town side of the island our accommodation had a water filtration system.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets are the most common type of toilet in Croatia. Additionally, you can flush your toilet paper directly into the bin. Public toilets are common in the larger cities in Croatia. Public toilets along the coast often have a charge for use. This can range anywhere from 25 cents to 1 euro. However, we have found toilets in shopping centres that are free to use. Furthermore, most restaurants have toilets that guests are free to use.
• Telephone country code: +385

Where is Korčula Croatia?

Korčula is in the central Dalmatia county of Dubrovnik-Neretva in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. It is a Croatian island on the Adriatic Sea.

The closest major Croatian city to Korčula is Split on mainland Croatia. Nearby islands include Brač, Vis as well as Hvar. Korčula is 2- 2.5 hours by ferry from Split and 2 hours by ferry from Dubrovnik.

How to get to Korčula Croatia

Korčula destination guide: Arriving by land

The island of Korčula is accessible from Split, Orebić as well as Dubrovnik on mainland Croatia.

Korčula Croatia intercity land transport

The main transport options for travelling overland to Korčula Croatia are:

• Private vehicle
• Private transport operator
• Shuttle Bus – Pleso Prijevoz operates a shuttle bus service between Split Airport and the Split bus terminal. A one way ticket costs 8 euro (prices as at 2024). The journey time is 40 minutes.
• Train
• Bus
• Bike

Driving to Korčula from within Croatia

It is possible to bring your own vehicle to Korčula on a ferry.

Intercity trains to Korčula Croatia

There is a train line running from Zagreb to nearby Split Croatia. However from Split, you need to take a ferry to Korčula.

Intercity buses to Korčula Croatia

A common way to get around Croatia is by using intercity buses. The closest bus stop on the mainland is at Orebić, which is a 15 minute ferry ride from Korčula Old Town.

Korčula destination guide: Arriving by air

The nearest major airport to Korčula is Brač Airport (Airport code BWK). It is 52km (32 miles) from Korčula.

Other nearby airports include:

• Split Airport (Airport code SPU). This airport is 68km (42 miles) away.
• Mostar Airport, Bosnia & Herzegovina (Airport code OMO). This airport is 94km (58 miles) away.
• Zadar Airport (Airport code ZAD). This airport is 103km (64 miles) away.

The national airline of Croatia is Croatia Airlines.

Korčula destination guide: Arriving by boat

The island of Korčula is on the Adriatic Sea. There are 4 ports on Korčula island – at Dominče, Korčula Town, Vela Luka as well as Prigradica. There are ferries and catamarans from Korčula to Split, Orebić and Dubrovnik on mainland Croatia as well as the nearby Dalmatian islands of Hvar, Ubli, Bol, Brač and Mljet. Some ferries can accommodate vehicles as well as foot passengers.

The closest city to Korčula island on mainland Croatia is Orebić. Depending on the season, there are 2-16 ferries that make the crossing from Orebić to Dominče Korčula each day. The journey time is 15 minutes. A one way ticket costs around 2-4 euro for adults (as at 2024).

There are 4 ferry companies that provide ferries to Korčula:

• Jadrolinija
• TP Line
• Kapetan Luka – Krilo
• G&V Line Iadera

Korčula destination guide: How to get around Korčula Croatia

Walking in Korčula Croatia

By far the easiest as well as the cheapest way to get around the main areas in Korčula is to walk. Additionally, most of the main attractions in each area are within easy walking distance. Furthermore, due to the narrow streets and stairs you cannot drive in the Old Town area of Korčula.

Local buses in Korčula Croatia

Local buses service Korčula. These services are operated by the local public transport service, autotrans. Korčula is the main hub from which most buses either depart or arrive.

Common bus journeys in Korčula include:

• Korčula – Vela Luka: one way fare 6 euro (as at 2024), journey time approximately 1 hour
• Korčula – Žrnovo: one way fare 2.70 euro (as at 2024), journey time approximately 5 minutes
• Korčula – Lumbarda: one way fare 2.40 euro (as at 2024), journey time approximately 15 minutes
• Korčula – Kneže: one way fare 3.50 euro (as at 2024), journey time approximately 17 minutes
• Korčula – Račišće: one way fare 3.60 euro (as at 2024), journey time approximately 25 minutes

Trams in Korčula Croatia

Korčula does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Korčula Croatia

There are no trains on Korčula.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Korčula Croatia

Korčula does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Korčula Croatia

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Croatia. This includes:

• Bicycles – There are a number of bike hire shops on the island such as TITAN-Scooter and Bike rental in Korcula.
• Electric scooters
• Motorcycles
• Cars
• SUVs
• Boats

In Croatia people drive on the right side of the road.

There are vehicle hire companies on Korčula Island. Alternatively, you can hire a car on mainland Croatia and take the car over on the ferry.

Localrent.com is ideal for hiring a car in Croatia, offering competitive rates and personalised service. The user-friendly platform connects you with local providers, featuring a wide range of vehicles to suit any trip. With transparent pricing, detailed rental info, and responsive customer support, booking is a breeze. Renting a car through Localrent.com gives you the freedom to explore Croatia’s historic cities, stunning coastlines, and scenic countryside at your own pace.

Taxis in Croatia

Taxis are common in Croatia. Fares are regulated and are also usually metered. However outside of major cities taxis may not have meters. In this case the fare will be a fixed price. However in general your fare will include the following costs:

• The pickup fee or minimum fee – this is charged as soon as you get into the vehicle.
• Price per kilometre
• Price per hour – this is a price that gets charged when the taxi is stuck in heavy traffic.

Taxi tariffs in Croatia are set by the cities or districts.

Ride-share services in Korčula Croatia

There are a number of rideshare services operating in Croatia. These include Uber, Bolt as well as CarpoolWorld. There is even UberBOAT on the Dalmatian coast during tourist season.

Korčula destination guide: Is Korčula worth visiting?

Korčula is one of our favourite destinations in Croatia and is certainly worth visiting. The island has a relaxed vibe and an abundance of natural beauty. It is easily accessible by ferry from Split or Dubrovnik. Moreover, Korcula has a surprising array of great things to do, which makes it easy to fill your days on the island. You can explore the historic and beautiful old town with its medieval walls, forts, historic buildings, palaces and squares including visiting St Mark’s Cathedral. Lumbarda village is also worth visiting for its sandy beaches and great white wine. Vela Luka offers great hiking opportunities, a peaceful town and some secluded beaches.

Korčula destination guide: How long to spend in Korčula Croatia

Korčula is a great place to come for a week or even more. It is an unbelievably beautiful island with a stunning old town and plenty of amazing beaches, restaurants as well as vineyards to discover. We spent 2 weeks in Korčula, but could have easily stayed much longer in this piece of paradise.

Korčula destination guide: What to do in Korčula Croatia

Korčula is a beautiful Croatian island with many activities on offer. It has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Korčula destination guide: Free things to do in Korčula Croatia

There are enough free activities in Korčula Croatia to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Korčula Old Town
• Pupnatska Luka Beach
• Kocje Nature Park
• Vela Przina Beach
• Revelin Tower
• Zakerja Tower
• Luka Mozaika – World’s Longest Mosaic
• Vela Luka Marina
• Martina Bok Beach
• Little Church Vela Luka
• FKK Beach Lumbarda

For more details, see our Korcula travel guide on the 11 Best Free Things To Do in Korcula Croatia.

Korčula destination guide: Paid activities in Korčula Croatia

A number of attractions in Korčula Croatia charge an entry fee:

• Cathedral of St. Mark – entrance to the bell tower is 5 euro for adults (as at 2024).
• Proizd Island – return ferry fare is around 13 euro for adults (as at 2024) and the journey is 35 minutes each way from Korčula.
• Marco Polo Museum – permanently closed as of 2023.
• Marco Polo House – entry fee is 8 euro for adults (as at 2024).
• Korcula Town Museum – entry fee is 6 euro for adults (as at 2024).

Other paid activities in Korčula Croatia include:

• Wine Tours
• Fishing charters and tours
• Sailing
• Watersports

Weather in Korčula Croatia

Korčula enjoys a warm temperate climate. Its climate is heavily influenced by the nearby Mediterranean area. It has cold winters, with average temperature range between 6°C and 11°C in the coldest month of January. Summers last from June to September and are hot and sunny, with the average temperature range between 22°C and 30°C in the hottest month of July. The month with the most rainfall is November with 9.6 days of rain on average. The driest month is July with an average of 3.2 rainy days.

Best time to visit Korčula Croatia

The best time to visit Korčula is between May and September, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is between June and August, so expect higher prices at that time.

Internet and mobile phones in Croatia

Since June 15th, 2017, Roam Like at Home (RLAT) rules came into force for European Union countries. As such, people with European Union mobile numbers are no longer charged temporary mobile roaming fees if they travel within the European Union. This means that if you have a European Union mobile number, you can use that number anywhere within the European Union and you will be charged for calls, texts and data in the same rates as if you were in your home country. There are limits to this in order to prevent abuse of these rules.

The main internet and phone companies in Croatia include Croatian Telecom (Hrvatski Telekom), A1, Telemach, Bonbon as well as Tomato.

5G has been in Croatia since October 2020. 3G is expected to be switched off in Croatia in early 2025.

Croatia is ranked 21^st fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 78^th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 71mbps and upload is 29mbps (as at May 2024).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in many places throughout Croatia. These include phone stores, some supermarkets, newspaper kiosks as well as online.

How much to budget for Korčula Croatia?

Is Korčula expensive?

Korčula is a popular Croatian island that can be expensive, but it’s still cheaper than another popular Croatian island, Hvar. However, it is possible to visit the island on a budget. You can choose to stay in a hostel or a cheap hotel. You can also use public transport which is affordable. Additionally, you can make your own breakfast and dinner to save money. There are also restaurants outside the city center and close to tourist attractions that offer affordable meals. Finally, visiting during the off-season and sticking to free or cheap activities can help you save money.

Korčula destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Korčula Croatia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 100 euro per day for a couple will get you budget accommodation, self catering and bakery meals, walking or catching local transport to get around the city and free or cheap activities.
• Mid-range daily spend – 300 euro per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking or catching local transport to get around the city, dining at reasonably priced cafes and restaurants and some paid activities.
• Luxury spend – 1000 euro per day for a couple will get you a premium experience, staying at high end hotels, travelling by private transport, doing a range paid activities and eating at high end restaurants.

Korčula destination guide: Accommodation in Korčula Croatia

There is a good range of accommodation to suit most budgets in Korčula Croatia. Airbnb operates in Croatia and we were impressed with the range of options available in Korčula.

Where to stay in Korčula Croatia

We recommend the following accommodation in Korčula:

• Best hostel in Korčula – If you are looking for a fun and relaxing hostel, Dragan’s Den Hostel is a great choice. You can enjoy the sun and the water at the gorgeous pool area, or mingle with other travellers in the common spaces. The hostel is located in a peaceful area, but still within walking distance from the old town. The facilities are spotless, the kitchen has everything you need and the owner is very welcoming.
• Best Guesthouse in Korčula – Experience the magic of staying in a medieval castle at Boutique rooms Kaštel Ismaeli, a cozy and elegant accommodation with a stunning view of the sea. The host will go above and beyond to make your stay memorable and enjoyable, providing you with useful tips and information. You will sleep soundly on the comfy beds and wake up to a scrumptious breakfast every morning.
• Best mid-range hotel in Korčula – Nestled in the heart of Korcula Old Town, Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel offers a refined and stylish accommodation. The friendly and attentive staff will make you feel at home, while the delicious breakfasts served on the lovely terrace will start your day on a high note. The hotel boasts stunning views of the sea and the sunset, creating a romantic and relaxing atmosphere.

How much is accommodation in Korčula Croatia?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 13-17 euro for a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 25-150 euro for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 200-600 euro a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 80-400 euro a night for a fully furnished 3-4 bedroom home

Keep in mind that accommodation prices on Korčula vary significantly depending on the season. Specifically, prices during the summer period are often double what you would pay for the same accommodation at other times of year.

Korčula destination guide: Food in Korčula Croatia

Being on the water, seafood is very popular in Korčula.

How much does food cost in Korčula Croatia?

Our price guide for your food budget in Korčula Croatia is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 10-25 euro for a main dish
• Bakery food – burek 2-3 euro, cake 2-3 euro, 1-2 euro for loaf of bread, chocolate donut
• Glass of wine – 4-6 euro
• Coffee – 2-3 euro

Regional dishes in Korčula Croatia

• Zrnovski Makaruni – homemade fresh pasta which is rolled into a tubular shape. The recipe comes from the small town of Žrnovo on the island of Korčula.
• Klašuni – a small cookie, usually made into a crescent shape. The dough is made with ammonium bicarbinate. It is filled with a nut based filling which sometimes also includes fig or orange jam. The cookie is often flavoured with citrus zest, rose liqueur and vanilla.
• Cukarini – this is a crispy cookie which is made with ammonium bicarbinate and also has a subtle citrus flavour. It is made to resemble two serpents in the shape of a heart. The cookie is dipped in rose liqueur and sugar after baking.
• Dalmatinska pašticada – a beef stew cooked in a sweet and sour sauce. The meat is marinated in vinegar before being cooked with red wine, prunes and bacon. It is typically served with a side of gnocchi or pasta.
• Brudet (also called brodetto) – a fish stew made from several types of fish. This is a very popular dish throughout Dalmatia.bus
• Black risotto (also called crni rižot) – a squid or cuttlefish risotto that is black in colour due to the ink from the squid or cuttlefish.
• Octopus salad
• Dalmatian Peka – a baked dish made with meat and vegetables and slow cooked over embers in a fireplace under a heavy cast iron bell. Any type of meat can be used.

Cheap Eats in Korčula Croatia

• Pekarnicas (Croatian bakeries) are a great place to get cheap and delicious food. Burek is typically around 2-3 euro and a loaf of bread is around 1-2 euro. Other common food that can be found in pekarnicas include donuts and cakes.

Fine dining in Korčula Croatia

Korčula is home to a number of Michelin Guide restaurants.

1 star Michelin restaurants in Korčula Croatia (2024):

• LD Restaurant

Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Korčula Croatia (2024):

• Konoba Mate

Michelin Plate restaurants in Korčula Croatia (2024):

• Filippi

Korčula Croatia culture

Croatia national holidays

• New Year’s Day – 1 January
• Epiphany – 6 January
• Easter Sunday – typically in March or April.
• Easter Monday – the Monday after Easter Sunday, typically in March or April.
• Labour Day – 1 May
• Statehood Day – 30 May
• Corpus Christi – 16 June
• Anti-Fascist Struggle Day – 22 June
• Victory Day – 5 August
• Assumption of Mary – 15 August
• All Saints’ Day – 1 November
• Remembrance Day for the victims of the Homeland War and Remembrance Day for the victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja – 18 November
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• Saint Stephen’s Day – 26 December

National symbols of Croatia

• Croatia flag – a tricolour flag featuring three horizontal bands coloured red, white and blue from top to bottom. In the middle of the flag, across the three bands, is the Croatia coat of arms
• Croatia coat of arms – a red and white checkerboard on a main shield with a crown of five smaller shields. The five smaller shields represent the five different historical regions of Croatia. These five shields have symbols on them, but their background colours alternate between bleu celeste and azure.
• National flower – iris
• National bird – common nightingale
• Croatia’s national animal – kuna zlatica (European pine marten)

Croatia pastimes

• National dish – Istrian Yota
• Popular drinks – Rakija, loza, Malvazija wine, Teran wine
• National sport – football
• Religion – 80% Catholic, 6% Eastern orthodox (as at 2019)

Famous people from Korčula Croatia

• Famous people born in Korčula Croatia – legend has it that Marco Polo was born in Korčula
• Korčula’s sporting success story – in 1978 the local water polo team KPK (Korčulanski plivački klub; Korčula Swimming Club) won the prestigious European water polo competition, the LEN Cup Winners’ Cup. This made Korčula the smallest town to win a European title in water polo. Furthermore the majority of the team as well as the coach were born and learned to play water polo on the island.

Is Korčula Croatia Safe?

Croatia travel guide: Safety in Croatia

We travelled through Croatia for two months and found the country to be extremely safe. Croatia ranks 14^th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2023). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets particularly at crowded tourist attractions in Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb as well as in National Parks. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase. Take care in nightclubs and don’t accept free drinks as drink spiking is a particular risk.

If you are planning to explore more remote areas, beware that there may still be unexploded landmines from the Croatian War of Independence.

Croatia travel guide: General safety considerations in Croatia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Croatia:

• Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country.
• Mosquitoes – the tiger mosquito has been found in Croatia. This type of mosquito spreads diseases such as Zika, dengue and chikunguya. Malaria was eradicated in Croatia in 1964. Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported on the Adriatic Coast and in northeastern Croatia.
• Altitude sickness – Croatia has areas of high altitude. This comes with the risk of altitude sickness. If you are planning to visit any high altitude areas in Croatia, be sure to allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience any signs of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
• Road safety – Croatia has been making progress with improvements in road safety in recent years. However it still has one of the highest rates of road fatalities in Europe. This is due to a combination of narrow and windy roads as well as speed and other driver behaviour. Take care on the roads in Croatia.
• Water safety – If you visit any of the coastal areas or lakes, take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect. Watch out for sea urchins as they can sting.
• Earthquakes – Croatia experiences earthquake activity. If you experience an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If you are inside get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If you are outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses is very important to ensure you don’t get burnt.

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