Korčula

Late spring and early autumn are the best times for a balanced trip. The sea is warm enough for swimming from June to October. July and August are the busiest and sunniest months. Winter is mild but wet, and many restaurants and boat lines close.

Plan around the Moreška sword dance, which has regular performances from late April to mid-October.

• Cathedral of St. Mark stands in the highest part of the old town. This Gothic and Renaissance church is the main landmark of Korčula.
• Marco Polo House is linked by tradition to the explorer Marco Polo. Many historians doubt that he was born here, but the story is part of the town's identity.
• Korčula Town Gate is the main entrance to the old town. Steps and a defensive tower lead up to the streets inside the walls.
• Korčula Town Museum shows the history of the island in a historic town house. It is a good first stop to understand the town.
• Moreška Exhibition explains the Moreška sword dance, the island's best-known tradition.
• Large Governor's Tower is one of the old defensive towers. It shows how strongly the town was fortified.
• Panorama Korčula is a viewpoint above the old town, with views over the roofs and the channel to the mainland.
• Vela Spila is a large cave above Vela Luka. People lived here for thousands of years, from the Stone Age.
• Medvinjak Beach is a pebble beach within walking distance of Korčula town.

• Watch the Moreška sword dance in Korčula town. Two groups of dancers fight a symbolic battle to music. Performances are weekly in summer at the open-air Ljetno kino. Buy tickets in advance in July and August.
• Look for a village festival in spring or summer. Several villages, such as Blato and Čara, keep their own sword dance called Kumpanija.
• Taste wine at a family cellar in Lumbarda, Čara or Smokvica. Many producers welcome visitors by appointment.
• Take a water taxi to Badija island or a boat trip to the Pelješac coast.
• Walk the quiet roads and trails through olive groves and pine forest between the villages.

Korčula is a good base for island hopping. Boat times depend on the season, so check the schedule before you go.

• Hvar: about 1 hour 10 minutes by fast boat. Hvar has a lively port town and lavender fields.
• Mljet: a seasonal fast boat to Pomena takes about 35 minutes. Mljet is known for its national park with two saltwater lakes.
• Lastovo: about 1 hour 15 minutes by boat. Lastovo is a quiet, green island with little tourism.
• Pelješac: Orebić is about 20 minutes by ferry. Continue by car to wine villages and the town of Ston.
• Dubrovnik: about 2 hours by fast boat. A full day is short, so consider an overnight stay.

Mljet, Lastovo and Pelješac are covered under day trips. Lastovo Islands Nature Park lies south of Lastovo.

• By air: The island has no airport. Most visitors fly to Dubrovnik or Split. From either city, continue by boat or by bus and ferry. From Dubrovnik you can take a fast boat or a bus to Orebić and then the ferry.
• By fast boat: Catamarans link Korčula town with Dubrovnik (about 2 hours), Split (about 2 hours 20 minutes) and Hvar. Foot passengers only. Most lines run in summer. Some lines run all year.
• By car ferry from the mainland: The shortest crossing is from Orebić on the Pelješac peninsula to Dominče, next to Korčula town. It takes about 20 minutes and carries cars.
• By car ferry from Split: Car ferries from Split reach Vela Luka, on the west of the island, in about 2.5 hours. This is the best option if you bring a car and stay in the west.

Book car spaces early in summer. Check schedules and tickets on Jadrolinija and the Korčula Tourist Board.

• Buses: A few buses cross the island between Korčula town, Blato and Vela Luka, and to Lumbarda. Services are sparse, especially on Sundays and in winter. Check times locally.
• Taxis and boat taxis: Taxis are useful for beaches and late returns. Small water taxis link Korčula town with the island of Badija and nearby coves in summer.
• Rental cars and scooters: The best way to reach villages and beaches outside the main towns.
• On foot and by bike: Korčula old town is small and walkable. Rolling hills make cycling around the island tiring, but quiet roads and trails suit confident cyclists.

• Is a car worth it? Yes, if you stay outside Korčula town. Beaches, wine villages and Vela Luka are far apart and buses are sparse.
• Distances: The main road runs along the island. Vela Luka is about 40 km from Korčula town.
• Parking: The old town is closed to cars. Use the car parks outside the walls. Spaces fill quickly in July and August.
• Roads: Many side roads are narrow and winding. Drive slowly.

Seafood, olive oil and wine define the local table. Look for grilled fish, octopus and shellfish, and for dishes cooked in a peka, a metal dome covered with embers. Order peka in advance. Local specialties include žrnovski makaruni, a hand-rolled pasta served with meat sauce.

Island wines are the main reason to visit a cellar. Grk is a white wine from the Lumbarda area. Pošip is a white wine from Čara and Smokvica. Many konobas, the traditional family taverns, serve their own wine and oil.

For eating, walk the lanes of Korčula old town and the harbour fronts of Lumbarda and Vela Luka. Smaller villages often have a konoba with a short, seasonal menu.

Korčula is very safe for visitors. Petty crime is rare. Keep valuables out of sight in crowded summer ports.

• Tap water is safe to drink.
• Sea urchins live on rocky shores. Wear swim shoes in rocky coves.
• Summer sun is strong and shade is limited on many beaches. Bring sun protection and water.
• Health centres and pharmacies are in the main towns. Call 112 in an emergency.
• Strong winds can cancel boats. Allow spare time before flights.

People lived on Korčula for thousands of years. Finds in Vela Spila date from the Stone Age. Greek settlers later reached the island.

In the Middle Ages, Korčula town grew into a walled port. Venice ruled the island for centuries. You can see its influence in the Korčula Town Gate and in the old defensive towers such as Large Governor's Tower. The island was known for shipbuilding and for stonework, and the old town was built of local stone.

Local tradition says Marco Polo was born here. Scholars doubt it.

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