Island of Korčula (Overview)

We often say that an island is more than just a collection of interesting locations. Thus, after every series of articles about the highlights of a specific island, we provide a brief overview of it as a whole.

Korčula is one of our most famous and largest islands. Although it is physically close to the mainland, just a 3.5 km ferry ride from Orebić on Pelješac, it was historically perceived as a more difficult island to reach. Primarily, this was because Pelješac itself had poor transport links. The other ferry connection, between Split and Vela Luka, is one of the longest on our coast at about 80 km, which didn’t help the island’s perceived accessibility.

The situation improved significantly with the construction of the Pelješac Bridge. The access roads are excellent, and the road leading to Orebić is also quite good. Although Pelješac is vast, you can cross it quickly if you choose to. However, it’s hard to resist stopping somewhere along the way, as the peninsula has so much to offer. Beaches, vineyards, and wineries are just a fraction of what you can find.

However, islands always offer that extra level! Their isolation gives them a special charm. Korčula is not only no exception but offers everything you could wish for! It has culture, history, stunning nature, and beautiful beaches. Add exceptional gastronomy to the mix, and you get a complete package that is hard to beat. Among Croatia’s 1,200 islands, everyone can find one they prefer, but that choice is purely subjective.

Towns and Villages on Korčula

From Pelješac, the ferry from Orebić takes you directly to Korčula Town.

Korčula Town is one of the most beautiful old towns, not only on the islands but in all of Croatia! It is often called “Little Dubrovnik.” Personally, we don’t care for such comparisons. Just as Rastoke isn’t “Little Plitvice,” Korčula Town isn’t “Little Dubrovnik.” We believe Dubrovnik is in a league of its own, not just architecturally, but for its historical achievements on a global scale. Such comparisons also diminish the intrinsic value of Korčula itself! Korčula Town is unique in its own right and possesses a completely different kind of beauty. This stone gem is an example of a perfect fusion between aesthetics and functionality.

Its street layout, designed in a fishbone pattern, provides the best airflow and protection from the heat. It is a striking example of how people once thought much more cleverly about things essential for comfortable living than we do today.

The town is vibrant, and the bustle of tourists does nothing to diminish its appeal.

A promenade encircles the entire old town. On the eastern side, it is lined with trees providing shade, and the sea peeking through them is exceptionally clear.

While we were choosing from the rich selection of restaurants and cafes along the promenade, the sea tempted us the entire time! Since we hadn’t brought swimsuits, we were quite jealous of those enjoying the water.

One interesting feature of Korčula Town is its unique traffic management. There is a free parking lot next to the cemetery (42.95521464330409, 17.131215774092553) from which a free electric shuttle service runs to the old town and back. We haven’t seen this anywhere else, and it is truly commendable!!!

Although the parking lot is usually full during the season, you can often find a spot along the road. If there are enough passengers, the “little train” runs even more frequently than the official schedule posted by the cemetery and at the destination in front of the city port (42.95857260497313, 17.135029194902607).

St. Mark’s Cathedral and the birth house of Marco Polo are just a few of the sights hidden within the ancient walls of this beautiful town!

Be sure to check when you can see the Moreška, the famous sword dance! During our stay, it was held on Tuesday evenings. Those who might miss the Moreška in Korčula can perhaps catch the Kumpanija in Blato or Vela Luka. The island has a rich tradition of “warrior” dances because, like Spain, it guarded the borders of Europe against eastern invaders at one point in history.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see the Moreška live because we were on the opposite side of the island that evening for the concert in memory of the legendary Oliver, held every year on the waterfront in Vela Luka.

Vela Luka is Oliver’s town. It exudes a special beauty and has a soul you feel at every step! It is located on the west of the island. When the setting sun turns the sea in front of Vela Luka to gold, from the slopes of the surrounding hills, you can see a “trace in infinity” (trag u beskraju)… The sunsets here are something special. Whether you find yourself at Hum, Greben, in front of Vela Spila, or on the waterfront, the warmth of Oliver’s songs will follow you. This “trace in infinity” was also woven by the locals into the longest mosaic in the world!

Blato is a sleepy old town unlike any other. The rows of trees along its central street, a typical continental park in the center, and the bell tower of All Saints’ Church are just some of the unique features of Blato.

Old stone houses, numerous small churches, hidden “noble courtyards”… The list goes on and on!

The Church of Our Lady of Health and the climb to it were a special experience we’ll remember from our visit to Blato!

Korčula is not just made of large towns. The lethargy of the smaller villages is enchanting.

Čara, the cradle of Pošip wine… What impressed us most there was the sheer size of its church!

Zavalatica, Prižba, Smokvica, Pupnat, Račišće, Žrnovo, Lumbarda… It’s hard to visit them all in a single stay.

Beaches

Korčula has stunning beaches. They are mostly pebbly, hidden in the deep coves of the southern shore. Žitna, Pupnatska Luka, Bačva, Orlanduša, and Bratinja Luka are just a few of the famous ones. On the northern side, the most well-known are Vaja and Samograd near Račišće. Lovers of sandy beaches will find Vela Pržina in Lumbarda.

However, nothing compares to the islet of Proizd in front of Vela Luka!

Gastronomy

It is generally excellent, and everyone will find something—from Michelin-starred restaurants to pancakes on the waterfront. Family farms, wineries, taverns, restaurants… We don’t usually name names on our site, but just as we once mentioned Ruspante at the Gacka river source, we must mention Tinel in Blato. One of the best pizzas in Croatia!

Conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, Korčula has everything and will leave no one indifferent. A single vacation is simply not enough to experience it all!