There are an ample amount of things to do on Korcula Island. Here are 9 of our favourite ways to spend time here.
1. Eat Fresh Seafood
As an island surrounded by some of the Mediterranean’s best waters, you can certainly enjoy some wonderful fresh fish here on Korcula. There is not much better dining than eating a fish caught that very morning. Not only can you get top quality fish on Korcula, but a trip to Ston or Mali Ston on the Peljesac mainland will lead you to enjoy some of Europe’s best shellfish from the clam, oyster and mussel farms. Take your pick and chow down.
You can find some more suggestions about what to eat on Korcula Island here.
Korcula Explorer Tip – A lot of restaurants will advertise their fish as fresh, but not as many sell it as we would like. Check the eyes of the fish; if they are clear and bulging, the fish is fresh, if they are grey and sunken, give it a miss.
2. Drink Local Wine
The southern Dalmatian region is one of Croatia’s best wine-growing areas and Korcula is lucky enough to produce two of Croatia’s most famous white wines. Posip, which is typically grown in the centre of the island around the villages of Cara and Smokvica and Grk, is grown almost entirely in Lumbarda and pretty much nowhere else in the world. You can find wine bars in Korcula Town where you can try local wines by the glass or bottle, visit an island winery or join us on a wine-tasting tour.
Korcula Explorer Tip – Premium local wines such as Grk can be bought by the bottle in almost every restaurant. We would certainly recommend you try, but don’t feel you have to buy expensive bottles of wine every time you eat out. Instead order a carafe of the house red or white wine. This option on the wine list will always be far more cost-effective and in many cases will be a tasty locally-produced wine. Our Ultimate Korcula Island Guide provides even more tips on where to try local wines and which ones to taste. Get your copy here.
3. Go Out on the Water
The Peljesac channel, which runs between Korcula Island and the mainland, is a wonderful water playground. As this body of water is not “open-ocean” so to speak, the sea usually remains calm and almost lake-like. The conditions to take out a boat or kayak are often favourable, therefore. You will love the amazing colours and clarity of the sea, as well as the possibility to stop off at one of the many beautiful islets in the Korcula archipelago, where you can find your own private piece of paradise. Or if you prefer join a boat trip around the beautiful archipelago. There are also good opportunities to sail or windsurf.
Korcula Explorer Tip – Check the weather before you decide to spend a day out on the water, in particular the potential wind speeds that day. The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, so heading out early morning is probably best.
4. Get in the Water
If you have never been to this part of the world, trust us when we say the waters of Southern Dalmatia are some of the best you will see anywhere on earth! The clearness, aqua colours and temperature should be enough to tempt anyone in. When you are here you will find no better place to cool off from the sun than in the wonderful Adriatic. Not only does it look great from above the surface, but the water around Korcula also gives some fantastic sights under the surface, so make sure you have a go at snorkelling or scuba diving whilst you are here.
Korcula Explorer Tip – Get yourself a pair of rubber-soled swimming shoes to protect your feet from the rocks and the occasional sea urchin and equip yourself with a snorkel mask, then just enjoy.
5. Take a Walk
You don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to make the most of the walking opportunities Korcula provides. No matter where you are on the island you are never far away from a path or trail that can lead you to seclusion. Wander a little and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Korcula’s countryside with olive groves, vineyards and green hills with stunning sea views.
Read about some of our favourite walking & hiking routes on Korcula.
Korcula Explorer Tip – Hop on a local bus to one of Korcula’s beautiful little villages, such as Zrnovo, where you can take a walk through the unusual rock formations of Kocje. Or instead, head to the picturesque fishing village of Racisce and walk to one of Korcula’s best white pebble beaches “Vaja”.
6. Hire a Bicycle
From Korcula town, you can cycle in either direction of the coastline without encountering any major hills. Head west towards Racisce and follow the winding coastal road. On this route, you will find a number of stunning places to stop for a swim, picnic or just take in the view. Head southeast from Korcula town to Lumbarda and before you know it you will be surrounded by vineyards or at a sandy beach. Our Self Guided cycling tour includes details about stops you can enjoy on the way and in Lumbarda.
Read about some of our favourite bike rides on Korcula.
Korcula Explorer tip – You can cycle inland towards the Defora region on the south side of the island and make your way to some of Korcula’s most glorious secluded beaches, but you will have hills to contend with, so make sure you pack plenty of water and avoid cycling in the midday heat.
7. Hire a Car
Korcula Island is 45 km end to end and an average of 7km across, so a car will definitely open your horizons. You can get to places and beaches away from the crowds and spend as much time as you want to explore the island. Visit secluded beaches and bars, and enjoy local cuisine at restaurants you can’t reach via public transport.
Korcula Explorer Tip – If staying near Korcula or Lumbarda for a week or more a car is not necessary for the full duration of your stay, maybe just rent for a few days. If you want to stay in a more remote area of the island such as in one of Korcula’s bays a car is recommended, however, the cost of car hire on the island is not inexpensive. There are several car rental agencies in Korcula Town.
8. Enjoy the Sun
There are numerous days of cloudless skies throughout the summer over Korcula, so whether you are sitting on the terrace of your apartment, wandering the cobbled streets of the old town, or lying beside the clear blue sea at a stunning beach – you are likely to be basking in the sunshine. Be sure to catch a sunrise or a sunset during your holiday, it’s such an amazing experience, don’t forget the camera.
Korcula Explorer Tip – Enjoy the sun sensibly, don’t lie for hours in the midday sun and always use a strong sunscreen, factor 30 or more is safest. If out and about in the daytime during the hottest summer months of July and August a hat is also advisable. This may seem obvious to some, but we see some people terribly burnt by not taking a few precautions.
9. Immerse yourself in Local Culture
Korcula has a rich and fascinating history. There is an interesting fact or story to be told at every turn, whether you are in the beautifully sculptured medieval old town, visiting the Lumbarda vineyards or wandering among the stone houses in Zrnovo or Blato. Visit any of the interesting museums or churches to learn something new, or maybe take a guided tour for more detailed information. Korcula is also rich in musical tradition so the opportunity to listen to a Klapa ensemble singing harmonised romantic songs should be taken up at the first opportunity.
Korcula Explorer Tip – Try and catch a performance of one of the island’s sword dances. The Moreska in Korcula, the Mostra in Zrnovo or the Kumpanija in Blato, Cara, Smokvica or Vela Luka.
Korcula Island Guide
Would you like more insider tips and recommendations about Korcula Island? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide packed full of information so that you can plan and enjoy a truly memorable holiday on Korcula. Click here to download your copy.
We hope we’ve given you some fantastic ways you can enjoy your holiday on Korcula. What are you planning on doing when you visit the island?
Further Information
Places to Visit on Korcula Island
Tours on Korcula Island
Eating & Drinking on Korcula
Outdoor Activities on Korcula
Ultimate List of Things to Do on Korcula Island
