If you only have time to spend one day (and night) on Korcula Island make sure you make the best out of your time here. Use our guide to decide where to stay and how to plan the day.
Getting to and from Korcula Island
If you only have one day on Korcula, make sure you maximize your time here. Co-ordinate your transport to and from the island to ensure you get a full day here. For example, arrive in the morning, drop off your luggage and then spend the day & evening exploring, staying overnight and departing the following morning. There are early morning boats from Split to Korcula. Or arrive in the evening, stay the night and then have the following day on Korcula before departing the following late afternoon/evening. There is an evening boat to Dubrovnik.
There are numerous sea and land options to and from Korcula. Check all the transportation information you will need on our Korcula Travel FAQs.
Stay on the east side of Korcula Island
The majority of visitors to Korcula Island tend to stay in Korcula Town or Vela Luka. This guide is written from the perspective that you will be staying on the East side of the island, such as in Korcula or Lumbarda, as many of the activities recommended take place here or close by. Of course, regardless of where you are staying, you can still enjoy these things. If you want to take a look at other places you can stay on Korcula Island, you can find our location and accommodation recommendations here.
One day on Korcula – Morning
Start the day with a morning stroll to the Old Town and watch the world wake up over a coffee and a sweet treat. Coffee is part of the morning ritual for most islanders and you’ll find many cafe bars to choose from.
The Old Town of Korcula is compact so you can easily explore within a couple of hours. You can take a guided tour around the town if you’re interested in history, but it’s also easy to navigate on your own.
Self-Guided Tour of Korcula Old Town
- Spend some time wandering up and down the alleyways and marvel at the beautiful architecture dating from the 15th and 16th centuries when the town was under Venetian rule.
- Visit one of the town museums such as the Icon Museum to learn more about island life and culture.
- Stop by one of the many churches – some are harder to find than others. The Cathedral of St Mark is particularly impressive.
- Afford yourself some amazing views by climbing the entrance Land Gate or Bell Tower at the Cathedral and look down upon the red-roofed tiles on the houses.
- Retrace the legend of Marco Polo by visiting his “supposed” house or the museum created in his name. It’s said that he was born here – whether you believe it or not, it’s a nice story!
One day on Korcula – Afternoon
It’s time to rest your legs after your morning walk and stop for lunch. If you prefer something quick and easy stop at the bakers and ask for “burek”. This filo pastry pie filled with meat, cheese or potatoes is a tasty cheap bite. For a fuller meal, head to Konoba Skver. They offer a daily special which locally is called “maranda”. It’s always a traditional meal such as stuffed peppers and very reasonably priced.
After lunch either opt for a relaxing or slightly more energetic activity.
Things to do on Korcula
- Pack your towel and swimwear and head to one of Korcula Town’s beaches. You’ll find small pebble/rocky beaches around the Old Town and the main beach called Banje is located in front of Hotel Korsal.
- Hop on one of the water taxi boats that depart from the taxi rank throughout the day and visit the islets in the archipelago. Here you will find small beaches and the clear blue sea perfect for swimming and snorkelling. On the islet of Badija, you can also take a walk around the perimeter and visit the renovated monastery. On the islet of Vrnik, you can visit the old stone quarry.
- Head over to the beautiful village of Lumbarda which is situated just a few kilometres from Korcula Town. Lumbarda is well known for its sandy beaches which are not common in Croatia and the production of the delicious white wine Grk, which is only grown in the village. From Korcula, you can take a bus, cycle or take a water taxi. Our self-guided cycling tour to Lumbarda provides some good tips for things to see and places to visit.
- Hire a scooter and venture inland. The old villages of Zrnovo and Pupnat are a contrast to coastal Korcula with old stone houses dotting the hillsides. Travel further to Cara and Smokvica where you can look down upon an alley of vineyards and visit one of the local wineries to sample the local Posip and Plavac Mali wines.
- Join a tour to learn more about the island. How about joining Mario on a relaxing boat trip around the islets or joining us on a wine-tasting or food-tasting tour?
And be sure to make time for ice cream whatever your plans are. You can find ice cream shops in many locations serving a range of delicious flavours.
One day on Korcula – Evening
Sunsets on Korcula are truly spectacular, so be sure to catch them. If in Korcula Town, head to Massimo, a cocktail bar in a medieval tower where you can get a great view. Or walk to the end of the pier on the west side of Korcula Old Town and watch the sky turn shades of red and pink. You can find out when the sun will set on Korcula Island HERE.
It’s now time to indulge in some of Korcula’s gastronomical delights. Head to one of the town’s eateries to sample some traditional food. You’ll find “konobas” (more rustic style dining) which serve more traditional dishes and restaurants which typically offer local dishes with a modern twist. On the island seafood and fish is some of the best, but fish can be a little more expensive. For a Konoba option head outside of Korcula Town to Maslina where you can try dishes such as pasticada and zrnovoski makaruni. For a more fine dining experience within the Old Town walls book a table by the sea at Filippi.
Learn about What to Eat on Korcula Island.
After dinner soak up the evening atmosphere.
Things to do in the Evening in Korcula
- From June to September watch a performance of the Moreska sword dance, performed on Korcula since the 17th century. It’s performed at 21:00 every Thursday in June and September and every Monday & Thursday in July and August.
- As an island of wine, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to taste. Whether you participate at a wine festival or visit a wine bar, be sure to try one of Korcula’s local wines such as Grk, Posip or Plavac Mali. We highly recommend Wine Bar Bokar or LoLe Wine Bar in Korcula Town.
- Islanders love their wine as much as their music and you’ll want to catch a performance. Many bars have live singers during the summer, Klapa (acapella) singers usually hang out under the cove in the entranceway to the Old Town and often the cathedral hosts classical music concerts.
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.
Further information about events in and close to Korcula Town can be found on the Korcula Tourist board calendar.
We hope this gives you some great ideas about how to spend your one day on Korcula. How would you plan your day?
Further Information
Tours on Korcula
Eating & Drinking on Korcula
Outdoor Activities on Korcula
Ultimate Things to do on Korcula
