Korcula is blessed with many beautiful secluded bays, pebble beaches and clear blue sea, providing plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel.
Where can you swim on Korcula?
In short answer, you can swim anywhere you see the sea! The water clarity is fantastic, so wherever you can get into the sea, you are free to swim.
The island’s most stunning beaches (in our opinion) are more remote and reachable by driven transport only or for the active traveller, by bike.
The more popular beaches and those located close to the centre of a town or village can be reached by public transport and foot, such as the sandy beaches in Lumbarda or Vaja in the village of Racisce. The bus route connects the main towns & villages on the island and the full timetables can be seen on the Arriva website.
When is it warm enough to swim on Korcula?
Traditionally the first day of summer is May 1st, which is a national holiday here in Croatia. Personally, I still find it a little too cold to swim then! However, by late May the sea is at a good temperature to swim. It is still possible to swim in September, as the sea has been heated by the sun all summer. It is even possible to swim into October and in some particularly hot years as late as November. The average sea temperature between June and September is 22 – 25 degree centigrade.
Top Tip!
Many of the beaches on Korcula and across Croatia, in general, are pebble or rocky. You do not find many sandy beaches. Having a pair of rubber-soled shoes will protect your feet whilst walking on the beach. They will also provide some protection against the spiky urchins you’ll find in the sea. It’s actually a sign of high-quality water as they only live in clean sea!
If you’d like some more Korcula tips, download a copy of our Ultimate Korcula Guide.
Below is a list of some of our favourite beaches on Korcula Island.
Bacva Bay near Pupnat
This small pebble bay with clear azure waters is typical of the beautiful beaches that Korcula boasts. It’s a “comfortable-to-lie-on” pebble beach and there are a few sun loungers available to hire via the bay restaurant. Located about 13 km from Korcula, head towards Pupnat taking the road on the left before the village, signposting to the bay. The road winds down to this stunning sheltered bay. There is a small restaurant here serving grilled meats and mouth-watering fresh fish & seafood. There is also a large house available to rent in Bacva bay. This would be perfect for a relaxed family or friend holiday.
Bilin Zal & Prvi Zal, Lumbarda
The sandy beaches in Lumbarda, called Bilin Zal, Przina and Tatinja, are the perfect place to take children; with no risk of them hurting themselves on rocks or urchins and shallow waters for them to play in. Of course, it’s also lots of fun for them (and the adults) to build sandcastles! There is a cafe bar/restaurant at each beach. Lumbarda is just 6km from Korcula and there are regular buses during the day between the two towns or water taxis. Lumbarda is also a fantastic place to stay and you’ll find a number of apartments and a couple of hotels to choose from. It is a great choice for a family or a relaxing holiday.
It is also a fun bike ride from Korcula. Our self-guided cycling tour to Lumbarda includes a stop at Przina and details about Bilin Zal.
You might also want to enjoy a spot of wine tasting whilst in Lumbarda. The delicious and special regional Grk wine comes from the village – so it would be a shame not to sample some whilst there!
Korcula Archipelago
Lying off the coast between Korcula Town and Lumbarda, just poking out on the sea are 20 tiny islets known as the Skoji Islets. Either hop on board a water taxi or be captain for the day and hire a boat and take a trip to one of these delightful islets. Venture to Badija and Vrnik for pebble beaches to relax on and plenty of much-needed shade under the fir trees, or Stupe for some great snorkelling opportunities. Another option is to marvel at the islets from afar, which can be enjoyed as part of an archipelago boat trip. There are restaurants located on each of the main islets.
Vaja, Racisce
By far our favourite beach on Korcula – Vaja! Every time we stand at the top of the hill and look down at the beach, our faces light up! It’s a typical Croatian pebble beach and is about a 15 – 20 minutes walk from Racisce. Follow the main road up the steep hill out of the village. After you reach the end of the tarmac road, take the path off to the right to the beach (caution, the path is steep). The water at Vaja beach is so clear and fantastic for snorkelling. There is a small shack bar for refreshments or to rent sun umbrellas.
Prizba near Blato
Prizba is a pretty coastal resort located on the west of Korcula Island, approximately 10 kilometres from Blato, with very clear blue and warm sea. There is a small pebble beach to lounge on and many rocky bathing spots, usually privately connected to holiday rental apartments which line the coastline. There is a supermarket and a couple of restaurants/cafe bars in Prizba. As there is no public transport to Prizba you would need to drive here.
Pupnatska Luka near Pupnat
Deservedly popular, Pupnatska Luka is a beautiful & deep pebble beach located a few kilometres from the village of Pupnat. The best way to reach Pupnatska Luka beach is by car/scooter (you must pay for parking). The deep bay keeps it well sheltered making it family-friendly. There is a restaurant selling grilled meats, seafood, fish and salads and a bar selling cold drinks and more snack-style food. You can also hire kayaks, sun loungers and umbrellas at Pupnatska Luka (which you may need as there isn’t much natural shade there).
Pavja Luka, Orlandusa & Rasohatica, Defora
Secluded, beautiful & tranquil, these three pebble beaches are reachable by bike/foot or car and most easily via Zrnovo and are located on the south coast of Korcula. The water here at Pavja Luka, Orlandusa and Rasohatica is very warm and very still, as the bays are well protected. The closest village is Zrnovo, where you can buy food and refreshments as there are no shops/restaurants on the beaches. There is a fantastic restaurant not too far away from Orlandusa beach and Pavja Luka beach called Simunovo.
Zitna near Zavalatica
With warm azure water to swim and snorkel in, the small pebble beach at Zitna next to the Bay of Zavalatica is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing day during your holiday to Korcula. The colour of the sea at Zitna is an amazing blend of blues and greens. The sea-bed is mostly sandy which makes the colour so unique, although the beach is pebble. Pass through Cara and head down to Zavalatica following the road above the bay. Leave the car and take the track 5 minutes walk down to the beach. There are no amenities at the beach, but you can pick up supplies at the supermarket in Zavalatica, where you will also find a local restaurant/bar. There is even a holiday house right on Zitna beach. What a cool place to stay!
Proizd Island, near Vela Luka
It took us years before we first visited Proizd Islet. There was really no excuse for not visiting sooner! It was absolutely heavenly and is well worth the trek there even if you are staying on the other side of the island.
You reach Proizd via a taxi boat from Vela Luka. They are running fairly frequently throughout the summer. You can check the timetable with the Tourist Office or there should be a sign put up on the nearby board/on the side of the boats with the timetable listed. Just make sure you confirm the return times so you don’t get stranded on the islet (although it wouldn’t be a bad place to get marooned!). There are 4 main “beaches” to swim. Picture memorising turquoise sea and white pebbles reflecting the sun. There is also a simple restaurant on the island where you can buy food and drinks.
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.
What’s your favourite beach on Korcula Island? Or which one(s) would you like to visit? Let us know in the comments below.
Further Information
Places to visit on Korcula Island
Bays on Korcula Island
Korcula Island Tour
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Great info! With one day to explore beaches and coming from Korcula Town. Would you bother with Proizd or just stick to the nearby beaches? Thanks.
Thank you! Really you would need a full day to visit Proizd, as you’re looking at 2.5-3 hours just to travel there and back from Korcula Town. From Korcula it’s easy to visit Lumnbarda or Zrnovska Banja where you’ll find lovely beaches. Or take one of the water taxis to the islets in the archipelago in between Korcula & Lumbarda. Enjoy your time here!