Here we answer some of the most often-asked questions about Korcula Island. Have a question that we haven’t answered? Ask away in the comments below.
Where is Korcula?
There are just over 1200 islands in Croatia, one of which is Korcula. Lying almost halfway between Split and Dubrovnik, the Island of Korcula is part of the South Dalmatia region. Nearby islands include the Skoji archipelago (located between Korcula Town & Lumbarda), Lastovo, Mljet and Hvar. Korcula is separated from the mainland, the Peljesac Peninsula, by a mere 1270 metres. The island spreads over 279 km2 and is home to about 15,500 truly hospitable people.
How do I get to Korcula?
If you’re travelling to Korcula direct from an airport, it is best to fly into Split and Dubrovnik. From there the easiest method is to take a passenger catamaran directly to Korcula. Most of the catamarans arrive at Korcula Town, some arrive at Vela Luka.
It’s also possible to bring a car to Korcula. There is a car ferry from Split to Vela Luka or you can drive to Orebic, the closest mainland town to the island and take the car ferry to Domince, a small port just outside of Korcula Town.
Click here for more detailed information about how to get to Korcula.
When is the best time to visit Korcula?
People visit Korcula at all times of the year, so it really depends upon what you are looking to do when you get here. It’s very much a seasonal tourist destination, so you will find that most of the attractions and restaurants etc are closed from November until April. There are also more limited travel options to the island at this time. Many rental properties or hotels may not be open during this time or have limited heating options.
Anytime from mid-May through to the start of October, you should find plenty of establishments open and enough options to easily get on and off the island. When you come during that time will depend upon how much sun you want, if you want to swim, if you want to avoid the crowds and what your budget is.
Click here for some detailed information about the best time to visit Korcula Island.
Do I need a car on Korcula?
No, it’s not essential to have a car on Korcula. There are public catamarans that allow regular travel to and from the island. Once on the island, there is public transport in the form of buses, water taxis and regular taxis and each of the towns and villages are small enough to explore on foot.
Should you be staying longer on the island, having a car will be useful if you want to explore some of the more remote bays, or if you plan to stay somewhere more remote. There are also agencies renting cars – it’s not super cheap but a good option if you want to spend the day exploring further afield.
Click here for more information about travelling around Korcula
Where is the best place to stay on Korcula
Anywhere you stay on Korcula will be wonderful! However depending on how long you plan to stay on the island, whether you want to be close to amenities, and what style of accommodation you prefer, will impact your choice.
For example, if you’re staying a short time, then staying close to one of the main towns such as Korcula Town or Vela Luka would be a good option. If you’re staying longer, choose a destination outside of these main hubs, such as Lumbarda or Zrnovska Banja. If you want to experience more of a local feel but still be close to the sea, Racisce might be a good choice. And for something rural head to the hills in Zrnovo or the vineyard-growing village of Smokvica.
Click here for more information about where to stay on Korcula Island
What are the best things to do on Korcula?
There really is an abundance of things to do and experiences to enjoy on Korcula, including cultural & historical activities such as visiting churches and museums or watching a sword dance, indulging in the food & wine scene by visiting local wineries and producers and outdoor activities, of course on the sea – swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, but also exploring the countryside trails on the island by foot or bike.
We have created an ultimate list of things here to do on Korcula. Click here to see our list.
How many days do I need on Korcula?
It depends upon how much you really want to see and experience. Personally, I do not think one day or one night is enough – definitely not. I appreciate that there are many awesome places to explore in Croatia and you might not have time enough to spend longer on the island, but if you can, do. One of the things we hear from guests who join us on a wine & food tour is that they wish they planned to stay longer on Korcula.
What is the minimum length of time I would suggest: 3 nights. This gives you time to relax on your arrival day, explore the Old Town, spend time on the water, visit another town or village, and chill out at the beach – all without having to rush through it all. If you can stay longer, even better. Korcula Island is perfectly positioned to explore other Dalmatian locations as day trips for example you could visit the National Park Island of Mljet.
Click here for ideas about how to spend 3 days on Korcula
What is the currency used on Korcula?
From 2023 the national currency of Croatia is Euro. You can bring your own local currency and exchange it for Euro at one of the financial agencies (FINA) or tourist agencies. There are also a number of ATMS – just be wary of using those not associated with a bank as they may charge a high fee for cash withdrawal.
Is Korcula expensive?
There is no denying that as Croatia has become more recognised as a tourist destination and has become increasingly popular, prices have increased. It’s still relative to your own lifestyle however whether you will find things here expensive.
In comparison to some other popular destinations such as Dubrovnik and Hvar, the island of Korcula is less expensive. But things here are more expensive than in the capital. You will also find that prices are higher in Korcula Town, which is the place most visitors go to, compared to other spots, such as Vela Luka or Zrnovo.
There are expensive restaurants, but there are also traditional places that are very affordable – they just aren’t going to be in the heart of the town. Hotels will cost you more, but you can rent reasonably-priced apartments. There are many low-cost and free things to do on Korcula.
So I would put it somewhere in the middle for expense – it’s not ‘as cheap’ as some places in the Balkans, but you can make the Euro go further than in other parts of Central Europe.
Click here for budgeting ideas
What is Korcula known for?
Korcula Island has many descriptions. These include “little Dubrovnik” (although I like to think of Dubrovnik as ‘big Korcula’!), picture-perfect, the crown jewel of the Adriatic and the Emerald Isle. Korcula is a true example of the natural beauty that the country of Croatia boasts. This small island oozes with culture and is characterised by a diverse landscape and has a rich history.
Korcula is particularly well known for its local produce including wine, such as Grk and Posip, olive oil and traditional sweet cakes and biscuits such as cukarin. It also has some gorgeous beaches (including sandy ones) and scenic landscapes including vineyards, olive groves and forested areas.
Click here to read more about what Korcula is known for
Does Korcula have good beaches? What is the best beach on Korcula?
Korcula has exceptionally good beaches! You’re not often going to find large or sandy beaches however, the majority are small and pebbly. Some of the best beaches are further away from the towns, in small bays or on the islets lying off the coast of Korcula such as Proizd and Vrnik. The sea is incredibly clear so really you can swim anywhere. If it’s sandy beaches you are after, you will find some in Lumbarda.
To answer the question, what is the best beach on Korcula, of course, we have our favourites, but really you can’t go wrong with any beach! We particularly like Vaja in Racisce because the water here is just mesmerising. The beaches on Proizd and Vrnik are really worth visiting – they are small, but the views and water clarity is incredible, especially good if you like snorkelling.
Click here for more information about what beaches to visit on Korcula
Is Korcula walkable?
No matter what town, village or bay you find yourself in on Korcula, all are walkable.
What is a traditional dish from Korcula?
A commonly asked question – what’s authentic cuisine from the island? Firstly, it’s simple dishes using seasonal and fresh ingredients with herbs, seasoning and olive oil to add flavour.
People eat a lot of fresh fish and seafood including octopus and squid, accompanied by salads or a mixture of potato and swiss chard. There’s also a lot of soup, broth-style soups, and bean stew-style dishes. Traditional meat dishes include slow-cooked peka (which is delicious) and pasticada.
Click here to learn more about eating and drinking on Korcula
Where to buy the best wine and olive oil?
It is best to buy wine directly from a winery (you can read more about wines from Korcula here) or from a wine shop. Olive oil, again where possible, purchase directly from a producer and make sure you buy it fresh (ideally within a year old).
Wine recommendations: Any winery, Wine Shop Dionysus (Near the east port, just outside of the old town), Wine Corner (Korcula Town), place in Vela Luka
Olive Oil recommendations: Frane and Fanito Delikates shop (Korcula Old Town), OPG Jerolim (Vela Luka), OPG Anica Bazika (Lumbarda)
What wines to try on Korcula?
The island of Korcula is best known for white wines, in particular, Grk and Posip which are two indigenous grapes from the island. You will find Grk growing mainly in Lumbarda and Posip in Smokvica and Cara. Rukatac is another white wine you can find on the island. Red wine is typically made from Plavac Mail grapes. A growing number of winemakers are making rose wine from the Plavac Mail grape and the red grape, Plavina. Less often you will find Prosek, which is the name for Croatian dessert wine. You won’t find much sparkling wine on the island, although Bire winery makes a tasty sparkling rose.
There are also a number of other less commonly known grapes growing on the island that are often used to make house wine or table wine. Some are very good, others are a little ropey! You won’t often know or be told the grape names it will just be called ‘domestic wine’.
We run wine tours on Korcula, so if you’d like to visit local wineries as part of a tour, click here for more information about wine-tasting tours on Korcula.
Click here to learn more about wines from Korcula and where to try
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.
