Enjoy our A to Z of Korcula Island in photos.
A is for the Adriatic Sea
Korcula is encompassed by the Adriatic sea and separated from the mainland by a narrow channel of water. The quality of the sea is exceptional and incredibly clear. People are always amazed at the clarity – you can easily see to the bottom! So many activities can be enjoyed in and on the Adriatic Sea and it is home to many creatures. If you are fortunate you may spot a seahorse, a dolphin or a sea turtle.
B is for Badija
Badija is the largest of the islets in the Korcula archipelago. Its landmark feature is a Gothic-Rennaisance Franciscan monastery built in the fifteenth-century. You are able to walk the full way around the island by the path or up to the old watchtower. All you need to do is find yourself a little place for a swim.
Learn more about the Korcula Archipelago
C is for the Cathedral of St Mark
The Cathedral of St Mark stands majestically in the centre of Korcula Old Town. The building of the Cathedral started in the 15th century. It showcases work of some of the best artists and stonemasons of the time. You can climb the bell tower for spectacular towers.
D is for Defora.
Heading to the south side of the island from Zrnovo you will arrive at the area of Defora. Here you can find fantastic examples of the wall terracing that is common across the island. You can also take a swim in one of the beautiful beaches here such as Pavja Luka or Rasohatica.
E is for the Explorers – us!
Korcula Explorer. Learn more about us here.
F is for Forteca
In 1813 whilst Korcula was under British occupation, they build a fort on top of the hill above Korcula Town. Although Forteca or Fort Wellington is currently a little neglected, it’s still a relaxing place to take a walk and enjoy the surrounding views.
G is for Goats
If you stroll around more rural parts of the island you might hear the bleating of a goat or two. People keep goats to make tasty cheese & milk. The goat’s cheese takes quite different from what we’ve had in other places, but it is delicious.
H is for Herringbone
If you take a bird’s eye view of Korcula Old Town you will see that the alignment of the streets resembles the pattern of a herringbone or the bones of a fish. A central street runs through the centre and then leading off to the east and west are smaller streets.
I is for Indigenous Grapes
There are more than 130 indigenous grapes in Croatia and Korcula is the proud home of 2 of these. Korcula is known as a white wine island and both Grk and Posip wines originate from here.
Learn more about Korcula wine or join us on a wine tour.
J is for Jewellery
A very special kind of jewellery is crafted on Korcula, fine silver filigree. There’s no better place to learn more about traditional art than at Seba Dizajn in Korcula Old Town.
K is for Kocje
It’s a very pleasant and relatively easy walk to Kocje. It is a nature park of interesting rock formations. You can climb over, under and around the rocks. There’s also a mystical story that fairies live in the area. You may be lucky enough to find them!
L is for Lumbarda
Ah how we love the picturesque village of Lumbarda. Great beaches, amazing wine with a fascinating history.
M is for Moreska
There are 3 sword dances performed on Korcula Island. Moreska is the name of the one performed in Korcula Town. Through the summer there are regular performances. It is also performed on important saint or town days. The dance retells a love story between the Turks and the Moors.
N is for Nature
Korcula Island is an incredibly green and naturally rich island. Many plants and trees grow on the island including cypress, fir and a wide selection of fruit trees. It is also home to many insects and a few wild animals. Nothing too scary though!
More ways to enjoy the outdoors on Korcula
O is for Olive Oil
It’s not an exaggeration to say that almost every family on Korcula Island grows olive trees! The olives are harvested seasonally and pressed into oil at the local mill. They are local sorts of trees, mostly Lastovka and Drobnica. They are very high in polyphenols, which is exceptionally good for our health.
P is for Psephisma
In 1877 Božo Kršinić, a local man, found on top of a small hill called Koludrt, the Psephisma of Lumbarda. It provided details about a Greek colony living in Lumbarda who originated from the island of Issa, today’s Vis Island. The Psephisma includes the names of 200 Greek families and the agreement between themselves and the Illyrians who had already settled in the area.
Q is for Quarry
The Island of Korcula is historically known for several trades – producing exceptional wine & olive oil, ship-building and seamen and stonemasonry. There are many old quarries across the island with the most notable on the small islet of Vrnik. You can see the large carving of rock at its centre.
R is for Rogac
This is the Croatian word for Carob. This interesting tree pod abundantly on trees across the island. It can be eaten raw or ground down and used in cakes. People also make carob liqueurs. Have you tried it?
S is for the Street of Thinkers
All the streets in Korcula Old Town have stairs Except for one which is locally known as the “Street of Thinkers”. I guess logically its the only one you can mindlessly wander without fear of an accident!
T is for Torkul
Torkul is the name for the old stone mills which were used for pressing olives for oil. You can see a few across the island although they are not in use anymore. It’s quite amazing to think of the labour that went into. Modern mills can be done at the touch of a button!
U is for Urchins
If you look down to the seabed around Korcula Island, you’ll likely spot some spiky black urchins. It’s actually a sign of how clean the water is as urchins don’t choose to live in the dirty sea. It’s also a delicacy to eat the urchin eggs. Have you tried it?
V is for Vaja
There are so many stunning beaches on Korcula Island with the clear sea to enjoy. It’s difficult to pick a favourite, but certainly right at the top of our list would be Vaja in Racisce. The sea is a brilliant blue which strikingly contrasts with the white pebbles on the beach.
W is for Waterpolo
It’s a popular sport across Croatia but perhaps no more so than on Korcula. The people of Korcula started playing water-polo in 1926 when students seeing it as a popular new game brought it back to the island. People played off various beaches before any swimming pools were built. Today there are purpose-built indoor and outdoor venues. In 1979 Croatia won the European Cup; 10 members of the team were from Korcula, which is rightly celebrated as a great achievement for the island.
X is for Xanadu
X is always a tricky word in an A-Z! This is a new word for me, do you know it? So for me, Korcula Island is a real Xanadu. Is it for you?
Y is for Yachts
They come with helicopters, they come with slides and some come with glamour and fame. Every summer it is yachts galore along the Dalmatian coast. It is a sailors paradise and very popular to Croatian island-hop by boat.
Z is for Zrnovski Makaruni
The village of Zrnovo just 4km from Korcula Town oozes with tradition and is home to the delicious Zrnovski Makaruni pasta. The pasta is shaped around wooden skewers and typically served with a rich beef sauce.
More about eating & drinking on Korcula Island.
We hope you enjoyed our A to Z of Korcula Island in photos. If you’re visiting Korcula be sure to get a copy of our Ultimate Korcula Island Guide. Packed with helpful tips & information, you don’t want to leave home without it!
