Korčula is a large island with plenty to see and do, and an excellent holiday destination. The capital is called Korčula and the island is inhabited since pre-historic times. The Greek called the island black-Corfu (Korkyra Melaina), maybe for its thick dark green forests cypresses and oak. The island was ruled by Croatian kings, Venetians and later on by Genuese and Turks. In 1298 the Genuese took Marco Polo, who has been born on the island during Venetian rule, captive. Many names on the island relate to Marco Polo and the inhabitants are proud to say he has been born on their island.
The town of Korčula is surrounded by heavy 13th century walls and the position of the town is just magnificent, walk through its small streets and steps and enjoy in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Try some of the delicious pastry and other local products. The town has a cathedral and churches, a palace and a municipal museum (gradski muzej). Drive around the island and taste the delicious wines that are produce here, visit the small villages and enjoy local nature.
Korčula is a great destination if you enjoy cycling, go outside the hot summer season and ride along the small country roads, along vineyards and olive trees and off-road to explore this beautiful island. Even though there are no marked cycling trails, the island is perfect for a cycling vacation. Ride along the small roads and visit the small villages like Lumbarda, Pupnat and Smokvica and ride to a secluded beach to enjoy some rest and have exellent views of the beautifull coast.
A yearly summer event in Korčula is a mock battle dance with each soldier holding two swords. The event is performed on the 29th of July, st. Theodores day, and weekly during the summer months. The Moreška sword dance is performed by males from Korcula town families only, since at least the 17th century.
There are many beaches on Korčula some well known beaches are the sandy beach Vela Przina in Lumbarda, and the pebble beach Pupnatska Luka.
Korčula Town
Beach Banje is a pebble beach in Korčula Town situated in the Borak area in vicinity of several Hotels. It is the oldest beach in town and very popular in the summer when it is quit crowded with tourists and locals. Nearby are many bars and restaurants. It is a good beach for families with children, and for sailing and windsurfing. You can access the beach by steps from šetaliste Frana Krsinica promenade, however there is no wheelchair access.
Zakerjan Beach in the east part of the Old Town is one of the oldest swimming spots in Korčula, and very popular with locals. The beach has large rocks and concrete slabs where you can sunbathe, and there are steps and ladders for access to the clean, transparent beautiful turquoise coloured sea. The water is deep and a good place for snorkelling. There are many shops and cafes nearby for refreshments. The beach is not suited for children and is accessible by steep and narrow steps below the Tower wall.
Luka Korčulanska Beach (Kalac) is a gorgeous sandy beach in the Bay of Luka Korčulanska, about 15 minutes walking from Korčula centre – it is an ideal beach for families with small children because of the shallow waters.
Nearby are some bars and supermarkets, the beach is sunny throughout the day and shade can be found under nearby pine trees. The beach is accessible to wheelchairs due to the promenade that runs along it.
Lumbarda
Vela Przina Beach is a sandy beach with a nice view over the sea to National Park Lastovo. A very popular beach with many tourists and locals on the south side of the island with cafes and a restaurant. It takes about 15 min by bus from Korčula Town, but there is also paid parking area.
Lenga Beach to the east of Lumbarda is unspoiled and has many large rocks that can be used for sunbathing, there is easy access into the water by some carved steps. This is a beach not known to many tourists, so mostly locals can be found here. The water is very clear and beautiful in colour, thus great for swimming and snorkelling. Due to the remoteness there are no facilities nearby so you have to bring your own necessities for a day on the beach.
You can get to the beach by a narrow wooden path from the road Lumbarda to Raznjic (via Bilin zal.), due to its location the beach is in shades in the late afternoon and the beach is not suited for small children.
Pupnatska luka
A very nice pebble beach with clear blue water in the bay of Pupnatska Luka which is about 15 km from Korčula town on the south coast. The beach offers great views to Lastovo, it is easy accessible and has gentle sloping pebble beach into the sea making it a good beach for families with children. Deck chairs and parasols can be rented here (there is no natural shade), and there are café’s with drinks, grilled food and snacks.
You can get to the beach by taking the local road that connects the villages Pupnat and Cara, you can park your car on a car-park.
Korčula can be reached by ferry from Split, Orebić (on the peninsula Pelješac) and Dubrovnik.
Tourism Office island Korčula
