Best Place to Stay in Korcula
Korcula is one of my favorite places on the planet! It has a relaxing outdoorsy vibe, lovely people, a rich history, and excellent food and wine. I’ve visited the island three times in the last 3 years and have always been fortunate to find a room at Nina’s in Korcula Town. It’s managed by her son, Matte – a gracious host and, in season, Nina provides a full breakfast on the rooftop. Most of the breakfast, from eggs to veggies to meat, is sourced on Korcula. In May 2019, I paid $46/night for a room with bath and breakfast overlooking the sea and promenade of restaurants. Just one of the many reasons why this island keeps drawing me back.
Rent a bike Korcula
To make the most of your time on Korcula, get out early and explore the island by bike. Bike rentals are readily available just outside the city walls. If you’re adventuresome and have a full day, I recommend riding to the beach at Racisce, then up the mountain to Pupnat which is just as adorable as its name and boasts an excellent restaurant, Konoba Mate.
Lumbarda Korcula wineries
Then, it’s all downhill to Lumbardo for a stop at Cabalo Winery, known for their white GRK grapes. The award winning wine is as tasty as advertised and the view is priceless.
Lumbarda vela przina beach
Just past the winery is the beautiful Vela Przina Beach. They have a chill café with food and local wine.
Korcula Hiking
Relax on the beach or walk up the path to the east for an incredible view before biking back to Korcula Town. I did this ~35-mile ride with my daughter in 2018, and it was a very rewarding and exhausting in a good way. Riding up the mountains was challenging, and I admit to walking my bike up most of them. Bring plenty of water as the grocery in tiny Pupnet is one of the few places to replenish before Lumbardo. If time or distance is limited, biking from Korcula Town to Lumbardo is 4 miles and an enjoyable ride. There are several restaurants in Lumbardo.
Korcula Town
Late afternoon/evening is the perfect time to explore Korcula Town and soak in its charm. There are a few churches and small museums, including Marco Polo’s House. I recommend dropping into the Kapalina Gallery to view the colorful artwork of Hrvoje Kapelina, a self-taught painter who may just stop by while you are there.
Korcula Bar Tower
Korcula sunsets are low-key, relaxing, and stunningly beautiful as the sun slowly dips into the Adriatic. After sunset, dining options abound so shop the menus and check out the smaller places. While a bit overpriced, it’s always fun to have a drink at the top of the Tower Bar if you are into ladders. You’ll only want one drink because they are pricey, and you need to climb down. But the views are spectacular. And then, just wander. I still remember my first visit walking into a tiny bar with a friend I’d met on the ferry ride from Dubrovnik. We asked for plum rakjia, and the owner poured us the last shot from the last bottle that his grandma had made that season. And that is Korcula.
Getting to Korcula Island
Getting to Korcula is part of the fun! I’ve taken the passenger ferry from Dubrovnik twice. On my most recent trip, I had a rental car and took the car ferry from Orebic. Pros: Driving the Pelijesic Peninsula to Orebic is fun if you have the time, and the ability to explore all of Korcula with a car is a win. Vela Luka has some beautiful remote beaches, and the villages that dot the island’s coast, e.g., Smokvica, are charming. Cons: You have to pay to park outside of the Korcula Town, and the car ferry is more expensive, though it does run more frequently.
Hvar or Korcula
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I’m so ignorant about Eastern Europe, I’ve never heard of Korcula! After reading your experience there, it sounds like a great place to visit and maybe a little more off the beaten path than other popular Croatian destinations?
I also never heard of Korcula! Thank you for this guide Dillon 🙂
I’ve never heard of this place, it looks lovely! 🙂
We’ve never heard of Korcula Island, but after reading this post we can’t wait to explore it! And especially to visit Marco Polo’s House!! Last year we traveled along the Ancient Silk Road in China on the footsteps of Marco Polo, and ended our year in Venice where he was born. So the idea to visit his house in Korcula sounds very inviting!
Korcula sounds like a fantastic place! I’d love to visit it the next time I’m in Croatia. The water looks so incredibly clear and blue – beautiful pictures. The biking trip sounds great too – though I’m sure I’d be walking my bike all the way uphill too!
This all sounds awesome! I’d love to do the hike (although maybe just early in the morning, before it gets too hot!) Visiting the local wineries and Korcula Bar Tower both sound fab too!
I love the idea of renting a bike and head off to explore Racisce and Pupnat. Good to know about Cabalo Winery – would love to taste that award-wining wine.
This sounds like the perfect getaway. Biking, hiking, a beautiful old town, and stunning beaches… what more could a traveler ask for? I’d also be very interested in trying the Tower Bar. Drinks with a view sound amazing on an island like this!
I have to admit I have never heard of Korcula Island, but after seeing your post I want to! Vela Przina Beach looks amazing! And I love hiking so that would be a great catch as well!
Korcula Island sound lovely. Vela Przina Beach would be a perfect spot with the cafe and wine.I would definitely like to visit when I go to Croatia, hopefully soon.
I have always wanted to visit Croatia but wasn’t exactly sure where in Croatia. After reading your article on Korcula, I now know where I want to go! I love charming little villages, and this sounds perfect.
Thank you for this guide Dillon 🙂
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.