Korcula Island

Vineyards on Korcula Island


Korcula Town juts into Peljesac bay

Korcula Island (pronounced kor chula) is one of the most delightful in southern Dalmatia. Nearly 47km long and 8km wide, it's blanketed with dense woods and fringed with indented coves. The interior is lush and hilly, rich with vineyards, olive groves and peaceful villages. (See a photo gallery of Korcula Island).

The jewel of the island is undoubtedly Korcula Town, a cluster of remarkable Venetian architecture on a narrow peninsula. Its heritage is celebrated each week with the colourful Moreska Sword Dance. From Korcula, it's easy to day trip to lovely Badija Island.

Other island villages are worth a stop: Lumbarda is near Korcula Town and has sandy beaches; Racisce is the village of choice for local seamen; Pupnat has one of the most beautiful (and inaccessible) bays on the Adriatic; Blato boasts a charming 14th century church; Vela Luka is one of the island's main port of entries and a good alternative base for exploring the island. Dive centres sometimes organise scuba diving excursions to nearby Te Vega off Susac.

Accommodation on Korcula Island

Staying on Korcula Island is very much a seasonal affair as many hotels, inns and guesthouses close between November and March. Find out more about accommodation on Korcula Island.

History

Like other southern Dalmatian islands, Korcula first attracted the Greeks who give way to the Romans in the 1st century. The Slavs eventually settled the island and, for a brief period it fell under the rule of Ragusa (Dubrovnik). The Venetians ruled the island from 1420 to 1797 and built Korcula Town in the 15th century. The builders cleverly took advantage of the windy climate by running the west streets straight to open the city to the westerly maestral winds and curving the east streets to protect the town from the cold, north-easterly bura winds. Find out more about Korcula history.

Getting to Korcula

There's no airport (yet) on Korcula Island so at some point you'll have to cross the water by car ferry, passenger ferry, shuttle or bus. Find out more about getting to Korcula.

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