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Korčula Island

Rich in vineyards, olive groves and small villages, and harbouring a glorious old town, the island of Korčula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island, stretching nearly 47km in length. Dense pine forests led the original Greek settlers to call the island Korkyra Melaina (Black Corfu). Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and more pebbly.

Tradition is alive and kicking on Korčula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists. Oenophiles will adore sampling its wine. Arguably the best of all Croatian whites is produced from the indigenous grape pošip, particularly from the areas around the villages of Čara and Smokvica. The grk grape, cultivated around Lumbarda, also produces quality dry white wine.

The island's best beach is Pupnatska Luka on the south coast.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Korčula Island.

  • Cathedral

    St Mark’s Cathedral

    Dominating the little square at Korčula's heart is this magnificent 15th-century cathedral, built from Korčula limestone in a Gothic-Renaissance style by Italian and local artisans. The sculptural detail of the facade is intriguing, particularly the naked squatting figures of Adam and Eve on the door pillars, and the two-tailed mermaid and elephant on the triangular gable cornice at the very top. The bell tower is topped by a balustrade and ornate cupola, beautifully carved by Korčulan Marko Andrijić.

  • Fort

    City Defences

    Korčula’s towers and remaining city walls look particularly striking when approached from the sea, their presence warning pirates the town would be no pushover. Originally these defences would have been even more foreboding, forming a complete stone barrier against invaders that consisted of 12 towers and 20m-high walls.

  • Museum

    Icon Museum

    This modest museum has a collection of interesting Byzantine icons, painted on gilded wood, and 17th- and 18th-century ritual objects. The real highlight is access to gorgeous 15th-century All Saints’ Church (Crkva Svih Svetih) next door. This baroque church features a 17th-century painted Cretan crucifix, an extraordinary late-18th-century pietà carved from walnut, and a carved and painted 1439 polyptych altarpiece by Blaž Jurjev of Trogir, considered a Croatian masterpiece.

  • Museum

    St Mark's Abbey Treasury

    The 14th-century Abbey Palace houses an important collection of icons and Dalmatian religious art. The most outstanding work is the 1431 polyptych of The Virgin & Child with Saints by Blaž Jurjev of Trogir. The 20th century is represented by a sketch by Ivan Meštrović and a painting by Ɖuro Pulitika. There are also liturgical items, jewellery, coins, furniture and ancient documents relating to the history of Korčula.

  • Island

    Proizd

    For a total veg-out at the beach, nothing beats the island of Proizd at Korčula's northwestern tip. There's not much here but a single summertime restaurant, but the clear, blue water and white stones are dazzling. Bring plenty of sunscreen as there is little shade on the beaches. In the tourist season, small boats head to the island from Vela Luka. The trip takes about 40 minutes; expect to pay around 50KN per person.

  • Museum

    Korčula Town Museum

    Occupying the 16th-century Gabriellis Palace, this museum traces the history and culture of Korčula throughout the ages. Displays cover stonemasonry, shipbuilding, archaeology, art, furniture, textiles and examples of Korčulan traditional dress. There are some interesting curios scattered over its four floors – including a tablet recording the Greek presence on the island in the 3rd century BC.

  • Beach

    Pržina

    Families swarm to this sandy stretch for safe swimming and sandcastle construction, and to hang out in the little cafe-bars. To get here from the main road into town, continue straight ahead on the road past the post office.

  • Island

    Ošjak

    The tiny uninhabited island of Ošjak sits within Vela Luka harbour, only 15 minutes by taxi boat from the town. Paths lead through the pine forest to rocky coves where you can swim in relative seclusion. Bring everything you need with you, as there's nothing on the island.

  • Winery

    Agriturizam Bire

    On the outskirts of Lumbarda, this working farm and vineyard offers tastings of their three wines ( grk, plavac mali and a rosé) accompanied by a snack. They also rent rooms in a house further down the hill.

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