Plan your Trip to Korcula
Like Dubrovnik in miniature, the sweet little seaside town of Korcula has its own set of imposing walls and towers, as well as an extraordinary cathedral, adorned with a downright kooky set of carvings.
You can walk every one of the streets of its compact old town, laid out in a fascinating fishbone pattern, in less than an hour. This leaves plenty of time for an al fresco meal under the umbrella pines at one of the restaurants lining the sea-facing Petra Kanavelića promenade.
The pedestrianized streets in the Old Town were designed like a fishbone, thoughtfully planned to limit winter winds while welcoming the summer breezes. It’s enjoyable just to wander through the narrow, cobbled lanes, lined with magnificent architecture, with many little family-run shops and enticing tavernas serving authentic eats.
When to visit Korcula
With a typical Mediterranean climate, Korcula enjoys warm, dry summers with cooler winters. The best time to visit is between May and September as rain is minimal with less than a tenth of an inch and sunny skies are the norm. Summer brings the chance to witness an impressive Moreska sword dance performance, but it can be quite hot in July and August, the peak of the tourist season. If you want to avoid the crowds and temperatures that often rise to about 90 degrees, consider the shoulder seasons of May or September.
Korcula FAQs
How many days do you need in Korcula?
There’s a lot to see in Korcula, going well beyond the popular Korcula Old Town. That means you’ll ideally want at least three days, the first in and around the historic center, taking in the view from St. Mark’s Cathedral, visiting the town museum, picking up souvenirs and gifts, and sampling various eateries. The next day, you might rent a bike for a self-guided tour to Lumbarda or just pedal around the island. On your third, spend the day at one of the many beautiful beaches. A week will allow you to do all of that with time to relax in between.
From
Matilda Your Croatia Expert
What is the best time to visit for watching the Moreska sword dance performances?
If you don’t want to miss the incredible Moreska sword dance performance that tells the story of two kings battling it out with their armies for the love of a kidnapped princess, you’ll want to visit Korcula in June, July, August, or September. In June and September, they’re held on Thursdays at 9 p.m., and in July and August on both Mondays and Thursdays at 9 p.m.
What are the essential sites to see in Korcula?
The top sites in Korcula are primarily in Korcula Old Town, including the Gothic-Renaissance style St. Mark’s Cathedral and its bell tower. Don’t miss the view over the rooftops and the sea from the watchtower of the Marco Polo House which also includes a small museum. The Folk Museum and Ethno House are also well worth a visit with its interesting folk and ethnographic collection that includes around 3,000 artifacts centered around items commonly used in peasant life. Just above Vela Luka, Vela Spilja Cave is one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites.
