Tours to Korcula

General Information about Korcula

Traveling to Korcula is a unique opportunity to discover a Croatian island of great beauty located in the Adriatic Sea. With an area of 279 km² and a population of about 16,000 inhabitants, Korcula is one of the largest and most inhabited islands in the region. 

The old town of Korcula is a must-see, with cobblestone streets, medieval walls and a historical heritage dating back centuries. In addition, the town is famous for being the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo, making it a very attractive tourist destination.

On the island of Korcula, you can also find other well-preserved medieval villages such as Vela Luka, Blato and Smokvica that offer an opportunity to explore the local culture and traditions. 

Also, the island is known for its wines, which have been produced in the island's vineyards since Roman times. In particular, Grk white wines and Plavac Mali red wines are very popular and visitors can enjoy tastings in many of the local wineries.

Korcula is also an ideal destination for outdoor activities, from water sports to hiking and cycling. Visitors can tour the island by bicycle or boat, enjoy dreamy beaches such as Pupnatska Luka and Lumbarda, or simply relax on the coast while enjoying the sun and sea breeze.

All in all, traveling to Korcula is a unique experience for those looking for a perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy and nature. With its stunning architecture, dreamy beaches and traditional festivals, Korcula is a dream destination not to be missed on your next trip to Croatia.

What to See in Korcula

Korcula has a variety of places of interest that you can not miss on your vacation to the islands of Croatia. Here are some of the main tourist attractions to visit.

Old Town of Korcula

The fortified town of Korcula on the island of the same name in Croatia is a historical and architectural treasure. Its past dates back to Roman times, making it one of the oldest and richest cities in the region. 

Its walls, dating back to the 13th century, protect its narrow cobblestone streets, which form a labyrinth of medieval charm.

The jewel of the city is St. Mark's Cathedral, a Gothic church built in the 15th century with an imposing façade and a 45-meter bell tower. 

Marco Polo's house, also located in the Old Town, is a museum that tells the story of the famous explorer's life and adventures, a tourist attraction for all travelers.

Korcula's Old Town is home to other churches, palaces and historic buildings from different eras, such as the impressive Bishop's Palace, built in the 18th century, which today is home to the Korcula City Museum.

Marco Polo's House

Located on Zakerjan Street in the Old Town of Korcula, Croatia, Marco Polo's House is a modest stone building believed to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo in 1254. According to legend, Marco Polo spent much of his childhood in this house, which has been restored and converted into a museum dedicated to telling the story of his life and travels.

The house has three floors, and on the first floor is a small souvenir store offering products related to Marco Polo's life and work. 

On the second floor is the museum's main exhibition, which is organized into several themes and tells the story of his life in Korcula, his travels to Asia, his work as a merchant and his return to Venice.

Visitors can view historical artifacts, maps and depictions of Marco Polo's adventures. 

The modest stone structure has been carefully preserved, and the exhibition inside offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and exploits of the famous explorer.

Badija Island

Badija Island is located in the Korcula archipelago off the coast of Croatia and is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Since the 15th century, the island has been home to Franciscan monks, who built a monastery, a church and a small village for the locals.

Over the centuries, Badija Island became an important religious and cultural center, noted for the production of wine and olive oil that the monks made from the island's produce.

From the 20th century onwards, Badija Island began to attract many tourists, who came in search of its pebble beaches and crystal clear waters, as well as to visit the monastery and the church.

Today, Badija Island is a popular tourist destination on the Croatian coast. Visitors can reach the island by ferry from the town of Korcula and spend the day enjoying the beaches, exploring the island and visiting the monastery and church, which are some of the island's main attractions.

Pupnat

Pupnat is a village located in the center of the Croatian island of Korcula, surrounded by a landscape of hills and fields of olive trees and vineyards. Known for its architecture and natural beauty, Pupnat is a place that breathes history and culture.

Pupnat's history dates back to Roman times, when the island of Korcula was an important commercial and transportation center. However, it was in the Middle Ages when Pupnat reached its peak of splendor, becoming a religious and cultural center of great importance. 

From this period dates the construction of the church of San Juan Bautista, one of the most emblematic places of the town.

In the 19th century, Pupnat became a center of olive oil and wine production, whose economic success is reflected in the architecture of the village, with many houses and buildings built in neoclassical and baroque style.

Today, Pupnat is a quiet and picturesque place that attracts tourists from all over the world, eager to enjoy the natural beauty of the island and discover the rich culture and history of the region. 

Visitors can stroll through the village's cobblestone streets, visit the church of St. John the Baptist and taste local products, such as wine and olive oil, which are famous throughout the region.

Cultural Aspects about Korcula

Korcula is a Croatian island that prides itself on its rich cultural traditions. The historic town center of Korcula is a marvel of medieval architecture on the Adriatic coast, with its fortifications, stone alleys and impressive St. Mark's Cathedral.

The island has a long tradition of music and dance that is celebrated in festivals and cultural events throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Feast of St. Toma, which is celebrated in September in the village of Smokvica. 

During this festival, the villagers dance the famous Moreška dance, which depicts a fight between Christian and Muslim knights.

Korcula is also known for its handicrafts, in particular wood carving and needle lace production. Local handicraft products can be found in the island's stores and markets.

Korcula's gastronomy is another cultural highlight, with a variety of local dishes and wines reflecting the island's rich culinary history. Traditional dishes include fresh fish and seafood, such as grilled octopus or stuffed squid, as well as roast lamb and local vegetable dishes. 

Korcula wines, such as Grk and Plavac Mali, are especially valued for their taste and quality.

Traditional Korcula Food

The food in Korcula is a delight for the senses, and reflects the rich culinary history of the island, as well as its location on the Adriatic coast. Korcula's traditional dishes are characterized by the freshness and quality of local ingredients, as well as the influence of Mediterranean and Balkan cultures.

Seafood and fish are the basis of the local gastronomy, and can be found in a wide variety of dishes. Grilled octopus, grilled sardines, baked fish and fish soup are some of the most outstanding delicacies of Korcula's cuisine.

Seafood and fish are grilled or steamed, and seasoned with local herbs and spices, giving them a unique and delicious taste. In addition, they are served with fresh and tasty vegetable salads.

Another must-try dish on the island is roast lamb, which is slow-cooked in a wood-fired oven and served with potatoes and local vegetables. Korcula lamb is especially valued for its taste and quality, thanks to the natural feed the animals receive on the island.