The Best Things to Do in Korcula: An Insider’s Guide

From hidden beaches to historic sword dances, here are the best things to do in Korcula for a truly unforgettable island escape.

Often dubbed “Little Dubrovnik” for its terracotta-roofed old town and medieval charm, Korčula is one of Croatia’s most captivating islands—and somehow still feels like a bit of a secret.

Set along the Dalmatian coast, it’s a place where centuries-old stone alleys meet boutique hotels, local wineries spill out onto sun-drenched terraces, and the sea is always just a few steps away.

Less flashy than Hvar, but no less elegant, Korčula delivers a slower, more soulful kind of escape. Think ancient traditions like the Moreška sword dance, long lunches by the water, and late-afternoon swims in tucked-away bays.

I recently spent 4 days on Korcula, discovering its bays, going on an island-hopping adventure, and sipping Grk wine while watching the sun melt into the Adriatic. This is your insider’s guide to all the best things to do in Korcula, Croatia- everything you need to plan the perfect trip.

*This things to do in korcula guide may contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Best Things to Do in Korcula, Croatia

Explore the Old Town

Korčula’s Old Town is like a medieval stage set, complete with stone staircases, honey-colored buildings, and a grid of narrow alleys that were cleverly designed to let in the breeze while blocking the harsh summer winds.

Often called “Little Dubrovnik” for its fortified walls and terracotta rooftops (I loved it more than Dubrovnik), this compact historic center is best explored on foot—and slowly.

Wander past Gothic-Renaissance facades, pop into tucked-away art galleries and wine bars, and pause for a coffee in one of the charming piazzas where laundry lines flutter above like bunting. Don’t miss St. Mark’s Cathedral, an architectural gem at the heart of the town, and if you’re up for it, climb the bell tower for postcard-perfect views over red roofs and the shimmering Adriatic (more on this later).

Time seems to stretch in Korčula’s Old Town—so let it. It’s small but best savored slowly.

Take in the Views from the Panoramic Viewpoint

For a sweeping view that’ll make your camera weep with joy, head up to the panoramic viewpoint ( map pin here) just outside the Old Town walls—near the Revelin Tower or, for a higher vantage, the hilltop above the town on the road to Žrnovo.

From here, you’ll get a breathtaking tableau of Korčula’s red-tiled rooftops unfurling toward the sea, framed by the Pelješac mountains across the channel. I came up here in the afternoon, but it’s especially magical at golden hour, when the stone walls glow and the Adriatic sparkles like it’s been dusted with diamonds.

Bring a bottle of local Grk wine and toast to the view—this is the kind of moment that makes Korčula unforgettable.

Have a Drink in Korcula’s Coolest Cocktail Bar

If you only go for one drink in Korčula (though, let’s be honest, that’s unlikely), make it at Massimo Cocktail Bar. This bar isn’t just about cocktails—it’s about the climb. Literally. Set at the top of a medieval tower on the Old Town walls, getting to your drink involves a narrow stone staircase and a final ascent up a ladder (not suitable for those with mobility issues).

But trust me, the effort is part of the charm. Once at the top, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Adriatic stretching out in every direction, with sailboats bobbing in the breeze and golden-hour light washing over the rooftops.

The cocktails are tropical, playful, and exactly what you want in hand as the sun sets behind the mountains. It’s a bar that doesn’t just serve drinks—it serves drama, romance, and a bit of an adrenaline rush. Definitely not your average sunset spot.

Climb the Bell Tower of St. Mark’s Cathedral

Standing proudly at the heart of Korčula’s Old Town, St. Mark’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of Dalmatian Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Built from creamy local limestone by local craftsmen over centuries, the cathedral is a quiet beauty—ornate but not showy—with a carved façade, lion statues guarding the entrance, and a vaulted interior that feels both grand and intimate.

But the real thrill comes when you decide to climb the bell tower. From the outside, it looks fairly innocent—charming, even. But make no mistake, this climb has character. The spiral stone staircase is exceptionally narrow, and passing someone going the opposite way is… let’s call it intimate.

It’s only about 65 steps, so the ascent is quick, but near the top, you’ll need to clamber from the stairs onto a small metal platform and then tackle a short ladder to reach the open-air terrace. Let’s just say this isn’t the moment for a floor-length dress or flip-flops.

But once you’re up there, the views are utterly sublime. A full 360-degree panorama unfolds: terracotta rooftops packed tightly within the old city walls, sailboats drifting across the sparkling Adriatic, and the mountainous Pelješac Peninsula rising in the distance. It’s one of the best perspectives on Korčula, period.

Just be warned—the bell rings loudly on the hour, and if you’re standing directly beneath it, your eardrums will feel it. Time your visit accordingly, and this might just be the highlight of your day.

Take a Trip to the Lumbarda Wine Region

Just a short drive or scenic cycle from Korčula Town, the quiet village of Lumbarda offers a delightful shift in pace—where rolling vineyards tumble toward sandy coves and the sea breeze carries hints of salt and wild herbs.

This is the heartland of Grk, a rare white grape that only grows in Lumbarda’s sandy soil. Crisp, dry, and beautifully aromatic, it’s the pride of the region—and you won’t find it anywhere else – even in other parts of Croatia, it’s difficult to find.

There’s no wrong way to explore Lumbarda’s wine scene. Rent a bike and pedal past olive groves and fig trees, stopping at family-run wineries along the way, or join a guided wine tour for a more curated experience.

Bire Winery is one of the most well-known—organic, rustic, and perched on a hillside with views of the vineyards below. Their Grk and rosé tastings on a shaded terrace are reason enough to linger.

Cipre Winery is another standout, known for both its Grk and delicious local fare served on-site (tip: stay for lunch). For something a bit more under-the-radar, Popić Winery and Vitis Winery offer warm hospitality and tastings in garden-like settings that feel as personal as they are peaceful.

If you prefer to take a tour, this Korcula Bike & Wine Tour is a nice way to combine your wine visits with a bit of exercise, while this Slurp of Grk Wine Tour is all about the Grk wine.

Relax on Korcula’s Beaches

When visiting in summer, one of the top things to do in Korcula, Croatia, is to spend time in the water. Korčula’s beaches are small, stony, and undeniably beautiful—think rocky coves, translucent turquoise water, and a scent of pine in the air.

While you can absolutely swim right off the Old Town promenade or settle in at a pebble beach in Lumbarda, I found that the island’s best beaches are tucked away on the southern coast, hidden in the deep, secluded bays.

Getting there often means braving steep, narrow, occasionally unpaved roads—but if you’re up for the drive, it’s worth every twist and turn. Pupnatska Luka is one of the most beloved spots, with loungers for rent, a couple of laid-back beach bars (including an outpost of Konoba Mate), and plenty of space to swim and sprawl.

Nearby Bačva Beach is smaller, quieter, and somehow feels even more untouched—a secret spot that rewards if you’re willing to zig-zag your way down.

If adventure driving isn’t your thing, no stress. Stick close to Korčula Town or Lumbarda, where you’ll still find plenty of places to dip in and cool off—no hiking boots or white-knuckle driving required. I found my favorite swimming spot to be a quiet cove just a 15-minute walk west of the old town. (Google map pin).

Take a Boat Trip

One of the best ways to experience Korčula is from the water. The island is surrounded by a scattering of smaller islets, hidden beaches, and calm coves that are only accessible by boat—perfect for a day of lazy exploration and spontaneous swims. You can charter a private boat (with or without a skipper), hop on a small-group tour, or even rent a kayak or paddleboard if you’re feeling active.

Many tours will take you to a mix of islands, stopping for lunch at a beachside konoba or snorkeling in a secluded bay. If you’re not up for chartering a boat yourself, consider this Half-Day Boat Tour of the Korcula Archipelago or this Korčula Archipelago Cruise, Swim, and Snorkel tour.

Visit Badija and Vrnik

One of the best things to do in Korcula is to hop on a foot-passenger ferry or water taxi from Korčula Town to explore Badija and Vrnik—two serene islets in the Škoji archipelago.

Badija is just a 10-minute ferry ride (running roughly every hour, high season, €6 one-way) that lands you on this peaceful retreat. Once home to a 14th‑century Franciscan monastery, cloisters, and fallow deer roaming freely, it offers a circular walking path (~5 km), shaded pine woods, crystal-clear pebbled beaches, and that truly unplugged island vibe. It’s the perfect day trip from Korcula.

Another quick hop brings you to Vrnik, a tiny, inhabited island—a historical stone‑quarrying center where local craftsmen shaped limestone that built landmarks from Hagia Sophia to Vienna’s Parliament. Today it offers pebble beaches, shaded coves, a small art gallery in the former school, and a charming seaside restaurant.

Services run regularly in summer—you can do a round‑trip or use a hop‑on/hop‑off boat ticket (€20), giving flexibility to linger as long as you like. It’s an easy, unforgettable escape from Korčula: history, clear water, and island solitude in one scenic day.

Visit Vela Luka

Most arrive on the island via Korčula Town, with its medieval walls, cocktail bars, and postcard-perfect sunsets—but if you’ve got time, it’s well worth making the journey west to Vela Luka, Korčula’s second town and a totally different scene.

Set on a wide, natural bay surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills, Vela Luka is more of a working town than a tourist hotspot, which makes it feel refreshingly local. Life moves slower here. Fishermen still mend their nets on the docks, and the vibe is more about quiet cafes, sea-view strolls, and boat trips to nearby coves than souvenir shops or day-trippers.

If you’re into archaeology or just curious about Korčula’s deep past, don’t miss Vela Spila (The Big Cave), a prehistoric site perched above town with sweeping views and fascinating finds dating back over 20,000 years. The nearby Centre for Culture also houses many of the artifacts and is a good stop for context.

Getting to Vela Luka takes about 45–60 minutes by car or bus from Korčula Town, and ferries from Split also dock here—so it can make a great arrival or departure point if you’re planning to explore the mainland too.

It’s not flashy, but that’s part of the charm. Come for a slower pace, an authentic side of island life, and a glimpse of Korčula beyond just the main tourist hub.

Visit Korcula’s Wineries

Beyond the well-trodden vineyards of Lumbarda, Korčula’s interior is home to some of the island’s most under-the-radar wine experiences—especially in the villages of Smokvica and Čara, where the indigenous white grape Pošip reigns supreme.

This is where you’ll find the heart of Korčula’s wine production, tucked among olive groves, cypress trees, and terraced hillsides. Wineries like Toreta in Smokvica offer a charming look into family-run operations, complete with vintage winemaking tools on display and tastings that often include a side of local cheese or cured meats.

Their Pošip is crisp, full of character, and reflects the mineral-rich soil and island sun it grows under.

Nearby in Čara, PZ Čara and other small producers carry on centuries-old winemaking traditions, often with a modern twist. Many of these wineries are still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, so visits tend to feel intimate and unhurried.

You’re likely to be welcomed by the winemakers themselves—often over a generous pour and a story or two.

To visit, you’ll need a car (or at least a scooter)—the roads are quiet but winding, and public transport is limited in this part of the island. Still, the reward is an authentic, off-the-beaten-path taste of Korčula’s rich viticultural heritage—where Pošip was born and continues to thrive.

Watch a Moreška Sword Dance

One of Korčula’s most captivating cultural traditions, the Moreška sword dance offers an unforgettable performance that blends pageantry, history, and fierce choreography. Originating centuries ago when the island faced invaders, this dance is more than entertainment—it’s a symbolic reenactment of good battling evil, complete with elaborate costumes, clashing swords, and theatrical flair.

Performed in Korčula Town’s main piazza, Moreška typically runs during the summer evenings, drawing both locals and curious travelers. The story follows two opposing forces—usually Christian knights and Moorish warriors—locked in a dramatic duel that ends in triumph and celebration.

What makes Moreška special is its energy: the rhythmic clash of steel, the precision of the swordplay, and the way the community rallies around the performers. It’s loud, it’s dramatic, and it’s one of the most visceral ways to feel the island’s past come to life.

Arrive early for a good vantage point—this is one show you’ll want to see through to the final, triumphant clash.

Experience Korcula’s Fine Dining Scene

Beyond its island charm, Korčula boasts a refined dining scene, more so than other low-key Croatia islands. Anchored by its only Michelin-starred restaurant, LD Restaurant, helmed by Chef Marko Gajski. Perched along the medieval walls of Lešić Dimitri Palace, LD’s ingredient-driven tasting menu reflects the Adriatic’s seasonal bounty, from seafood to lush garden produce, elevated with Eastern accents and French-inspired sauces.

For a slightly more relaxed yet still elevated experience, Restaurant Filippi offers modern Dalmatian cuisine with inventive artisan pasta and fresh herbs, served in a scenic terrace overlooking Korčula’s harbor. Chef Ivan Uglik’s globally-informed approach ensures each plate is both refined and rooted in local flavors.

Classic Korčula dishes also deserve a moment: makaruni—the island’s handmade macaroni—is a must-try, traditionally dressed with seafood or olive oil and garlic. It’s a simple but soulful taste of local culinary tradition.

Between LD’s high-end artistry, Filippi’s contemporary elegance, and the authenticity of makaruni, Korčula’s fine dining scene delivers both sophistication and a genuine sense of place.

Go Hiking

Korčula’s landscape is a paradise for walkers and hikers, offering routes for both casual ramblers and more adventurous trekkers. One popular trail loops from Korčula Old Town to the mystical Kočje forest near Žrnovo.

It wends through pine- and olive-dotted paths, climbs to British-built Fortica (originally Fort Wellington), and dives into a mossy, dolomite-rich gorge known as the “fairies’ spring.” The whole loop takes around 2–2.5 hours and rewards you with dramatic views of Pelješac and the Adriatic.

Other recommended hikes include a loop up to Fortica, offering panoramic vistas of medieval Korčula, ideal for a 60-minute outing. There’s also the Žrnovo–Bratinja Luka coastal trail (~14 km), which passes through olive groves, dry-stone walls, and ends at a secluded pebble beach—then returns through pine-scented woodland.

These trails are well-signposted, generally moderate in difficulty, and often reward hikers with hidden beaches, historic chapels, and local farms. Good walking shoes are a must, and don’t forget water and sun protection—Korčula’s summer sun can be fierce.

Find more top things to do in Korcula below:

Where to Stay in Korcula

While Hvar’s hotels may steal the spotlight with their flashy beach clubs and headline-making resorts, Korčula offers something a little more low-key—but no less luxurious. Here, the focus is on boutique charm, historic settings, and a quieter kind of elegance.

From centuries-old palaces turned design hotels to stylish guesthouses tucked into vineyard-draped hillsides, Korčula’s accommodations lean intimate, personal, and deeply rooted in place. Here are my top picks for the best hotels in Korcula.

Lesic Dimitri Palace – within a beautifully restored 18th-century bishop’s palace, this spot offers just five individually styled residences—each inspired by Marco Polo’s Silk Road travels—with private terraces overlooking the Adriatic, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant (LD restaurant).

Aminess Korčula Heritage Hotel – set in a grand seaside villa dating back to 1906, this hotel holds the distinction of being the island’s oldest. Located just steps from Korčula Old Town and the marina, it offers 20 elegantly appointed rooms—some boasting stunning sea views—alongside a stylish terrace café, on-site restaurant, bar, and personalized concierge service.

Tara’s Lodge – located on the tranquil bay of Žrnovska Banja, Tara’s Lodge is a boutique, waterfront retreat just a short drive from Korčula Town. Days here are all about soft mornings and slow rhythms: sip cocktails or try paddle-boarding off the private pebble beach, lounge by the pool, or rent bikes to pedal down the scenic coastal promenade into Old Town.

Best Time to Visit Korcula

The best time to visit Korčula is from May to early October, when the weather is warm, the Adriatic is swimmable, and island life is in full swing. July and August are peak season, bringing sunny skies, vibrant energy, and a flurry of festivals—but also higher prices and more crowds.

For a more relaxed experience, June and September strike the perfect balance: everything is open, the sea is warm, and you’ll have a bit more breathing room on the beaches and in town. Spring (late April to May) and early autumn also offer ideal conditions for hiking, biking, and wine tasting, without the summer heat.

I visited in early October, and it proved to be the perfect time to visit.

How to Get to Korcula

Korčula doesn’t have its own airport, so the easiest way to reach the island is by flying into Split or Dubrovnik, then continuing by ferry.

From Split, several daily catamarans connect to Korčula Town and Vela Luka in around 2 to 3.5 hours, or you can take a car ferry to Vela Luka and drive across the island.

From Dubrovnik, a direct passenger catamaran runs daily in season, taking about 2 hours. If you’re driving, another popular route is via the Pelješac Peninsula—drive to Orebić and hop on the short 15-minute car or passenger ferry to Korčula Town.

Whichever route you choose, getting to Korčula is part of the adventure, with beautiful sea views all along the way.

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So, which of these things to do in Korcula, Croatia will you do? Let me know below, I’d love to hear from you.

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