Location & Transportation
Only the smaller cruise ships call at Korcula and dock right in the center of town. Larger ships will tender their passengers to the same lively dock area. The town’s charming, walled Old Town – with its narrow, stone-paved streets – gives you a sense of stepping back in time as you explore its hidden corners.
Sightseeing
Korcula Town is the heart of the island, home to around 3,000 residents. As you wander through its charming streets you’ll find a wealth of history and delightful surprises:
- Stroll along the narrow lanes of the Old Town, and check out detailed maps to guide your adventure.
- Admire the Medieval walls and gates that give the town its unique character.
- Enjoy a relaxed walk along quiet alleys filled with local architecture, quaint squares, and charming cafés.
Tours & Excursions
Korcula offers a treasure trove of historical sites and cultural landmarks that are perfect for a self-guided walk or an organized tour. Some highlights include:
- Cathedral Square & St. Marco’s Cathedral: Walk down the main street – the venerable Street of the Korcula Statute (dating back to 1214) – to reach Cathedral Square. At its summit stands the Cathedral of St. Marco, the largest and most beautiful building in town.
- Bishop’s Palace: Just south of the Cathedral, this palace houses the Abbatial Treasury of St. Marco with a rich collection of Croatian and Italian Renaissance art, manuscripts, and ceremonial clothes.
- Church of St. Peter: North of the Cathedral, this small church dating from as early as the 11th century (or 1388) features a stunning Renaissance portal by master Bonino da Milano and delicate wooden apostle statues crafted by Venetian sculptors.
- Church of Our Lady (Crkva Gospojina): On the western side of the square, built in 1483, this church boasts exquisitely decorated gravestones, a striking mosaic by Dutch artist Louis Schrikkela (1964–67), and a historic flag column dating back to 1515.
- Historic Palaces & Museums:
- Visit the Gabrielis Palace, home to the Town Museum showcasing Renaissance architecture.
- Explore the Bishop's Palace and the Ismaelis Palace for a view of classic 16th-century designs.
- See the artistically detailed courtyard of the Arneri Palace and descend toward the north town tower, Zakrjan.
- Marco Polo’s Family House: Stop by the first right-hand street to see the preserved family home of the iconic traveler Marco Polo. Climb the family tower-observation post and take in the panoramic views of the town.
In the high summer season, water taxis operating at the east harbor can whisk you away to other points on the island, including Badija Island – where you can visit a historic 15th-century Franciscan Monastery under reconstruction – as well as to nearby spots like Orebic and Lumbarda, renowned for their sandy beaches.
Tours are available through providers like GetYourGuide and Viator, which can help you deepen your exploration.
Shopping
As you wander through Korcula’s Old Town, you'll discover an array of small boutiques and artisanal shops where you can pick up local crafts, handmade jewelry, olive oil, and lavender products. The charming streets are perfect for a leisurely browse, and you might also stumble across small specialty stores offering souvenirs that capture the essence of this historic town.
Dining
Korcula’s culinary scene is full of local charm. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, grilled fish, or traditional Croatian dishes, the town’s restaurants and taverns offer a delightful taste of the region:
- Enjoy local specialties like black risotto, freshly caught Adriatic fish, or locally produced prosciutto.
- Many cafés offer light bites and regional wines – perfect for savoring the Mediterranean ambiance in a relaxed setting.
- Be sure to try a local dessert, often accompanied by a strong Croatian coffee, to round off your meal.
Culture & Local Events
Korcula is steeped in history and tradition, and its cultural calendar reflects its rich heritage:
- • Officially, the local currency is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Although you might find prices quoted in Euros in some tourist spots, using HRK is typically your best bet.
- • The local language is Croatian, though many people in the tourism industry speak English.
- • Typical business hours: Banks and post offices usually open from 7 AM to 7 PM, while shops and department stores often operate from 8 AM to 8 PM—many staying open 7 days a week during the busy tourist season.
- • Cultural highlights include traditional events such as the celebrated sword dance performance, known as Moreška, as well as various summer festivals that showcase local music, art, and historical pageantry.
- • There are sometimes special events celebrating Marco Polo’s legacy, reminding visitors of his storied connection to this island.
Safety & Awareness
Korcula is a welcoming and safe destination for travelers. As with any tourist hotspot, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance.