Visiting Korčula Town (a.k.a “Little Dubrovnik”)
Korčula Town is nicknamed “Little Dubrovnik” – like nearby Dubrovnik it has fortress walls and towers lining the exterior of the town, with palaces, churches, and beautiful squares in the interior. With the backdrop of sea and mountains it is incredibly photogenic. We stayed there for a long weekend (3 night, 2 full days) but honestly you don’t need more than a full day maximum to see Korčula town (I’ll have more information at the bottom of this post). But even at that it’s worth a visit for its history* and beauty.
* Korcula’s history dates back to the Greeks, Romans and Venetians. Much of the architecture that still stands today was built between the 13th and 15 century by the Venetians in what was the golden period for Korcula.
Accommodation: I recommend Guesthouse Dijana.
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Some practical info
– Eating. We found that restaurants in Korčula were expensive, with prices similar to those found in Dubrovnik. (example: 12 Euros for an Octopus Salad as a starter and 25 Euros for Tuna steak main course). Ridiculous. We ended up buying groceries and cooking in the apartment – there’s a Konzum just outside the old town and there was a large Tommy up the hill (where prices are better).
– Ferry. Check the Jadrolinija schedule for ferries to Korčula town. The town has a small pier and there are no car ferries, only catamarans which take about 2 ½ hours from Split with a stop in Hvar Town along the way. If you’re coming with a car, the car ferry goes to the town of Vela Luca at the other end of the island. You can also get to Korčula town from Dubrovnik by bus and ferry (about 3 hours)
– Guesthouses. There are no “hotels”in Korčula town but there are a few excellent guesthouses: Guesthouse Franica, Maria’s Place, and Guesthouse Dijana are all recommended.
– Tours. If you want to do a daytrip from Dubrovnik, I’d recommend this tour. A fun tour from Korčula town is this one that includes a tour of the island and wine tasting.
– Time required to see Korčula town. You can basically walk the town in a couple of hours. It’s small. In a full-day you can explore it in depth including visiting the cathedral, climbing the bell tower, and seeing the town museum (and the Marco Polo museum if you really believe the story about him being from Korčula). But spending a night, when all the day trippers have left, is worth it.
– Map of Korcula. Click to enlarge (source: Korculainfo)
Related: The 11 Best Places in Croatia (that you should visit)
Related: The Croatian Islands: Which to Visit and How to Do it
Related: 10 Greek Islands you must visit (a local’s guide)
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If you have to choose between Bol and Korcula. Which one will you choose and Why?? Thanks. Will be there in September.
Hi Neha,
If you have 1 day you go to Korcula if you want to see the old city. If you want Nature/beach you go to Bol.
Anything over a day I say Bol because there’s more to do and the beaches are nearby and really nice.
We preferred Bol. Just has a very relaxed vibe.
Looks like a nice stop to put on my list. I was wondering about cost of food, so was happy that at the end you included that. Holy cow, that’s expensive. I normally buy my food from market stands or the grocery store. It’s always a nice treat now and then to eat at a restaurant, but not at that price.
Agreed Paula. I just find those kinds of prices obscene and it bothers me, especially knowing that locals would never pay that. It’s a tourist trap.
That’s my big issue with Dubrovnik. You don’t really get it to that degree in Split.