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.
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Related: Bbqboy’s Guide to Croatia
Some practical info
– Eating. We found that restaurants in Korčula were expensive, with prices similar to those found in Dubrovnik. (example: 95 kuna for an Octopus Salad as a starter and 160 kuna 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)
– Airbnb. We stayed in this airbnb apartment which was a great deal ($52 CAD or about $40 US/night in early October. It will be more in summer). If you haven’t used Airbnb yet, sign up here and save $45 CAD (or equivalent) on your 1st stay.
– 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.
– Organized Tours from Dubrovnik.
– 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: Exploring the Best of Central Dalmatia
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.
Korcula is the definition of charming and picturesque and Spanky’s photos are marvelous. The town looks likes an amateur photographers delight and an amazing destination for any traveler. I especially liked the attention to the details on many of the buildings but ‘the big picture’ is equally impressive. It’s hard to pick a favorite pic but I loved the one framed by the arch of the steps climbing up and the bike. Not knowing where the steps lead is so much of what makes the photo appealing. Lovely!
Thank you Anita! Appreciate the feedback – I think the 4th photo, the portrait photo of the gate, is my favorite. I think the Land Gate was the most impressive thing I saw there. Just really unique.
I love your photos of Korcula town. Many of the old architecture is there and it has so much character. Its not a big place looking at the map, and I would visit for a day if I can.
Thank you for the comment Leo!
I get guilty when I look at your photos, I have so seen so little of Croatia. Need to explore more. Thanks for sharing these.
Wonderful photos – great job, Spanky! I love the one of all the red-roofed buildings.
Everyone loves Spanky 🙁
Spanky has a good eye for photo composition, great colection here. I love the pictures of the red roofs and views of the city from the hill top, perfectly framed with the church at the far end. Great work Spanky?
Very “italian” town. We visited it during our sailing along the Adriatic coast of Croatia some years ago.
Yes, at Amalfi Coast prices! 🙂
Great job Spanky! :-). This is truly a beautiful place. Just makes you want to visit and stay a spell. My favorite is the sunset behind the monastery.
it really does look a lot like Dubrovnik. But the stones look to be crumbling a bit more. which i rather like. splendid photos indeed!
Thanks so much Andy. Yes, Dubrovnik has actually been over-restored in places. At least it still looks real in Korcula…