The picturesque town of Korcula in the very east of the island of the same name offers Croatian holidaymakers a dream holiday atmosphere with art, culture and culinary delights that make "Little Dubrovnik" so popular.
Korcula, the main town on the island of the same name, is often called the most beautiful town in Central Dalmatia and even competes for the title of Croatia's most beautiful coastal town. With a charming mix of art, culture and culinary delights, "Little Dubrovnik" is a must-see for Croatia fans!
Coming from mainland Croatia or the Peljesac peninsula, Korcula is usually the first port of call when travelling to the island. For tourists and islanders alike, Korcula is the social, economic and administrative centre of the island, with schools, kindergartens, banks, tourist information centres, hotels and museums.
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Sights of Korcula
Combined with the mild climate and stable weather, the picturesque town is popular with tourists from all over the world. Cosy restaurants and cafés, as well as carefully maintained holiday homes and hotels offer all the amenities one could wish for on holiday in Korcula.
City walls and stones of Korcula
Similar to the famous Croatian gem Dubrovnik, Korcula is also surrounded by an impressive city wall. With its massive defence towers from the 14th and 15th centuries, it shapes the character of Korcula's old town.
At that time, the stonemasonry trade in Korcula experienced its heyday and, in addition to the construction of the city walls, the city's lodges, palaces and churches were also adorned with Gothic decorations that gave the flourishing city its own style. Word spread about the artistry of Korcula's stonemasons and so masterpieces from Korcula can also be found in the flagship Dubrovnik.
St Mark's Cathedral
The bell tower of the Sveti Marko Cathedral is just as striking as the historic city wall. The sandstone-coloured church was built in the 15th century through the collaboration of Italian and Croatian artists and houses several paintings and sculptures worth seeing.
All Saints Church and Icon Museum
The neat baroque church Svih Sveti dates back to the 18th century. Beautiful holy images, carvings and sculptures that adorn the interior of the All Saints' Church already give a foretaste of the adjacent icon museum.
Gabrieli's Palace and City Museum
The Museum of the Town of Korcula is housed in a magnificent building from the 15th and 16th centuries. It provides information about the culture and history of the region through portraits, coats of arms, historical household utensils and art collections.
A replica of the oldest written tablet in Croatia, the so-called Psephisma from the 4th century, can also be seen in the City Museum. The original is kept in the Archaeological Museum of Zagreb.
Marco Polo's Birthplace
The rumour persists that the Venetian merchant and adventurer Marco Polo saw the light of day in Korcula in 1254. His alleged but not historically documented home is still preserved today and informs visitors as a museum about the life and travels of the famous explorer. The tower of the Marco Polo House offers a magnificent view over the town.
Korcula beaches
Even near the main town, Korcula's bathing conditions are excellent. In the channel to the Peljesac peninsula off the east coast, the current ensures permanent water exchange and a crystal-clear Adriatic.
Rocky beach Zakerjan
Just below the impressive city walls of Korcula lies the rocky beach of Zakerjan. The picturesque bay with crystal-clear water extends all the way to the old town. Ladders and a diving board allow easy or direct entry into the cool water. Nothing is concreted here; bathing shoes protect you from sharp rocks.
Banje pebble beach
The pebble beach of Banje is located near the harbour and, with additional concrete sunbathing areas, offers ample opportunities for bathers to set up camp.
Luka Korculanska sandy beach
Only a quarter of an hour's walk from Korcula lies one of the few sandy beaches of Korcula. The Luka Korculanska bay is mainly frequented by families with children who appreciate the soft sand and the shallowly sloping sea.
Badija bathing island
Bathing holidaymakers from Korcula have to travel a little further, namely from the port of Korcula by taxi boat, to the island of Badija. As the name suggests, tourists and locals meet here mainly on the numerous rocky and pebble beaches. The idyllic bays are perfect for spending a relaxing day by the sea with swimming, splashing around and picnicking.
PICTURES: Island of Korcula
