Korčula offers a myriad of activities that cater to diverse interests, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone who simply wants to soak up the sun, Korčula has something special to offer you.
With its diverse array of activities, Korčula invites you to create your own unique island adventure, ensuring a fulfilling and unforgettable vacation experience.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding Korčula beckon water enthusiasts. Dive into a world of underwater wonders with snorkeling or scuba diving excursions. Kayaking along the scenic coastline or sailing to nearby islets provides an invigorating perspective of the island’s natural beauty. Windsurfing and paddleboarding are also popular choices for those seeking an active aquatic adventure.
Activities to try out:
Swimming in Crystal-Clear Waters:
Korčula boasts numerous beaches with crystal-clear waters, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the refreshing embrace of the Adriatic Sea. From secluded coves to more popular beaches like Vela Pržina and Lumbarda’s sandy shores, the island provides diverse settings for a relaxing swim. Check out our list of must-visit beaches on Korčula Island!
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Korčula and explore their vibrant underwater world. Snorkeling and scuba diving excursions take you to secluded coves, underwater caves, and colorful reefs teeming with marine life. The island’s professional dive centers cater to all experience levels, ensuring a safe and thrilling exploration beneath the waves.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Navigate the pristine waters of Korčula on a kayak or paddleboard, offering a unique perspective of the coastline. Paddle through hidden bays, explore sea caves, and enjoy the tranquility of the Adriatic. Whether you’re a solo adventurer or part of a guided group tour, these activities provide a perfect balance of relaxation and excitement.
Sailing and Yachting: Take to the open sea by chartering a sailboat or yacht, allowing you to discover the enchanting islands surrounding Korčula. Sail along the archipelago, visit neighboring islets, and experience the freedom of cruising the Adriatic at your own pace. Yachting enthusiasts can find marinas equipped with top-notch facilities and services.
Boat Tours and Excursions: Embark on boat tours and excursions to explore hidden corners of the island and nearby archipelago. Discover secluded beaches, snorkeling spots, and charming fishing villages while enjoying the comfort of a guided boat trip. Sunset cruises and island-hopping adventures provide a picturesque and memorable experience.
Fishing: For those who enjoy a more relaxed maritime activity, Korčula offers excellent fishing opportunities. Join a fishing tour or try your luck from the shore. The island’s rich marine biodiversity ensures an enjoyable angling experience, with the possibility of catching a variety of local fish.
Beach Volleyball: Combine the joy of swimming with the thrill of beach sports by engaging in a game of beach volleyball. Vela Pržina Beach in Lumbarda has a volleyball court, providing an opportunity to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand while participating in a friendly match.
Cycling enthusiasts visiting Korčula are in for a treat, as the island offers diverse cycling routes suitable for all skill levels, from leisurely rides along coastal paths to more challenging routes through the island’s hilly interior. Cyclists can enjoy the fragrant pine forests, vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages that make up Korčula’s picturesque terrain. The Korčula Tourist Board has taken the experience a step further by providing an interactive map of cycling routes, enhancing the exploration of this Mediterranean gem on two wheels. This digital tool provides detailed information about the island’s trails, including route lengths, difficulty levels, and notable points of interest along the way. Cyclists can access the map online or through dedicated mobile applications, ensuring a user-friendly and informative resource for planning their cycling adventures. More information about the routes can be found on the Korčula Tourist Board website.
Korčula’s diverse landscapes and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for walks and hikes, offering a range of trails suitable for various fitness levels. Whether you prefer coastal strolls, historical explorations, or hikes through lush landscapes, Korčula’s walking and hiking opportunities promise a rewarding and immersive experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the island’s natural wonders, historical sites, and captivating vistas with Korčula’s walking and hiking opportunities.
Immerse yourself in rural life by participating in agritourism activities. Visit local farms and vineyards to learn about traditional agriculture practices, taste local produce, and enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences. This provides an authentic connection to Korčula’s agricultural heritage. Immerse yourself in the island’s rural life by visiting traditional farms. Farmers welcome guests to observe daily activities, interact with farm animals, and gain insights into sustainable farming practices. Depending on the season, you might participate in activities like grape harvesting or olive picking.
Combine your love for food with agritourism by joining cooking classes that utilize fresh, local ingredients. Visit family-owned farms or guesthouses where experienced cooks share traditional recipes, cooking techniques, and the cultural significance of Korčula’s culinary heritage. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious meal at the end of the class.
As you delve into the depths of Korčula’s past, you’ll uncover the secrets of its storied past through a curated gallery featuring its most iconic landmarks. From majestic churches to imposing towers, each structure tells a tale of the island’s resilience and heritage. Join us as we unravel the layers of history woven into the fabric of Korčula, and immerse yourself in its rich tapestry of culture and tradition.
The Marko Polo Centre is a unique place where you will have the opportunity to get to know the life and legacy of Marko Polo. You will be introduced to the historical context that led to the travels, the route itself, difficulties, new discoveries, ways of life in other parts of the world as well as his contribution to bringing together East and West.
Admission: €8 (Save 30% by buying a combined ticket to visit the Marko Polo Centre, Korčula Town Museum and Revelin Tower for 12€)
In the treasury are exhibited paintings, sculptures, church silver and vestments, some written monuments, and on the ground floor there is a lapidary and the “Old Kitchen”. Among the paintings, the polyptych “Our Lady with Saints” by Blaž Jurjev Trogiranin from 1431 stands out as particularly valuable.
Admission: €5
The Tower of the Land Gate houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to Moreška, a protected intangible cultural heritage of Croatia. The top of the tower offers a beautiful vista of the town.
Admission: 3€ (Save 30% by buying a combined ticket to visit the Marko Polo Centre, Korčula Town Museum and Revelin Tower for 12€)
One of the most important buildings in the Old Town, St Mark’s Cathedral dates back to the beginning of the 15th century. It is the home of a Tinttoreto painting depicting the saints Mark, Theodore and Bartholomew, the patron saints of Korčula.
Admission: €3 (free if you’ve already visited the Treasury)
The church and it’s Domenican monastery offer an enchanting, almost mystical scene and as such are suitable for performing spiritual exercises or retreating into solitude.
Admission: Free
Discover the timeless traditions and rich folklore of Korčula, an island steeped in cultural heritage and centuries-old customs. From the lively folk dances to the melodious tunes of traditional music, Korčula’s folklore reflects the vibrant spirit of its people.
Throughout the year, Korčula comes alive with colorful festivals and celebrations, where locals proudly showcase their traditional costumes, culinary delights, and artisan crafts. From the solemn processions of religious holidays to the exuberant festivities of harvest season, each event offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
But perhaps the heart of Korčula’s folklore lies in its intimate connection to the sea. As a maritime community, fishing has long been a way of life for the people of Korčula, and seafaring traditions are deeply ingrained in their culture. Tales of brave sailors and legendary captains echo through the island’s history, inspiring songs, poems, and folklore passed down through generations.
The Moreska is a traditional sword dance that originated in Spain but has become closely associated with Korčula. It depicts a battle between the Black King and the White King and is performed with elaborate costumes and choreography.
Kumpanija, derived from the Italian word “compagnia,” refers to a traditional custom in Korčula’s villages, including Blato, Čara, Pupnat, Smokvica, and Žrnovo. Originally performed during carnival and other festivities, it featured a chain dance with swords as its centerpiece. This practice, believed to have arrived in Korčula from Central Europe in the 15th century, amalgamated with local customs to form a unique tradition. Kumpanjia remains a vital part of the local identity, often showcased to tourists during the summer season.
Moštra is one of Korčula’s chain sword dances, native to Žrnovo, where sword fighting is secondary or absent altogether. Each dancer holds the tip of the sword of the one in front or behind. They form a chain, executing various dance figures, intertwining and untangling in diverse ways. Some figures are common to chain dances across Europe, while others are specific to a particular location.
Velika Gospa, or the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a national holiday in Croatia. It is celebrated on August 15, when Catholics throughout Croatia go on pilgrimages to Marian shrines.
Korčula annually celebrates St. Theodore, co-patron saint of the town, on July 29th, alongside St. Mark. The day features the town’s largest celebration, including a procession around town. The procession, involving confraternities carrying religious objects, including St. Theodore’s relics, winds through the town, starting and ending at the cathedral. Korčula boasts three religious confraternities, each with its own church and community projects.
During the summer months, Fishermen’s Nights are organized in Lumbarda, celebrating the island’s maritime heritage. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional music, and dancing by the waterfront.
Renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Korčula also boasts a culinary tradition as enticing as its shores.
Embark on a journey through the flavors of the island, where fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, and centuries-old recipes converge to create an unforgettable dining experience. From succulent grilled fish straight from the Adriatic to hearty stews simmered with aromatic herbs, every dish tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and passion for good food.
To truly immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Korčula, join us for a unique culinary workshop designed for tourists. Led by local chefs and food experts, this hands-on experience will take you on a gastronomic adventure, teaching you the secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine.
Learn to prepare iconic dishes such as octopus salad, black risotto infused with squid ink, and peka—a slow-cooked delight featuring tender meat and vegetables roasted under an iron bell. Discover the art of wine pairing with indigenous Croatian varietals, and indulge in the island’s famous olive oils and artisanal cheeses.
Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned food enthusiast, our culinary workshop promises to delight your senses and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the culinary treasures of Korčula. Come join us and savor the flavors of this enchanting island—one bite at a time.
Get your adrenaline pumping with an array of thrilling water sports that promise excitement and unforgettable memories. Feel the rush as you zip across the waves on a high-speed jet ski or cruise through hidden routes on a buggy tour. Test your balance and skills with windsurfing or kiteboarding, or explore hidden coves and sea caves by kayak. For an underwater adventure, dive beneath the surface and discover the vibrant marine life through scuba diving or snorkeling. Whether you’re a seasoned water sports enthusiast or a first-time thrill-seeker, Korčula offers endless opportunities for aquatic excitement that will leave you craving more!
Wingfoiling: Experience the latest craze in water sports with wingfoiling! Glide across the crystal-clear waters of Korčula using a specialized board and handheld wing. Feel the thrill of harnessing the wind’s power as you effortlessly soar above the waves, combining elements of windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling for an exhilarating ride unlike any other.
Wakeboarding: Strap on your wakeboard and prepare for high-flying action on Korčula’s pristine waters! Attached to a cable or behind a speedboat, carve through the wake, perform aerial tricks, and master jumps with this adrenaline-pumping sport. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, wakeboarding offers endless excitement for water sports enthusiasts of all levels.
Towed Buoy (Tubing): Hold on tight as you’re towed behind a speedboat on a thrilling tube ride! Hop aboard an inflatable buoy and get ready for a wild adventure as you bounce and skim across the waves. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike, tubing on Korčula’s azure waters promises laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
Kitesurfing: Harness the power of the wind and waves with kitesurfing, an adrenaline-fueled sport that combines elements of surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding. Glide across the water’s surface propelled by a kite, perform daring tricks, and experience the ultimate rush of riding the waves. With Korčula’s steady winds and stunning coastline, it’s the perfect destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Buggy Tours: Explore the rugged beauty of Korčula’s terrain on an adrenaline-fueled buggy tour! Climb aboard an off-road buggy and embark on an exhilarating off-the-beaten-path adventure through forests, fields, and rocky terrain. Navigate challenging trails, conquer steep inclines, and discover hidden gems off the tourist track. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or a first-time explorer, buggy tours offer an adrenaline-pumping way to experience Korčula’s natural wonders.
Don’t know where tto start? Check out our list of agencies that offer lessons and equipment rental!