If you’re looking for a European island paradise this summer, then you should head straight to Korcula.
It might not be as well-known as other European islands like Majorca or Santorini, but Lonely Planet has just named Korcula the best island in Europe.
And it’s easy to see why.
Located in Croatia, just 3km (1.8 miles) off the mainland, Korcula boasts medieval towns and villages, rich green forests perfect for biking and hiking, and the most important thing of all: A sandy beach.
Anyone who has struggled to walk on the pebbled beaches of Split and Dubrovnik will know what a rare treat that is in Croatia!
Here’s why this secret island paradise should be on your bucket list:
Outstanding Natural Beauty
I’m a big fan of island living and its easy access to sea, sand, and seafood. And Korcula doesn’t disappoint on any of those fronts!
The southern part of the island has mainly sand beaches, often nestled in isolated bays that lend a secluded, picturesque feel. Luka Korculanska Bay is just a 15-minute walk from Korcula Old Town and is a great sandy beach option.
Korcula is at its busiest in the summer months when the crystal-clear water is warm and perfect for swimming.
But if you want to avoid the crowds then the island is just as beautiful (perhaps even more so) in the shoulder seasons of May- June and September – October.
Korcula is also known for its dense, dark forests, which are perfect for hiking and biking and a great place to stay cool on a hot day.
Around 5km from Korcula town is the Kočje Nature Reserve which is a breathtakingly beautiful protected area.
The easiest way to explore the reserve is by taking a guided tour.
These last around 4.5 hours, you’ll have the convenience of being collected from your hotel, and they cost 95 euros ($103) per person.
But if you’re traveling on a budget, there’s nothing to stop you from visiting the forest independently.
Korcula’s Old Town
Croatia is well known for its fascinating and history-rich Old Towns and Korcula is no exception.
While smaller than the Old Towns in Split and Dubrovnik, Korcula’s is perfectly formed.
You’ll find an abundance of charming medieval buildings here and fine examples of Gothic-Renaissance architecture.
The not-to-be-missed highlight of the Old Town is St Mark’s Cathedral which dominates the skyline. To the south of the Cathedral is the Abbey Treasury (Opatska Riznica), which was built in the 17th century and is home to an abundance of fascinating religious artifacts.
If you want to get out from the sun for an hour or two then visit the Korcula Town Museum.
The Korčula Town Museum is set in Gabrielis Palace in the heart of the Old Town’s central square.
It opens Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 9 pm during the summer months, so I would recommend visiting after dinner on a cooler summer evening.
Entrance costs 20 HRK ($2.88) per person.
Getting To Korcula
It’s easy to be put off island vacations because, let’s be honest, getting to them can be a bit of a pain.
Korcula is a tiny island that doesn’t have an airport. But it isn’t hard to get to!
To reach the island, you’ll need to fly into Split or Dubrovnik and then continue your journey via public transport. Then you’ll hop on either a ferry or catamaran to the island.
Because Korcula is such a popular spot for Croatian tourists and daytrippers, there are plenty of options to get to the island, especially in the summer months.
I reckon the easiest route is to catch the ferry from Orebic. This is the closest port on the mainland to Korcula and is just 1 mile away from the island.
The ferry journey only takes around 15 minutes and you’ll find yourself landing in the heart of Korcula Town. And with ferries departing every 30 minutes, from 5.20am until 11.20pm during high season, getting to the island is a breeze!
One-way tickets cost just 15 HRK ($2.10) and you can book these here.
Where To Stay In Korcula?
Some of the best places to stay in Korcula are in Korcula Town, and if you’re only visiting the island for a night or two, I recommend you set up camp here.
Why waste your time dragging your luggage around the island when you have the convenience of staying close to the ferry port?
The less time you spend reaching your hotel, the more time you have to enjoy the island!
If you’re looking for a small and welcoming family-friendly hotel where all the rooms have epic sea views then I recommend the Hotel Korsal.
For a 2-night stay for 2 people at the end of August you would pay $259 per room, per night.
Prefer something a little more luxurious? The boutique apartments offered by Lesic Dimitri Palace are perfect for a romantic break.
This 5 star hotel is located in the heart of Korcula Old Town. For a 2-night stay for 2 people at the end of August you would pay $656 per room, per night.
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