Wonderful sunsets, top quality wine, olive oil and the epic glow of the ancient stone will tell you a story that will make you fall in love with life on this island. Venetians, Romans, Greeks and even its prehistoric inhabitants – all have left their marks on this millennial island in the south of Dalmatia. The central town on the island, Korčula, is fortified by walls and its streets are positioned in a herringbone shape, which allows easy movement through the city, but, at the same time, also protects residents from strong gusting winds. ...
More about islandWonderful sunsets, top quality wine, olive oil and the epic glow of the ancient stone will tell you a story that will make you fall in love with life on this island. Venetians, Romans, Greeks and even its prehistoric inhabitants – all have left their marks on this millennial island in the south of Dalmatia. The central town on the island, Korčula, is fortified by walls and its streets are positioned in a herringbone shape, which allows easy movement through the city, but, at the same time, also protects residents from strong gusting winds. History lovers will be delighted with the Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral of St. Mark, the birthplace of Marco Polo and the historical city center of Korčula. There are numerous beautiful beaches to explore and find refreshment, especially the picturesque beach Žitna and sandy beach Vela Pržina that really stand out. At the end of July, the deep, bright, Mediterranean summer is time for the Moreška Festival – traditional sword dancing.
Almost the entire island is a museum of epochs, from ancient times to the contemporary Mediterranean. There are numerous records that prove Marco Polo was born on Korčula. There is even a house that is believed to have been his home on the island. Today, this house is a Marco Polo Museum with a tower that quickly became very popular because it offers one to the most breathtaking views anywhere on the Island of Korčula. There is also the House of Culture in the center of the City of Korčula that hosts numerous cultural events. The beautiful open-air summer cinema and the Teatro – an open-air theater with ancient charm are also worth a mention. The focal cultural event of the year is the old knight's sword dancing mostly performed in Blato. It includes old stories and music presented by performers dressed in traditional richly decorated costumes.
Once you try the local “rožata”, various almond cakes and dried figs, your palate will be enchanted and seized by the magic which is authentic Dalmatian taste. Korčula is also home to one of the world's best extra virgin olive oils. In the town of Blato you can visit traditional olive groves and family farms to take a peek into the millennial tradition of producing this "liquid gold" that was once used as currency. Dalmatian cuisine at its best (fish, cheese, prosciutto, lamb, seafood...) is featured in every restaurant on Korčula, where you can savor authentic flavors. The vicinity of the Pelješac Peninsula facilitates access to some of the the world's finest wines, which have been served the world's most exclusive events such as at English royal weddings and inaugurations of American presidents.
The nature on the island is particularly alluring. There is an archipelago the City of Korčula with nearly twenty uninhabited islets densely covered in macchia and with a very accessible coastline. There is also a slightly larger island, Badija, with a thick pine forest that reached all the way to the coast and pebble beach. Nearby Lumbarda has a low, sandy beach encircled by vineyards. A beautiful cypress alley planted in 1709 near the City of Korčula leads you to a steep, long staircase that extends to the top of the Glavica St.Antun Hill. Forests of slender wild cypress trees grow among the old vineyard terraces and olive groves. Especially beautiful is the deep Pupnatska Luka Bay with its white pebble beach, where the green of the thick pine forest reflects off the sea, as they grow on the steep slopes that surround this tranquil natural harbor. If you are into hiking, cycling, diving, sailing and other sports, it is worth mentioning that Korčula offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and enjoy this lavish island.