Dubrovnik turned out to be the southernmost point of the Croatian journey. After spending two days there, he went further along the coast in a northwest direction. The first on this route was the island of Korcula, stretching almost 50 kilometers from west to east. It was necessary to get to the city of the same name, Korcula, where, they say, the famous traveler of the past, Marco Polo, was born.
An island usually means a piece of land surrounded on all sides by water. Nevertheless, I went to Korcula by bus. Water transport - catamarans and ferries - go there from Dubrovnik only at the height of the summer season. And at the end of May there was no alternative to the bus. There was also a boat trip - it lasted only 15 minutes. But first things first.
The only bus from Dubrovnik to Korcula leaves at 15.00. Arrives at the place at 18.15. The distance in a straight line is not very long - about 80 kilometers, but the road constantly winds, you can’t speed up much. The main part of the route runs along the coast. A little over an hour after the start, the first stop.
We are not far from the place where Croatia's largest peninsula, Peljesac, begins. From here you have such a view of the coast. Below is a campsite with many caravans. There are a lot of similar camps in these places.
Most of the journey is behind us. The town of Orebic. From here there is a ferry every half hour to Korcula. He'll have to wait a little...
Our transporter appeared in the distance
The bus stopped at the ferry, in 15 minutes we will reach the Korčula coast..
They're already waiting at the pier
I repeat, the island has an elongated shape. The city of Korcula is located at the tip closest to the mainland.
The historical center is located on a small peninsula - an appendix, extended into the sea. You can get around it in a matter of minutes.
The fortress walls were built in the 8th-14th centuries.
We will get to the Old Town through the gates of the Arc de Triomphe, erected in honor of the Venetian governor of Dalmatia Leonardo Foscolo.
Korcula has a long history. At different times it belonged to the Venetians, Genoese, was part of the Dubrovnik Republic and even had independence for some time. It is interesting that in 1807 the city was liberated from Napoleon by the Russian fleet together with its Montenegrin allies. But I already read this upon arrival; in Korcula itself I did not find any evidence of this event.
A high hill covered with trees rises above the city. At the top I found a fort. The fortification was built in 1813 by the British. A few meters away there is a tower with a mobile phone transmitter; local defenders of antiquity are demanding its removal. Information about forte here.
The memorial plaque on the tower reminds that in 1943 the city was liberated from the Italian occupiers by anti-fascist partisans. But I didn’t understand something about the connection with the fort - maybe there was a partisan base there?
In Korcula we rented a bicycle and went to neighboring Lumbarda. Many tourists prefer the beaches in the vicinity of this town. There you can also find Vela Przina Beach, a sandy beach rare for Croatia.
Vela Przina Beach
Lumbarda surrounded by vineyards
On the western edge of the island lies the city of Vela Luka. It takes an hour to cover the distance separating it from Korcula by bus. I went to Vela Luka on the third day of my stay on the island.
Vela Luka is, to put it mildly, unimpressive. There is no historical center, like in Korcula. In addition, it seemed atypically dusty for Croatian cities. Perhaps this is a temporary phenomenon, since I ended up there in the midst of the reconstruction of roads and streets adjacent to the embankment. And the streets there, by the way, don’t have names - they are numbered. There is street number 64, there is number 13, I spent the night on street number 1 (of course, in a house on this street), which stretches out on the green outskirts. I liked this place the most in this city. There is a picturesque walking path along the seashore among the trees.
And it’s already early morning - it’s five and a penny. At this time, the only catamaran departs from Vela Luka to the island of Hvar - the next point of our journey.
Choose a flight with us, Vela Luka, StoneHouse 9KM: : http://www.ec-air.eu/hr/map/
By sea:
The island of Korcula can be reached by ferry, catamaran, ship or boat from Dubrovnik, Split, Orebic, Hvar, Lastovo, Mljet and Drvenik
There are three ferry routes:
- Split --> Vela Luka travel time to Vela Luka 2.5 hours - http://www.jadrolinija.hr/
- Drvenik – Korcula (city), travel time two and a half hours
- Orebic – Korcula (city), travel time 15 minutes
Adriatic lines (Jadrolinija) also connect Korcula with Zadar and Rijeka, and in summer directly with Italian ports.
The main carriers on ships and ferries: Jadrolinija, Medplov, and on catamarans: Jadrolinija, Medplov, and on catamarans:
- Nona Ana on the route: Dubrovnik – Mljet – Korcula – Lastovo – Mljet – Dubrovnik
- Krilo on the route: Korcula – Hvar – Split – Hvar – Korcula
- Adriana on the route: Lastovo (Ubli) – Vela Luka – Hvar – Split – Hvar – Vela Luka – Lastovo (Ubli)
By car:
If you getting there By car from Dubrovnik, take the highway to Split, then turn onto the Peljesac peninsula and continue to Orebic. In Orebic you board the ferry heading to Domince (which is 2 km from the city of Korcula). The ferry departs every hour except at night from 0:00 to 4:00.
If you are traveling by car from Split, follow the highway to Dubrovnik (about 100 km). In the town of Drvenik (Makarska Riviera) board the ferry to Korcula. The ferry runs twice a day, at 8:30 and 17:30.
By bus:
Korcula is connected by bus lines to Dubrovnik (via Orebic on the Peljesac peninsula). Autotrans Rijeka is a carrier in Korcula. Bus schedules and all related information can be found on the Autotransa Rijeke website
Korcula can also be reached by routes from Split, Zagreb and other cities. From Zagreb there is a direct line to Vela Luka on Korcula.
By plane:
If you plan to get to Korcula by plane, then the closest airports are VelaLuka 9 KM - Dubrovnik - 166 km and Split - 182 km.
Holiday impressions in August
Despite the fact that Croatia has a mild Mediterranean climate, summers here are quite dry and very hot. The air temperature during our vacation (from August 17 to 30) reached +31C, and the water temperature was about +27C. There was no rain at all. Therefore, if you do not tolerate high air temperatures well, it is better to go to this beautiful country in mid-September, when it is no longer so hot, but the water is still very well warmed up and you can swim.
Vacation with children
Korcula is a calm and comfortable town on the island of the same name; there are no noisy discos here, but there is breathtakingly beautiful nature and the sea. This place is ideal for a family holiday with children. Korcula has beautiful streets that are convenient for walking with a baby in a stroller. On the Embankment there are children's playgrounds and special pools on the beach for swimming children.
Family holiday
There are many attractions in the Old Town, an abundance of restaurants and cafes, gorgeous beaches, and the landscapes are simply breathtaking. The locals are very welcoming and friendly. The atmosphere in the city is calm, it seems to be shrouded in bliss.
What to take with you on vacation?
Although the sea is clean and transparent, sea urchins are not uncommon on the beaches, so take care of your beach shoes in advance. Also, do not ignore sunscreens and those that help with sunburn. Since we not only walked around the city, but also booked excursions, we needed comfortable shoes (not flip-flops) and breathable clothes. Mosquito repellents were not useful to us, but antihistamines in the first aid kit would not hurt.
Where is the best place to stay?
If you are not traveling on a travel agency package, then there are many websites with a huge selection of hotels, private apartments and boarding houses of various price categories. Despite the very high level of service, it is still better to go to trusted hotels. Based on recommendations from friends, we stayed in the private apartments Grgic. We specifically chose apartments away from the center, since we were traveling with small children. The price for a studio with kitchen and bay view for 3 adults and 2 children was approximately 1000 euros for 13 nights.
What to do at the resort?
You can stroll through the streets of the Old Town and visit:
The ancient Cathedral of St. Mark (entrance fee - 2.5 euros), but you can climb the bell tower, which offers a beautiful panorama of the city.
Museum of the city of Korcula, displays household and interior items. Entrance - 2 euros.
You can visit the Bishop's Palace (entrance 3.5 euros)
Very interesting Marco Polo Museum (entrance 3 euros per person), they provide an audio guide in Russian.
Climbing the Marco Polo Tower (about 3 euros).
If you are vacationing with children, be sure to swim on an underwater submarine (excursion duration is 40 minutes). Children and adults will see the beauty of the underwater world and get an unforgettable experience. The price of the excursion for a family of 4 people is 37 euros.
It is worth going on an excursion to the island of Mljet (you will be taken on a yacht or boat), visiting a beautiful national park there with salt lakes and karst caves, admiring the unique flora and fauna of the park (excursion price 50 euros).
The beaches are simply gorgeous and free. Sandy, clean, with developed infrastructure, most beaches have special children's areas and swimming pools. The descent into the sea is gentle. There are small cafes along the entire length of the beach. If you wish, you can rent an umbrella and a sunbed (about 0.5 euros).
Where can I eat?
Restaurant Lesic Dimitri - European and national cuisine.
Konoba Mareta (Sv. Roka 4) - in the very center of the city, excellent menu, mostly national dishes.
Pizzeria Tadeshi.
About the quality of food and service
Restaurant Lesic Dimitri is a very stylish establishment. The cuisine is presented both European and national. All the dishes we tried were very tasty, and they have some of the best natural coffee in the city. Konoba Mareta will delight you with an abundance of fish dishes and national dishes, good wine and huge portions. If you love pizza, then be sure to visit Tadeshi Pizzeria, they will serve you amazing pizza. The prices are reasonable and the variety of pizza is amazing.
Last summer, my husband and I vacationed in Dubrovnik. We were not used to sitting still, so one day we went to the island of Korcula. We got to the island by ferry departing from Dubrovnik. But there are other options. Now I'll tell you about them.
From Dubrovnik to Korcula by car
By car you will have to travel about 120 km. We leave the city along the coastal road E65. Let's head towards . This city is located approximately halfway along the route. Then our destination is the Peljesac peninsula, the city of Orebic. It is from here that you can get to Korcula by car ferry.
Regardless of the season, the car ferry from Orebic to Korcula departs daily. The first ferry leaves the port at 4:00 am. The last ferry leaves at 00:30. The ferry travels for 15-20 minutes.
But it is worth noting that transporting with a car is more expensive. In addition, loading and unloading a car ferry takes a lot of time. Therefore, I recommend leaving the car in the parking lot in Orebic and going to Korcula as a backpacker. If you really want to, you can also rent a car on the island. It is convenient to search for cars on a special website, for example, on.
Travel time to Orebic will be about 2 hours. The road is not long, but winding. A large number of turns will not allow you to accelerate much.
Ferries depart quite frequently (almost every hour). The cost of the crossing is 16 kuna per person (approximately 2.2 euros). For transportation of a passenger car you will have to pay 76-125 kuna (10.2-16.9 euros).
By bus
Although Korcula is an island, you can get to it by bus. The bus just pulls into the ferry. Transportation along the route is carried out by Šabadin d.o.o. Mlini. Buses depart from Dubrovnik daily at 9:00 am, 15:00 and 17:00. Depending on the flight, travel time ranges from 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 25 minutes.
The bus follows the car route. A trip through to Oribich awaits you. Here the bus enters the ferry along with passengers. The cost of the ferry crossing is already included in the ticket price.
It is worth noting that flight schedules and their number may change depending on the season, so it is better to check the latest information on the carrier’s website.
Where to buy tickets
You can buy tickets at the bus station, as well as from the carrier company.
Ticket price
Tickets cost 94 kuna (approximately 12.7 euros).
On a ferryboat
Ferries from Dubrovnik to Korcula do not depart very often. Only once a day (and outside the tourist season there may be no flights at all). In summer the ferry departs from the port of Dubrovnik at 7:15 am. Already at 9:00 you will be in Korcula.
The crossing is carried out by the company Jadrolinija. A two-hour boat trip awaits you. You will feel quite comfortable on the ferry. There is everything you need for a comfortable sailing, including toilets and a buffet.
It is worth noting that only passenger ferries depart from Dubrovnik. It is not possible to travel from here by car to the island.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the port. But it’s better to do this in advance on the website Jadrolinija.hr.
Ticket price
The cost of the crossing for an adult will be 120 kuna (about 16.2 euros).
Excursion
Various travel companies and private guides offer vacationers in Dubrovnik excursions to Korcula. Often excursions include visits to additional sites, for example, the city of Split, a boat trip. The excursion is suitable for those who do not want to buy tickets themselves. And also for those who want to get more information about the places they visit.
The cost of excursions varies greatly. It all depends on what the excursion includes and the size of the group. For example, an individual eight-hour tour for a group of 4 people costs about 230 euros.
There are no trains or planes to the island. Therefore, I will not consider such travel options. We were vacationing without a car, so the best option for us was a ferry departing to the island directly from Dubrovnik. But for tourists with a car there is only one option - going by ferry from Oribich. Outside the tourist season, when there is no direct ferry from Dubrovnik, horseless tourists also have only one option left - a bus trip.
Korcula (Croatia) is an island in the Adriatic Sea, located in the south of the country, between the resorts of Split and Dubrovnik. Its area is more than 270 km2, and the length of the coastline reaches 180 km.
The second most populous island in Croatia (more than 18,000 people), Korcula has established itself as a picturesque place with clear seas and a mild climate. About a million tourists come here every year to see the historical sights of the Venetian era, enjoy the blue of the Adriatic Sea and the fresh aroma of the pine forest.
Interesting fact! On the island of Korcula in 1254, Marco Polo, a famous traveler and author of “The Book of the Diversity of the World,” was born.
Korcula is an island with a rich past. Phoenicians and ancient Greeks, Slavic tribes, Genoese and Venetians lived here. Since the 18th century, Korcula was ruled by France, Austria, Italy and Yugoslavia, and only in 1990 the island became part of independent Croatia.
This mixture of cultures was reflected not only in the composition of the population of the cities of Korcula, but also in its architecture, attractions and local traditions. What to see first on the island? Where are the best beaches? Which cities are really worth visiting? The answers are in this article.
The largest of the island's three cities is called Korcula and is located on the northeast coast. You will immediately learn that this is where the great traveler was born: from magnets in souvenir shops to the names of streets and attractions - everything in this city is connected with the famous Marco Polo. But the ancient history of Korcula is much more interesting.
According to legend, the city was founded in the 11th century BC by the warrior Antenor, who was expelled by the Greek king Menelaus after the fall of Troy. The valiant warrior decided not to despair and moved with his loved ones to the then undeveloped “Black Island”, where he built his house, which later came into the possession of the rulers of different countries.
Interesting fact! Korcula (translated as “Black Island”) owes its name to the dark pine forests, which to this day occupy a significant part of the territory of Croatia.
Modern Korcula is a unique example of a preserved medieval city. Narrow streets, stone coves, ancient buildings and quaint churches - all its attractions seem to absorb you into the Venetian period. The city has attracted the attention of UNESCO with its beauty and cultural diversity, so perhaps it will soon join the list of World Heritage Sites of this organization.
St. Mark's Cathedral
One of the oldest cathedrals in Croatia was built in 1301. Over time, after the creation of the diocese in Korcula, the small, nondescript church was completely rebuilt and the majestic Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark was erected.
The beautiful stonework on the outside is replaced by dull walls on the inside. If you have limited time, do not spend it on all the rooms of the temple, but be sure to pay attention to the figure of the Holy Apostle and the statues of Adam and Eve decorating the main portal.
Beautiful photos from Korcula! The bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica offers panoramic views of the city that are worthy of several pictures.
City Museum
Opposite the Church of St. Mark is another attraction of Korcula - the city museum. This architectural monument was built in the 15th century and has been the largest exhibition on the island for more than 20 years. The four floors of the museum are dedicated to the history of the city: from Ancient Greece to the present day. There are many interesting exhibits here that tell about Korcula as a major port - nautical maps, remains of ships, models of sailing ships. Entrance fee is 20 kn per person. Children under 7 years old are free.
Schedule:
- October-March from 10 to 13;
- April-June from 10 to 14;
- July-September from 9 to 21.
Fortress walls
8th century Korcula is a powerful port in need of protection. From that moment on, local warriors and architects began work together, which their descendants completed only a thousand years later. The huge architectural ensemble is one of the few attractions in Croatia that has almost completely preserved its original appearance. After 1300 years, each of us can appreciate the power and strength of these fortifications, see ancient cannons that served their purpose 4 centuries ago, climb the high towers and admire the blue of the Adriatic Sea.
Important! Some towers, for example, Revelin Tower, have an entrance fee of 15 kn.
Of course, the real pride of the inhabitants of the island of Korcula is this landmark. The museum, opened in the house where Marco Polo was born, collected several dozen exhibits: wax figures of the traveler and the heroes of his stories, maps of his travels and embodied discoveries. The roof of the building offers a panoramic view of the city; you can climb up there via a spiral staircase.
Note! The Marco Polo Museum sells unique souvenirs, including unusual notebooks, hourglasses and busts of the traveler.
Vela Luka and Lumbarda
"Kalos" Vela Luka is a mud resort on the island of Korcula and the most popular destination among older tourists. Here, surrounded by forest and sea, under the rays of the warm sun, the best treatment center in Croatia was built - the Kalos Rehabilitation Institute. Diseases of the lungs, musculoskeletal system or cardiovascular system - here all this is quickly treated with the help of the latest technologies and natural gifts.
The medical “specialization” of Vela Luka does not mean that healthy tourists should not come here. On the contrary, in addition to general wellness, which will definitely not be superfluous, here you can get a huge boost of energy and pleasure from the local beaches and warm sea. The main attraction of Vela Luka, after the healing mud, is the coast of the resort, where every vacationer will find a place to their liking.
Lumbarda, in turn, is the land of beaches and water sports. This is one of the few corners of Croatia with a sandy coast, so tourists with small children often come here.
The sand and tiled beach is located 4 km from the Old Town of Korcula. There is a crystal clear sea, easy entry into the water and developed infrastructure, which is why Bilin Hall is very popular among tourists with children. The nearest supermarket is a 10-minute walk, the Konoba Bilin Zal cafe is five minutes away. There is no natural shade on the beach, be sure to take an umbrella with you.
Despite the fact that this beach is covered with sand, it is better to walk here in slippers, as there are sharp stones near the shore. After 9 o'clock you will be difficult to find a secluded corner to relax, and after lunch every free sunbed or umbrella (rent 20 kuna) is a real attraction.
On Vela Prizhna there are toilets and changing rooms (free), there is a bar and a fast food cafe with low prices. For active travelers, a small volleyball court was built here; in the rental area you can rent a catamaran or water skis.
Covered with golden and white rocks, the beach is not suitable for families with children, but it is perhaps one of the most romantic places on the entire island. It is hidden from the eyes of curious tourists, so locals often relax here.
Despite the fact that most of the beach is occupied by stones, you can also find a place for sunbathing - large slabs near the shore. Entering the water is a little inconvenient - the staircase built here is a creation of nature itself.
Lenga is an excellent place for snorkeling and diving, there are clear, calm waters, few people and many marine animals. There are no other activities on the beach, as well as cafes or shops, so take plenty of water and food with you.
Important! Getting to Lenge by car or bus is unrealistic. The nearest public transport stops a 25-minute walk from the beach, and the coast itself can only be reached through a narrow forest path.
In addition, Lumbarda is the best place in Croatia for a yacht trip or sailing. Thematic competitions are held here every month, and you can rent the transport you are interested in from LumbardaBlue or FreeStyle.
Accommodation in Korcula
This island stands out among the rest not only for its unusual attractions and sandy beaches, rare for Croatia, but also for its prices. So, a double room in a 2-star hotel will cost at least 20 euros, a 3-star hotel – 33 €, four – 56 €, and a five-star hotel – from 77 €. The best hotels on the island are:
Tower Suites - Tower Suites. Located 2 km from the center of Korcula, the nearest beach is 200 meters away. The minimum price for a double room is 72 euros, 4 stars.
- Studio apartment More 3*, has a private beach with free amenities. Located 500 meters from the Old Town, price – from 140 €.
- Cici. Three-star apartments stand out for their ideal location (10 meters from the sea, 100 meters from the Old Town) and low prices (65 €).
Those who prefer an inexpensive holiday in nature can choose from a variety of campsites on the island of Korcula, for example:
Port 9 Camping - Port 9 Camping. A modern campsite with all the necessary amenities will cost only 50 euros for a house for two. Each room has a kitchen and living room, and there is a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. 15 minutes walk to the beach. Address: Korcula city Dubrovačka cesta 19;
- 5 km from Vela Luka there is another campsite – Mindel. You can come here with your own trailer and, for money, use electrical appliances, a shower and toilet, play tennis or billiards, sail on a boat or catamaran. The nearest beaches are pebble and stone, located 5-15 minutes walk from the campsite. Prices: 5 euros per person/day (2.5 € for children), 4 € for renting a tent, 3 € for electricity.
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How to get to Korcula
The island is easiest to reach from the nearby cities of Split and Dubrovnik, or from the capital of Croatia, Zagreb.
From Split
The direct route from Split is 104 km and lies across the Adriatic Sea, along which the Jadrolinija ferry sails three times a day (at 10:15, 15:00 and 17:30). Travel time is 2 hours 40 minutes, fare is 5-7 euros per person. You can buy tickets at www.jadrolinija.hr.
A trip on a catamaran with a transfer in the city of Hvar will be a little faster. In addition to the already mentioned carrier, the company Kapetan Luka provides its services. Their catamarans from Split to Korcula take about two hours, the fare ranges from 8 to 12 euros per person. The exact schedule is on the company’s website at www.krilo.hr
From Dubrovnik
The distance between cities is 121 km. It can be overcome by:
- By bus. Departs daily at 9:00, 15:00 and 17:00. Travel time is about three hours, depending on the number of stops. It goes through Split and Oribic, where the bus calls at the ferry (the transfer is already included in the price). Ticket price is about 13€. The exact schedule can be found on the carrier’s website (www.croatialines.com).
- Ferry. Once a day, at 7:15 am, a ship departs from the port of Dubrovnik towards Korcula. The cost of moving is about 16€. Tickets can be purchased at the port, but it is better to do so in advance online at www.jadrolinija.hr.
Important information! If you want to get to Korcula with a car, use Croatia car ferries (from 11 euros per car + 2.5 € per traveler). Please note that sometimes it is cheaper to rent a car on the island.
From Zagreb
The route from the capital of Croatia to the island is 580 km. There are many options for how to get there:
- By bus and ferry. Travel time is 8.5 hours, the trip will cost 25-35 euros. From Zagreb central bus station, take the bus to Split. From there, follow the already described route by ferry to Vela Luka. Tickets and bus schedules here - www.promet-makarska.hr.
- By train. You can also get to Split by rail; travel time is 6 hours. From there we take a ferry to Vela Luka. The total cost of travel is 30-40 euros. Train schedule on the Croatian Railways website www.hzpp.hr/en.
You can also fly to Split by plane for 35-130 euros.
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Korcula (Croatia) is a beautiful island where every vacationer can find a place to their liking. The birthplace of Marco Polo is waiting for you! Have a nice trip!
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