Throngs of tourists flock to Dubrovnik for its Old Town, 13th-century city walls, and the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea. However, just a short ferry ride away is the smaller but equally breathtaking island of Korčula, which can rival the natural, cultural, and recreational offerings of Dubrovnik — at a much more affordable price. Affectionately called Dubrovnik’s “little sister,” Korčula is a destination that operates at a much gentler pace than its dynamic and more popular neighbors. Just like Cavtat, another underrated coastal Croatian town, Korčula is somewhat of a hidden gem for those looking to swap crowds for calm and charm.
The main draw of Korčula is its laid-back atmosphere, unspoiled views, numerous beaches, and secluded coves and bays that grace its 109-mile coastline. Its picturesque old town — walled, like Dubrovnik — dates back to the 16th century, offering visitors a charming dose of culture between scuba diving sessions or adventurous trail hikes. There is also an abundance of greenery in the form of oak and pine forests and acres of groves and vineyards that fuel Korčula’s local oil and wine production.
Your dollar stretches further here as well. This warm-weather, budget-friendly island has everything from affordable hotels to luxury accommodations ranging from $50 to $141 a night — much cheaper than the 4- or 5-star hotels in Dubrovnik or Split that fetch $200-350 on average per night. This makes Korčula an affordably accessible getaway for solo, couple, or family travelers.
How to get to Korčula’s best beaches
Croatia is a wildly underrated country with the cleanest water for swimming in all of Europe, so it’s no surprise that one is spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches, of which Korčula has many. Getting to a beach from the Old Town is easy: The pebbly Banje Beach is the city’s oldest and is within walking distance from the town center. Though rocky, locals and tourists also flock to Zakerjan Beach, east of the Old Town, for its turquoise waters and snorkeling spots.
Venture a bit further to bask in the warm waters of Lumbarda’s Vela Pržina Beach, one of the few sandy beaches on the island. It draws its share fair share of crowds in the summer, but its dry and sunny location on the island sees swimmers in its waters all year round. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a quick 15 minutes away from Korčula’s Old Town. A less than 20-minute walk from Vela Pržina will get you to Bilin Zal, another sandy stretch whose shallow waters make it a hit for families with small children.
From the Old Town, a 40-minute drive west gets you to Vela Luka, where you can catch a 35-minute boat to Proizd island. Its beaches — including Veli Bili Bok or Donji Bili Bok — are known for their rocky landscapes. This draws fewer tourists to its shores, rewarding adventurers with unspoiled landscapes and the luxury of solitude. Venture 22 minutes south of Korčula Old Town to Pupnatska Luka Beach. Though pebbly, it’s unbelievably photogenic, but bring a parasol as the beach has no shade.
Other things to do on Korčula
