Korčula [Southern Dalmatian islands ]

General information

• Geographical position: South Dalmatia
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Average summer temperature: 25° C
• Average winter temperature: 9° C

Gastronomy

The sea around the island of Korčula is rich with fish and shells, the land on the island gives succulent figs and olives for golden colored olive oil, while grapes in many vineyards are hot from the sun heat. Pošip, Maraština, Rukatac and Grk are famous white wines while red wines Plavac and Admiral are true delicacies. A cappella groups called "klape" and the scent of sea can be enjoyed together with excellent food: prosciutto with olives and oil-dipped cheese, grilled fish and lobster risotto, freshly picked oysters and mussels, followed by sweets prepared according to old island recipes.

Sport

There are plenty of possibilities for summer water activities such as swimming, diving, or sailing away to beautiful localities, since the island is full of small bays ideal for anchoring. Moreover, there are many diving clubs at your disposal situated in the larger places on the island. If you prefer sport activities on land there are many bicycle and walking paths where you can enjoy nature and fresh air. If you wish to combine sport activities with an opportunity to go on a trip, we recommend visiting Pelješac peninsula and the island of Brač, since they are two most popular windsurfing destinations.

Fun and night life

Korčula is one of rare places on the Mediterranean, which kept the tradition of ancient knight games of moruška, kumpanija and moštra. Rules of these games are described in the medieval town statute. Two juxtaposed armies dressed in vivid costumes of fiery red and black, will fight before the spectators over a lady's favor. While their swords, cries and swift footwork echo the town square made of white stone from the island, you will have the feeling like you've returned to the 16th century when this game was first played on the island.
You can go out to one of the local cafes in the evening and enjoy the quiet and relaxed atmosphere of the island. If you prefer a more dynamic nightlife, we have to inform you that Korčula offers only quiet sleep at night.

How to get there?

• Ferry lines from Split and Orebić on Pelješac peninsula
  (more information on www.jadrolinija.hr)
• Catamaran from Split

Beaches

The island of Korčula has many bays ideal for sailing boats and refreshment after summer heat. In these numerous bays one can find sandy as well as pebbled beaches. Among the most famous beaches on the island are the one in Lumbarda and a pebbled beach in the town of Pupnat. Crystal clear water and its blue color will definitely tempt you.

What to see?

Birth house of Marco Polo - Korčula

There are many assumptions on where Marco Polo, famous Venetian world traveler, was born. One larger part of the town of Korčula used to belong to Polo family, and we recommend you to visit the birth house of Marco Polo during your walk through the town.

Town walls and center - Korčula

Korčula's town walls were raised in the early Middle Ages and they incorporate several towers of Barbarigo, Tiepolo, Balbi and Capello. The old town center was build on the principle of a fish bone, a truly valuable urban concept, since it protects the town residents from afternoon heat, creating shadows. Thus, you can take a walk in the afternoon, without fear of sunburns.

Palace Gabrieli-Town museum - Korčula

Palace Gabrieli-Ismaelis was built in the 16th century, what is called a Golden Age of Korčula, and today this beautiful Renaissance palace incorporates the town museum with an archeological collection, and documents and objects for the town's history. Another beautiful town palace, also from the age of Renaissance, is the Arneri palace – we recommend visiting both.

St. Marco cathedral – Korčula

St. Marco cathedral was built in the 15th century in Gothic-Renaissance style. It had been built carefully for almost 150 years. Constructors and builders of the palace were very lucky in this respect since Korčula was never attacked or destroyed. Today, numerous manifestations take place in the cathedral. Inside you can see a masterpiece by Tintoretto "Annunciation", situated in the eastern part of the cathedral.

Where to go on a trip?

Pelješac

Peljesac is the largest peninsula in Dalmatia and its architecture will show you traces of history left by a variety of cultures. The Ston walls connect Mali Ston and Ston, which are known for their rich history and historical stone nucleus, while the walls were built to protect Peljesac by separating it from the mainland. Ston is famous for its salt quarry that dates back to the Dubrovnik Republic Ston and is still in operation today. However it is also known for its oyster beds of various shells which you can taste in restaurants in Ston. The town of Orebic, the cradle of seafaring captains and sailors, is a place where the tradition of sailors is maintained even today. Trpanj is a small fishing town known for its small, pebble beaches, medicinal mud in Blacu and medicinal Dalmatian plants.
Viganj is a place alongside Bol on the island of Brac and is the favored destination for surfing and kite surfing on the Adriatic.

Mljet Island National Park

If you don’t believe that there is an island with a lake and a small island in the middle of that lake then you should definitely travel to the island of Mljet and see for yourself. Mljet is located in the southern part of Dalmatia, near Dubrovnik and one part of the island has been proclaimed a Croatian national park. Here you can enjoy swimming on the rocks of the open sea, or in the saltwater of Veliko jezero (lake) and enjoy the blueness of the water. If you’ve decided to visit the island in spring or fall, you can still go swimming because Malo jezero (lake) is warmer than Veliko jezero and even warmer than the sea. Here you can enjoy long walks through dense pine forest and maybe even see a mongoose, a small unusual animal that protects the island against snakes, or perhaps catch the eye of a wise owl.

Dubrovnik

Medieval town – Pearl of South Dalmatia is UNESCO world heritage site. This town with old tourist tradition is ready to fulfill even the most refined requirements of its visitors. Town of museums and festivals, taverns and restaurants, place of mild Mediterranean climate and beautiful countryside truly confirms the famous saying by Irish writer Bernard Shaw: "Those who search heaven on Earth must come to Dubrovnik".
Are those not reasons enough for you to come to Dubrovnik and see the truth for yourself?

Pilgrimage to Međugorje

Međugorje has relatively recently become one of the most famous Marian sanctuaries in Europe. We suggest taking a trip to Međugorje even if you are not a religious person since the energy around this place is rather strong. Visitors and believers come to Međugorje from all over the world, and masses are served in many languages of the world.