People come to Korcula in droves for food, beaches, historical sights, and hiking.
St. Mark's Cathedral is the most attractive Gothic and Renaissance building in the old town of Korcula. It was built by local stonemasons in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries with the support of Italian masters. The altars are adorned with paintings by Jacopo Tintoretto and some other Italian masters.
St. Michael's Church is situated on Antun and Stjepan Radic Square, facing the Town Hall. It is documented at the beginning of the 15th century. During the 17th and 18th centuries., the church acquired its baroque appearance and the chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Consolation was added at the end of the 19th century.
The town museum is located in the Gabrielis Palace, which is an outstanding example of 15th and 16th century residential architecture in the center of the old town. The exhibits evoke the cultural and commercial milestones of Korcula from prehistory to the present. The collections explain traditional crafts; in particular, stonemasonry and shipbuilding which were of essential importance to Korcula. Among the most valuable exhibits are the bronze pendant of Tiziano Aspetti and an 1819 piano played by Beethoven's close friend, Edith Streicher.
Korcula has a wide range of activities to offer. The Island of Korcula is one of the favored walking/hiking as well as cycling destinations in the Croatia. The island is also one of the key sailing and windsurfing destinations in Croatia, with some great things on offer for sailing or surfing enthusiasts of all abilities.
If you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie the island offers exciting outdoor adventure activities including: sea kayaking, mountain biking, paragliding, scuba diving, and more. The Island is the perfect playground, boasting a hugely varied landscape just waiting to be explored - from lovely and secluded bays to sandy beaches surrounded by colorful clear sea water ready to be dived into! You could also try snorkeling adventure or buggy tour.
If it's a more relaxing break you're looking for, you could make the most of our wildlife and take a day out with Donkey Safari to explore the island's vineyards and countryside or do some quiet bird watching. You can also enjoy a peaceful day of fishing by the sea, or go for a sea fishing excursion.
The Korkyra Baroque Festival is a new annual international event. The festival will showcase a selection of the world's leading ensembles and soloists specialized in Baroque music, including the Academy of Ancient Music (Great Britain), Le Parlament de Musique (France), Currende and Erik Van Nevel (Belgium), La Venexiana (Italy), Red Priest (Great Britain), Croatian Baroque Ensemble (Croatia) and others. Twelve concerts will be held over ten days along with a series of supporting events focusing on Baroque music.
The Moreska Sword Dance is Korcula's proudest tradition and one of the Adriatic's most unusual customs. At one time this "fighting dance" was prevalent in southern Europe. Essentially, it's a danced version of a sword battle and tells the story of an abducted princess. The story begins with a speech by the princess who declares her love for the White King (dressed in red for the dance). Unfortunately for her, the Black King is in love with her and has stolen her away from the White King. As the colorful spectacle progresses, the armies of the White King and the Black King draw swords and "fight" for the princess. Although the dance was performed in many Mediterranean towns through the 19th century, now it is only performed in Korcula.
Beaches:
Tourists are often found in Korcula, soaking up the sun on the beach. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.
Historical Sights:
Many people come to experience the charm of the historic old town. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.
Hiking:
Adventurers will find the hiking around Korcula to be excellent. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.
A nice way to explore destinations in Korcula is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half-Day Boat Tour Korcula Archipelago for $76 details
- 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula for $80 details
- Taste of Korcula by Mountain Bike Tour (local produce tasting) for $144 details