How we enjoy Korčula
These recommendations are based on our personal favorites and travel style — relaxed, family-friendly, budget-conscious, and focused on great food and good value. Everyone’s tastes are different, but these are the places and experiences we genuinely enjoy. We recommend staying in Korčula for at least 7 days. Most visitors who stay less wish they had booked longer — there’s so much to see, do, and explore across the island.
Island Hop
Take a hop-on hop-off taxi boat and explore the beautiful nearby islands of Badija and Vrnik. Spend the day swimming and relaxing at the beach, or visit the monastery on Badija where friendly deer often wander freely around the island — a favorite experience for children and adults alike. You can also take a day trip to Mljet National Park, located just 45 minutes away by boat and known for its salt lakes, pine forests, and peaceful natural scenery. For routes and schedules, visit: Taxi Boat Korčula
Watch a performance
See a live show or performance during your stay. One of our son’s favorites is the Moreška — a dramatic traditional sword dance protected by UNESCO. The story follows a captured princess taken by one army and rescued by another in an exciting battle performance. Throughout the season, you’ll also find classical concerts in the cathedral, folklore dance evenings, local festivals, and other cultural events across the island. Be sure to check the weekly events schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Kid Friendly Activities
🏊 Floating Aquaparks
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Aquapark Wibit at Prvi Žal – Located on the sandy shores of Lumbarda, this floating obstacle course is a favourite with kids.
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Aquapark Škojić (Sharko) – Located in Korčula Town near Port 9 Hotel
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Banjasailfin -next to La'Banya Beach in Žrnovska Banja.
🐴 Horse Riding
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Explore the island on horseback with Korčula Horse Riding.
🚙 Buggy Adventure
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Discover hidden viewpoints, olive groves, and scenic landscapes on a tour with Korčula Buggy Official.
🚤 Boat & Snorkelling Tours
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Discover Korčula from the water on a boat tour around the island and nearby archipelago.
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Enjoy a snorkelling adventure and explore crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and vibrant marine life.
⚔️ Traditional Cultural Shows
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Experience Korčula's rich heritage by watching a Moreška sword dance performance or a local folklore show.
🏖️ Visit Lumbarda's Sandy Beaches
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Vela Pržina – One of the most popular sandy beaches on the island, with shallow water that's perfect for families.
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Bilin Žal – Another beautiful sandy beach, ideal for younger children thanks to its gentle entry into the sea.
Walk-Hike-Cycle
There are countless walking, hiking, and biking routes to explore across Korčula Island — perfect for discovering forests, hidden coves, vineyards, and small villages at your own pace. We’ve only recently started exploring more trails ourselves now that the kids have outgrown the stroller, and one of our favorite discoveries so far has been Kocje, a magical natural stone labyrinth tucked into the forest. Korčula was once known as Korkyra Nigra (“Black Corfu”) because of its dense pine forests, and many of the island’s trails still wind through beautifully shaded woodland areas. We also highly recommend the self-guided bike tours from Korčula Explorer. The routes are carefully planned out for you, making it easy to maximize your time while seeing some of the island’s most scenic spots.
Take a Guided Tour
One of the best ways to experience different parts of the island is by joining a guided tour. There’s something for every interest and travel style — from wine tasting and cycling adventures to buggy rides, boat trips, kayaking, walking tours, fish picnics, and even semi-submarine excursions.You’re sure to find an experience that suits you.
Try some of these popular local tours:
Slow Cross Island Drive
If you're planning a drive across the island, consider taking the scenic route through Korčula's small villages instead of sticking to the main road. Along the way, you'll discover charming local shops selling homemade olive oil, wine, and other regional products, while getting a glimpse of authentic island life.
The quieter roads also lead to hidden bays and secluded beaches that many visitors never see, making them perfect stops for a swim or a peaceful break. Exploring these lesser-known corners of the island is one of the best ways to experience Korčula's unique character and natural beauty.
You may even stumble upon some hidden culinary gems, such as 200 Bar in Gršica, where you can enjoy excellent local food in a relaxed setting away from the crowds.
Another great option is to drive up towards Račišće and discover Vaja Beach at the end of the road. The journey itself is part of the experience, with scenic coastal views along the way. Vaja Beach is accessible by both car and scooter, while exploring more of the island’s inland and coastal routes is best done by car for maximum flexibility and comfort.
Summer Fridays
Fridays in summer are made for visiting Lumbarda. Spend the afternoon at the beach — Lumbarda is known for its two sandy beaches, Pržina Beach and Bilin Žal Beach, both shallow and ideal for children. There are also quieter rocky spots nearby for those looking for a more peaceful swim. Beachside restaurants and cafés make it easy to stop for a snack or refreshing drink during the day. On Friday evenings, the village comes alive with the Fisherman’s Night in the heart of town. Local specialties such as grilled fish, octopus salad, homemade makaruni pasta, and other Dalmatian dishes are served from small food stands. Running from early June through late September, it’s one of the island’s most memorable summer traditions and not to be missed. Lumbarda is also famous for its local wineries and the unique white Grk wine, a variety grown almost exclusively in this area.
Local Experience
Try a local experience and discover some of the island’s traditions firsthand. Visit OPG Komparak to see the beehives up close and learn how local honey is produced straight from the source.Get hands-on with traditional Dalmatian cuisine through a baking workshop with Škatula or a cooking class with Teta Jera. If you’re feeling creative, join a ceramics workshop at Danesi Studio and make your own unique island-inspired piece to take home.
Day Tripping
Korčula is ideally located and very well connected by ferries and catamarans to the mainland and surrounding islands, making it a perfect base for exploring southern Dalmatia. Whether you're staying for a few days or a longer holiday, you can easily use Korčula as your hub and take unforgettable day trips to some of Croatia’s most iconic destinations.
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Orebić (15 min boat ride) – A quick and easy trip across the channel, great for a coffee, a walk along the waterfront, or as a gateway to Pelješac Peninsula wine country.
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National Park Mljet (45 min catamaran ride) – One of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, known for its saltwater lakes, pine forests, cycling paths, and peaceful nature.
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Hvar (1 hour) – A vibrant island town famous for its harbour, nightlife, historic sites, and stunning views from the fortress above the town.
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Dubrovnik (2 hour ride) – A world-famous UNESCO city with medieval walls, marble streets, and incredible coastal scenery.
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Split (3 hour ride) – A lively coastal city built around the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, offering great shopping, dining, and ferry connections to other islands.
We're Hungry
We love good food and never like leaving hungry :) Our favorite places are the ones that combine affordable prices, delicious local dishes, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Here are some of our favorites:
a walk away
Worth a Drive
friend faves
- Planjak —daily lunch specials
- Škver —daily lunch specials
- Pizzeria Tesoro- location and quality
- Pjata Marea - by Banje beach
- Pizzeria Leut- Perfect quick bite
- Bazita-variety and location
- Marco Polo -local specialties
- Mlinar Bakery-great for breakfast, fresh bread and something sweet
- Old Town Bar- Breakfast or snack
- Konoba Belin - our go-to place- try the steak!
- Makarul- perfect for family meals
- Konoba Mate -Garden to table
- Skafetin- garden setting
- Konoba Marko Polo Kneze-budget friendly
- Gavuni- by the sea ambience
- Zure- wine and dine
- Dida
- Cakulona
- Konoba Dionis
- Pizzeria Pape
- Aterina (vegetarians)
- Biankura or Adio Mare for fish
FaV ICE cReaM
- Lick Paradise
Our Tips
Getting Around
- Catamarans connect directly to Old Town from Split and Dubrovnik
- .Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season (July-August).
- Local taxis and water taxis are available at the main harbor.
- Buses can take you to Lumbarda.
- There is no Uber on the island.
Local Supplies
- Konzum and Tommy hypermarkets are located within a 5-minute walk.
- The morning vegetable market near the old town gate offers fresh local produce.
- Pekara (bakeries) are open early for fresh bread and burek.
Beach Etiquette
- Rocky shores are common; water shoes are highly recommended.
- Lumbarda features rare sandy beaches—perfect for families.Pack sunscreen.
Guest Comfort
- Water from the tap is safe and high quality across the island.
- Most shops and restaurants accept cards, but keep some Euro cash for small cafes and some restaurants.